What makes Ricochet by Tangerine Dream notable?

Ricochet is significant for capturing the essence of Tangerine Dream's live performances, influencing the development of ambient music and electronic soundscapes. The album received positive critical acclaim, solidifying the band's reputation and contributing to the rising popularity of Krautrock in the mid-1970s. Released in December 1975, Ricochet marked Tangerine Dream's transition from studio experimentation to live performance recordings. Positioned as their first official live album, it followed the critical success of Phaedra earlier that year, showcasing their innovative approach to electronic music during a burgeoning phase in their career.

How many songs are on Ricochet?

Ricochet has 2 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Ricochet

Tangerine Dream · 1975

38 min · 2 tracks · electronic music

A sprawling sonic landscape where pulsating rhythms and ethereal synths create an immersive journey through time and space.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ricochet, Part One — This track introduces listeners to the expansive sonic textures that define the album, building a hypnotic atmosphere with its intricate layering of synthesizers.
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Ricochet, Part Two — Continuing the journey established in Part One, this track deepens the immersive experience with its shifting dynamics and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the band's prowess in live improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's expansive structure and immersive soundscapes showcase Tangerine Dream's live performance evolution.

What we noticed

The album consists of two lengthy tracks, each over 15 minutes, allowing for extended exploration of themes and motifs.
Pulsating rhythms are layered with ethereal synth melodies, creating a dynamic interplay that evolves throughout each part.
The live recording captures ambient crowd noise, enhancing the immersive quality of the performance.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First official live album that captured Tangerine Dream's essence and broadened their recognition.
Themes: live performance evolution· immersive soundscapes· synth-driven exploration
Moods: Ethereal· Focus
Career context: Released in December 1975, Ricochet marked Tangerine Dream's transition from studio experimentation to live performance recordings. Positioned as their first official live album, it followed the critical success of Phaedra earlier that year, showcasing their innovative approach to electronic music during a burgeoning phase in their career.
Stylistic neighbors: Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis