Saving the Wildlife cover

Released 40 years ago

Saving the Wildlife

Mannheim Steamroller · 1986

35 min · 13 tracks · neoclassical new-age music

A whimsical orchestration blending electronic sounds with naturalistic themes, creating a soothing soundscape inspired by wildlife.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dolphins and Whales (Come Home to the Sea) — This track captures the essence of marine life with its fluid melodies and soft rhythms, evoking the gentle nature of dolphins and whales while highlighting the interconnectedness of oceanic ecosystems.
  • →
    Wolves (USA) — With its dynamic contrasts and haunting harmonies, this piece illustrates the majesty and mystery of wolves in their natural habitat, serving as an emotional centerpiece that reflects on their role in nature.
  • →
    Florida Suite: Everglades (USA) — This short yet impactful composition encapsulates the serene beauty of the Everglades through lush instrumentation, effectively transporting listeners to this unique ecological wonder.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines thematic storytelling with varied instrumentation, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Each track is named after a specific animal or natural theme, creating a narrative that flows through the album.
  • Several tracks utilize field recordings of nature sounds, integrating them into the musical composition to enhance the thematic experience.
  • The album maintains a consistent tempo throughout, with most tracks staying within a soothing mid-tempo range.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical soundscapes for relaxation
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • nature-inspired themes for tranquility
  • playful arrangements for lighthearted moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense emotional experiences
  • prefer longer, narrative-driven pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1986, Saving the Wildlife marked Mannheim Steamroller's expansion into thematic albums following their commercial success with Fresh Aire series. This project further solidified their place in the neoclassical new-age genre, showcasing their unique blend of electronic and classical instrumentation while promoting environmental awareness.
Stylistic neighbors
Yanni· Enya· Vangelis

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rhinos and Elephants (Africa) 4:07
  • 2 Dolphins and Whales (Come Home to the Sea) 4:50
  • 3 Wolfgang Amaedeus Penguin (Argentina) 2:01
  • 4 Florida Suite: Barbeque (USA) 2:13
  • 5 Florida Suite: Everglades (USA) 1:46
  • 6 Florida Suite: Sunset (USA) 1:57
  • 7 Wolves (USA) 3:05
  • 8 Tamarin Monkeys (Rio De Janeiro) 3:08
  • 9 Grizzly Bears (USA) 2:58
  • 10 Tigers and Lions (India) 3:00
  • 11 Eagles (USA) 3:02
  • 12 Amanda Panda (China) 1:47
  • 13 Harp Seals (Canada) 1:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata