Is Selbstportrait – Vol. II a good place to start with Hans-Joachim Roedelius?

Yes, Selbstportrait – Vol. II is recommended as a starting point for new Hans-Joachim Roedelius listeners. A delicate fusion of minimalist piano melodies and abstract electronic textures that evoke a sense of introspective exploration. By 1980, Hans-Joachim Roedelius had established himself as a key figure in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes, following his successful collaboration with Cluster. 'Selbstportrait – Vol. II' was released shortly after his first solo album, showcasing his evolving artistic vision and commitment to personal expression through sound.

Who is Selbstportrait – Vol. II for?

Selbstportrait – Vol. II works well if you're into meditative soundscape exploration, gentle background for creativity and short bursts of reflection.

How many songs are on Selbstportrait – Vol. II?

Selbstportrait – Vol. II has 12 tracks, running approximately 3 minutes.

Selbstportrait – Vol. II

Hans-Joachim Roedelius · 1980

3 min · 12 tracks · avant-garde music

A delicate fusion of minimalist piano melodies and abstract electronic textures that evoke a sense of introspective exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Signal Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal sounds and minimalist approach, reflecting Roedelius's unique style of blending simplicity with depth.
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Aufbruch — This track features an intricate interplay of piano and synthesizers that captures the essence of transition and movement, emblematic of Roedelius’s exploratory spirit.
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Übern Fluß — With its flowing melodies and serene ambiance, this piece exemplifies the tranquil yet evocative nature of Roedelius's work, inviting listeners into a reflective state.
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Kichererbsen — A playful yet contemplative composition that showcases Roedelius’s ability to infuse whimsy into his avant-garde style, making it a standout track on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative textures and minimalist approach mark it as a significant work in avant-garde music.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize silence and space effectively, allowing the listener to engage with the subtle nuances of each sound.
The sequencing of tracks varies in length, with some pieces being quite brief, contributing to an overall sense of exploration and experimentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

meditative soundscape exploration
gentle background for creativity
short bursts of reflection
organic textures inviting contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy engagement
prefer structured song formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Significant for shaping ambient music, showcasing Roedelius's innovative approach.
Themes: ethereal soundscapes· tranquil transitions
Career context: By 1980, Hans-Joachim Roedelius had established himself as a key figure in the avant-garde and experimental music scenes, following his successful collaboration with Cluster. 'Selbstportrait – Vol. II' was released shortly after his first solo album, showcasing his evolving artistic vision and commitment to personal expression through sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Brian Eno· Tangerine Dream· Steve Reich