Selected Ambient Works Volume II cover

Selected Ambient Works Volume II

Aphex Twin · 1994

165 min · 25 tracks · techno · ambient · intelligent dance music

Ethereal soundscapes blend with haunting textures, creating a meditative journey through ambient sound.

Why this album works

'Selected Ambient Works Volume II' is significant for its critical acclaim and impact on the ambient and electronic music scenes, contributing to the genre's development. It has been cited by numerous artists as an inspiration and is recognized for its innovative approach, paving the way for future explorations in ambient sound design.
Best for
meditative soundscapes for introspection extended tracks encouraging deep listening ethereal textures for quiet moments
Context
By the time 'Selected Ambient Works Volume II' was released in March 1994, Aphex Twin, aka Richard D. James, had already established himself as a key figure in electronic music with his debut album 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92' in 1992. This follow-up album showcases his evolution towards more experimental and abstract forms of ambient music, further solidifying his influence in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
The Orb· Boards of Canada· C418

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 [untitled] 7:20
  • 2 [untitled] 6:27
  • 3 [untitled] 7:36
  • 4 [untitled] 4:34
  • 5 [untitled] 8:46
  • 6 [untitled] 3:27
  • 7 [untitled] 8:42
  • 8 [untitled] 5:03
  • 9 [untitled] 6:47
  • 10 [untitled] 9:48
  • 11 [untitled] 7:10
  • 12 [untitled] 2:38

Disc 2

  • 1 Blue Calx Standout 7:19
  • 2 [untitled] 8:00
  • 3 [untitled] 5:33
  • 4 [untitled] 4:45
  • 5 [untitled] 2:05
  • 6 [untitled] 7:16
  • 7 [untitled] 10:09
  • 8 [untitled] 5:57
  • 9 [untitled] 4:15
  • 10 [untitled] 7:09
  • 11 [untitled] 7:30
  • 12 [untitled] 11:27
  • 13 [untitled] 5:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata