Selected Ambient Works Volume II cover

Selected Ambient Works Volume II

Aphex Twin · 1994

165 min · 25 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal soundscapes weave through a dreamlike atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that transcends conventional electronic music.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    [untitled] Start here — This track exemplifies the serene yet haunting textures that define the album, enveloping listeners in a lush sonic landscape that feels both expansive and intimate.
  • →
    Blue Calx — With its shimmering tones and subtle rhythmic pulses, this track stands out as a highlight that encapsulates the essence of Aphex Twin's ambient explorations.
  • →
    [untitled] — The extended duration and gradual evolution of this piece allow it to draw listeners into a meditative state, highlighting the album's overarching themes of introspection and tranquility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
85 /100
Summit
Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

The album's abstract soundscapes and seamless flow create a unique listening experience that stands out in electronic music.

What we noticed

  • The album consists of 25 untitled tracks, creating a continuous flow that blurs the boundaries between individual pieces.
  • Many tracks feature layered textures and ambient drones, often evolving slowly over time without traditional song structures.
  • Several pieces utilize field recordings and unconventional sounds, contributing to an immersive soundscape that invites deep listening.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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 soundscapes for introspection
  • extended tracks encouraging deep listening
  • ethereal textures for quiet moments
  • immersive background for creative work
  • slow-building atmospheres for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, catchy tunes
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift towards abstract soundscapes, differing from earlier works.
Themes
ethereal soundscapes· hypnotic rhythms· meditative journeys
Career context
By the time 'Selected Ambient Works Volume II' was released in 1994, Aphex Twin, also known as Richard D. James, was already a pivotal figure in the electronic music scene following his breakthrough debut album in 1992. This work came after the commercial success of 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92', positioning him as an innovator who pushed ambient music into more experimental realms.
New to Aphex Twin? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

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

Disc 2

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

What to play next

...I Care Because You Do
Listen next

...I Care Because You Do

1995

Continues the immersive electronic exploration with a more varied emotional landscape.
Selected Ambient Works 85–92
Go back to

Selected Ambient Works 85–92

1992

Sets the stage with earlier ambient themes that resonate with the current album's vibe.
Full Aphex Twin discography Where to start with Aphex Twin Artists like Aphex Twin
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If this landed

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Music Has the Right to Children

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Boards of Canada

Shares a dreamlike quality with nostalgic, hazy melodies and hypnotic rhythms throughout.

The Disintegration Loops I

The Disintegration Loops I

William Basinski

Explores ambient soundscapes with a focus on decay and repetition, evoking deep emotional resonance.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata