What makes Strange Cargo II by William Orbit notable?

Strange Cargo II was pivotal in the rise of ambient house music during the early '90s, garnering critical acclaim for its lush production and emotive depth. It helped cement Orbit's reputation as a key figure in the electronic music scene, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to the broader acceptance of ambient sounds in popular music. Released in 1990, Strange Cargo II marked William Orbit's transition from underground producer to mainstream recognition following his debut album. This record built on the innovative sound he cultivated, showcasing his ability to blend ambient music with accessible melodic elements, further establishing his influence in the electronic genre.

How many songs are on Strange Cargo II?

Strange Cargo II has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Strange Cargo II

William Orbit · 1990

46 min · 10 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with rhythmic pulses, creating a hypnotic journey through ambient and electronic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dark Eyed Kid — This opening track sets the tone with its haunting melodies and layered textures, exemplifying Orbit's signature fusion of ambient and rhythmic elements.
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Atom Dream — With its captivating synth lines and immersive atmosphere, this track encapsulates the dreamlike quality that defines much of the album's sound.
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Millenium — This expansive piece showcases Orbit's experimental side, weaving intricate sound layers together while maintaining an engaging rhythmic pulse.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative soundscapes and rhythmic complexity, marking a significant moment in ambient house music.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering ambient textures with rhythmic elements.
The last three tracks feature a notable increase in tempo, introducing more pronounced beats that contrast with the earlier pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
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.

Tracklist

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

1 Dark Eyed Kid 5:25
2 Atom Dream 4:02
3 Ruby Heart 5:59
4 El Santo 4:37
5 Dia del Muerto 4:30
6 777 3:48
7 The Thief and the Serpent 2:31
8 The Last Lagoon 4:20
9 Millenium 8:19
10 Painted Rock 3:16

What to play next

Listen next

Strange Cargo III

1993

Go back to

Strange Cargo

1987

Full William Orbit discography Artists like William Orbit

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata