What makes The City by Vangelis notable?

The album is significant for its innovative use of synthesizers and orchestration, contributing to the evolution of ambient and electronic genres. It received positive reviews, further establishing Vangelis's influence on both film scoring and contemporary instrumental music, while also reaching notable positions in various international charts. By 1990, Vangelis was already an established figure in electronic music, known for his Oscar-winning score for 'Chariots of Fire' (1981). 'The City' represented a continuation of his exploration into ambient soundscapes, following the commercial success of albums like 'Themes' (1989), which had solidified his reputation as a pioneering artist in film scores and new age music.

The City works well if you're into steady progression through urban soundscapes, evocative textures for reflective moments and immersive experience during quiet evenings.

How many songs are on The City?

The City has 8 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

The City

Vangelis · 1990

43 min · 8 tracks · electronic music

A serene blend of electronic textures and orchestral arrangements that evoke the essence of urban landscapes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Dawn — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its gentle synth layers that mimic the gradual lightening of the sky, inviting listeners into Vangelis's evocative world.
→
Good to See You — Featuring rich melodic lines and dynamic shifts, this track showcases Vangelis's ability to blend emotion with electronic instrumentation, highlighting his unique style within the genre.
→
Procession — As the longest track on the album, 'Procession' builds a narrative journey through its expansive arrangement, illustrating Vangelis's skill in creating immersive soundscapes.

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 strong compositional techniques and distinctive soundscapes, contributing to its lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The album features eight tracks, each varying in length but generally maintaining a consistent tempo that creates a flowing atmosphere.
Synthesizers are layered with orchestral elements, often blending strings and electronic sounds to evoke different urban scenes.
Several tracks utilize gradual build-ups, layering textures over time to create a sense of movement and progression within the soundscapes.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady progression through urban soundscapes
evocative textures for reflective moments
immersive experience during quiet evenings
captivating backdrop for creative work

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat and fast-paced music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents Vangelis' continued exploration of sound, but not a major entry point for new listeners.
Career context: By 1990, Vangelis was already an established figure in electronic music, known for his Oscar-winning score for 'Chariots of Fire' (1981). 'The City' represented a continuation of his exploration into ambient soundscapes, following the commercial success of albums like 'Themes' (1989), which had solidified his reputation as a pioneering artist in film scores and new age music.
Stylistic neighbors: Jean-Michel Jarre· Klaus Schulze· Brian Eno