Released 41 years ago this October
The Complete Mike Oldfield
Mike Oldfield · 1985
117 min · 27 tracks · classical music
A rich tapestry of lush melodies and intricate arrangements that blend rock, folk, and classical elements into a cohesive sonic journey.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Arrival Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Moonlight Shadow — The track features haunting vocals paired with a memorable melody, embodying Oldfield's ability to merge pop sensibilities with complex instrumentation.
-
→
Shadow on the Wall — This song highlights Oldfield's transition into the pop-rock genre while retaining his signature progressive elements, showcasing thematic depth alongside catchy hooks.
-
→
To France — Blending ethereal vocals with a compelling arrangement, this track exemplifies Oldfield's knack for storytelling through music, making it a standout piece in the compilation.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- wave-like pacing for immersion
- rich tapestry of melodies
- live tracks enhance energy
- short pieces for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation showcasing Oldfield's varied work, not a primary entry or breakthrough.
- Themes
- Celtic landscapes· atmospheric storytelling· progressive rock evolution
- Career context
- By 1985, Mike Oldfield was transitioning from the groundbreaking success of his debut album 'Tubular Bells' to a more varied catalog. 'The Complete Mike Oldfield' served as a compilation reflecting his diverse musicality, combining earlier hits with live performances and excerpts from longer works. This release marked a significant moment in his career as it encapsulated his evolution as an artist while also highlighting the breadth of his influence on progressive rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Arrival Start here 2:47
- 2 William Tell Overture 3:55
- 3 Cuckoo Song 3:13
- 4 In dulci jubilo 2:50
- 5 Portsmouth 2:02
- 6 Jungle Gardenia 2:37
- 7 Guilty 4:04
- 8 Blue Peter 2:07
- 9 Waldberg (The Peak) 3:24
- 10 Wonderful Land 3:39
- 11 Etude (Theme From the Killing Fields) 3:07
- 12 Moonlight Shadow 3:36
- 13 Family Man 3:47
- 14 Mistake 2:55
- 15 Five Miles Out 4:19
- 16 Crime of Passion 3:37
- 17 To France 4:33
- 18 Shadow on the Wall 5:08
Disc 2
- 1 Excerpt From Ommadawn 6:59
- 2 Excerpt From Tubular Bells 7:59
- 3 Excerpt From Hergest Ridge 4:20
- 4 Excerpt From Incantations 4:41
- 5 Excerpt From the Killing Fields (Evacuation) 4:11
- 6 Sheba (live) 3:30
- 7 Mirage (live) 5:12
- 8 Platinum (live) 14:28
- 9 Mount Teide (live) 4:34
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.