The Killing Fields
Mike Oldfield · 1984
38 min · 17 tracks · classical · pop rock · progressive rock
A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and ambient textures, reflecting the tragic narrative of war.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic narrative progression haunting orchestral arrangements wave-like pacing throughout
- Context
- Released in late 1984, 'The Killing Fields' followed Mike Oldfield's successful album 'Crises' from 1983. This soundtrack marked a transition for Oldfield as he ventured into film scoring, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through instrumental music. It was a pivotal step in his career, highlighting his versatility beyond traditional album formats.
- If you like
- classical, pop rock, progressive rock
The Killing Fields is an album by Mike Oldfield, released in 1984. A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and ambient textures, reflecting the tragic narrative of war. The album is significant for its critical reception and its contribution to film music, as it accompanied the powerful movie of the same name about the Cambodian genocide. Critics praised Oldfield's ability to evoke emotion through soundscapes, cementing his reputation as a skilled composer. The soundtrack reached notable chart positions in several countries, further establishing Oldfield in the cinematic music scene. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Killing Fields sound like?
A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and ambient textures, reflecting the tragic narrative of war. Rooted in classical and pop rock.
What makes The Killing Fields by Mike Oldfield notable?
The album is significant for its critical reception and its contribution to film music, as it accompanied the powerful movie of the same name about the Cambodian genocide. Critics praised Oldfield's ability to evoke emotion through soundscapes, cementing his reputation as a skilled composer. The soundtrack reached notable chart positions in several countries, further establishing Oldfield in the cinematic music scene. Released in late 1984, 'The Killing Fields' followed Mike Oldfield's successful album 'Crises' from 1983. This soundtrack marked a transition for Oldfield as he ventured into film scoring, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through instrumental music. It was a pivotal step in his career, highlighting his versatility beyond traditional album formats.
Who is The Killing Fields for?
The Killing Fields works well if you're into dynamic narrative progression, haunting orchestral arrangements and wave-like pacing throughout.
How many songs are on The Killing Fields?
The Killing Fields has 17 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pran’s Theme 0:48
- 2 Requiem for a City Standout 2:10
- 3 Evacuation 5:13
- 4 Pran’s Theme 2 1:41
- 5 Capture 2:23
- 6 Execution Standout 4:47
- 7 Bad News 1:14
- 8 Pran’s Departure 2:06
- 9 Worksite 1:16
- 10 The Year Zero 0:28
- 11 Blood Sucking 1:18
- 12 The Year Zero 2 0:37
- 13 Pran’s Escape / The Killing Fields Standout 3:17
- 14 The Trek 2:02
- 15 The Boy’s Burial / Pran Sees the Red Cross 2:43
- 16 Good News 1:46
- 17 Étude 4:38
Release Date
November 26, 1984
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
38 min 34 sec
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