The Platinum Collection cover

Released 20 years ago

The Platinum Collection

Mike Oldfield · 2006

210 min · 46 tracks · classical · pop rock · progressive rock

A sprawling collection that intertwines progressive rock, classical elements, and ambient textures into a cohesive sonic journey.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic flow with varied peaks
  • long-form listening experience
  • intricate soundscapes for exploration
  • immersive headphone detail hunting
  • wave-like pacing that captivates

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone radio singles

Where this album fits

Themes
Celtic landscapes· progressive rock evolution· nostalgic melodies
Career context
Released in 2006, 'The Platinum Collection' came during Mike Oldfield's later career, following the commercial success of his earlier works like 'Tubular Bells' (1973) and 'Ommadawn' (1975). This compilation showcases his evolution as an artist and highlights both his iconic tracks and lesser-known gems, reflecting his significant influence on the progressive rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Watermark by Enya — Shares lush ambient textures and Celtic influences, creating an ethereal soundscape.
Blade Runner by Vangelis — Combines progressive electronic elements with a cinematic atmosphere and nostalgic themes.
Lore by Clannad — Merges ambient folk with rich Celtic melodies, evoking similar landscapes and emotional depth.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Tubular Bells: Opening Theme 4:18
  • 2 Tubular Bells (excerpt) 8:00
  • 3 Sailor’s Hornpipe 1:36
  • 4 Hergest Ridge (excerpt) 9:32
  • 5 Ommadawn (excerpt) 3:41
  • 6 Ommadawn (excerpt) 6:58
  • 7 In Dulci Jubilo 2:51
  • 8 Don Alfonso 4:22
  • 9 Portsmouth 2:03
  • 10 William Tell Overture 3:55
  • 11 Cuckoo Song 3:14
  • 12 Incantations, Part 4 (excerpt) 4:40
  • 13 Platinum, Part 4 4:46
  • 14 Woodhenge 4:08

Disc 2

  • 1 Moonlight Shadow (extended version) 5:18
  • 2 Blue Peter 2:08
  • 3 Guilty (long version) 6:45
  • 4 Arrival 2:47
  • 5 Wonderful Land 3:40
  • 6 Sheba 3:34
  • 7 Five Miles Out 4:19
  • 8 Family Man 3:47
  • 9 Mistake 2:56
  • 10 Shadow on the Wall (extended version) 5:09
  • 11 Foreign Affair 3:56
  • 12 In High Places 3:31
  • 13 Crime of Passion 3:39
  • 14 Tricks of the Light 3:55
  • 15 To France (extended version) 5:35
  • 16 Etude 4:39
  • 17 Evacuation 7:37

Disc 3

  • 1 Sentinel 3:58
  • 2 Pictures in the Dark 5:59
  • 3 Shine (extended version) 5:12
  • 4 Islands (12″ mix) 5:36
  • 5 Flying Start (12″ version) 4:52
  • 6 The Time Has Come (12″ version) 4:26
  • 7 Innocent (12″ mix) 5:33
  • 8 Earth Moving (club version) 4:01
  • 9 Amarok (excerpt) 6:18
  • 10 Heaven’s Open (12″ version) 4:28
  • 11 Hibernaculum 3:37
  • 12 Women of Ireland 6:30
  • 13 Far Above the Clouds 4:49
  • 14 The Millennium Bell 3:44
  • 15 To Be Free 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata