Tubular Bells II cover

Tubular Bells II

Mike Oldfield · 1992

58 min · 14 tracks · classical · pop rock · progressive rock

A lush tapestry of progressive rock and ambient textures intertwines with evocative melodies and intricate instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • evocative melodies for reflection
  • headphone detail hunting required
  • patient waves of sound

Maybe skip if you want

  • instant gratification seekers
  • short attention spans

Where this album fits

Themes
Celtic landscapes· immersive soundscapes· musical exploration
Career context
Released on August 31, 1992, 'Tubular Bells II' was Mike Oldfield's follow-up to his 1973 groundbreaking debut, 'Tubular Bells.' At this point in his career, Oldfield had already established himself as a pioneer in the realms of progressive and ambient music, but this album marked a return to the thematic soundscapes that defined his earlier work after several stylistic diversions.
Stylistic neighbors
Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Sounds like this from elsewhere
MCMXC a.D. by Enigma — Blends ambient textures with melodic layers, creating immersive soundscapes rich in mystique.
Spiral by Vangelis — Features lush synthesizer arrangements and expansive soundscapes that evoke a sense of exploration.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sentinel 8:07
  • 2 Dark Star 2:16
  • 3 Clear Light 5:48
  • 4 Blue Saloon 2:59
  • 5 Sunjammer 2:32
  • 6 Red Dawn 1:50
  • 7 The Bell 6:59
  • 8 Weightless 5:43
  • 9 The Great Plain 4:47
  • 10 Sunset Door 2:23
  • 11 Tattoo 4:15
  • 12 Altered State 5:12
  • 13 Maya Gold 4:01
  • 14 Moonshine 1:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata