Tubular Bells II
Mike Oldfield · 1992
58 min · 14 tracks · classical music
A lush tapestry of progressive rock and ambient soundscapes, weaving intricate melodies with ethereal instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sentinel Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its powerful melodies and complex arrangements, embodying the album's grand vision.
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The Bell — This piece showcases Oldfield's signature blend of acoustic and electronic elements, highlighting his innovative approach to composition.
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Maya Gold — Maya Gold features an enchanting fusion of cultural influences, reflecting Oldfield's ability to weave diverse musical styles into cohesive narratives.
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Weightless — This track exemplifies the ambient textures that permeate the album while also creating an immersive listening experience that captivates listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and strong production but lacks the impact of its predecessor.
What we noticed
- Each track introduces new motifs and themes, often revisiting earlier ideas in varied arrangements, which adds to the sense of cohesion.
- Instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, utilizing a wide range of instruments including guitars, keyboards, and orchestral elements to create rich soundscapes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic progression with peaks
- evocative melodies for reflection
- headphone detail hunting required
- patient waves of sound
Maybe skip if you
- instant gratification seekers
- short attention spans
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Reaffirmed Oldfield's commercial viability and influence after a long hiatus.
- Themes
- Celtic landscapes· immersive soundscapes· musical exploration
- Career context
- When Mike Oldfield released Tubular Bells II in 1992, he was revisiting the success of his groundbreaking debut, Tubular Bells, from 1973. This album marked a significant return for Oldfield after years of experimentation in various genres, including pop and world music. It was positioned as both a sequel and an artistic statement, showcasing his evolving musical identity while tapping into nostalgia for his earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Tracklist
- 1 Sentinel Start here 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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