Two Sides – The Very Best of Mike Oldfield cover

Two Sides – The Very Best of Mike Oldfield

Mike Oldfield · 2012

157 min · 29 tracks · classical · pop rock · progressive rock

A sweeping blend of progressive rock and ambient textures that showcase Oldfield's innovative musicality.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • long-form pieces inviting exploration
  • immersive headphone listening experience
  • wave-like pacing encourages reflection
  • sweeping soundscapes for daydreaming

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Themes
Celtic landscapes· progressive rock evolution· nostalgic reflections
Career context
By 2012, Mike Oldfield was revisiting his extensive catalog, presenting 'Two Sides' as a compilation that highlights his diverse output over decades. This release came after his previous album, 'Music of the Spheres' in 2008, marking a reflective phase in his career where he compiled iconic tracks spanning from his debut with 'Tubular Bells' to later pop-infused works.
Stylistic neighbors
Vangelis· Jean-Michel Jarre· Enya
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Watermark by Enya — Shares ethereal soundscapes and Celtic influence, creating a reflective, atmospheric experience.
Blade Runner by Vangelis — Combines ambient textures with progressive elements, evoking nostalgia and expansive landscapes.
The Book of Secrets by Loreena McKennitt — Merges Celtic themes with rich instrumental arrangements, fostering a deep emotional resonance.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Tubular Bells, Part One (Two Sides excerpt) 13:30
  • 2 Ommadawn, Part One (Two Sides excerpt) 6:48
  • 3 Crises (Two Sides excerpt) 10:30
  • 4 The Lake (Two Sides excerpt) 5:30
  • 5 Amarok, Part One (Two Sides excerpt) 5:05
  • 6 Amarok, Part Two (Two Sides excerpt) 15:17
  • 7 Sentinel 8:09
  • 8 Supernova 3:24
  • 9 Ascension 5:51
  • 10 The Tempest 5:48

Disc 2

  • 1 Guilty 4:15
  • 2 Family Man 3:47
  • 3 Five Miles Out 4:19
  • 4 Moonlight Shadow 3:39
  • 5 Shadow on the Wall 3:10
  • 6 To France 4:41
  • 7 Etude 4:39
  • 8 Magic Touch 4:17
  • 9 Islands 4:20
  • 10 Heaven’s Open 4:31
  • 11 Tattoo 3:47
  • 12 The Song of the Sun 4:34
  • 13 Summit Day 3:47
  • 14 Lake Constance 5:18
  • 15 Broad Sunlit Uplands 4:05
  • 16 The Doge’s Palace 3:08
  • 17 Amber Light 3:47
  • 18 Angelique 4:41
  • 19 On My Heart 2:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata