Volume 2: Release
Afro Celt Sound System · 1999
64 min · 11 tracks · world music
A vibrant fusion of African rhythms and Celtic melodies creates an expansive soundscape that invites listeners into a transcendent journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Release — As the album's opener, this track sets the tone with its ethereal vocals and driving rhythms, encapsulating the band's innovative blend of cultures.
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Lovers of Light — This track showcases the group's signature sound with its layered instrumentation and uplifting lyrics, creating an anthem of unity and hope.
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Even in My Dreams — With its haunting melodies and rich textures, this song highlights the emotional depth present throughout the album, illustrating personal connections across cultures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends diverse musical traditions while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rhythmic chant that layers multiple vocal harmonies, setting a meditative tone.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements that enhance the acoustic instrumentation without overshadowing it.
- The final track is an instrumental reprise of the opening theme, creating a circular structure to the album.
- 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
- transcendent journey through sound
- uplifting rhythms for celebration
- meditative moments for reflection
- dynamic shifts in energy
- immersive experience for exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, Volume 2: Release is the second album by Afro Celt Sound System, following their self-titled debut in 1996. At this point, the band had begun to establish their unique sound that blends traditional African and Celtic music with contemporary electronic elements, marking a pivotal moment in their artistic development.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Baka Beyond· The Gloaming· Kíla
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Release 7:36
- 2 Lovers of Light 3:58
- 3 Éireann 5:09
- 4 Urban Aire 2:08
- 5 Big Cat 7:43
- 6 Even in My Dreams 7:04
- 7 Amber 5:26
- 8 Hypnotica 7:18
- 9 Riding the Waves 6:35
- 10 I Think Of... 4:36
- 11 Release It (instrumental) 6:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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