Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads cover

Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads

Nightwish · 2005

68 min · 15 tracks · power metal · symphonic metal

A lush tapestry of orchestral melodies and powerful vocals that elevate the ballad tradition within metal.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its role in expanding Nightwish's audience globally, further establishing them as front-runners in the symphonic metal scene. It features iconic tracks that resonate with fans and critics alike, contributing to their increasing influence and commercial success, as evidenced by chart positions across Europe.
Best for
wave-like emotional intensity powerful vocal crescendos lush orchestral arrangements
Context
Released in 2005, 'Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads' is a compilation album that showcases Nightwish's evolution from their early symphonic metal roots to a more polished sound. This collection follows their critically acclaimed album 'Once' (2004), solidifying their status as a leading force in the genre while highlighting their melodic prowess.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Walking in the Air Standout 5:29
  • 2 Angels Fall First 5:33
  • 3 Sleepwalker 3:07
  • 4 Sleeping Sun 4:04
  • 5 Dead Boy’s Poem Standout 6:49
  • 6 Deep Silent Complete 3:58
  • 7 Feel for You 3:56
  • 8 The Phantom of the Opera Standout 4:11
  • 9 Ocean Soul 4:16
  • 10 Lagoon 3:47
  • 11 Swanheart 4:47
  • 12 Two for Tragedy 3:53
  • 13 A Return to the Sea 5:48
  • 14 Away 4:32
  • 15 Forever Yours 3:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata