Wasser im Wind cover

Wasser im Wind

Hans-Joachim Roedelius · 1982

41 min · 9 tracks · avant-garde music

A serene blend of minimalist melodies and organic soundscapes, evoking a deeply introspective atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Wasser im Wind — The title track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality with its flowing melodies and tranquil ambiance, serving as a sonic meditation on nature.
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    Heilsamer Brunnen — This piece stands out for its extended duration, allowing for an immersive exploration of layered sounds that create a sense of healing and reflection.
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    Ruf aus der Ferne Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its haunting harmonies and gentle rhythms, inviting listeners into Roedelius's contemplative world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
75 /100
Alpine
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's seamless flow and innovative sound design establish it as a notable work in avant-garde music.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing tracks that often blend into one another, creating a continuous soundscape.
  • Each piece employs minimalist melodies layered with organic textures, often using unconventional instruments and field recordings.
  • Several tracks utilize silence and space effectively, allowing the listener to reflect on the subtle changes in sound.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • contemplative nature-inspired soundscapes
  • meditative moments for reflection
  • gentle ebb and flow
  • quiet background for creativity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
  • seek lyrical storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Significant for its innovative approach, influencing ambient and avant-garde genres.
Career context
Wasser im Wind is Hans-Joachim Roedelius's fourth solo album, released in 1982 after his tenure in the influential group Cluster. By this time, Roedelius had established himself as a key figure in the avant-garde music scene, following his earlier works that helped define the genre's experimental boundaries. This album marked a continued exploration of ambient textures and personal expression, showcasing his evolving artistic vision.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Tangerine Dream· Steve Reich

Tracklist

  • 1 Ruf aus der Ferne Start here 5:16
  • 2 Am Stadtrand 5:13
  • 3 Zwei sind eins 3:26
  • 4 Auf des Tigers Spur 3:10
  • 5 Immergrün 2:52
  • 6 Wasser im Wind 5:20
  • 7 Kundmachung 2:45
  • 8 Heilsamer Brunnen 9:00
  • 9 Fenster im Schnee 4:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata