Essential 1990s new age music

The best New Age Music albums of the 1990s.

Where to start with 1990–1999 new age music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 1990s — new age music

Top picks from 1990–1999, ranked by where we would start.

Citizen of Time

David Arkenstone

Citizen of Time

A serene blend of lush synths and organic instrumentation that evokes expansive landscapes and mystical journeys.

Start here

The Spirit of Olympia

David Arkenstone

The Spirit of Olympia

A sweeping orchestral tapestry intertwines with ethereal synths, evoking the grandeur and spirit of ancient athleticism.

Start here

The Seven Wonders of the World

Rick Wakeman

The Seven Wonders of the World

A sweeping symphonic journey that melds classical influences with progressive rock storytelling, invoking the grandeur of ancient wonders.

Start here

Cirque Surreal

Rick Wakeman

Cirque Surreal

A fusion of classical motifs and progressive rock energy, weaving intricate melodies with theatrical flair.

Start here

The Soul Cages

Sting

The Soul Cages

A contemplative blend of jazz-inflected pop and brooding rock, steeped in themes of loss and redemption.

Start here

Mercury Falling

Sting

Mercury Falling

A fusion of introspective lyrics and lush melodies, blending elements of pop, jazz, and world music seamlessly.

Start here

Amarok

Mike Oldfield

Amarok

A sprawling sonic journey that melds progressive rock with world music influences, marked by intricate melodies and ethereal soundscapes.

Start here

The Millennium Bell

Mike Oldfield

The Millennium Bell

A lush tapestry of sounds blending orchestral elements with world music motifs, evoking a sense of global unity and introspection.

Start here

The Memory of Trees

Enya

The Memory of Trees

Ethereal vocals and lush synth landscapes evoke a serene, otherworldly atmosphere that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive.

Start here

Shepherd Moons

Enya

Shepherd Moons

Ethereal soundscapes blend lush vocals with serene instrumentals to create a dreamlike auditory experience.

Start here

Comparsa

Deep Forest

Comparsa

A vibrant fusion of world rhythms and ambient soundscapes that transports listeners across cultural landscapes.

Start here

World Mix

Deep Forest

World Mix

A seamless blend of global rhythms and ambient soundscapes creates a tranquil yet vibrant listening experience.

Start here

Voices

Vangelis

Voices

Ethereal synthscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a meditative soundscape that transports listeners to otherworldly realms.

Start here

Oceanic

Vangelis

Oceanic

A serene voyage through ambient soundscapes that evoke the tranquil beauty of oceanic life.

Start here

Landmarks

Clannad

Landmarks

Ethereal synths and traditional Irish instrumentation weave together, creating a serene soundscape that transports listeners to another realm.

Start here

Banba

Clannad

Banba

Ethereal harmonies blend with traditional Irish instrumentation, creating a tranquil soundscape that transports listeners to a serene world.

Start here

Perfect Time

Moya Brennan

Perfect Time

Ethereal melodies intertwine with lush instrumentation, creating a serene soundscape that embodies the essence of new age music.

Start here

Máire

Moya Brennan

Máire

A fusion of ethereal vocals and traditional Celtic instrumentation, evoking the mystique of Irish landscapes.

Start here

Kojiki

Kitarō

Kojiki

A meditative blend of traditional Japanese instruments and electronic soundscapes that evokes nature's serene beauty.

Start here

Thinking of You

Kitarō

Thinking of You

A serene blend of ethereal synths and organic sounds, evoking vast landscapes and cosmic journeys.

Start here

The Mask and Mirror

Loreena McKennitt

The Mask and Mirror

A haunting blend of Celtic melodies and world music influences woven through evocative storytelling and ethereal vocals.

Start here

The Book of Secrets

Loreena McKennitt

The Book of Secrets

This specific album is a hallmark of McKennitt’s career, weaving together themes of nature, love, and mythology through beautifully crafted songs. It provides an engaging entry point into her world.

Start here

Extra Special Edition

Jack DeJohnette

Extra Special Edition

A vibrant tapestry of free jazz and fusion, merging intricate rhythms with ethereal melodies and improvisational flair.

Start here

Parallel Realities

Jack DeJohnette

Parallel Realities

A sonic tapestry weaving together intricate rhythms, ethereal melodies, and improvisational freedom that transcends traditional jazz boundaries.

Start here