Essential new age music listening

The albums that define new age music.

Our picks for where to start with new age music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The new age music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Amarok

Mike Oldfield

Amarok

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

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Tr3s Lunas

Mike Oldfield

Tr3s Lunas

A rich tapestry of ambient textures and melodic themes that evoke a sense of journey and introspection.

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Watermark

Enya

Watermark

Ethereal soundscapes blend layered vocals and lush instrumentation, creating a serene journey through Celtic-inspired melodies.

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Sounds of the Season: The Enya Collection

Enya

Sounds of the Season: The Enya Collection

Ethereal vocals and lush instrumentals blend to create a serene soundscape perfect for the holiday season.

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Caravan of Light

David Arkenstone

Caravan of Light

A sonic journey blending ethereal melodies with global rhythms, evoking the spirit of adventure and exploration.

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Citizen of Time

David Arkenstone

Citizen of Time

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

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Country Airs

Rick Wakeman

Country Airs

A serene blend of pastoral melodies and intricate keyboard arrangements that evoke the tranquility of nature.

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Out There

Rick Wakeman

Out There

A cosmic tapestry of keyboard-driven melodies woven with intricate arrangements and spiritual themes that invite deep reflection.

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44/876

Sting

44/876

A vibrant fusion of reggae rhythms and soulful melodies, celebrating cultural connections across the Caribbean and the UK.

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Songs from the Labyrinth

Sting

Songs from the Labyrinth

A serene blend of Elizabethan lute songs and contemporary arrangements, enveloping listeners in haunting melodies and rich harmonies.

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The Disney Songbook

Jim Brickman

The Disney Songbook

A soothing collection of beloved Disney melodies reimagined through elegant piano arrangements and gentle orchestration.

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Peace

Jim Brickman

Peace

Gentle piano melodies interweave with traditional holiday classics, creating a serene and reflective musical landscape.

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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.

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Parallel Dreams

Loreena McKennitt

Parallel Dreams

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and lush instrumentation that evokes the mystique of ancient Celtic landscapes.

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Destiny of Love

Yiruma

Destiny of Love

Delicate piano melodies intertwine with orchestral arrangements, evoking a serene landscape of emotion and introspection.

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Nocturnal Lights... They Scatter

Yiruma

Nocturnal Lights... They Scatter

A serene blend of delicate piano melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke introspection and tranquility.

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Music from the Hearts of the Masters

Jack DeJohnette

Music from the Hearts of the Masters

A vibrant fusion of jazz, world rhythms, and improvisational textures that invites listeners on a transcendent sonic journey.

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In Movement

Jack DeJohnette

In Movement

In Movement highlights Jack DeJohnette's innovative rhythmic structures and fluidity in jazz. It balances complexity with accessibility, making it for first-time listeners who want to understand his unique sound.

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Montana – A Love Story

George Winston

Montana – A Love Story

A serene blend of piano melodies intertwines with gentle, evocative harmonies inspired by the landscapes of Montana.

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Remembrance – A Memorial Benefit

George Winston

Remembrance – A Memorial Benefit

A gentle cascade of piano melodies evokes introspection and solace amid themes of loss and remembrance.

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MCMXC a.D.

Enigma

MCMXC a.D.

'MCMXC a.D.' showcases the essence of Enigma's style through its rich layering and rhythmic repetition. It's an album that successfully set the tone for their future works, making it an essential starting point.

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Eppur si muove

Enigma

Eppur si muove

A blend of ethereal soundscapes and infectious dance beats, merging ambient influences with electronic rhythms.

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Deva

Deva Premal

Deva

A serene exploration of ancient mantras set against lush soundscapes that evoke deep meditation and spiritual connection.

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Divinidylle

Vanessa Paradis

Divinidylle

A blend of breezy pop melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of modern French chanson.

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