Best selection of new age music
New age music is a broad and diverse genre, and what constitutes the "best" selection can be subjective. However, here are some popular and critically acclaimed new age artists and albums that you might enjoy:
Top New Age Artists:
- Enya: Known for her ethereal, Celtic-inspired soundscapes and soothing vocals.
- Loreena McKennitt: A Canadian musician who blends Celtic, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences with a strong focus on storytelling.
- Clannad: An Irish band that has been a staple of the new age genre for decades, with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes and haunting vocals.
- Max Richter: A German-born British composer who combines classical and electronic elements with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes.
- Hans Zimmer: A renowned film composer who has also released several new age albums, often featuring atmospheric and emotive soundscapes.
- Brian Eno: A pioneer of ambient music, Eno's work often explores the boundaries of new age and electronic music.
- Steve Roach: An American musician known for his atmospheric and introspective soundscapes, often incorporating elements of ambient and dark ambient music.
- Tim Hecker: A Canadian electronic musician who has released several critically acclaimed new age albums, often exploring themes of nature and the environment.
- Olafur Arnalds: An Icelandic composer and pianist who combines classical and electronic elements with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes.
- Peter Broderick: An American musician who has released several new age albums, often incorporating elements of folk, classical, and electronic music.
Essential New Age Albums:
- Enya - Watermark (1988) - A classic new age album that showcases Enya's signature sound.
- Loreena McKennitt - The Visit (1991) - A critically acclaimed album that blends Celtic and Middle Eastern influences.
- Clannad - Lore (1985) - A classic album that showcases the band's atmospheric soundscapes and haunting vocals.
- Max Richter - Sleep (2015) - A critically acclaimed album that combines classical and electronic elements with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes.
- Hans Zimmer - The Thin Red Line (1998) - A film score that has become a classic of the new age genre.
- Brian Eno - Ambient 1: Music for Airports (1978) - A pioneering album that explores the boundaries of ambient and new age music.
- Steve Roach - Structures from Silence (1984) - A critically acclaimed album that showcases Roach's atmospheric and introspective soundscapes.
- Tim Hecker - Ravedeath, 1972 (2011) - A critically acclaimed album that explores themes of nature and the environment.
- Olafur Arnalds - And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness (2010) - A critically acclaimed album that combines classical and electronic elements with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes.
- Peter Broderick - Float (2013) - A critically acclaimed album that blends folk, classical, and electronic elements with a focus on atmospheric soundscapes.
These are just a few examples of the many amazing new age artists and albums out there. I hope you enjoy exploring this genre!