The first ambient album (Music For Airports: Ambient 1 - Brian Eno)

Member Name: cognition

Product:	Music For Airports: Ambient 1 - Brian Eno
Date:	06/12/08 (326 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: unique atmosphere

Disadvantages: If you're unable to listen to something that is not instantly catchy and direct

The Englishman Brian Eno is perhaps most known as the keyboard player from Roxy Music iduring the 1970s, although he has also released several albums as a solo artist, has worked with David Bowie, U2, The Talking Heads, Coldplay and more. 'Ambient 1: Music For Airports' was released in 1978 and is, according to the liner notes, possibly the world's first ambient album release. In fact, some sources state Brian Eno is the father of ambient music. The intention of the music is not to become generic background music, and not to steal your full attention. It is background music of sorts, but background music with the purpose to create a certain mood and encourage thinking.

The album consists of only four tracks, but each track lasts 9-17 minutes, the album totalling 48:33. The instrumentation is fairly limited and relies heavily on soft synthesizer sounds. Track one features atmospheric synthesizer pads and a slow piano drenched in spacious reverb. Track number two is based entirely on one synthesizer sound, a choir/voice sound. In track three, the instrumentation from track one and track two are combined, the choirs meet the pianos. Track four has a somewhat deeper sound, based on what sounds like artificial string sounds, again drenched in reverb. A keyword here is 'minimalistic'. Everything is slow and simple, yet Eno's music does create a very magnificent atmosphere. The instrumentation is light and the production is clean, like silk in the form of audio.

The atmosphere of 'Ambient 1: Music For Airports' is unique. It's neither particularly happy nor sad. I suppose it could be perceived as being either, depending on the mood of the listener. I've used this music as background music for reading books, when I need to focus or think, or even as background music for a dinner party.

Being possibly the first ambient album release of all time, 'Ambient 1: Music for Airports', is a small piece of musical history. One side of me wants to recommend this album for the particularly interested ones, those with a curiosity for old classic albums, or those who appreciate non-intrusive, soft music. But then I started thinking, most of the time I myself am listening to hard hitting Metal music, stressing in the morning to make it to work and heating a frozen pizza when I come home from work because I'm too tired to cook. I think anyone of us could use a moment of 'Ambient 1: Music for Airports', a moment disconnected from the noise and stress of our modern world, a moment alone for tranquil reflection or a moment with friends, sharing a quiet moment. We might not think we need a break from our everyday stress, but it feels so good when we have one, and this album is your perfect companion!

Summary: Everyone needs to disconnect themselves for a moment