Strange Cargo III

I often wonder whether albums like this are made for people to actually enjoy....or whether they're made for hi-fi nerds to boast about how great the plinky-plonks sound through their speakers (they sounded awesome through mine)

Man, this started off so promising…Some processed guitar creating an ethereal ambient soundscape. Then like 30 seconds in, forget about that guitar, here’s some hard-panned arpeggiated synth out of nowhere. No build up, just whiplash. This dude killed his own vibe in first minute of the record. I’m gonna try not to let my disappointment at that production choice ruin my listen, but man, William Orbit, you played yourself hard. Could’ve been a good song, if you let it breathe. I get why the generator is recommend this record, I’ve given two Air records 5 stars and this is generally in a similar ball park and might be considered a predecessor, stylistically. There’s something that Air has, though, that William Orbit lacks. Air feels very deliberate, their songs unfold smoothly and don’t try to do too much. These songs on Strange Cargo III are clunky as fuck. …and honestly after the fifth song just started, I’m here thinking “I’ve just heard this one, haven’t I?”. Not a good sign on an hour long, 11 track LP. Maybe I should have taken ecstasy back in the 90’s, perhaps that was the key to unlocking an appreciation for this type of music. I don’t know, but so far, 210 records in, I’ve found the vast majority of 90’s electronica on this list to range anywhere from highly annoying to completely underwhelming. This record falls exactly in the middle of that spectrum. It’s like the worst of both worlds. If it was just annoying, it’d be one thing; I could just turn it off. As it is, there’s enough of a glimmer of “good” to keep me thinking that William Orbit might get it together and turn this into a decent record by the end. Spoiler Alert: He doesn’t.

It’s music, I guess. I’m sure someone likes it

This feels like background music for a '90s heist movie montage where the tech guy is sneaking into the mainframe to hack all the cameras as a setup to the final heist at the end of the movie.

I liked this in a very calm and non-threatening way. There are some nice sounds here. It makes you realise how much this genre needed Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada though.

So then, mood music. Not often my thing, especially this version, which dumbly apes what they think 'peaceful' sounds like without realising that isn't enough to make people feel at peace. Broad brush approaches only creates greater distance from the listener. As with lyrics, specificity is what allows them to grab hold of the song, clamber in and find their own way to those feelings. These sounds are so washed out with generalisations that there's no chance of that.

I was not prepared for how much I would love this album. Like, I thought "oh hahah college raves and video games soundtracks." Then it played and I can't describe how immediately I loved it. Track after track, too. Listened to it twice because I didn't want it to end. So, I guess I should listen to William Orbit more and just let go of the electronica stigma.

In the early 90s I was a DJ at this local, publicly-funded, alternative radio station. Certain songs were in rotation and we had to play those at certain times so that they got played a specific number of times per day. If there was time left before the next required song we could pick out a song of our choice that wasn't in rotation as long as it fit in with the format. Because of this I hated having to play long songs, I wanted the world (or at least the part of Western New York State that was in our small listening area) to hear what amazing taste I had. "Water From a Vine Leaf" the seven minute leadoff track from this album was my bete noire. Now when I listen to it and the rest of "Strange Cargo III," especially on some good headphones I really appreciate it.

It was a trip listen to it with my eyes closed on my way home back from work. Great tracks overall

Boring

Ambient techno is not something you sit down to listen to. It's something that's on in a hipster coffee house while the surly barista takes your order. This feels like the music that plays over the opening credits of a 90s movie about shady stockbrokers. This album is a chore already. It's hard to focus on the quality of the album because it is designed to be on at a speakeasy as background music. Seriously, this is the score to a movie about computer hackers working against the government until they realize they were being used and were working for the government the whole time and then they take down the rogue agent who ran the whole operation. This is like the alternate soundtrack for the Matrix. Someone has definitely tried to sync this album up to a movie at some point. This is like the Dust Brothers' Fight Club soundtrack if instead of fighting they got high the whole movie and sat around a pretentious club all night. I bet this is Moby's favorite album and, to quote Eminem, he can get stomped by Obie...nobody listens to techno. The Monkey King is in the movie Heat. The whole thing sounds like an demo tape for someone trying to score films. Another album where there is no telling when it ends even when a new album starts on Spotify.

No wonder it’s not available in Apple Music in the US.

Study music

Another pleasant surprise, some enjoyable Electronica dance music.

Das pendelt erstmal so rum zwischen ganz interessant (hätte ich damals noch besser gefunden als z.B. Orbital) und zeitlos schlimmer Esoterik. Findet sich dann, nachdem man sich hörbar deutlich bei Andrew Weatherall und The Orb bedient hat aber letztlich in so Ralf Hildenbeutel/Sven Väthschem Ibizasphärengedudel, das damals sicher nicht weh tat, anschließend aber auch nicht gut gealtert ist. Und dann hört man auch schon raus, was er 6 Jahre später auf z.B. Madonnas Ray of Light perfektioniert hat. Naja. So wegweisend finde ich dieses Album jedenfalls nicht. 2,7 reichen völlig aus.

This is okay as background noise for other activities, so I guess 2 stars or D- would be a suitable rating.

"Tonight on music from hearts of space we go on a cosmic joyride with some space music by various bay area artists." - Mystery Science Theater 3000, Pod People This album kind of sucks. 1/5

If any album summed up the late 80's/early 90s in the UK this would be it. Love the production on this, and while it is typical of the time, it somehow manages not to sound dated. A great follow-on from William Orbit's more commercial Bassomatic stuff. Definitely a 5 from me.

This was brilliant. Best chill out I've had in ages.

funky and interesting electronica album.

Groovy spacey wildly interesting arrangements and production techniques. Maybe it’s just because I didn’t know what to expect but I loved this album.

fire

I love ambient music. It's such a chill experience. It lowers the pulse and makes everything feel calm. This is pioneering work, along with Brian Eno.

I was hooked

I very much enjoyed this. Earlier than I was expecting, from William Orbit. Some other comments on here about how it sounds great on good headphones, or high-end speakers. Can confirm.

This is a great instrumental album that spans a number of genres but is also definitively ‘80s. Definitely worth repeat listens.

beauty..... there is beauty in everythingg... mahtavaa elektro kikkailua! perjantai-iltaa.. kamalaaa.. parantaa hiukan... se jo hirmutyö... Jag ville träffa Annel För jag visste att den fortfarande letade efter mig Livet gav inte mycket Regnbågen slutade vid godiskiosken De som kräktes vid restaurangbordet blev utskrattade.... Jag ska till Norra Karelen Jag byter jeans till träningsbyxor Hem till Norra Karelen Jag dricker kalya tills solen går upp... joka paikkaan sattuu... ai vittu... erityisesti päähän... oispa kuuro... noh heh... ehkä ei tarvi... into the paradise

Gorgeous and atmospheric.

A relatively different genre, love it. From people's comments I think this one has no lyrics. Electronica seems fun, plus Spotify takes the music as trip hop and down tempo, which are really good to me. Just yesterday I was listening to aphex twin's one album on repeat while reading a book, basically the album is book's soundtrack and this album makes me feel like it could be some book's soundtrack too, just it's short, but in this case that's good, I don't like spending 2 hours rating each song. First song, it was quiet and when I started writing the beat came in and it sounds so good on laptop, it'd be so much better in headphones. Ouuuu the beat came in, love iiit already. Oh nevermind, this is the most listened track on the album, it'll get worse, I thought otherwise. It's progressing in the electronic sense. Oh someone's talking, one guy said it's his girlfriend. Just put my headphones on and it's SO MUCH BETTER. Nah the sound is so playful to my ears. This song isn't annoying that it's long. One of the best things is, he changes the vibe quickly while maintaining a same aura, cool as fuck. It's fading away like expected. Second song, amazing guitar start I'm hooooked. There's no lyrics in Spotify, but he talked a little. AAAAAAH THE BEAAAAT I LOVE THIS MAN. It's so dancey and gothy. This is what I mean by good down tempo and trip hop. Feels like Portishead plus there's this woman vocalising. THE BASSSS MY GOD. I want this on speakers immediatelyyy, someone said, did he made this album for someone to flex their speakers and now I totally get it. I feel digitalised with these new sounds. He worked with Madonna on MDNA, love that album, NO WAY RAY OF LIGHT TOO? THAT ALBUM HAS THIS ONE'S VIBE LITERALLY, I love this man too much now. Katie Melua, he produced her album, she's Georgian and IM FUCKING GEORGIAN WTF. He is connected to me like that and I just found out, this is more than a 5 star album already, I'm spiritually connected. Shit I was distracted to listen to the song with full attention, but I loooved it. Third song, a little piano I see, with electronic beats in the background. Ohh his voice for the first time. This one's more chill. It's kinda jazzy. What's wize tho? He has a good voice, addicting. He's not singing tho, just talking kinda fast. Forgot to say I looove the album art, it's different and caught my attention the first time I saw it, it's too unforgettable yk. The piano is the best part. Smn said they play this kinda songs during heist stealing, but in a bad way, and I see it, though it doesn't make it bad for me. Wish songs transitioned tho. 4th song, it's eerie already. Ooooo the bass came in. Kinda basic, nevermind the violins and piano made it better. This one's more romantic than dancey and cunty as before. Oh vibe fully changed, feels like a movie scene, too lazy to come up with one. Aaand it started all again. This was quite short, and loved it less, but still good. 5th song, a much better start than the last song, feels like a medical series start, in a good way. It's giving nightclub in its way now. Woman is talking, seductively I think. There is men screaming for one second and then vocalising for a little time on repeat. There was no sonical plot twist, NEVERMIND IT SLOWLY GOT SLOW. It's giving loftr somehow. 6th song, ambient start. Alien sounds. Piano is playing with pauses. I'm gonna continue this tomorrow, because it's night now and I have to charge my headphones, tomorrow tho I can have it on full volume to fully experience the songs. I'm back. Started this one again, and amazing beat drop like ma god. The vocals are quite good too. It's so repetitive, but somehow in the best way possible. Beat was gone was for some time and now it's back in business. Same happened and only piano is playing with ambient sounds in the background. It's guitar now and it's getting kinda louder, but also fading away. Loved this one too. 7th song, loud and noisy start. Ambient sound is over surfacing the noise. Weird instrument is playing and there's no beat that backs it up. Russian guy talking I think. Beat came, but kinda blandly. Russian woman talking now. Melting my brain with those alien sounds wtff, in a good way tho. It's rocky now with that electric guitar. The beat opened after guitar finished and that was too satisfying. Spanish woman now slayy, she's the best part of the song tbh, cunty and girlboss vibes she brought with that lyrical delivery. The overall vibe changes a lot in one song and I love that, like now it's slow and some kind of a piano is playing. Drums? Ohhh it's tropical now, water sounds and all too. It was afro beat for a second there I think. Shit now it's rock again‽ It's getting progressive and now faded away. Too much for one song if you ask me. 8th song, slow start, but clear sounds. It's kinda sad. Oooh definitely sad with that piano. This man can do production too well I'm afraid. Ohh the beat is unexpectedly fast and dancey, but also alien-like. Now it's Arabic with a glimpse of jazzyness. Ambientness came back. This is a whole adventure goddamn. It's giving mission impossible now. Different type of piano is playing. I'm transcending, this needs lyrics immediately, but also they would ruin the general goodness of all of this. From sad to dancey again, basically same genre bending happened now too, I expect Arabic now. It's afro beat drums rn. It's rare when I fully explain what happens in the song, but this is too fun not to do it. 9th song, quite a short song for him tbh. It's ambient with some snapping once in a while. Makes me feel like I'm in water. Idk why but this sounds makes me feel like some sword is shinning. Ooo the beat and Camelot woman is talking. It's giving Patti Smith in those experimental poetry sessions, Medea is one of the songs if I remember correctly. Arabic woman vocalising, at least that's how I hear it. Rather short, if there were more talking of that women I'd like the song more. 10th song, ambient start as expected. It's giving underground. Some experimental sounds randomly appearing. Omg I zoned out and this villainy sound started playing and It snapped me back, it feels like a monkey king is the final boss. There are African men saying something in the background and then women also saying smth after it, but they all sound weird. There was no beat drop here, unless when I zoned out it happened then. 11th song, fully different start, no ambient sound just some instrument. There are water sounds in the background, that's the one I can name others are random and weird in a good way. French talking I think I hear of a woman. There was a familiar instrument dunno the name in English tho. Without the beat it's so Aphex Twin, plus it's eerie. Bitch what what is retchie doing here someone said and then there was some exploding sounds, loved that, wondering where is it from. There's a weird beat in my right ear, makes me think of a tongue. Giving Sophie now, almost like ship sounds and it suddenly stopped. This was the weirdest one by far I think. 12th song, veeery short. It got a happy sound, movie is finishing. Dunno how he chose the names for the songs tho. It has piano in it, that's the one I can name lol. There are different sounds all at once if you pay attention. This one was also not as good as it should have been, the dancey beat is missing and it's making the vibe go bad. Overall it was a good finish up of the album tho I must say. I already said this is more than just a 5 star album because of the artist. Not gonna repeat all that tho. Each song was a new adventure and I expected so much less at first, but I was already happy it was electronica, trip hop and down tempo, and I've just gotten into ambient sounds, this might be my next book's soundtrack. Need more albums like this, but I need a little break from just instrumental sounds and need more lyrics.

This is making it into my rotation, 100%. LOVED it.

(Voiceover) Imagine a world where time drifts slowly. A world where music carries you away. Experience Pure Moods, the perfect soundtrack for your way of life. Direct from Europe, this multi-platinum collection has won the hearts of millions. Set adrift with the timeless pleasures of Water From a Vine Leaf. Or take a trip into the unknown with Deus Ex Machina. No other collection gives you the feeling of Pure Moods. (Lyrics) Hey yaiiiiy hiiiiiiii ohhhhhAAIIIIII HWAIIIAAY YA

I must admit I thought this was Orbital at first. Same but different. Anyway, I totally got into this album, right up my alley. Faves: Water From A Vine Leaf, Into The Paradise, A Touch Of The Night

Ambient enough to use as background noise but interesting enough to pay attention to as a stand alone experience. Great working/study music

Muy buen disco. Una de las pocas músicas ambientales que escucharía genuinamente.

What an awesome surprise this album has been! I wasn't sure what to anticipate with no knowledge of this artist at all, but I’m thoroughly impressed. As a fan of instrumental music, I'm happy to incorporate this album into my rotation and explore William Orbit's work. After listening to the first few tracks, I thought the sound reminded me of some of Madonna's work in the 90's. Turns out, he worked with her in that era. How interesting! Replay: "Water From a Vine Leaf," "Time to Get Wize," "Gringatcho Demento," and honestly almost every track from this album. Skip: "Deus Ex Machina"

Excellent! Inspiring. Really loved this.

Favorites: Water from a Vine Leaf, A Touch of the Night, Gringatcho Demento. Excellent mostly non-vocal trance.

really enjoyed the whole album

It's pretty great. I liked Water from a Vine Leaf, Time to Get Wise, The Story of Light, and many others.

When I first listened, I was a bit distracted trying to focus on other tasks at the same time. I liked what I had heard, but did I love it? I don't know, I needed a second listen. On second listen, it was much more clear...Love it is.

I listened to this at work and started it over as soon as it finished. Very pleasant background music. I listened again during my walking/bus commute and was pleased that it held up in that context as well. Some tracks are a mellow dance groove, some are gentle and floaty, some are noisy but with a thumping bass line. I can hear some of you asking, how much electronica do we need? And I say, lots!

Fabulous electronic music. Loved the groove.

Awesome album . loved it very much

I guess this is my jam. Never heard this before, but this is the kind of music that just fits a perfect night of thinking or working or chilling. An ambient, trancey vibe that doesn't stick itself out to far, but are all smooth and cool.

Super good electro!!

Me encantó, todas sus canciones encajan de excelente manera

Amazingly beautiful

Trippy af

This is what I came here for.

COOL

Really good but he absolutely blue balled me with those first two songs, my expectations were set at Groove Armada style bang fest but it was more of a freaky experimental electronic exploration - not saying I didn't enjoy the journey but I think the first couple of songs would've been better placed dispersed throughout rather than as false expectation setters at the start. GIVE ME MORE BANGERS, WILLIAM

Wow! Great stuff!

skemmtilegt að studera þennan gaur

I am here for William and his Strange melodies. Brian Eno-esque in all the right ways, with a little bit of world music vocals and groovy Thievery Corporation beats.

Excelente disco! El primer 5!! Aca esta la base del lo que fue ese tremendo disco de Madonna, Ray of Ligth.

I love 90s electronica

chingón!!!

Cool electronic sound. Actually listened to it twice.

Great work music, love it

Gar nicht schlecht

I always enjoy an instrumental album, particularly ethereal electronic music and this is once I will revisit.

Some of these songs are exactly what I would want to listen to while coming down from a shroom trip....others I would want to listen to while coming up on a DMT trip

Not on AM so to youtube music it is. Couple songs in and I am grooving. Love how the beat just keeps building up on Into the Paradise. Made me feel like I was on psychs so major points for that.

Funky instrumental with some cool SFX and samples.

Some Strange Cargo indeed, not sure what I was expecting from the cover or the wikipedia summary but it was still a incredibly laid back and enjoyable hour of music. It may be a bit too passive or for the lack of a better term 'video gamey' for some (there were some tracks where I was expecting to start hearing the UNATCO theme or some shit) but this was definitely something I see myself coming back to in the future

Evocative of the music that would be playing in some thriller from 1997 in a scene where the main character goes to some weird sex freak nightclub where everyone has UV face paint and are doing some made up future drug that makes you go insane and eat your own legs. I liked it.

9/10

I'm not sure this is really a 4 star album but it was perfect background for my paper editing session. It's rare I enjoy an electronica album

Cool chill trance/ambient music.

Not usually much of an electronic guy, but I dig this record. Really subtle and calm grooves that are very engaging.

I've listened to other albums by this artist and in general it's relatively interesting ambient music with clear techno influences. This album fits neatly into that paradigm. Good atmospheric music without being formless.

gorgeous especially when highhhh

I'll be honest, I didn't have much expectation for this, but it was pretty great. Standouts: "Time to Get Wize" & "Best Friend, Paranoia,"

people were hating on this, but i personally really enjoyed the departure from the entirely predictable stuff that mostly is on this list. this was an awesome album to listen to as i navigated a snowstorm, and it’s a fun prelude to some of my favorite ambient artists to follow. i’m glad i listened to it

Hard to rate this. I would never put this on for pure enjoyment or a car trip, but it was pretty great to work to this morning and definitely went on my "Concentration" play list. By my own rules that's a 4 or 5, think I'll make this a 4 since "it distracts some parts of my brain without distracting others" seems like faint praise.

I liked this - good background music

Excellent!

Really interesting

Really good Loved techno bass

strange, beautiful and hypnotic. to get the full effect, listen with headphones.

I enjoyed this. Have never heard of him before. its got a bit of everything . electronic is not a massive favorite of mine, but i would listen to this again. There were some really good tracks

still holds up. glad I got to learn about that guy.

this sounds like the music that plays in my head whenever i zone out

This is really interesting and I plan to listen to this during my work day on occasion

After having William Orbit enter my life at a live event 1 month ago - here he comes again. I'm a bit surprised I hadn't heard of him before. A lovely album.

## In-Depth Review of *Strange Cargo III* by William Orbit William Orbit's *Strange Cargo III*, released in 1993, stands as a pivotal work in the electronic music landscape. As the third installment in the *Strange Cargo* series, this album showcases Orbit's unique blend of ambient, downtempo, and electronic elements, setting a benchmark for future productions in these genres. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production quality, themes, and its influence on the electronic music scene, while also discussing its pros and cons. ### ****Lyrics *Strange Cargo III* is primarily an instrumental album, which is characteristic of Orbit's style. The few tracks that feature vocals do so sparingly and are often more about texture than narrative. The standout track, "Water From a Vine Leaf," features spoken word contributions from Beth Orton. Her ethereal voice narrates a dreamlike sequence that evokes imagery of youth and simplicity, encapsulating feelings of nostalgia and innocence. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, enhancing the ambient quality of the music rather than driving a conventional narrative. Other tracks like "Deus Ex Machina" and "Time to Get Wize" incorporate vocal snippets that add to the atmospheric soundscapes but do not dominate the compositions. This minimalist approach to lyrics allows listeners to immerse themselves in the overall sonic experience without being distracted by overt storytelling. ### ****Music Musically, *Strange Cargo III* is a rich tapestry of sounds that blends various genres. Key characteristics include: - **Ambient Soundscapes**: The album opens with "Water From a Vine Leaf," which sets a serene tone with gentle synths and soft percussion. This track is widely regarded as one of Orbit's masterpieces, praised for its lush sound design. - **Diverse Influences**: Orbit skillfully incorporates elements from various styles including Balearic beats, progressive house, trip-hop, and even hints of classical music. Tracks like "Into The Paradise" and "The Story of Light" showcase his ability to blend these genres seamlessly. - **Innovative Arrangements**: The production features intricate layering of sounds, creating depth and complexity. For instance, "A Touch of the Night" combines electronic beats with orchestral strings, resulting in a cinematic feel. - **Rhythmic Variety**: While some tracks maintain a steady ambient flow, others like "Gringatcho Demento" introduce more dynamic rhythms and even guitar solos, showcasing Orbit’s versatility as a producer. ### ****Production Quality Orbit produced *Strange Cargo III* at Guerilla Studios in London, where he honed his craft to create an immersive listening experience. The production quality is exceptional: - **Sound Clarity**: Each element is distinct yet harmoniously blended. The use of space in the mix allows listeners to discern individual instruments and layers without feeling cluttered. - **Innovative Techniques**: Orbit employs various production techniques such as sampling and looping to create unique textures. This innovation is evident in tracks like "Harry Flowers," which features intricate sound manipulation. - **Cohesive Flow**: Despite its varied styles and influences, the album flows cohesively from track to track. This fluidity enhances the overall listening experience and invites repeated plays. ### ****Themes Thematically, *Strange Cargo III* explores concepts of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time: - **Nostalgia**: The use of spoken word and serene melodies evokes memories of youth and simpler times. This theme resonates particularly in "Water From a Vine Leaf," where Orton’s lyrics reflect on fleeting moments. - **Nature and Serenity**: Many tracks incorporate natural sounds or themes that promote relaxation and introspection. The ambient nature of the music invites listeners to connect with their thoughts and feelings. - **Cultural Fusion**: Tracks like "The Monkey King" introduce ethnic influences that celebrate diversity in sound. This theme reflects Orbit's broad musical palette and his ability to fuse different cultural elements into his work. ### ****Influence *Strange Cargo III* has had a significant impact on the electronic music scene: - **Pioneering Ambient Music**: The album is often credited with helping to popularize ambient music in mainstream culture during the early '90s. Its influence can be seen in subsequent works by artists across various genres who have embraced similar soundscapes. - **Inspiring Future Artists**: Many contemporary electronic musicians cite Orbit as an inspiration for their own work. His innovative blending of genres paved the way for artists exploring ambient and downtempo sounds. - **Legacy in Club Culture**: Tracks from this album have been embraced by DJs worldwide, becoming staples in club playlists. The remixes of "Water From a Vine Leaf" further solidified its status within dance music circles. ### ****Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound Design**: Orbit’s ability to create lush soundscapes makes this album a standout in electronic music. - **Cohesive Flow**: Despite its genre-hopping nature, the album maintains a cohesive listening experience. - **Memorable Tracks**: Songs like "Water From a Vine Leaf" remain iconic within both ambient and electronic music communities. #### Cons - **Limited Vocal Presence**: For listeners seeking lyrical depth or storytelling, the minimal use of vocals may be disappointing. - **Pacing Issues**: Some tracks may feel indulgent or drag on longer than necessary for certain listeners. - **Dated Elements**: While groundbreaking at its release, some production techniques may feel dated compared to modern standards. ### Conclusion In conclusion, *Strange Cargo III* by William Orbit is a landmark album that captures the essence of early '90s electronic music while pushing boundaries through innovative production techniques and diverse influences. Its themes resonate deeply with listeners seeking both relaxation and introspection. While it may not cater to everyone’s tastes due to its minimalist lyrical approach and occasional pacing issues, its strengths far outweigh these drawbacks. This album remains an essential listen for anyone interested in ambient or electronic music history.

I liked it a lot! It sounds like the perfect soundtrack to listen to in the car while returning from a hardcore punk concert.

Fav: Harry Flowers Least Fav: The Monkey King Very relaxing, but I couldn’t help but feel that the album dragged on towards the end. Still, it was an enjoyable album

Very good sound. Not particularly distinctive but I like the genre

nice background focus music. reminds me a bit of chemical brothers but probably a precursor to that because of the amount of instrumentation and global influences involved here. i don't really have too many specific thoughts though...the songs with vocalists were nice too but i'm not sure i would return to any of it per se.

It's electronic music with some global influences. Good, although not jaw-dropping in a now-crowded field. Favorite track: probably "The Story of Light."

It's a banger it almost made me not mad about the unnecessary cultural appropriation in the cover art.

There are some low points for, but I give him some points for some Mike Oldfieldian moments.....Water Babies is 4 minute Mike Oldfield reminiscent track so gotta rate this high. I may have been drinking and not that into other tracks, but this and some weed...well I'm rating. May regret this later.

William Orbit's unlikely trajectory to the toppermost of the poppermost can very well be traced to Strange Cargo III. The final installment of the Strange Cargo series sees the electronic producer take on any and all soundscapes that could be bent to his well, becoming crafted into impeccable compositions along the way. It is obvious, going deeper into this album, why acts such as Madonna and Blur flocked to him at the turn of the millennium; Strange Cargo III is anything but. Favorites: Water From a Vine Leaf, Into the Paradise, Time to Get Wize, Harry Flowers, A Hazy Shade of Random, Best Friend, Paranoia, Water Babies.

People on this website don't usually jive with this kind of music, but I enjoyed it. Cool ethereal vibes

Kivaa elektronista, instrumentaalista musiikkia. Kappaleissa hämärä ja jännittävä fiilis. Osittain myös kivan ambienttia, varsinkin Deus Ex Machina. Parhaat: The Monkey King, A Touch Of The Night

A good album to study to. Mellow trip hop electronica. Well done.

Electronic but maybe a little trance? I don’t know but I liked it. Smaller doses instead of the full album would be enjoyable.

Oh goddamn. When was the last time anyone thought about William Orbit? There’s a lot going on here. Absolutely of its time. So many DJs popped up around then. A lot of them got exposure doing remixes and CD single bonus tracks. If memory serves, this guy did remixes for Bjork’s Post album. Those kinds of CDs were a challenge to hunt down, and it was a gamble if any of the tracks were good. Makes me want to dig through up the old CD binders. I like this. Thought it would be tedious, but it’s actually pretty good. Relaxed, loungy background music for disco naps, or working on projects. Mellow but not boring or cloying. 4/5

This is the perfect album to play at about 3 in the morning after a few pints, and not at 10 in the evening after listening to Motörhead. But that's my fault. It dragged on a bit too long for me.