Selected Ambient Works 85-92

MF’ers out here sounding like the Matrix Soundtrack

1001 albums on easy mode

I'm guessing this was important but not for me in 2025 2

Fajny album. Dobry materiał, jak sama nazwa wskazuje do słuchania w tle i/lub chillowania. Jest to też niestety drobna wada albumu, bo rzeczy nie zapadają w pamięć. Moją uwagę zwróciło "Ageispolis", bo zostało zsamplowane przez Die Antwoord do ich utworu "Ugly Boy". Miałem niezłego mindfucka, bo to kompletnie różne nurty muzyczne. Myślę, że krążek trafił na listę głównie przez to, jak przełomowy był w tamtym czasie. W dzisiejszych czasach brzmi już dosyć prosto, ale to też świadczy o jego wpływie na muzykę - uczniowie przerośli mistrza. 3,5/5, chciałem podciągnąć do 4, ale nie wiem jednak, czy będę wracał, trochę za mało charakteru to miało dla mnie.

This is the 223rd album I’m rating. I never listened to Aphex Twin, but I've heard a lot of good things. Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. Not Adding to my Playlist - Xtal, Tha, Pulsewidth, Ageispolis, I, Green Calx, Heliosphan, We Are the Music Makers, Schottkey 7th Path, Ptolemy, Hedphelym, Delphium, and Actium. All in all I liked 0/13 songs. I don't understand why people like this nonsense, but not Haunted Dancehall when they're the same kind of trash.

I literally started nodding off ... But I like naps!

- oh boy i do love aphex twin - aivan ajatonta musiikkia ja tää levy on fakin mun ikäinen - hyvää nakuttelua ja upeinta on kuinka paljon erilaisia juttuja aphex twiniltä löytyy - tykkäsin ja kuuntelisin uudestaan

For being created between 1985-1992, this is AMAZING.

Incredible album. Not every day that such a seminal album is also on rotation frequently. I listen to this album front to back at least once a month.

Grok why is my brain mush? Oh its because I listened to 75 minutes of shitty electronic music

put asap rocky on the 1st tune. why do 90s electronic artists put random sample bullshit on in the background? random goofy sound to kill the vibe in every song They need to make abridged versions of their albums for when you're not inebriated.

It's crazy how 30 years on this still sounds like it could've been made last week. Aphex Twin is just the goat of electronic music

Background music. I listened to it and remember nothing. At least it wasn't too offensive

I acknowledge that it can be a bit unfair to rate an ambient album when it's up against the other genres in this list. I don't think it's necessarily a bad album and it probably has its place in the ambient music genre. That said, I didn't really care about it.

6/10 - electronic music for background activities, would also be a good gaming soundtrack

It's a 2.5/5 Incredibly ambient, incredibly boring and incredibly long. Still, some tracks have fun moments, so it's not a complete dud.

I got to Schottkey and felt like I’ve been listening to this album for 2 hours. It’s miles better than most electronic/ambient stuff I’ve listened to. I don’t hate it, it’s fine for what it is. But the genre as a whole feels like it goes on for a long time.

Listenable.

Not music for listening, musing for having on.

good vibes

Couple of years ago I thought people listening to aphex were such edgy and music nerds, they appreciated him a lot. I couldn’t force myself to listen, I was too afraid bcs I had too much respect to it somehow LOL, like it would be “out of my league”. Thanks to writing for music column in student magazine, I had occasion to do an interview with someone who produces ambient and I ended up liking this genre. Now I like aphex a lot, even his “weirder” albums, they are absolutely dope!! What’s funnier, turned out I knew one aphex song but I wasn’t aware it was him (back when I was a student).

incredible im hard because of it

Great soundtrack for if I was in a first player RPG. Unable to distinguish XTAL from AGEISPOLIS from SCHOTTKEY 7TH PATH, but tis not a foible of Aphex Twin. The sounds were smooth and rad,... just one long, continuous sound of radness.

Great to work to and has made my instrumental electronic playlist but hard to give it any more than a 3 on its own

Excellent work music, otherwise I don't think that I would listen to it

I think this is the first ambient album that didn't put me to sleep. The beats were chill but kept my mind active just enough. Still far from something I'd normally listen to but it works for what it is

Chill music

This was ok ambient soundscape-y stuff. I liked this more than I was expecting, but will not revisit in the future. It’s moderately interesting

Ambient music is great for TV shows and movies and for elevator rides. But to sit down and listen to an album of it is too much.

Thought this was exceptional album from a great artist.

Definitely a challenge to listen to and enjoy, but oh so worth the challenge. It slowly grows on you. Not for everybody, yet life affirming for someone like myself. I don't listen to it too often anymore, but I always come back to it. Braindance was truly born here. Someone once said this sounds fresh as a daisy yet ancient as a rune.

Ok background music.. doesn’t do much for me though. A bit too long too. Can’t really focus too well when it’s on either… so a two for me.

I went from vibing to bored to vibing and before I knew it the album looped and I had killed my afternoon. The less I paid attention to it the better it got. I don’t even mean that insultingly, I think I was over listening at first and when I just let it be chill ambience music it started to click. I’m intrigued by the experience.

not a bad track to have on in the background during a work day. reminds me of my time studying to lo-fi mixes in college. it was fine, but i wouldn't give it much more than that.

Would be decent background music but otherwise I didn’t really see the hype. Pretty generic electronic music.

I got really luck with the timing of this album. Monday morning with a bunch of work that I needed to get done. I put this on and cranked out most of my days work. Perfect background music. Crazy that this came out in the early 90's. It feels like it could fit in perfectly with the 2010's lo-fi boom.

loved this. great music to work to

WERE IN MY TOWN NOW eek

More British electronica SHIT! Enough. IT is fucking terrible. All of it.

Quite unlike electronic music that came before it, this collection of pieces by Aphex Twin is a melodic and atmospheric dreamscape that one can listen to actively or simply allow to wash over you passively. Beyond Eno, I haven’t given ambient all that much attention in my record collection, so this was really my first deep dive into how the genre has developed. I have to say that initial skepticism morphed into solid appreciation over repeated listenings. A masterpiece of the style.

I'm not huge on Ambient Music, but this had some tracks that I liked. I think it's possible I'm just not used to this genre yet, and that it'll grow on me.

The most background of music

This album sounds like being alone inside a circuit board that dreams of the ocean. It’s eerie, gentle, and deeply alien — the moment electronic music stopped trying to imitate humans and started building its own soul. It’s not ambient in the “spa playlist” sense; it’s the sound of consciousness learning how to breathe. Each track is a ghost in the machine, blinking softly in 4/4 time. Rating: 5/5 Short Review: Music that hums like memory, decays like light. Favorite Track: “Xtal” — it’s like your first lucid dream set to a heartbeat that isn’t quite yours.

Unfortunately I just don't get this type of music at all. I respect the artistic value of it all, but it sounds so monotonous to me—though maybe that's point? I don't know. Either way, it wasn't unpleasant, but I wouldn't put this album on again, not even as background music. 2 stars

Pretty cool. Would never listen again

Okay enough techno album that feels just as generic as every other techno album on this list. At least there are some bop-py songs on this album, but when every sing is the same tempo it starts to get so boring. Cool moments, but those moments are fleeting. Top tracks: Ageispolis, Green Calx

Was perfect for headphones and working to. I'm sure I could enjoy it listening on speakers working or socialising with others, but I can't imagine it. Maybe when doing a group art class?

So far ahead of its time. Rewards commitment from listener … but then - it is ambiant music

Some good music here but so long it inevitably became background music

A remarkably consistent, impressive body of work which showcases a wide range of electronic styles. My personal favourite are the hyped up, more aggressive and melodic entries such as Xtal and Green Calx. I admire the more chilled out sides to this record even if they are not what I’d intuitively gravitate towards. It’s all very intelligent, intellectual dance music.

I’m a 4 for today, it’s the same at Autechre for me, I think it’s perfectly made and can’t find a single fault with it but it doesn’t quite move me

Appreciate some songs and the importance of the album but really have to be in the right mood for this.

Easily the best electronic/idm record of all time 5/5.

I first became aware of Richard James' stuff through the intense videos accompanying late 90s crossover stuff like Come to Daddy and Windowlicker neither of which seemed particularly ambient. I was intrigued enough to get his compilation album of remixes (26 Mixes for Cash) a few years later. Sadly that one doesn't seem to be on streaming probably due to licensing issues though the odd individual track can be found just not the full album. I'll have to dig out the CD and give it a spin. There definitely should be more than one Aphex Twin record on this list given how influential and unique his musical ideas are/were..

Good

85/100. Definitely one of those albums that puts you into a daze. Some incredibly tight drum work and forward-thinking production. It’s ambient, sure, but there’s rhythm and movement. The textures are rich, and even decades later, the album feels both timeless and ahead of its time.

Helt greit det.

I respect it, but just not my thing at all.

Classic, though a little rough at times.

4.5/5

As an ambient music fan, I've always liked and respected Aphex Twin's work but it's never been my favorite. 3.5/5

Love these guys straight🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Hihat after hihat after hihat.

Good background at work

As a retired type person I usually have the luxury of being able to lie in bed first thing in the morning and on my iPad complete the daily Wordle puzzle, check out The Times and of course listen to the 1001 selection of the day. Today I had a dilemma because today was also the release day of Taylor Swift’s 12th album. So should I join the rest of humanity in listening to that or not divert from my daily routine and have Aphex Twin welcome in the day? As a now dedicated Swifty and because I had received a notification overnight on my iPhone announcing the album’s arrival I chose the former. As I listened, I wondered if Taylor’s most recent offering would be in the 2050 edition of the 1001 handbook. A disturbing thought as by then it is a possibility that I would have actually died. Shuddering this led me back to the here and now to quickly resume my challenge of completing this list before that fateful day arrives. I Doubt if there could be a more diverse comparison between Aphex Twin and Taylor Swift. When in the mood I do like to listen to Aphex Twin. Usually late at night so this is the ideal album to do that with. I like ambient music and often listen to Brian Eno the Godfather of ambient. This album is definitely on the techno side of ambience rather than the more mellow sounds Brian Eno produces. But it is a lovely album to put on, close your eyes and drift off somewhere to contemplate the vexing question of why at my age and a lifelong Prog Rock aficionado Taylor Swift came into my life. 4/5 3/10/25

Ugh, no good

Heerlijke veelzijdige deuntjes om van te genieten. Het is gewoon lekker rustgevend. Xtal, green xalx, heliosphan en delphium als favs

Ambient is in the title yet I’m still surprised how ambient it is. It feels very modern. That’s about all I can say, I don’t have a grasp on the ambient scene to understand its significance. I did enjoy most of the tracks Rating: 3.9

3/5

I didn’t actively dislike this or anything but it’s just not my favorite genre. 2.5 rounded down.

I had a couple of remix singles from this artist that I liked, so was excited for this. It started out OK but went downhill from there. Way too long.

The kind of music I don't love but I do like, the album is a nice background listen.

Im blown away about when this was released vs how modern it sounds, found it pleasantly enjoyable and it's hugely influential, easy 5*

This was shit

Exactly what I needed to hear today!

Not my kinda thing

I don't trust anybody who listens to this for anything beyond background noise

My cup of tea. Feels like Aphex influenced a lot of music i like

It's quite literally just ambient sounds. Not white noise, or scenic river scene noises. Just randomly patterned tunes with some weird clips in it. I guess if you need noise?

Classic

Really liked this one. Started as a kind of spa relaxing vibe and built energy as it went along. Hedphelym probably the best of both worlds

Good this

Not one for ambiental techno, but I got lost in this really easily. It's great.

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Whilst reading the other reviews, I wondered "is it going to be as good as I remember it being". And yes, I get the "boring lift-music" criticism. But this is a beautiful, beautiful thing to be treasured.

really good and very relaxing. gives Brian Eno turns hip hop vibes.

I remember listening to this album for the first time when I was studing for my final exams in my third year of collage. As anyone else who doesn't know anything about this project, I thought this album was going to be full of pure ambient tracks and be very similar to some of the ambient works by 'Brian Eno'. So I put it on believing that it would be a great background while I was focusing on my studies. Turns out, this album is not quite an ambient project. It is true that it is very atmospheric, but it doesn't reach that level of pure ambience. Either way, from what I can remember, it did is job at being a great companion. What I can also tell you is that 'Richard D.James Album' is not a great album to listen to while studying.. So, months passed withouth returning to the album, until I decided to do so. I wish I could remember exactly my first thoughts and opinions. I knew I liked and it is thanks to this LP that I am now a big fan of this man's work, but I can't really tell what I specifically liked about it at that time. Today is a different story. This album is incredible and what really shines about it is how good it sounds and how great the atmosphere is. The basses are drowned in reverb and add a very peculiar feeling of being underwater while the high pitched sound very futuristic. Another thing that makes the album very unique are the weird sounds and the best example is, in the track 'Green Calx', he uses a spring or a stock sound of a spring. This add a little sense of goofiness, which leads me to the next point, the different emotions portrayed, because there are quite a few. The main melody in the tracks 'Green Calx' and 'Schottkey 7h Path' feel very melancholic, while 'Xtal', 'Heliosphan' and 'Ptolemy' are super fun. And I can't forget about how nightmarish the song 'Hedphelym' is. So overall, this is an incredible album and one of the best electronic album of all time. I think it aged quite well thanks to its uniqueness and I have to add that I don't think this is his best work. That title would go to 'Selected Ambient Works 2' in my opinion. Adding to this last point that I think the last two tracks pale in comparition to the rest of the songs, I came to the conclusion that it is a 4 stars album.

Excellent beat pour faire de l’autoroute!

Brilliant

Ah yes, Richard D James. I have actually never listened to this before today, it's been on my radar for a while but I suppose that Aphex Twin is just one of those artists that I haven't got round to yet. And unsurprisingly, I love this. It really is everything you would want it and expect it to be. Fantasticly produced, well arranged, and masterfully written, this album just has everything going for it. Very glad to have finally had a reason to listen to this, I'm sure I now will many more times in the near futute.

Talented producer. This album is long and has some pimples. Pretty decent

I thought this was kinda random then laughed when I realized I have this artist in my library. I loved some of these songs for a specific vibe but a lot of these were odd. This was also veryyy long. Fav- Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev

Xtal // Schottkey 7th Path // Hedphelym // 3.5/5

I enjoyed this! I am having a hard time with the rating, though, since it wasn't very memorable - solely due to it being ambient. I want to give it a 2 since I didn't favorite any tracks, but since I enjoyed the full listening experience and a 2 feels more negative than that, I'll give it a 3. While I won't return to it, I really enjoyed the entire experience. There were no tracks I disliked.

The first Aphex Twin album I ever listened to and still one of my all-time favorite electronic records. It’s ambient, at times hectic and weird, at other times soothing and rhythmic. A perfect listen for me, especially during late autumn

One of my favourite Aphex Twin albums - mind-twisting excellence.

Love it.

Música ambiental sin más.

Very good background music. Good beats.

Brilliant pioneer. Could listen all day and sometimes do.

Chill vibes

ambient genius

Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works 85–92 is often spoken of in reverent tones, hailed as a foundational electronic album and a defining statement of the ambient techno movement, but while its vintage drum machines and warm analog synths loop in hypnotic patterns, the music can feel more like background mood than momentum. For listeners not already tuned into its wavelength, much of it glides by like a rainy Sunday afternoon—pleasant but not necessarily gripping—though there are peaks: “Pulsewidth” injects a needed uptempo jolt and “Heliosphan” casts dreamy synth washes that hint at deeper emotion. Revered by fans of ambient techno, it’s an essential listen for that world, but for those seeking hooks, dynamics, or a more visceral electronic rush, SAW 85–92 may remain more atmospheric curiosity than lasting fixation.

Boring ambient music. Fine as a background to some other, more interesting, activity.

Good, not great. Background work music.

I didn’t love this album. I know aphex twin hits, but over all this ambient album sounded more like background music instead of songs. There also wasn’t a theme that tied this album together. I honestly wouldn’t recommend this album to anyone.

Background noise. Yes, it is arguably ahead of its time, but in terms of the actual listening experience it is just an hour and a quarter of meaningless noise

4-

4.8

I've heard much about Aphex Twin prior to this, but hadn't heard much Aphex Twin. I understand this is some seriously influential music in a realm I don't have much interest in, at least currently. I'm not huge on instrumentals or purely electronic stuff, but I'm always open to changing my mind. Did this album change my mind? Eh, nah. Don't get me wrong: I was kind of down with the mostly chill mood this stuff evokes. It made me feel nostalgic for, like, late 90s 3D platformer games. It would actually make an excellent soundtrack for that shit, but as far as the pure music goes, none of it stuck with me. Maybe I'd throw it on during the home stretch of an unendurably long drive when my mind needed something, but not too much something, to hone in on while I gutted out those last miles. Other than that, though? I don't know, man. People really LOVE this shit? There's nothing really to latch on to here. No story being told or ideas being shared or connection to humanity at all. Maybe that's the point, though? It's another side of music that's purely the sound of decorated time? Sounds more like a dude having a lot of fun with new music tech in his bedroom, though. I think it stands higher as a musical artifact than as actual music. A gateway to a time when the art form was expanding beyond the confines of metal, wood, simple electricity, and people. If I'm off here, let me know. I'll be playing Tomb Raider for PS1.

Simultaneously coldly mechanical and absolutely heartwarming; ambient and urgent; contemporary and timeless.

One of the best ambient/IDM albums I've ever heard. Throw this on when you're working or studying or just relaxing. Wish I would've known about this in college. 8/10

Ambient electronic, good in the background

New wave elevator music

This feels a far cry from the (albeit limited) Aphex Twin I know. This album feels like it should be best enjoyed as a come down to a big night out in the early hours. I guess in the right circumstances I would happily put this on and could enjoy it but on the whole, I’m not sure I’d reach for this and find time to play the entire album these days. It has real high points, and when Ageispolis hit its stride, I was thinking this might raise the album into 4 star territory. I’d certainly come back for this track and 1-2 others.

chillaxin

Good enough Ambient Techno.

Hey, Aphex Twin. Yet another album I listened to a long, loooong time ago (I seem to be getting a lot of these recently). I don't remember too much about this when I first heard it a few years back. I guess I was just properly whelmed - it's difficult to feel one way or another about ambient music. I'm open to giving this one another shot, as I've come around to ambient a little bit in the time since I last heard this. Yeah, not bad. Pretty much what I remember this album being, though this style and atmosphere is more appealing to me now. While generally pretty repetitive, there's a respectable level of craft to this sound. Most interesting to me are all of the atmospheric noises that linger in the background, all of which are pretty sublime. They go a long way in giving this album a timeless and otherworldly sound. "Tha" is pretty cool. I dig the muffled percussion and the warm electronic tones which guide the lead melody. A little long, but that isn't much of a problem with ambient music. "Pulsewidth" is a good follow-up. I like the echoey ambience and the lively synths. While very short, "I" has a great echoing sound. "Green Calx" was surprisingly quite good - I don't remember liking it on my first listen. Some pretty pretty unique sounds on that track, the least of which being those goofy springboard sound effects. The echoey intro is pretty neat, too - one of my favourite bits of the album. "Schottkey 7th Path" is an interesting track. Quite ominious, and I like those squeaky synths and heavy bits of percussion. From what I know about Aphex Twin, this is widely regarded as his best album and is a highly influential piece of electronic music. I'm not gonna quibble about why this is in here - its spot is well-earned. Whether or not a second Aphex Twin album belongs in here is more of a chin-scratcher. His discography is well-respected, though I haven't heard nearly as much praise for his other works when compared to this album. I'm inclined to say yes - ambient music is a unique genre of music and I'm grateful for having listened to this one.

If I was doing coke in a grungy warehouse I think this would be 5 stars… For a genre that I don’t usually listen to, I can appreciate and respect it

This is a little too ambient for me, but I know there’s more going on musically than I realize.

It's an interesting album which I quite enjoyed. It's not something I'd often reach to due to the ambient nature of it, but I did enjoy listening to it a lot as background noise and occasionally as focused listening. I quite liked Xtal, Pulsewidth, I, Heliosphan, Schottkey 7th Para, and Hedphelym. Schottkey 7th Para and Hedphelym were probably my favourites. For somewhat lowkey ambient noise there's a lot going on in the songs which I liked. 3.5/5 stars.

Already heard and own on vinyl. Good but more traditional electronic album. Vol 2 superior.

Some nice tracks in here but I found the overall experience uneven, especially the second half.

insane what this guy could do 40+ years ago

Perfect pleasant music to listen to when I worked

just very much not in the mood for this.

8 Ya so cool bippy bop

It's time to come to grips with the fact that if this album is on the list and your other favorites aren't, maybe your listening choices are shite. I really enjoyed this, a bit like Brian Eno at the club. I need to listen to part 2.

ахуенный эмбиент

This experimental, groundbreaking work completely expanded my understanding of "music." Every moment of this album is resonant, even if you don't get it at first -- it will reveal itself on the third, twelfth, or 200th listen.

Beep boop. Video game music. Maybe if I had a gummie.

Nice one

Aphex Twin: Selected Ambient Works 85-92: I can respect this, but its a little too repetitive and droning for my tastes. There are some very cool sounds used, but this is just too much for me. I can't really see myself ever wanting to listen to a lot of these songs, but this isn't junk either. 5.5/10

This might be the best ambient album I've ever heard, and I generally like ambient music. It just doesn't quite get to 5 stars. Favorite Track: Tha

A thrilling adventure of soundscapes. Xtal is exceptionally beautiful.

A great soundtrack to life. Easy to read as modern Muzak today, but that's only because of how successful James has been.

Best Song: Xtal Back in 1992, a 19-year-old attends a rave with a ton of Molly in her system, sucking a pacifier, when a methed-out 23-year-old with more tattoos and piercings than face enters. Aphex Twin comes on and the two grind it out with a concoction of Molly sweat, lube, Boone's Farm, and Zima spritzing passerbyes. The memory of that night is hazy except for the same five beats of Aphex Twin that lasted 90-minutes. Nine months later a future, failed YouTuber is born whose resume never leaves the ""we'll pass"" pile of applicants at Trader Joes.

The bass drum on Xtal cleared out the gunk in my left earbud

Alien elevator music. Left me feeling scared, not a fan

Sounds and tones. Boring and soulless.

Boooring!

YESSIRRRR

I only knew Come To Daddy before listening to this so was expecting something very different. Enjoyed the album, can see how it has inspired alot of recent bands. Over an hour of it whilst working was probably wrong way to consume it.

Exactly what it says on the tin- decent ambient tracks that make good background noise. Not something I’d seek out otherwise

i already knew i was going to rate this five-stars as soon as i saw the title. i love this album so much. this album is the iconic debut of aphex twin, with that cool, experimental techno music that he's known for. this music is ahead of its time. not just 90s, but ESPECIALLY 80s too. a lot of it was just richard james just dicking around, playing with drum machines and synths... it works extremely well. compared to a lot of other tracks that aphex twin is known for, this album is a lot more dreamy and relaxing. it stands by itself, not just serving as a solid foundation for techno music, but it's still so jaw-dropping to listen to today. seriously, some of these sounds are so insane, you'll scratch your head wondering how it was all made.

It's just background music. Fine as background music, but there's only so engaging beats and the odd chord progression with no melody can be. I can't say whether this is a particularly good example of this genre because it sounds like all other background music. How it made this list I'll never know. Nobody's missing out by not hearing this

Meh

Nicht so schlimm, wie ich erwartet habe. An Stellen echt nicht schlecht, auf Dauer dann doch etwas nervig.

I had previously heard this album before. This is a great album for playing in the background but it's also interesting when you listen close. I may not always choose to listen to this, but it's never a bad choice. I would listen again for sure.

Really wonderful album, some great grooves, perfect for flow state. Will be returning to this one.

Just chill, wordless music that is upbeat.

A masterpiece in ambient techno. It may sound outdated at some points but it is still one of the greatest electronic music records.

What am I listening to???

I can see why it’s lauded. Doing this in the late 80s was only recently legal.

Андеграундные звуковые коллажи.

Indisputable Classics!!!

cool, 3.5

I really find stuff like this boring

i wish there were more electronic music here

I like this but don't think I can listen to it like this again. I even like ambient music but there's not enough meat here for me to enjoy it on repeat

heard this many times before today Xtal - 5/5 Tha - 3/5 (it's chill but kinda long) Pulsewidth - 5/5 Ageispolis - 5/5 i - no rating Green Calx - 4/5 Heliosphan - 5/5 We Are the Music Makers - 5/5 Schottkey 7th Path - 3/5 Ptolemy - 4/5 Hedphelym - 2/5 Delphium - 5/5 Actium - 4/5 Average score: 4.2/5 solid and very influential album, i don't really think any of his releases are misses tbh. this album isn't exactly among my favorites per se, but i return to listen regularly

Perfect album to put on in the background

great background music for when you want something other than silence, but nothing memorable because it's truly in the background. The kinda stuff you'd hear at a poorly lit, try hard clothing brand store in a mall with more employees standing around than customers shopping.

This kind of music reminds me of the transitionary period of life that I'm currently in. It's a kind of purgatory that I find comfort in, oddly. If there was a soundtrack to my life, it would realistically sound something like this.

Доста добър за работа и по някакъв начин неостаряващ

The album is ok. It's simply nothing special. It sounds like somebody playing around. Not for me.

A mixed bag for me. Some nice background soundscapes at times but mostly tiresome. I'd imagine this is the sort of album an AI would pick.

That was good background music for working in Photoshop today. Some did get a bit repetitive, but it was a good day for this.

I JUST saw someone on the 1001 reddit put this album in their top ten, so unfortunately, my expectations were high. This is just glorified background music. Good background music, enjoyable background music, but background music nonetheless.

8.5/10

I listened to this album once on four tabs of acid. I could see and feel the texture of the tracks like they were solid objects on display in a museum. I come back to that moment every time I listen to this album now. Must listen #188 (JEFF BUCKLEY BELOW IS MUST LISTEN #187 BTW)

I’d never got round to Aphex Twin, respecting the name without checking him out aside from the triumphantly nasty “Come To Daddy”. This record sounds very familiar, possibly because I’ve heard it in the background at friends’ homes, certainly because it’s influential - familiar moods, easily emulated. The melodies set it apart - tunes galore, Simon Reynolds onto something in comparing this to Satie.

This is fine, even beautiful in parts; gets dug out occasionally when I remember it to be better than it really is before losing interest halfway through. "Heliosphan" is the true banger, "We Are The Music Makers" a close second. The sequel did bring me much amusement, however - watching as my trendy ravey friends unwrapped their new purchase, anxiously consuming happy pills before sitting through 3 hours of birdsong and wind noises desperately hoping, in vain, for any kind of distinguishable rhythm or beat to shuffle awkwardly to. Suckers..

No siento nada con lla electronica, no tomo drogas

Richard D. James’ debut under the Aphex Twin moniker is nothing short of a masterpiece. Selected Ambient Works 85–92 isn’t just an album, it’s an atmosphere. A dreamscape. A deeply emotional electronic journey that somehow sounds both alien and intimate, timeless and futuristic. From the opening track “Xtal,” you’re pulled into a lush, otherworldly space where chopped vocal samples drift over soft, breaky beats and warm pads. “Tha” strips things back to an almost hypnotic state of minimalism, while “Heliosphan” injects melody and groove without ever losing its emotional weight. Tracks like “Ageispolis” and “We Are the Music Makers” feel like nostalgic transmissions from a parallel dimension. What makes this record special is its humanity. Despite being made entirely with machines, it resonates on a very human level. There’s no flashy production tricks or overworked layering, just a raw, honest, and surprisingly gentle approach to electronic composition. It’s rare to find music that feels this immersive and replayable. Selected Ambient Works 85–92 is the kind of record you live with. The kind you put on at 3 a.m. and suddenly feel understood. A landmark release that’s still lightyears ahead of its time. 5/5

lo escuche mientras hacía un ensayo para mi preu y siento que mi productividad fue en aumento.

Lub dis

Xtal 2.3 Tha 0.6 Pulsewidth 1.6 Ageispolis 2 i 1 Green Calx 1.3 Heliosphan 2.4 We Are the Music Makers 1.6 Schottkey 7th Path 0.8 Ptolemy 0.7 Hedphelym 0.8 Delphium 1 Actium 0.6 Score: 1.284615385

I got introduced to Aphex Twin with Windowlicker and never really went back to listen to this one. I am on the record on not liking EDM or most things close to it, but I love Aphex Twin. I prefer his later trip-hop and jungle beat stylings, but I will admit this was a perfect collection of ambient works.

I listened to ambient music in the 90s and liked it a bit. i am surprised how early this was made in the decade, find it solid music. Four stars even though i may never revisit it.

finding ways to say its not my thing is getting more difficult, so I'm just gunna say. not my thing.

Definitely ambient

This is exactly as advertised. Fine for background noise while studying or working, but little else. When this a um ended and Spotify began playing similar artists, it was a while before I realized. I would put this on again, but only when I specifically did not want to listen to music. So I rank it high on utility, but low as music. Since this is about music, it’s rounding down.

Sounds nice, but quickly became soothing background noise. Nice way to break in the work week but nothing made me that excited to keep listening.

Cool electro soundscapes but I was pretty bored by the end. I can appreciate that this is pretty great Ambient music... but it's still ambient music and nothing especially grabbed me.

Perfect Monday morning music! Also great rave music, at like 5am-ish, when the wildness is winding down and the light of dawn is starting to peek over the horizon. I really enjoyed this, and it's super impressive he was making some of these sounds as early as 1985 at such a young age. It's mesmerizing and comforting and feels so warm and lush. An electrifying hug.

noise

This feels ahead of its time.

Fun to see this album here! Hailed by many to be one of the first and most important electro albums that was before its time. I have heard this a few times, but have a bit of a hard time grasping the greatness of it. I can appreciate it was special when it came, but today it has a hard time standing out among similar albums. Ironically enough I find many of the tunes too uneventful and monotone, even though the album is labeled “ambient works”. Have seen some live clips from Aphex Twin, I am 100% convinced he can make awesome music, but this just ones up a bit short for me with a lack of impactful tunes.

Never thought I would give an ambient record a high score but here we are. Perfect album to have in the background. It just had enough ear worms to keep it interesting and fresh. It never became to monotonous or boring. I am a fan! It was something different and felt fresh. 4 star.

I liked this, but to be honest, I'd have liked it more if it had been 40 minutes long

One of those albums where you think "why wasn't anyone else just making music like this?". As if it should just be expected to sound this crisp with so many added parts that make it all work. Masterpiece. And the fact he was 14 making some of these songs is just astounding. Shame that a couple tracks get ruined by an annoying high pitch nosie but whatever

Atmosférico. Hace que me apetezca entrar más en el IDM.

Ambient electronica is not my jam.

yeah those are some ambient works alright

Boring background trance.

Interesting background music.

I feel selected and ambient.

Pass Best Song: Xtal Rating: 2.0/10 (terrible Stars: 1/5

The issue with ambient music like this is it's not really the sort of stuff to sit back and engage with; it works much better in the background, whilst...ambient. we enjoyed it well enough but it wasn't particularly standout.

5/5. Just a perfect collection of minimalist electronic tracks from one of the greatest electronic artists of all time. This walked so "Lo-Fi Beats to Relax/Study to" could run. Each song feels like it stands on its own and could each go on for longer than their run time. It's hard to critique this album when they are just perfect audio tracks with their own flavors and styles. It's just a great listen through every time. Best Song: Xtal, Tha, Green Calx, Delphium

Not as enjoyable as the more famous aphex twins music. Not in the mood for ambient.

Interesting!!! Like ambient elevator music. I think I liked it.

Ahead of its time

This put the numb in mind-numbingly boring. Really? Why did we get more than one album of elevator music? This is only classified as music for those people who don't listen. Considering this list quotes itself as 1001 albums you must LISTEN to it seems a little oxymoronic.

It’s like a movie score playing on the background as you go about living. And as such it’s a much about being white noise rather than music, w its emotion and story and melody.

Interesting, I can't imagine the skill needed to create these soundscapes.

que buen álbum pero odio recordarte cadaa vez que lo oigo

First time Aphex Twin listener, here. Somehow. I enjoyed this album wayyyy more than expected. Exceptional to work to. Great for city walks, when your brain is a bit too active to concentrate on vocals or musical nuances. Not entirely ambient, either, as there's a pretty strong beat and plenty of interesting textures throughout. I almost want to give this a 5 because of how pleasantly it caught me off guard. But 4 is more realistic. Will definitely check out more of AT's catalog, though!

I guess for some ambient background noise, this is alright? But honestly even with that caveat its not really that good.

Is it my kind of my music? - No, not really. Did I listened to it entirely? - Yes... but I had to listen to something else on the halfway of the album [oops]. ______________________________________ Overall, it wasn't that bad at the start, but then I just wanted it to end. I won't say it was bad but it wasn't absolutely divine either (at least for me, I'm nobody to judge anyone music tastes). It's just not my type of music and I accept it. Some songs are really not that bad actually! But for others, I just wanted them to end quickly but they felt so looong. And at some points, all the songs sounded similar to me, or almost. So, I must apologize. This is probably a biased review since it's not my thing. The truth is, I thought at first I could like it (I know some songs of Aphex Twin already - I was expecting songs similar to 'April 14th') but I guess not! ~~~ Random idea: making a cyberpunk movie with those songs. or a sci-fi movie. I can picture that (hey, i'm trying my best to say something nice about this album!).

I was an elementary teacher for 25 years and developed incredible patience. This album tests that patience. I’m sure it has some musical influence but there’s little enjoyment. A simple four minute repetitive drum solo seems like eternity.

Monotonous at times, but not bad at all per se

I was actually disappointed by this, thinking the title would be tongue-in-cheek, based on what I do know of AT which are the much more aggressive and subversive, _Come to Daddy_ and _Windowlicker_. Truth is that this is exactly what it claims to be, and that's fine. If you're a huge fan of ambient music then maybe what I'm saying is sacrilegious, but for my personal tastes, this is background music. It's a good example of it, but it's not blowing me away and I feel this album is quite overrated. If someone puts it on, I'm fine with it, but not something I'd revisit.

You know those amateur travel videos on YouTube? This is the background tracking music for the action shots - some 23 year old Katie showing us how her boyfriend kiteboards in the Caribbean. Or music played by the hotel DJ while people find their seats and mingle ahead of the plenary session start at some accounting conference. Did everyone have a good time at the bar last night? I can see some merit in music like this but putting it on and listening to it as an album? Boring. 2/5

Love this album, gives off a chill nighclub vibe and a few songs in the album are out of another world.

I liked this a lot. In fact, I liked this a lot more than most other electronic music. It's layered and has depth and nuance instead of aggressively loud and repetative features common in most electronica. It sounds sci-fi, like something out of Metroid Prime or Mass Effect. My favorites were probably Xtal, Ageispolis, Green Calx, and Ptolemy. Definitely something I could put on while doing some light gaming.

Some delightful boops and beeps in here

Aphex Twin is een legende. Zeer terecht dat er een album van hem in de lijst staat, alleen had ik liever 'Druqks' gezien omdat dat een wat gevarieerder album is wat een soort bredere indruk geeft van zijn toch enigszins Rain Man-achtige muzikale brein. Deze glijdt er ook wel soepeler in dan bovengenoemd album. Rondzweven in een grote bunker, gehypnotiseerd. Veel laagjes die als donzige watten aanvoelen. En het is weer eens muziek zonder verveelde Britse zangers. Noem het saai, noem het heerlijk. Het wordt in ieder geval nergens te ingewikkeld of abstract. Een prima achtergrond plaat tijdens het werk. Ik geef 4 sterren.

Origins. We all have them. This is sublime, timeless, and out of its time. High 3s.

this is a staple for the genre, very good, second time hearing it full length, glad i did, very good, feels so ambient i forgot it’s playing, would definitely wanna get this on vinyl soon, would recommend

Det kan jeg slet ikke lide!

One of the best albums of all time, defined electronic music for generations of musicians moving forward

I saw a review that said, "Sounds like its from the future and ancient at the same time" and that pretty much sums it up. This is pretty good as background music, but that's about it.

SO good - nearly 5 stars, but the first few weren't too exciting - second half was back-to-back excellent though.

Meh

solid ambient album. quite enjoyable for me to have on in the background while working on things, not sure how much I would love it otherwise.

This is so good! Is Aphex Twin always this ambient? I don't think so anyway

It feels bad calling it background music, but really that’s what it is, and it’s pretty good at being it. Nice enough.

Meh

Didn’t know they went this far back, enjoying the electronica 3.5

Ambient Works is exactly what this was. It felt like something from a hip spa. I didn’t hate it and it was actually pretty chill.

Pleasant and unfocused

This is the kind of ambient music I can get behind, chill but upbeat. Rating: 4

***An ok instrumental album

Listened for 1001 on a road trip… I know this is super influential for this genre, and I did catch a few grooves in this, but I still probably won’t revisit often, if ever.

Favorites: Xtal, Ageispolis, Actium Aphex Twin is absolutely one of my favorite electronic artists of all time. Everything he touches is magic, and this record is absolutely no exception. Alluring and honestly quite beautiful at times.

I remember nearly nothing about it, it was just background noise...

Better noise music other than Brian Eno, but still very ambient

This is exactly what I want chill, ambient music to be. You can either lose yourself in it or have it in the background, and either way it works. Big fan of this for when I am in the mood for it.

crazy! One of Josh Kline's favs

An absolute classic of the genre. Some of the other 1 star reviews of this are hilarious (“elevator music). Simple yet melodic in an often quirky and unique way. Haven't got bored of listening to it over 30 years. What this list should be all about.

WooooW! I like it so much!

3.8 One of those where the sum of the whole is bigger than it's individual components. In isolation, it's a good but not great album. Songs arguably go on too long, some are not great, it isn't the most accessible for those not familiar with electronic music, but there are definite highlights - the opening two tracks remain two of the best in the IDM genre in my opinion. However, taking a step back, I think this is a seminal release. Yes, artists had been making electronic music for a long time, Brian Eno was releasing ambient work in the 70s for example, and artists such as LFO had already opened the door to this genre, but this album defined it in my opinion. Without this then you could argue artists such as Boards of Canada, Squarepusher, Autechre, as well as future AFX stuff itself, might not have become as prominent as they have done. A very niche and not very well known genre, but if you know, then you certainly know. Some of the most enlightening and breathtaking music has come out from this genre in my opinion, so I can't help but rate this album highly, despite it being far from his best work.

Bb

This sucked. I’m going to be fully straight on this one, it sucked. I am yet to genuinely understand the appeal of electronic music like it’s so boring, it goes on forever the sounds are so uninteresting. I genuinely don’t understand how anyone can sit down say “I’m gonna listen to music” and play instrumental electronic music! Now, is this actually terrible? No. Is it even the worst electronic album I’ve gotten? No, MJ Cole is in the corner of my eye. But it’s so uninteresting like every other one I’ve gotten and I’m only giving it a 2 because I save a 1 for an album that truly made me hate it, and as is I find this far to boring to truly hate, it’s around a 1.5/5 that got rounded up.

Yeah, that was sure some electronic ambient music. Am I supposed to feel anything but indifference to it?

Lovely ambient background music. But it really is background music. Nice to work to, but does that alone allow this to have a high score? Today, I think not.

Imprescindible su escucha al menos una vez en la vida. Es otra cosa,como J Dilla o Dj Shadow pero en ambient, en tecno, en electrónica y en todo ello. 13 temas y más de 70 minutos para elevarte donde quieras ir. Green Calx es un anticipo de lo que serían The Prodigy o los Chemical Brothers. Entre The Orb y Underworld, cogiendo el testigo de KLF... Heliosphan es una delicia. Boards of Canada podrían quedarse en esta canción. La segunda parte es tan buena o incluso mejor. Entre My bloody Valentine-Eno-Tangerine Dream y Derrick May. Su influencia ha sido y es, capital: desde Radiohead, Tame Impala, 1975 hasta Charli XCX o Beach House.

L’ho ascoltato non so quante volte negli ultimi mesi, l’album perfetto per studiare

I love

0,4/5

If you like listening to synth-sounding backing tracks, this one is for you.

Now I’m not normally a fan of this type of music, but Aphex Twin just really perfected it in a way that makes you understand the genre. Great ambient beats to both keep you interested and let you drift off into your own world. I dig.

Pretty decent for techno but hard for me to get into

I really was thinking that the album title was just an album title and it wasn’t telling the truth. If anyone is following me, you know I don’t like instrumental music. There’s samples though which breaks the album away from the monotonous. I think a remix album of this would be better. It’s passable it just doesn’t give me a “wow factor” Choice cut: Ageispolis

Meh. Not terrible. But I'm so over the electronica. It's mostly so repetitive. This one was Soo bad in that regard. But still just not what I like.

Yes🔥

A masterpiece of bleeps written by someone 14-21 years old at the time. Maybe it’s appropriate that this album has no expiration date for me. Ageless melodies and rhythms.

I gave Selected Ambient Works 85–92 by Aphex Twin a couple of listens, but honestly, most of it went in one ear and straight out the other. The album feels like it's caught in an endless loop, never really building toward anything or resolving. There’s a drifting, meandering quality to it that, for me, fails to engage. It comes across more as ambient background music than something to actively listen to—and not in a particularly memorable way. At best, it sets a mood. At worst, it's electronic music at its most forgettable. Favourite track: Xtal – largely because it's the first track, and at that point, you’re still interested and hopeful for what’s to come. Least favourite: Pretty much the rest of the album. It blends into a single, indistinct soundscape that left no lasting impression. Album artwork: I actually love the cover—minimalist, iconic, and a perfect fit for the album’s aesthetic.

Genetic background music vibes

“Selected”…. Selected for what? Quick nap or full coma?

Hermoso álbum. Adelantado para su época. Por momentos un tanto repetitivo (o dado por la extensión de algunos de los temas). Entiendo que es debido al estilo que tiene esa búsqueda, por algo la etiqueta de "ambiental". Fuera de eso me pareció un buen álbum.

.......it's electronic music. It's neither bad nor good, it's just there? I dunno, great working music, but just not enough interest for me to tell one from the other.

Okay

Not my thing.I barely feel qualified to review it

Listened to a couple of other ambient albums lately (Brian enzo- apollo, airport music; oval-94diskont). This one is definitely the weakest of them all-> did not enjoy

While I am a pretty big music nerd - I am doing this whole thing, after all - I have a pretty minimal grounding in ambient electronica. Counterintuitively(?) there's a lot to digest here, and I actually do want to try, which is not something I have felt from a lot of albums in this project that were hitherto unknown to me. My initial feeling is like, 3.5/5 but I can see it going up with repeat listenings, so I'll be a little generous here.

It's cliché at this point but it bears repeating: this album isn't *really* ambient but you can't *really* dance to it either. So, what is it? Well, Brian Eno, a guy who comes up one or two times on this list, once wrote "ambient Music must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular; it must be as ignorable as it is interesting." The problem, of course, is that SAW85-92 isn't really ignorable, per se. But you can pay attention to it at any level while listening and it'll always be perfect, with Aphex Twin's surprising ear for melody maybe being the secret weapon here. It might not be the best album for a sleepless night, but in a pinch it'll work for a restless one.

Cool. I loved this

This is going to sound strange, but this a great album to not listen to. There are times when I need background music: not attention grabbing or distracting me with OTT drama, not silence or twee pastoral noodlings. And the this album fits that role. Taking a momentary break (between surgical procedures, or writing the next novel, orwhatever) this album has enough texture and craft to entertain me but never enough to break my concentration.

Music meant to be heard but not listened to.

Quite good Far far far too long. Taking the piss with the length. Bumps it Down a whole grade

Complete Good working music

I don't think this is my thing

Classic ambient house which I have a soft spot for tbf

I like some ambient music (Brian Eno, GSYBE, Explosions in the Sky). This is fine, but not my jam.

Minecraft inspired

Not a fan of electronic music, but this was very chill and easy listening. 2.5/5.

Nice to work to or eat dinner to create ambiance (as the title suggests), probably not an every-week or even month listen but worth revisiting.

Ooh I love my ugly boy So rough and tough Don't care about anything but me Yes I just love him cause he's so crazy Just crazy about me! Otherwise this is repetitive trash.

I like Pop music. And Choruses. This was inoffensive electronic music to my ears. 2 Stars.

Lots of respect for what he did but it did get to be a lot

eh

If you know me, EDM is not my thing, so me giving this a 4, you know its good. Dunno what it is, its just a good vibe. And it sounds like it was extremely forward thinking. Wouldn't expect this sound from the mid eighties to early 90's. Feels more 2010s to me. Gives me John Wick vibes, but if he were bumping around in the Mirror's Edge universe. Maybe a little Metroid Prime-y on Hedphelym.

Ambient couldn't be more accurate. Often forgot it was on. At no point did I hate it. At no point was I drawn to it. Nice background music while doing excel spreadsheets.

impressive for the time

Gorgeous. Just chilling out on a Sunday night. Book in hand, this album playing.

1.5

2.5

You know, I've complained a lot about 90s British electronic music on this list. Too many of those albums now have just bored me to death. It doesn't help that a lot of them just have no reason to be on this list. But there are some that belong here, and if there's any 90s British electronic album that deserves to be called a must-listen, Aphex Twin's debut album, Selected Ambient Works 85-92, is a strong candidate. Aphex Twin in an interesting figure to me. He's had such a long and acclaimed career and is considered by many to be one of the greatest artists in the whole genre. Do I get it? Believe it or not, I do! This is a great album! I get it. I see the appeal of Aphex Twin. The fact that these songs were made between 1985 and 1992 astounds me. It's fair to call this album ahead of its time in many regards. The songs are actually pretty varied. That's the thing that's really pissed me off with worse albums. They just feel like 70+ minutes of the same thing over and over again. SAW 85-92 doesn't feel like that though. Compare the chill ambient vibes of a song like the opener "Xtal" to the absolute peak comedy that is "Green Calx." I love both of those songs in very different ways. The latter has a boing sound effect! I love it. All throughout, whether the music is a chilling song or a dancing song, the vibes are just excellent. The production is very respectable. The fact that the earliest of these songs were made when Richard D. James was just a teenager is crazy to me. But you wanna know the best part of the album? It actually doesn't drag. This album didn't feel like 74 minutes to me. The length of the album actually feels justified given the nature of the project. I was engaged through the album by its impressive technical qualities, strong vibes, and the boing noise in "Green Calx." I may not be as big on it as others are, and I still wouldn't say I'm a huge electronic fan. But Aphex Twin is an artist I can get behind. I'm very happy to have finally listened to this legendary album. Low 5/5.

This album is really solid, starting of really strong for the first half with the exception of a small break for I, but it kind of weakens about half way through. From about We Are the Music Makers on it just gets a bit more repetitive and less interesting, though in no way bad. The whole thing is just really impressive, though, and while it flags just a bit, it's still just at the cusp of 5 stars for me. All that said, it's not close to my favorite Aphex Twin album.

I have never listened to Aphex twin before. First track is great! Ok, I need to seek out more Aphex twin. I was aware of them but never really listened and I really like this so far.

My life is not a movie. I have no need for a soundtrack.

What a super chill album. Heliosphan transported me to somewhere else.

Way too much rhythm to be ambient. I found it intrusive.

listenable

The title seems to imply Richard D. James was merely a teenager when he composed some of these tracks. What? That's very impressive, especially considering how groundbreaking this album is. Nothing sounded like this at time, both in ambient or dance music. I can't say I return to this album very often but it's always a great time for either letting it play in the background or to fully immerse myself in its countless intricacies. Key tracks: Xtal Pulsewidth Green Calx Heliosphan

One of the prettiest listening experiences a person can have, anywhere, anytime. Much like other boundry-pushing electronic works of the 90's (DJ Shadow's Endtroducing comes to mind), Selected Ambient Works is greater than just the sum of it's parts. The album starts with one of the greatest, most arresting, transcendent songs anyone's ever made. "Xtal" has a perfectly muted kick pattern, a shiny female vocal loop, a melancholy set of chords, and a PERFECT additive/subtractive progression. These all come together to make something so ethereal, calming, and other-worldly. Sometimes, I think this is what a journey to the afterlife could sound like. Sometimes, it feels more like a rave in some crystalized palace - like the round room where the organization 13 meets in Kingdom Hearts. Wherever this song takes you, there seems to be a collective understanding of how incomparable it is. No drug can ever take me where this song does. "Tha" is next, and gets overlooked due to it being preceded by a contender for greatest track of all time. This track buries itself further into the liminal, repetitive, muted space. I've just recently come across early dub techno, specifically the "Radiance" tracks made by Basic Channel. Those songs are the only fair comp i could give to "Tha". It's like listening to a rave going on above ground while you're 15 feet under shimmering ocean water - echoey, glistening, but very much muted. I was listening to this album on a sunny, warm run, and the world almost felt too alive for these first few songs. Luckily, the album methodically ramps things up for a bit. Then "I" comes on and its just over a minute of completely placid, slighlty somber ambient chords. This project couldve been an EP that stops here and it wouldve already been generational. What follows is some acid!! "Green Calx" sounds more like what an early 90's uk warehouse was probably like, after the advent of the strobelight, but well before the american usage of an LCD screen, or even a culture of facing the dj, at raves. "Heliospan" is fairly notable for being one of the more compositionally active tracks. None of this music gets anywhere near pop radio, but I could see this one being the closest - if you put a vocal on top of it maybe? "Ptolemy" is for sure adjacent to the "rave stab" trope. Usually done with pianos, those little windy, slightly atonal whistle synth hits are so 90's dance music. "Hedphelym" is the last song that really stands out to me for it's apocalyptic sound pallet. Those dissonant horn/synth notes come together to make things seem like you're hiding out in a cave waiting for emergency sirens to stop, waiting out some alien cataclysm with that thumping kick and those noise hits/SFX. If you like this song, u-Ziq's "Hasty Boom Alert" is a wonderful iteration of this sound -- very similar but with some faster, more frenetic jungle-adjacent drum sampling. All the words I know and using them to attempt to describe the feelings of this album are like having a wardrobe of clothes that dont fit right. In it's best moments, I am sent to places in my mind that dont exist in real life. Places that are liminal, empyrean, unearthly, beautiful, and perfect. I haven't even touched on how I think this album created a subculture of gen Z's eventual fascination with "liminal spaces". And I WON'T mention the stupid genre moniker "IDM" for this review, even though it did kinda birth the genre. I understand if Selected Ambient Works isnt for you - there was a time where I didnt understand the appeal of Aphex Twin at all! I wanted music that hit me in the face and matched my energy. But if you can be patient and spacious, and meet this album in the mysterious places it takes you, then you'll be rewarded with a sonic journey to places that go beyond description

I have it in me to enjoy Aphex Twin at its weirdest, but I didn’t much care for this one.

Sounds like the preprogrammed beats on my childhood Casio keyboard