Amarok (Mike Oldfield album)
Amarok is a single-track studio album by British multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield, released in 1990. The album is known for its experimental and complex composition, spanning over 60 minutes and exploring a wide range of musical styles and textures.
Composition and Style:
Amarok is a continuous piece of music with no distinct track divisions. It blends elements of progressive rock, folk, ambient music, and world music. The album is characterized by its rapid shifts in tempo, instrumentation, and mood, creating a dynamic and unpredictable listening experience. Oldfield plays a vast array of instruments on the album, including guitars, keyboards, percussion, and various ethnic instruments.
Background and Inspiration:
Amarok was conceived as a response to Virgin Records, Oldfield's label at the time, who he felt were not adequately promoting his work. The album was deliberately designed to be unmarketable, with its length and challenging musical style. The title "Amarok" refers to a mythical giant wolf in Inuit mythology.
Reception:
Amarok received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its ambition and musical complexity, while others found it to be self-indulgent and difficult to follow. Despite the mixed reception, Amarok has since gained a cult following among fans of progressive and experimental music. Its influence can be heard in the work of other artists who have embraced long-form and genre-bending compositions.
Track Listing:
- Amarok (60:01)
Personnel:
- Mike Oldfield – All instruments