Light & Shade [Import]

Mike Oldfield | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 11, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal
• ASIN: B000B7HY9M
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,134 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

After 33 years in music 2005 brings a new era for Mike Oldfield. Earlier 2005, Mercury Records were honored that an artist with such an unquestionable musical heritage chose them as his new home. The first fruit of this partnership is the stunning album entitled Light & Shade. With Light & Shade Mike Oldfield has presented a collection of songs that sit proudly among the many classic moments in an amazing career. He is an artist like no other and he continues to produce timeless, unique and inspirational music that will enthral listeners for many years to come.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surfing., November 3, 2005

By 

Jason Stein (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Light & Shade (Audio CD)

I own nearly all of Oldfield's albums, and some are better than others. I'm sure Oldfield fans have their favorites (which aren't necessarily my favorites--like 1990's "Amarok"). I'll say that "Light + Shade" offers some of the best music Mike has produced since 1994's "Songs Of Distant Earth". There are actual memorable melodies here like "Sunset", "Pres De Toi", "Lakme (Fruity Loops)", "Surfing", "Angelique", "First Steps", "Quicksilver" and others.

Mike Oldfield, along with Vangelis and Tangerine Dream, was one of the first pioneers of New Age/Classical music, and he's proven himself a talent. However, the creativity department has been lacking in the past decade. "Light + Shade" is a step in the right direction.

The album is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Oldfield re-utilizes "Tubuluar Bells" segments mixed strategically into some of the songs. While some might be harsh in criticizing this albums, I found that it's one of his better instrumental albums. I was disappointed with "Tres Lunas", "Guitars", "Tubular Bells 3" and "Millenium Bell", and I really wish Mike would do away with "Tubular Bells altogether because I've had enough of the different interpretations of that piece of music.

Even though "Light + Shade" is a return to form, I'd still like to see him try something new--especially after being around for 33 years. There's nothing to lose, Mike, and why not return to what you do best which is electronic pop songs. Set aside the intrumental background music and return to "Five Miles Out", "Crises", "Discovery", "Islands" and "Earth Moving" territory for a little while.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Improves with each listen, May 30, 2006

By 

Booggit "Entertainment Junkie" (Arabian Gulf) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light & Shade (Audio CD)

Like many other reviewers of this double-cd, I was beginning to feel that Mr Oldfield had lost his touch. Upon first listening to this album, I found it to be ok, not great, but ok. But being a die hard fan, I kept coming back to it, and it grew on me. I came to quite enjoy both cd's, especially the "Light" cd, with its standout, sensational songs "Our Father" and "Sunset". The second cd takes a few more listens, but I have come to like it just as much. Be patient folks; not every album is an instant classic! Give this one a fair chance, and if you are a fan of Mike's music, you will find yourself rewarded with lots of great tunes.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Give it a chance..., November 4, 2005

By 

Gogo - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light & Shade (Audio CD)

This is one of those albums that has to be heard at least 7, 8 times before it "sinks in", so to speak. At first, I was a bit disappointed, but now I think there are great songs on it. I've listened to Oldfield practically all my life and consider myself to be true fan, but realistic - of course not all of his work is great, but I've come to respect him - every one of his albums is different, and he doesn't repeat himself much. Light+Shade definately hides some "treasures", but I repeat: you have to give it a chance - listen to it a few times, and you'll start to like a song or two that you'll repeat dozens of times.