Customer Reviews

Oceanic

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The brief, offhand comments tossed off by the editorial reviewer of this excellent album are obviously at odds with what a lot of fans are saying about this gem. Ocean waves lead into a short, majestic introduction with strings, harp, woodwind, a lovely violin. The follow-up is a quick climb to a pulsating, delightful "Siren's Whispering." The sirens sing vocalise, and are then answered by an exciting men's choir. There is grandeur in the sound of this music, and yet it is always restrained and calming.

I am, admittedly, a big Vangelis fan, but there is perhaps no other work of his that has such focus, a completely felicitous combination of pop and classical elements. I have played this on low volume at night as the crew and I fall asleep after a long day of sailing; then my vessel is filled with a rich and soothing, peaceful music.

The excitement dies down and the well-named "Dreams of Surf" is a serene interlude for piano and a luminous background of electronica.

Spanish Harbor is edgier, a quiet rocker with long crescendos and decrescendos. The highlight is the Spanish guitar, accompanied by an atmospheric orchestral background, shimmering and luminous.

In Islands of the Orient, Vangelis explores Asian rhythmic complexities in a meditative piece. There is a jazzy subtext to this music, and it ends with considerable energy and percussion.

Fields of coral is another quiet piece, of lento mood and reverberant arpeggios. A bell-like keyboard makes this a particularly attractive piece.

A lovely theme is explored in Aquatic Dance, which is, as the title indicates, more oriented toward movement. The nostalgic Memories of Blue, reverent in tone, and the finale, Song of the Seas, bring this beautiful album to a contempative close.

I love so many Vangelis albums, despite the occasional bombast and misfire. Here, however, there is no exaggeration, no self-indulgence, and the result is one of the sweetest, most endearing recordings Vangelis ever made. I'll end by noting that this is not merely innocuous music. There is an intensity under the slickly produced sheen of clear sound, a careful selection of ingratiating musical themes with subtle development that renders them larger than life, noble and uplifting in feel. It's quite an accomplishment, I'd humbly observe.

If I could only listen to one CD for the rest of my life, I'd start the selection process with the best of Beethoven from classical, some Beatles and Moody Blues from rock, perhaps some Weather Report from jazz and also some Vangelis. "Oceanic" would have to be included and might end up as the single CD.

"Oceanic", like previous Vangelis inspirations, "Chariots of Fire" and "Blade Runner" transcends rhythm and melody to become a spiritual experience. Where it takes you will depend on you, but it will evoke a response or even a journey if you give it a chance. My first encounter with "Oceanic" was not impressive, just listening to snatches of a few tracks as somebody else played the CD. But when I completed it entirely, it engrossed both my attention and imagination. The music sank into the background as my response welled up and the tracks seemed to build on each other somehow. Every time I listen to it now I get ! ! a different response, but it has turned into a meditative experience that I relish. "Oceanic" is a great title because this CD is deep and different every time you look at it.

The tracks sampled here on Amazon give a very good taste of the overall flavor of the CD.

I have listened to all of Vangelis' music. I would regard this CD and 1492 to be two must have CDs if you like his type of music. "Voices" is another great CD of his similar to this one in a way. This is not the kind of CD you would appreciate on the first time hearing, and it doesn't become boring too soon. Well done this time, Vangelis.

I own several Vangelis CDs, and I have to say that, after my first listen to "Oceanic," I was somewhat disappointed. I felt that a couple of the songs were very relaxing, but for the most part, the harmonies and melodies eluded me. Nothing really stood out to me the way songs on "1492" and "Themes" did.

But I didn't give up, and I feel that a couple of the negative reviews of this album reflect people who might have stopped listening to it too quickly. Every time I listened, another melody would appear out of nowhere like magic, or another instrument would suddenly surface. The tunes began to stick with me, and I found myself humming them long after the CD ended. Most importantly, a loved one at the time began to find the music incredibly romantic.

Now, the CD has become one of my favorite Vangelis CDs. I have owned it for months, and the music is STILL growing on me. As a result, I doubt I will ever grow "sick" of it. If you like calming, relaxing, romantic music, then trust me: this CD is perfect for you. Listen especially for the last two songs, "Memories of Blue," and "Song of the Seas."

This is a simple recording by Vangelis; yet, very very melodic. The harp is nicely used playing the ocean sounds not forgetting to mention the beautiful voices through out the entire album.
I am not sure if you have seen the Movie Gattaca, but if you did you may agree with me that the music in this album fits perfectly for this movie.
I play this album in my bedroom, almost every night. Very relaxing; melodic album.
Highly recommended.

This should have been the soundtrack to James Cameron's TITANIC ! It's a shame Vangelis was not chosen to do the score or soundtrack. Despite the fact that he used sampled ocean sound effects, the music alone has a very convincing overall presence that you are actually at or in the ocean with a gorgeous panoramic beach or coastline nearby. For anyone who's a Vangelis fan, this album should not be missing from their collection.

Put on Vangelis' Oceanic and let the melodic and soft music take you on a journey to the blue oceans of the world. Swim down to its depth and coralls and let the waves move your self in to balance and peace without ever moving out of your chair. Wake up to your everyday life as a better and more harmonized human being.

Great, relaxing music! I've listened to it over and over. Very nice melodies that gently take you away...

The Vangelis' album will take you to heaven on earth.
Got stressed, complicated, exausted, sick and tired of everyday life?
The album 'oceanic' is my strong recommendation for anyone, who want relaxing, peace, and a humanic world from music listening.
My favorite tracks are 'Sirens and whispering' and 'The song of the seas'.
The 'Oceanic' is truly a deep peace of running wave that actually any normal listeners can feel and enjoy.

Really, I've had this album for several years now. Everynight I play it when I go sleep. Dreamy and seclusive, it lulls me to my far away secretive place near my mystic ocean. Highly recommended.