Happy Hour - New Age Music

Again, this is a series I do where I discuss something positive as opposed to the political ranting I normally do. I titled it the 'Happy Hour' series, and for this blog I wish to discuss what I call 'New Age' music, which technically involves a few different genres.

The appeal of 'New Age' music is that it is ethereal, contemplative, and relaxing. It can calm you, it can inspire you, and you can have it on in the background while you are focusing on something else. Some of it is so spiritually uplifting and inspiring that I even workout to it.

Truly good 'New Age' music can hold your attention while focusing directly on it. I admit some of it can be sort of pointless and meandering. I believe George Carlin referred to it as "zombie music." I think there are some composers currently making music out there; however, that are just as talented and effective as the classic composers, and their music is just as good.

Some of my favorites, in no particular order, follow. Keep in mind I already said my definition of 'New Age' music encompasses several genres of music.

The Art Of Noise - these guys were big in the eighties, but did release "The Seduction of Claude Debussy" in 1998. Their music is amazing, but not all of it. I would say that 85% of their stuff is gold. Get their greatest hits, and if you like it, which you will, then go from there.

Deep Forest - This group is composed of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Éric Mouquet. Their first album was titled Deep Forest, and was released in 1992. They are neat because they incorporate a lot of different styles and instruments from all around the world, and then put their touch on it. Again, you cannot go wrong with the greatest hits CD, and then expand from there.

Yello - Now I really love these guys. Yello is a Swiss electronic duo band consisting of Dieter Meier and Boris Blank. You may remember their big hit in the eighties “Oh Yeah”, which was in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Secret Of My Success, and in several Twix commercials. Everything these guys do is fantastic, and you cannot go wrong with any of their albums (which had been remastered relatively recently), but One Second is their best and is one of the best albums of the eighties in my opinion.

Enya - Enya is amazing and all of her music is exquisite. She is Irish, and I have all of her stuff. Actually, I have all of everyone's stuff that I am going to mention here on this blog. Anyway, her greatest hits collection is probably the best of all of them, and I highly recommend it. Seldom is the voice as beautiful as the music is.

Sarah Brightman - Sarah is an English woman and her best work was on Eden. Most of her stuff is great, again I would say about 80%, but just get Eden and expand from there if you like it. Her voice is even better than Enya's, but overall I like Enya's music better.

Vangelis - This man is incredible. Vangelis composed what is, in my opinion, the greatest movie soundtrack of all time Blade Runner. If you have never heard it, then do yourselves a favor folks, and check it out. He is probably best known for that famous Chariots of Fire song, but he has composed tons of amazing music. I would put him up against some of the great composers of all time.

Govinda - From experiences learning violin with mysterious masters on Shane Madden's journeys across the globe and his passion for modern design and technology, the current sound of Govinda was born. This music is very dreamy, funky, and eastern. For the longest time I thought this was an Indian band. Almost 100% of their stuff is excellent. You cannot go wrong no matter what you get from Govinda.

Enigma - Best for last. Enigma has been around for quite a while, and they have continued to make outstanding first rate music the entire time. In my opinion, they are the greatest 'New Age' band of all time. Not only is their music mystical, not only is it groovy, but it can also be spiritual and sexy at the same time. You must check these guys out folks.

And now for some honorable mentions. Again, I love all of these people as well, and have all of their stuff. Artists like Moby and Paul Schwartz and groups like Delerium, Adiemus, Dead Can Dance, Mysteria, and Mythos. Honestly, I have so much 'New Age' music I just know I am leaving out some others that I really like. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me who you like, or who I forgot.