[2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated Collection of Must-Listen Masterpieces
What kind of music comes to mind when you hear the term “ambient music”? In Japan, ambient music—also called environmental music—has many subgenres and has influenced a wide range of artists and bands, yet its true nature can be as elusive as the floating sounds themselves.
In this article, we introduce classic albums from the 1960s and ’70s, when ambient music is said to have emerged, as well as more recent works that have received high acclaim—masterpieces of “ambient music” in the broad sense.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone already captivated by the deep allure of ambient music, be sure to check it out!
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[2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Must-Listen Collection of Recommended Masterpieces (31–40)
On The Other OceanDavid Behrman
David Behrman is an American composer known as a pioneer of computer music.
His 1978 album On the Other Ocean is an innovative work that combines electronic sounds with acoustic instruments.
Consisting of two tracks, the album centers on improvisations using synthesizers and computers, and has been highly regarded as a forerunner of new media art.
It was included in Pitchfork’s “50 Best Ambient Albums of All Time,” and its influence extends beyond the music world to choreographic works as well.
It’s a highly recommended listen for anyone interested in the fusion of electronic music and improvisation.
CloudsHiroshi Yoshimura
Hiroshi Yoshimura, a Japanese ambient musician the country is proud of, left behind numerous works before his passing in 2003.
His ambient pieces carry an atmosphere that feels imbued with emotion.
Apart from the music you usually listen to, try experiencing sounds where feelings are visible even without words.
11 SileneBiosphere
Substrata, an ambient music project by Biosphere, led by Norwegian music producer Geir Jenssen, was released in 1997.
Celebrated as a masterpiece of ambient music, the album captivates with its cold, mysterious sonic landscapes that evoke the vast nature of the Arctic.
Combining synthesizers with skillfully crafted field recordings, its soundscapes draw listeners into deep immersion.
The tranquil world that unfolds within the music is perfect for those seeking calm away from the busyness of everyday life.
Why not surrender yourself to the music and let time slow down?
Store CheckOval
This piece is one I personally love, especially the timbre of the very first note.
Its inexpressibly unique electronic sound design makes it an incredibly satisfying track.
You could call it a pretty unique, idiosyncratic kind of ambient.
The disruptive feel of the fourth track, “Cross Selling,” around the 30-minute mark, is fantastic.
GekkohSusumu Yokota
Susumu Yokota is a Japanese ambient musician.
His ambient album Sakura is notable for its Japanese track titles, from the titular Sakura to Hagoromo and Gekko.
Do you sense a hint of a Japanese aesthetic in it? Let your imagination wander.
[2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated List of Must-Hear Masterpieces (41–50)
CendreFennesz + Sakamoto
The collaborative album Cendre by Christian Fennesz and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
It’s a work that brings together two specialists with distinct musical sensibilities: Fennesz in electronic music and Sakamoto on piano.
I especially recommend it to piano lovers—it can open the door to a new way of engaging with the piano.
An empty bliss beyond this WorldThe Caretaker
An album released in June 2011 by British ambient musician The Caretaker, aka James Leyland Kirby, titled “An Empty Bliss Beyond This World.” It features a distinctive sound built from samples of old records from the 1920s layered with noise.
Marking a turn from his earlier work “Persistent Repetition of Phrases,” it adopts a more delicate, unsettling tone and earned a strong 82/100 on Metacritic.
The tracks explore memory and the perception of time, evoking nostalgia while creating a dissonance with contemporary sensibilities.
Recommended for those seeking a unique musical experience that finds beauty within a dark, anxiety-inducing atmosphere.