Music of a wonderful world

[2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated Collection of Must-Listen Masterpieces

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated List of Must-Hear Masterpieces (41–50)

Evening Star

Evening StarFripp & Eno

Fripp & Eno – Evening Star (Evening Star, 1975)

Evening StarFripp & Eno

Evening Star by Brian Eno and Robert Fripp is a landmark of ambient music.

Released in 1975 by the two British artists, the album is characterized by a beautifully dreamlike soundscape woven from Fripp’s guitar loops and Eno’s synthesizers.

Further developing the direction of their previous work, (No Pussyfooting), this release masterfully fuses a meditative atmosphere with experimental sonics.

Its unique world, where silence intersects with metallic drones, has had a major impact on today’s ambient scene.

It’s a record you don’t so much listen to as experience.

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In conclusion

Masterpieces of ambient music add a gentle touch of color to everyday life with a distinctive world shaped by silence and the shimmer of sound.

The recommended ambient selections introduced here are all exquisite works created by a variety of artists.

Whether during your commute, before you fall asleep, or as a companion for focused tasks, be sure to find a favorite album.

A luxurious experience of surrendering yourself to a sea of sound surely awaits you.