Masterpieces of ambient music. Recommended popular tracks.
Ambient music—a term popularized by the English composer Brian Eno—is a genre often referred to as “environmental music,” though its definition is quite ambiguous.
Put simply, rather than music that reaches out directly to the listener, it’s said to be music that gently envelops them; yet due to that ambiguity, its styles vary widely.
This time, I’ve selected some classic tracks of ambient music.
Please take your time and enjoy until the end.
- [2026] The Beautiful World of Ambient: A Curated Collection of Must-Listen Masterpieces
- Brian Eno’s famous and popular songs
- Floating Electronic Music: A Collection of Ambient Techno Masterpieces
- Masterpieces of Minimal Music | Including Lesser-Known Works
- Recommendation of calm Western music: music that envelops you in a peaceful time
- Western songs you’ll want to listen to leisurely on your days off. World classics and popular hits.
- Enya’s masterpieces and popular songs
- [2026] A Guide to Bossa Nova: From Classic Standards to the Latest Hits!
- Famous piano masterpieces in Western music. Recommended popular songs.
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- Brian Eno Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [2026] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland
- Recommended Western music when you want to be healed and relax
Masterpieces of ambient music. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
OtoRyuichi Sakamoto
If we look only at its history, ambient music can still be considered a developing genre.
In Japan, even hearing the term “ambient music” is probably rare for the general public.
However, prominent Japanese artists have released ambient music as well.
The composer of this piece, Oto, is Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of Japan’s leading composers.
It’s a masterpiece where piano melodies born from his refined musical sensibility blend beautifully with environmental sounds.
Ballad of Distances, Pt. 1Stars of the Lid
Compared to more mainstream music genres, ambient music has an avant-garde and delicate side.
Some of you might even find the usual delicacy of ambient music no longer satisfying.
For those listeners, I recommend “Ballad of Distances, Pt.
1.” It’s a masterpiece by Stars of the Lid, a leading ambient duo, and it employs environmental sounds so delicate that you can barely make them out unless you listen closely.
Try listening through speakers in a quiet room.
A Love SongPauline Oliveros
Pauline Oliveros, a popular accordionist, is an artist known for a style that blends ambient music with elements of improvisation—often described as meditative improvisation.
Among her works, a track I especially recommend is “A Love Song.” While typical ambient music tends to center on consonant harmonies, this piece features many dissonances.
If you enjoy avant-garde ambient music, it will likely hit the spot.
Be sure to check it out.
Ambient music masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
Appalachian Grove ILaurie Spiegel
Laurie Spiegel is known as an artist representing the genre that applies algorithmic techniques, known as algorithmic composition.
Active in the field of electronic music since the 1970s, she is recognized as one of the pioneers of new music.
Among her works, the track I particularly recommend is Appalachian Grove I.
It’s ambient music that only someone with her high level of technical skill could create, making it a must-check for anyone looking for something off the beaten path.
Virginal IITim Hecker
Tim Hecker is a Canadian composer known for ambient music, noise, and experimental sounds.
He’s highly acclaimed not only in electronic music powerhouses like Germany and the Netherlands, but also worldwide.
Among his works, I especially recommend “Virginal II.” As you might expect from an artist skilled in noise, it has a distinctly haunting, horror-like atmosphere.
Be sure to check it out.
All You Are Going to Want to do is Get Back ThereThe Caretaker
This is The Caretaker, a British dark ambient musician.
It’s a beautiful sonic world with a nostalgic atmosphere, where sentimental tones—infused with elements of classical and jazz—leave a lasting impression.
Come To DaddyAphex Twin
Aphex Twin is a British composer who excels in multiple genres such as acid house, ambient music, drum and bass, and electronica.
In his early days he focused mainly on house music, and from the 1990s onward he released primarily ambient works.
Today, he is known as a prominent composer of ambient music.
His track “Come to Daddy” is one of his classics; unlike typical ambient music, it spotlights environmental sounds and results in a work that is both intense and melodic.