AMAROK

It's hard to really describe the feelings I have when listening to Amarok. The first time I gave this album a spin it was overwhelming. So many things going on, so many changes in styles, it was hard to take in for a first listen. I hated the album without giving it a chance. A week later, I decided to give it another shot. I don't know what was different, but this time it just clicked. There's not a minute I don't enjoy on this fine album.

That brings to mind probably one of the most accurate ways to describe this album: Very inaccessible, but ultimately extremely rewarding. Mike Oldfield has always been doing pretty inaccessible pieces of music, but this one is inarguably the most daunting. At the same time, he also shows us some of the finest musicianship you'll ever find in music.

If you are a fan of Oldfield's to any degree, this is your holy grail. Do yourself a favor and find it immediately.