ANOTHER GREEN WORLD

I was introduced to Brian Eno's work through a widely released mix album of sorts compiled by The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne. The song was "Another Green World," and it was the highlight of that mix album. Simple as it was, it drew me in and conjured images and emotions that were both otherworldly and grounded. As it turns out, most of the entire album Another Green World is that way as well. It has the reputation of being Eno's greatest album, and while I haven't heard nearly enough of his work, I would hardly doubt it.

Hearing the ambient beauty of "Another Green World" (the song) before hearing the entire album, I was expecting it to lean more toward that end of Brian Eno's sound spectrum. It does, but I was surprised and admittedly a little upset that a good third of Another Green World is basically pop music. It did take me awhile to really get into the pop aspect of the album, but once I did, I appreciated the songs to a much greater extent. Simple as it is, the pop music is never repulsive. At worst, it's happily frivolous ("I'll Come Running") and at best it's beautifully catchy ("St. Elmo's Fire"). Mind you, worst is not a very good word to use for "I'll Come Running," because I do like that song a lot. "Sky Saw" is a different matter altogether. It sounds robotic and mechanical, and though there are lyrics, it feels more like the ambient tracks on this album, however unusual it sounds. The remaining pop tracks, "Golden Hours" and "Everything Merges with the Night" are great examples of how to merge ambient tendencies with a pop format. It all works out well, especially on the introspective latter song.

Everything else on Another Green World is non-vocal, but I'd not be so quick to call it all "ambient." That word implies that the music forms slowly, and perhaps goes on to repeat themes indefinitely. This certainly doesn't describe most of the non-vocal pieces on Another Green World. There are definite hooks in the music, there are memorable songs, and there are different emotions that one feels when listening to each and every song. Most of the best songs are easy going if not necessarily happy. "Becalmed" and "The Big Ship" bear the highest value here, and deserve the distinction because they are so emotional. Without any lyrics, Eno is able to conjure a simultaneous sadness/happiness emotion out of the listener that it truly unique and beautiful. "In Dark Trees" and "Spirts Drifting" are haunting in nature and contrast with the previous songs drastically. Both are dark, mystical, and exemplify a wealth of creativity. The remaining non-vocal songs are a mixed bag of styles, but I assure you, they're all top-notch experiments in ambient music.

Brian Eno would delve much further into the realms of ambient soundscapes in the late 70s and 80s, but on Another Green World, he melds pop hooks with the experimentation and drive that he would retain throughout the years to create a unique album. It is a memorable experience, and even if you're not particularly an ambient music fan, you'll surely find something to enjoy in Another Green World. Highly recommended for a wide range of music fans!