Selected Ambient Works 85-92 - Aphex Twin (REVIEW)

Selected Ambient Works 85-92, the debut album by Richard D. James (better known as Aphex Twin), is widely considered an ambient-electro classic by music lovers worldwide. Richard D. James really got the ball rolling for ambient music in 1992, it was hardly even a genre at this point. 

Although Selected Ambient Works 85-92 is a very important album in retrospect, it doesn’t completely click with me. As much as I want to view it as a masterpiece like everyone else does, I just simply can’t. There's not much to discuss when it comes to what I like and dislike, it’s pretty straightforward. 

The album combines techno music with ambient sounds like soothing synths and subtle vocals, providing a futuristic sound. This works on tracks such as Xtal and Schottkey 7th Path because while they do sound robotic, they still have a relaxing tone to them, it’s an atmosphere that is easy to get lost in.

However, some tracks like Green Calx and Ptolemy drop the ambiance completely and go full robot with disorienting sounds and glitchy drum patterns. Tracks like this really ruined the relaxing soundscape and left me a bit staggered as I’m not a big fan of techno.

Out of 13 total tracks, I only find myself returning to 6 of them, which means that Selected Ambient Works 85-92 is just about down the middle for me. I don’t hate techno music, but it certainly isn’t for me. 

Sorry Aphex Twin, 6/10.