Mike Oldfield – Return To Ommadawn

I've only just heard the album once, so I'm a little "short" for comprehensive critique, let alone a full review... But I do agree with other reviewers here.

It took me a long time to fully appreciate Ommadawn, and actually to even like it very much (I had only recently expanded my musical tastes from genres like black metal etc.), but this one sounded just "right" and good right away.

Sure, I've now had a better idea of what to expect, than back then - and my musical spectrum is a lot wider, so to speak - but still, this one seems strong.

Having only a digital copy of this album I had to get the vinyl. Return to Ommadawn is an incredible show of Mike Oldfield and his ability as a player composer and producer. No one captures folk and makes it pop like Oldfield. Everything works on this album. The details are amazing. It may be hard to appreciate new material over a re issue for many. Having heard some weak reviews they seem to be a critical comparison instead of a stand alone album. I personally like this album more. Oldield has given us fresh content of his earlier style with fresh sounds and traditional jigs the rock and flow. I guess if he did a sequel to Hergest Ridge with new melodies it would take me as much time to adjust to as I did Tubular Bells II a few listens. The playing is precise the mixing is reserved the melodies and emotion is haunting. It is not a complimentary album it is an original.

When Mike Oldfield announced that a new album was coming, we were obviously all really psyched. When we learned it was called Return To Ommadawn, the emotions were probably mixed. To attempt to take on his greatest achievement and somehow make it better requires balls, real balls, when you're as accomplished as mr. Oldfield. Expectations were high, and I think most people thought that he couldn't possibly get anywhere near anything worthy of the Ommadawn name. Those people were sorely mistaken. This album is nothing short of a masterpiece.
I listened to it four times on the first day, both the digital stereo, the surround mix and the vinyl. They all sound great, but the crispness and natural sound of the vinyl simply cannot be beat. It's an exquisite press, flawless. The surround mix surprised me, it was really well mixed, and it's obvious that work has been put into asg the different sounds to different tracks. Very clean sound and wide soundstage, and really impressive bass presence. But formats aside, how is the music?
It grows on you. The first listen was very pleasant. It's very Mike Oldfield, yet it's both the old him and the modern him. There are several parts that appear too slow and almost boring, but in return, when the good parts come, they sound amazing in contrast. Explosive, surprising, in-your-face twist à la Oldfield!
I really recommend this album, it's in my top 5!

After many listenings I must say that the surround mix is the best. I haven't played the vinyl since I got it, but the 5.1 mix I bring out every now and then. I just love it! Amazing sound quality, and to actually be inside the music is pretty awesome. Breathtaking mix!