Tangerine Dream - Optical Race

One of their very best

Optical Race was the first release by Tangerine Dream without longtime member Chris Franke (he had been a member of the band since 1972 and left in late 1987). Many fans wondered if the band's music could still hold its own without the creative influence of Franke.

The answer was a resounding "YES".

The music is definitely more mainstream than all previous TD compositions and obviously signaled a new musical direction that the band was embarking upon. Some fans felt that TD had "sold out" and that the music was too commercial.

Nonsense.

This album is just simply fantastic; whether you're a TD fan or not. Tangerine Dream was still a musical force to be reckoned with, even without Chris Franke's input.

The crisp, bright tones evoke a sense of wonder and beauty. "Mothers of Rain" (track 3) is sheer brilliance and has the ability to soothe the soul. "Optical Race" is fast-paced and electrifying. "Sun Gate"...oh, my God! What a masterful work of music and sound. The guitar on this track is just simply awe-inspiring.

I had the privilege of seeing TD live in New Orleans (the one and only time they played there and, unfortunately, the one and only time I saw them live)for the Optical Race tour. Needless to say, it is one of the landmark memories of my young life (I was 18 at the time).

TD was moving into the '90s with this one and they proved that they still have what it takes.

If you own ANY TD albums, make sure this is in your top 3! May 25, 2007

Very interesting also

The title of my review of "Underwater Sunlight" was "Very interesting"
Optical Race is in the same family, it is also an interesting album of "Space Music", ideal for relaxing, full of textures, sounds and ambiances. Close your eyes and listen to this album without anything to disturb you, you will appreciate it I can tell. January 9, 2007

An optical Treat for the Ears!

Of the countless Tangerine Dream CDs that I own as of writing this review, this 1988 outing by Tangerine Dream is likely my favorite of them all. The album has a really beautiful summer afternoon tone to it and the songs are really innovative and powerful. While I strongly object to the negative output that their following albums have recieved, I cannot deny that TD haven't reached such a high point like they did with "Optical Race". The song "Mother's of Rain" alone makes this album worth purchasing but there are other amazing pieces on here that are highlights. The closing track "Ghazal" is a really joyous and optimistic closer to this fantastic CD. As of writing this review, this album is extremely hard to find and may not even be in print but if one can find it, it is a must have! I guarantee it. While the TD audiences may be a bit divided between the many albums they did during their 30+ year career, almost everyone will find lots to enjoy on "Optical Race". September 3, 2004

optical race

I have listened to a lot of tangerine dream over the years but optical race is the best album they made. Every song sounds unique and really relaxes you. Take this album to the beach at night and watch the ocean and you feel like you are being entertained by nature and tangerine dream. The music just flows with the ocean scenery, no other tangerine dream album does this. I scuba dive a lot and i love the ocean and this album adds a awsome soundtrack to that beautiful mysterious world ocean. This album is great also just for lounging and relaxing, the stress melts away, i am also a firefighter so believe me i helps a great deal... SCUBA SCUBA!!!!!!!! August 14, 2004

Get this cd!

This cd is just mesmerizing through and through.
It also seems hard to find. Buy it used if you have to. It's definitely worth it. January 16, 2004

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