Far from the Maddening Crowds

Some of the most beautiful, sophisticated, progessive, revolutionary music I’ve ever heard—and I am a huge fan of “music.” This album is a seminal piece of music that should be studied by many. This is music I’ve prayed for but didn’t know existed. Beyond my wildest imagination. I know that all this soundy hokey BUT it’s all true. Also, you have to listen to this music with your heart and not your ears. It pulls at your heartstrings and is evocative. Emotional music. Wow!!!

It starts like a sunrise. The growing warmth of the introduction literally makes you feel the sensation of the sun peaking over the horizon. True to the name, you feel far from the maddening crowds, in a place of solace, contemplation, and peace. You feel a connection with yourself. The energy builds up, and the album takes you on an engaging but calm journey, with subtle moving, but revisiting themes throughout. You start to nod your head as pumping bass grips you at just the right intensity. Track after track, you almost forget that you're even listening, the music becomes a soundtrack to your life in that moment. It feels right, and it feels familiar, like visiting a nostalgic place where great memories were made. Then, the end is a most beautiful, melodic send-off, with the poetic symmetry of a sunset. The energy and the light of the music fades slowly, leaving you again with your thoughts of solace and connection. This album is meditation and it will always be with me.

With its mix of dance, trance, and chill out tracks, Far from the Maddening Crowds is one the best albums of the 1990s. Being a great fan of vocals, I'd imagine this album wouldn't have captured me so. But captured me it did. It is a remarkable debut album.

This is Chicane' best album to date...A great mix of chillout & dance tracks without all that annoying vocal !!! Best bet for the money!!