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Mike Oldfield - Ommadawn CD (album) cover

OMMADAWN

Mike Oldfield

 

Crossover Prog

4.30 | 1547 ratings

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Stoneburner
5 stars From Hergest Ridge to Ommadawn

Ommadawn is a feeling, a place or a Gaelic word for stupid. After the success of Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield faced numerous challenges while recording his third album, Ommadawn. Technical problems from the beginning added to the emotional weight he carried after the recent passing of his mother. This personal loss left Oldfield feeling vulnerable, which inspired him to create a work that served as both artistic expression and emotional release.

Following the mixed reviews of Hergest Ridge, Oldfield felt frustrated and determined to prove he was more than a one-hit wonder. This drive, combined with his grief, led him to create Ommadawn as a conceptual album?meant to be experienced as a continuous journey. Drawing from childhood memories, Oldfield combined Celtic, African, and folk influences, using instruments like the bodhrán and African drums to build a rich sound.

Ommadawn is a deep exploration of emotions, moving from sorrow to healing and resilience. The title, based on the Irish word amadán (meaning "fool"), suggests innocence and openness, inviting listeners to share in Oldfield's personal experiences. The album is both intimate and universal, capturing themes of memory and loss while transforming pain into beauty.

When he began working on Ommadawn, Oldfield wanted to avoid traditional studios, so he persuaded his label, Virgin Records, to set up a 24-track studio at his home, The Beacon, in Herefordshire. He recorded the album there between January and September 1975, though some sections, like the African drums, were done at The Manor studio in Oxfordshire. Oldfield produced and engineered the album himself.

In the end, Ommadawn is a wonderful piece of music that showcases Oldfield's artistic depth and his ability to channel profound emotions into his work. It remains one of his most heartfelt and lasting albums, allowing listeners to connect with his journey and find resonance in their own experiences.

Stoneburner | 5/5 |

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