The Very Best New Age Artists
- 1
A captivating blend of ethereal melodies and hypnotic rhythms, Enya's music has been enchanting listeners for decades. Her haunting voice, combined with lush orchestral arrangements and innovative use of electronic textures, has created a sound that is as timeless as it is evocative. From her breakthrough hit "Orinoco Flow" to the dreamy soundscapes of her later work, Enya's music transports listeners to a world of beauty and wonder.
More Enya
- #88 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #876 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #103 of 341 onThe Best Female Vocalists Ever
The mastermind behind some of the most unforgettable film scores in history, Vangelis is a true pioneer in the realm of new age music. With his sweeping synthesizer compositions and emotive melodies, he has crafted soundtracks that perfectly complement the visual storytelling of films like Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner. His ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music makes him a standout talent in the genre.
More Vangelis- #981 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #3 of 20 onWeird Celebrity Facts That Are 100% True
- #15 of 30 onThe Greatest Keytarists of All Time
votes needed!NEW TO THE LIST
NEW#41Chuck Wild
With his unique fusion of orchestral arrangements, electronic elements, and world music influences, Yanni has become synonymous with the new age movement. His live performances often feature a diverse array of musicians from around the globe, showcasing his commitment to celebrating cultural diversity through music. From soaring ballads to intricate instrumental pieces, Yanni's music captivates audiences with its passion and artistry.
More Yanni- #624 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #39 of 57 onThe Best Modern Composers, Ranked
- #44 of 275 onThe Best Contemporary Classical Artists
Drawing inspiration from ancient Japanese culture and traditional instruments like the koto and shakuhachi, Kitaro creates evocative soundscapes that transport listeners to a mystical realm. His music combines elements of folk, classical, and electronic genres to create an enchanting blend of sounds and textures. A prolific composer, Kitaro has released over 40 albums, each offering a unique journey into his ethereal world.
Pushing the boundaries of what new age music can be, Enigma blends ambient sounds with electronic beats and Gregorian chants to create an otherworldly listening experience. Founded by Michael Cretu, this musical project has continually evolved over time, incorporating different styles and themes into its distinctive sonic signature. Enigma's groundbreaking fusion of genres has made it an influential force within the new age scene.
More Enigma- #213 of 231 onThe 100+ Best '80s Pop Artists, Ranked
- #22 of 54 onThe Best Trance Artists
- #8 of 91 onThe Best Electronic Bands & Artists
The Norwegian-Irish duo of Rolf Løvland and Fionnuala Sherry has been captivating audiences with their beautiful blend of Celtic and Scandinavian influences since the early 1990s. Their signature combination of violin, piano, and lush orchestral arrangements creates a magical atmosphere that has made them a beloved fixture in the new age genre. With their emotive melodies and heartfelt compositions, Secret Garden offers a musical sanctuary for listeners to escape into.
More Secret Garden- #15 of 66 onThe Best Eurovision Song Contest Winners, Ranked
- #21 of 30 onThe 30 Best Nordic Folk Music Artists, Ranked
- #9 of 96 onThe Best New Age Bands/Artists
- 7
2002
Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider has been captivating audiences with his unique blend of classical, jazz, and world music since the early 1980s. His innovative playing style, which incorporates both traditional and electronic elements, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase within the new age community. Through albums like Behind the Gardens - Behind the Wall - Under the Tree... and Book of Roses, Vollenweider's enchanting harp melodies have become synonymous with the genre.
More Andreas Vollenweider- #917 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #33 of 62 onThe Greatest Harpists of All Time
- #20 of 75 onThe Best Harpists in the World
As one of the pioneers of contemporary solo piano music, George Winston has been mesmerizing audiences with his evocative playing for over four decades. Often inspired by nature and the changing seasons, his music weaves delicate melodies with intricate harmonies to create an intimate listening experience. From his seminal album Autumn to his more recent work, Winston's artistry continues to resonate with fans of new age music.
An innovative force in electronic music since the 1960s, German band Tangerine Dream has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the genre. With their pioneering use of synthesizers and sequencers, they have crafted expansive soundscapes that blur the lines between ambient, new age, and progressive rock. Their vast discography showcases their ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining their distinctive sonic identity.
More Tangerine Dream- #995 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #587 of 863 onThe 250+ Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time, Ranked
- #9 of 57 onThe Most Influential Electronic Music Pioneers
A gifted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Loreena McKennitt's music is steeped in Celtic folklore and world music traditions. Her enchanting voice weaves together haunting melodies with rich instrumentation to create an immersive listening experience that transports audiences to another time and place. With albums like The Book of Secrets and An Ancient Muse, McKennitt has firmly established herself as a leading voice within the new age genre.
More Loreena McKennitt- Dig Deeper...Famous Accordionists
- #473 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #275 of 341 onThe Best Female Vocalists Ever
A true pioneer in electronic music, Jean Michel Jarre has been dazzling listeners with his innovative compositions and spectacular live performances for over five decades. His groundbreaking use of synthesizers, combined with his flair for theatricality, has made him one of the most influential figures in the new age movement. From his iconic album Oxygène to his more recent work, Jarre's music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
More Jean Michel Jarre- Dig Deeper...Famous Accordionists
- #935 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #559 of 863 onThe 250+ Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time, Ranked
French duo Deep Forest burst onto the scene in the early 1990s with their groundbreaking fusion of electronic beats and indigenous vocal samples from around the globe. Their ethno-ambient sound, which combines elements of world music and new age, has made them a standout act within the genre. With albums like Boheme and Comparsa, Deep Forest continues to transport listeners on an eclectic sonic journey through their unique musical universe.
A versatile composer and multi-instrumentalist, David Arkenstone's music encompasses a wide range of styles and influences. Drawing inspiration from world music, classical, rock, and electronic genres, he creates cinematic soundscapes that transport listeners on an epic journey through his vivid musical imagination. With over 40 albums to his name, Arkenstone's diverse body of work showcases his boundless creativity and passion for musical exploration.
One of the most influential composers of the 20th century, Philip Glass has been at the forefront of minimalist and new age music for over five decades. His distinctive style, characterized by repetitive structures and hypnotic melodies, has had a profound impact on the genre. From his groundbreaking work with the Philip Glass Ensemble to his numerous film scores and operas, Glass's innovative compositions continue to captivate audiences around the world.
More Philip Glass- #417 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #157 of 252 onThe Best Classical Composers
- #15 of 40 onThe Greatest American Classical Composers
Known for her angelic soprano voice and theatrical stage presence, Sarah Brightman has brought her unique blend of classical crossover and new age music to audiences around the globe for over three decades. Her emotive performances often feature lush orchestral arrangements, creating an immersive listening experience that resonates with fans of both genres. Albums like Dive and Harem showcase Brightman's versatility and artistry as both a singer and performer.
More Sarah Brightman- Dig Deeper...The Best Sarah Brightman Songs
- And Deeper...320 Famous Leo Celebrities
- #275 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- 17
Mannheim Steamroller
Innovative and ever-evolving, Mannheim Steamroller has been a driving force in new age music since its inception in 1974 by Chip Davis. Best known for their modern interpretations of classic Christmas music, they have also released numerous albums exploring themes such as American history and nature. Their fusion of classical orchestration with electronic elements creates a distinctive sound that has made them a staple within the genre.
- 18
Michael Hedges
A virtuoso guitarist and composer, Michael Hedges redefined what was possible with the acoustic guitar through his innovative playing techniques and boundary-pushing compositions. His unique approach to fingerstyle guitar, which incorporates alternate tunings, percussive effects, and intricate harmonics, has inspired countless musicians within the new age genre. Though his life was tragically cut short in 1997, Hedges's music continues to resonate with fans and fellow artists alike.
More Michael Hedges- #345 of 536 onThe 540+ World's Greatest Guitarists Of All Time, Ranked
- #246 of 341 onThe Best World Music Artists
- #8 of 49 onThe Best Acoustic Guitarists
A pioneer of contemporary instrumental piano music, David Lanz has been captivating audiences with his emotive melodies and lush harmonies for over three decades. His evocative compositions often draw inspiration from nature and spirituality, creating a soothing soundscape that resonates with fans of new age music. With albums like Cristofori's Dream and Return to the Heart, Lanz has solidified his status as one of the genre's most influential figures.
Best known as the lead singer of progressive rock legends Yes, Jon Anderson has also made significant contributions to the new age genre through his solo work and collaborations with artists like Vangelis. His ethereal vocals and spiritual themes resonate with fans of the genre, while his ability to seamlessly weave together diverse musical styles showcases his versatility as a musician. From his early solo efforts to his more recent projects, Anderson's unique voice continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
More Jon Anderson- #199 of 320 onThe 300+ Best Rock Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #509 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #103 of 203 onThe Greatest Living Rock Songwriters
Japanese pianist and composer Keiko Matsui has been enchanting audiences with her unique fusion of jazz, classical, and new age influences for over three decades. Her intricate arrangements and emotive playing style create a captivating listening experience that transports listeners to a world of beauty and serenity. With albums like Deep Blue and Moyo, Matsui's music continues to inspire and captivate fans of the new age genre.
A true visionary within the new age genre, Mike Oldfield rose to prominence with his groundbreaking album Tubular Bells, which featured an ambitious blend of progressive rock, classical, and electronic influences. Over his illustrious career, Oldfield has continued to push boundaries through his innovative compositions and mastery of various instruments. His ability to create immersive sonic worlds that captivate listeners' imaginations has made him an enduring figure within the genre.
More Mike Oldfield- #969 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #197 of 536 onThe 540+ World's Greatest Guitarists Of All Time, Ranked
- #292 of 385 onThe Greatest Lead Guitarists Of All Time
A master of flamenco guitar, Ottmar Liebert's mesmerizing playing style blends traditional Spanish influences with contemporary new age sensibilities. His innovative use of electronic textures alongside acoustic instrumentation creates a captivating soundscape that transports listeners to far-off lands. Albums like Nouveau Flamenco and Borrasca showcase Liebert's unparalleled skill as both a composer and performer, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the genre.
An influential force in new age music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Shadowfax was known for their eclectic fusion of jazz, world music, and electronic elements. Their innovative sound, characterized by intricate arrangements and virtuosic musicianship, earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase within the genre. Though the band disbanded in 1995 following the death of founder Chuck Greenberg, their music remains a testament to their groundbreaking contributions to the new age movement.
- 25
Chris Spheeris
A versatile composer and multi-instrumentalist, Chris Spheeris has been crafting evocative soundscapes that draw from various world music traditions since the early 1990s. His innovative fusion of electronic, classical, and ethnic influences creates a unique listening experience that transports audiences to distant lands and cultures. Albums like Desires of the Heart and Pathways to Surrender showcase Spheeris's ability to weave together diverse musical elements into a cohesive and enchanting whole.
Combining elements of gothic rock, ethereal wave, and world music, Dead Can Dance is an influential force within the new age genre. Founded by Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry in 1981, their haunting vocal harmonies and atmospheric arrangements create a mesmerizing sonic experience that transcends traditional genre boundaries. With albums like Within the Realm of a Dying Sun and Anastasis, Dead Can Dance continues to captivate listeners with their unique blend of musical styles.
More Dead Can Dance- #760 of 863 onThe 250+ Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time, Ranked
- #31 of 87 onThe Best Gothic Rock Bands/Artists
- #70 of 75 onThe Best Cowpunk Bands
- 27
French musician Eric Lévi founded Era in the mid-1990s as a project designed to meld Gregorian chants with modern electronic music elements. The result is a hypnotic fusion that transports listeners to a world where ancient spirituality meets contemporary sounds. With albums like Era and The Mass, this groundbreaking project has left an indelible mark on the new age genre.
An acclaimed pianist and composer, Jim Brickman has been delighting audiences with his soothing melodies and heartfelt performances since the early 1990s. Often drawing inspiration from themes of love and nature, his music provides a calming respite from the stresses of everyday life. Albums like By Heart and Simple Things have made Brickman a beloved figure within the new age genre.
A virtuoso guitarist and composer, Pat Metheny has been pushing the boundaries of jazz, world music, and new age genres for over four decades. His innovative playing style, which incorporates intricate harmonies and unconventional techniques, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase within the new age community. From his work with the Pat Metheny Group to his more recent solo efforts, Metheny's music continues to captivate audiences with its passion and artistry.
More Pat Metheny- #234 of 283 onThe Greatest Live Bands of All Time
- #73 of 536 onThe 540+ World's Greatest Guitarists Of All Time, Ranked
- #92 of 385 onThe Greatest Lead Guitarists Of All Time
Founded by German producer Frank Peterson in the mid-1990s, Gregorian is a musical project that reinterprets modern pop and rock songs through the lens of medieval Gregorian chant. Their unique fusion of ancient vocal techniques with contemporary instrumentation creates a mesmerizing listening experience that speaks to fans of both new age and classical music. With albums like Masters of Chant and Sadisfaction, Gregorian has carved out a distinctive niche within the genre.
