Fourth World

Fourth World music is a genre characterized by its dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes, often incorporating elements of ambient, new age, and world music. Emerging in the late 1970s and 1980s, it was pioneered by artists who sought to create a distinct, culturally ambiguous sound that blended electronic and acoustic instrumentation, minimalist rhythms, and introspective atmospheres. Typically featuring a combination of synthesizers, piano, and acoustic instruments, Fourth World music often features soft, whispery vocals, improvisational textures, and a sense of sonic experimentation. This genre defies traditional notions of cultural identity, instead embracing a fusion of Western and non-Western musical influences. Its impact lies in its ability to evoke a sense of timeless, placeless contemplation, making it a precursor to later ambient and chillout genres. Notable for its use of found sounds, subtle melodies, and meditative pacing, Fourth World music remains a unique and captivating genre that continues to inspire contemporary musicians.

Latest Fourth World Release
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Legends
Album - 12 Tracks - Released May 9, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Brian Eno
Harold Budd
Domenique Dumont
Roger Eno
Gigi Masin
Sam Gendel
Top Playlists
The Sound of Ambient Synth 4 Fourth World artists
The 30 Best Jazz and Experimental Albums of 2023 2 Fourth World artists
Four Tet Top Radio 1 Fourth World artist
Chill Electronic 2025 1 Fourth World artist
The Sound of 21st Century Classical 1 Fourth World artist
Pitchfork's Best New Music 1 Fourth World artist

RecentMusic users are tracking 40 Fourth World artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 1,145 releases .

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Get Started Browse Arists
  1. May 9, 2025
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  21. December 25, 2024
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    90
    50 tracks
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    forge
    10 tracks
  36. November 1
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  40. October 16