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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Arrhythmian (Immaterial Edition)
Album - 16 Tracks - Released November 15, 2024
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Brian Eno
Harold Budd
Roger Eno
Domenique Dumont
Sam Gendel
Gigi Masin
Top Playlists
Lava Lamp 17 Fourth World artists
Chilled Classical 5 Fourth World artists
The Sound of Ambient Synth 5 Fourth World artists
Not Quite Classical 4 Fourth World artists
Classical X 3 Fourth World artists
Jazztronica 3 Fourth World artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 55 Fourth World artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 1,432 releases .

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  1. November 15, 2024
  2. November 8
  3. November 6
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    forge
    10 tracks
  4. November 1
  5. October 25
  6. October 25
  7. October 11
  8. October 11
  9. October 9
  10. October 2
  11. September 27
  12. September 27
  13. September 27
  14. September 20
  15. September 18
  16. September 12
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    cine
    1 tracks
  17. September 10
  18. September 9
  19. September 6
  20. September 6
  21. September 6
  22. September 5
  23. September 3
  24. August 26
  25. August 16
  26. August 16
  27. August 16
  28. August 14
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    lattice
    1 tracks
  29. August 7
  30. August 7
  31. August 2
  32. July 26
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    Natur
    5 tracks
  33. July 23
  34. July 19
  35. July 19
  36. July 12
  37. July 5
  38. July 3
  39. July 2
  40. June 25