Comments for Oldfield, Mike, Tubular Bells III

Upon first hearing this beautiful piece of music, my first impressions of t.b. iii were that of little bits of _Voyager_, _TSODE_, _Amarok_, and _Crises_ all rolled into one. Then you realize it to be nothing more than an original work of art. Keep up the good work, Mike!!!!

After the release of the disappointing 'Voyager' and commercially-starved 'Tubular Bells II', I was becoming a bit concerned that Mike had finally started to dry up. Therefore, it was only obvious that there was some reluctance on my part in purchasing this album. Thank god Mike Oldfield has proven me wrong. This one rocks!!! Just when you think the man is down, he comes right back at you with something like 'TB III'!!!

                                  Paul McCusker, Boston, MA  

Tubular Bells III is here in the UK and it ROCKS!! What I thought could just be a gimmick and an excuse to bleed some more money out of a twenty five year old idea turns out to be IMHO one of Oldfield's finest albums (probably better than Songs of Distant Earth!). TB2 was very similar to TB1. TB3 is completely different, using only a number of themes in a supporting role to the entire work. Fans of Mike Oldfield, buy this album NOW!! I bought it 3 days ago and I haven't listened to anything else (Now I know what the "repeat" button on my CD player is for...). It is pure genius from the Grand Master himself. Thing is, does its vaguely Robert Miles feel make it more accessible to dance music generation? Do we want it to be?

Overall, an album of contrasts - from the serene powerful beauty of the Songs Of Distant Earth to up-tempo pop music to some of the heaviest rock Mike has ever recorded. There will be parts of this album that you love, there may be parts that you hate, but it's Mike Oldfield, it's original, it's distinctive and quite exceptional in my opinion. The title will raise expectations, suggestions of pure commercialism and cashing in on the name, and perhaps even Mike's musical credibility. However, there are some breathtaking pieces, and the music has optimism and a sense that Mike has really got his house in order to give birth to this album. I'm glad Mike has produced this album with such varying rhythms and styles, producing and performing some fantastic pieces. The album is evidently more in line with today's record buying public but (thankfully) maintaining that Oldfield magic. My high expectations have been satisfied! Without a doubt the best album Mike has recorded in years - I can't wait to hear it live!

 It is a GREAT collection of music. 
 Whereas TBII was purely a marketing gimmick, TBIII just works so well and compliments MO's entire back catalogue. Listen carefully and you will hear traces of all his major works in there. 
 The best thing he's done since Amarok. 
 -Darren K. Lock  

It is a GREAT collection of music.

Whereas TBII was purely a marketing gimmick, TBIII just works so well and compliments MO's entire back catalogue. Listen carefully and you will hear traces of all his major works in there.

The best thing he's done since Amarok.

- Darren K. Lock

OK, OK, OK!!! I hated it at first, then I started liking it. When I listened to it for the first time ever, it just wasn't what I expected. I must admit, I am a fan of albums like "Five Miles Out", "Discovery", and even "Crises", so I somehow expected the new album to be more vocal and rock-oriented. What I found was a good album, but still this is way beyond everything Mike is able to do. Anybody ever listened to "Amarok" or "TBII"? There you have it! That's what he really can do, he can, he can, he can! Still, I like TBIII, cause it's better than not having any new albums at all.

I just want to say that Tubular Bells III is fantastic, excellent, spendid...

Well, it doesn't suck as much as I thought it might. No, actually, it's pretty good although I'm still unconvinced by the wisdom of calling it TBIII when clearly half of it is not TB-related tracks. Got to love "Far Above the Clouds" though... even though I would have preferred Alan Rickman's dulcet tones to the little girl who can't say "Tubular" properly. :-) Hmm... a strange one. But it grows on you.

It's a brilliant album! Especially "Top of the Morning", "Far Above the Clouds" and "Outcast". Great!

I start to like the album more each time I hear it, but I think the third track is the weakest.

I must say that except for track eight (the "Moonlight Shadow"-like track), I found Tubular Bells III to be better than my expectations. A little too electric but still a good solid MO-album.

What I like most about this album is the variety that was so sadly lacking from both "The Songs of Distant Earth" and "Voyager". I had dire expectations of something with a thudding techno beat all the way through - I couldn't have been more wrong. The second track is wonderfully serene, the fourth ("Outcast") is really exciting - the loudest piece of noise I think I've heard on a commercial recording. "The Inner Child" is haunting and very un-Mike; the tune is more like a John Barry composition. The only track I never listen to is "The Man In The Rain"; it's so blatantly there as a single and is such a bland tune/chord sequence - you can actually sing the verse of "Moonlight Shadow" over the top of it.

While listening to TBIII for the first time, I forgot the most basic fact concerning listening to any new Mike Oldfield release: never trust your initial reaction. I must admit, I was a little disappointed upon my first listening. I thought much of it was good, but it seemed disjointed and didn't really grab me. When I listened to it a second time, it got a little better. By the third time, I was hooked. Suddenly, it hit me, short of his pop songs, Mike's music is so complex, it really takes a while to sink in. The only thing on the CD that still leaves me a little cold is "Man in the Rain". It's a really pleasant song that I enjoy listening to, but much like "Crime of Passion", it's just way too much like "Moonlight Shadow". So much so, that I have to think it's intentional. There are a few songs on this CD that can literally send shivers down the spine. "Inner Child" and "Far Above the Clouds" being the most obvious at this point. It is not quite as successful as TBII, but I'm actually glad that Mike didn't repeat the themes of TB I & II. Like most people, I kind of questioned Mike's decision to revisit Tubular Bells for a third time. It kind of made you think, "What's the point"? But, I maintained solace in the fact, that if anything else, Mike always attempts to be interesting as well as entertaining. Well, that theory continues with the entertaining TBIII. As for the naysayers, who dislike Mike's constantly evolving styles, I say "Try to be a bit more adventurous." I like that Mike tries new things. That's why he often falls under the catagory, 'Progressive'. Because, like it or not...He is!!!

Like many of you, I was a little disappointed the first time I played it, but it's beginning to grow on me. I think it's the title that's the problem - it leads you to expect a certain style of album. After all, if Amarok had been called "Ommadawn 2" what would you have been expecting? I think if the album had been given another title, you'd listen to it more objectively: there's some really great stuff on here like "Top of the Morning", "Moonwatch", "Outcast" and "Serpent Dream". The strangest track is "Man in the Rain". I know it fits in with his current frame of mind, what with leaving Ibiza and all, but it does seem to artificially divide the album into two halves. I've found if you program your CD player to play that track last (as a kind of 'bonus track') the album has much more flow and consistency. Try it.

I'm sure TBIII is not his best album, but I like it very very much. Mike Oldfield came back!!

Actually I like his first albums best. However I was really surprised to see an almost cold and dark atmosphere on Tubular Bells III. This makes the CD spread a genuine and alluring character which other works in the 90s and 80s do not. Until now I have not been able to listen to Tubular Bells. Perhaps that is why I can enjoy his latest and most interesting record without permantly thinking of Tubular Bells as his absolute masterpiece.

Well - this album's interesting, at least! I think I like it... the first and last two tracks sound a bit like "Jean Michel Oldfield"...(all would be forgiven if track 11 went on for another ten minutes or so!) I'm still uncomfortable with thinking of this as "Tubular Bells 3" - it really isn't a sequel, though there are a lot of "resonances" to Mike's earlier work. If anything, perhaps it should have been called "Crises 2", there seem to be parallels between those 2 records ("Man In The Rain" <--> "Moonlight Shadow", "Outcast" <--> "Shadow On The Wall", "Serpent Dream" <--> "Taurus 3" ??) Apart from the obvious marketing advantages, I can't see any good reason for giving this the Tubular Bells name...

Excellent, but the title is a mistake. It should have been called "Combinations" as it seems to bring together much from his other albums. "Far Above The Clouds" sounded like it should have been at the end of a 30 minute piece, but it is still an excellent track.

Wow! TBIII is a return to the old good times. I was nicely surprised, I am nicely surprised and I will be nicely surprised. "Far Above The Clouds" is great , fantastic, brilliant and ... (I love the sound of those bells). If you want an excellent album buy this (or Amarok)!!!

Like any Mike Oldfield album, TBIII has its weak moments: the second track is too slow after the excitement of "The Source of Secrets", and "More Secrets" is a simple reprise which should not have been included. Moreover, the album does not have the continuous flow that Mike's most successful albums have; it is more obviously a collection of tracks that have been linked together. But taken as a whole, this is a powerful and moving work, at times strident and aggressive, at others calm and passive. I particularly like the passage from "Outcast" through to "Top of the Morning" -- this is an excellent sequence that covers the full range of emotions. "Far Above the Clouds" has to be played loud: this is Mike at his passionate best. Hearing it in concert in London was very exciting. Overall, it does not eclipse TB or TBII but adds to the legend.

"Inner Child" and "Far Above the Clouds" tell us that Mike is deeply wonderful.

As always, Oldfield manages to surprise us with each album. Great to hear a song again, with any luck "Man In The Rain" will perform well as a single and persuade Mike to make another songs album. Can't wait for the tour!

Overall a very good album with few shortcomings. I can think of only one - "Man in the Rain". Why? One word to all the supposed Mike Oldfield fans: why are you constantly comparing the new records with the older ones and base your feelings for a new record on that? The past is just what the word says, past. Listen to the record and then decide if you like it or not. Do not compare it with the older ones and then decide if you like it or not. Would you like to have TBIV, TBV, TBVI and so on? Not very exciting, is it?

This Sound of This Man is the Best !!

I've been a fan of Mike's music for 25 years now and in my opinion this is one of his best albums to date! There are few artists that have been around for 25 years that you can say that about. 'Far Above the Clouds' has got to be the best ending to any of his albums and is up there with Ommadawn and Amarok. The concert at Horse Guards Parade was just amazing(despite the rain), and it's a shame the BBC couldn't find it in their hearts to broadcast it live but for those who missed it just wait for the video it will be a real treat! I was never in any doubt 25 years ago that Mike would still be making great music today. How right I was!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! If any new fan should ask which should be the first album he/she should buy, we should say: "TUBULAR BELLS III!" I bought it yesterday and I first expected something like "Tubular Bells II", but luckily it isn't. This album clearly shows how much variation Mike's music has got. "Man in the Rain" really stands out (and I think it's better than "Moonlight Shadow",( sorry Maggie!)) and I really like "Outcast" and "Far Above the Clouds". There is only one risky thing with this album: With the use of wind- and birdsunds, Mike could once again be considered to be a New Age-musician (Which he surely is NOT!)

For fans of Mike Oldfield in the US, I have learned that the release of the American version has been postponed indefinitely. Your best bet would be to try and obtain a copy of the Canadian ver. You can also order the European ver. for US $25 from GERMAN MUSIC EXPRESS. They are located here in the Netherlands, and specialise in easy & hard-to-get imports from Europe and Japan.

Although it's a little different for what you would expect with a name like "TB" i think mike once again reinvented himself and his masterpiece of 1973.It's different,yes,but it's still a great album(and that's the most important thing of all)and it diserves the name TBIII.It's very "dissimilar" with songs like"the source of secrets" and "secrets" wich are very techno ,and, others like "man in the rain"(one of my favorites) and the "top of the morning" easier to listen.Moonwatch is probably the weakest song of the album.

Mike Oldfield is an absolute genius; Tubular Bells III is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Nice one, mate!

This is a fantastic piece of music - one of Mike's most powerful. I went to the concert and now, even when I listen to "Secrets" and "Far Above the Clouds" at the end - I go cold with a shiver down my spine! Truly brilliant!

So far so good. I think it should be the right time to stop persisting in the fame ,name and theme of the basic TB1. First things come first.

I think what this album really shows us is that the title "Tubular Bells" refers only to new beginnings. Tubular Bells of course started a career, Tubular Bells 2 was a relaunch on a new label with a more positive look. Tubular Bells 3 is his return from his seperate life in Ibiza. They reflect changes in his life and acts as an emotional mirror. (Tubular Bells 2 was so "happy" due to his liberation from Virgin, etc.). This album shows an emotional rollecoaster that is almost scary in its intensity. If there is one flaw with this album, and I'm afraid it isn't a minor one; it's the lack of flow. This album is too disjointed. Eacn individual track is incredible. Together, it's almost weaker. Mike's made better albums, but that does not invalidate it.

Great Mike! A really inspired album, absolutely with no equal in the modern music! I completely agree with the definition found in the booklet... 'Tubular Bells III': terrible, wonderful, crazy, perfect

Very addictive and excellent!

Of course this album will be compared to the first Tubular Bells. Of course "Man in the Rain" will be compared to "Moonlight Shadow". But, I want to say that I listen to "Man in the Rain" 10 times a day and I listen to Tubular Bells III every day with pleasure. A great pleasure... And that's the most important!

I bought Tub3 when it first came out and on the whole it's excellent! MO is getting a bit of flack in the press stating that he only sells albums when they are called Tubular Bells! This is actually a very good album with a hint of Ibiza in it and should stand up if it was called something completely different! This moring I heard Steve Wright (Radio 2) playing Moonlight Shadow and Main in the Rain together. You could not tell they were 2 seperate records! I already called it Moolight Shadow '98 and I do like the track.

As my predecessors have stated, there isn't as much continuous flow throughout the entire album as one would expect on a MO release. However, on a track-to-track basis, "Tubular Bells III" -IS- Oldfield's most consistent album since "Five Miles Out". If you are a fan of his more better recent works ("The Songs of Distant Earth" and "Amarok"), you will definitely like this one!

At first, it seemed that Mike had secombed to the dance genre with TBIII, and, to be honest I was disapointed. The CD I bought was missing the final two tracks. I replaced the CD and my thoughts IMMEDIATELY changed. 'Far Above The Clouds' is one of the most powerfull peices of music I have ever heard. It is completely different from 1&2, yet it is still so Tubular Bells. Excellent work, Mike. **** Who Is Going To The Premier In London? ****

Tubular Bells III. What can I say except, fantastic!! Man in the rain is an absolute classic (and better than Moonlight Shadow). Great to see that Mike is still in top form.

In my opinion, it's one of the best albums he has ever done. "Man In The Rain" is wonderful! Go on like this, Mike, you're the best!!

Just...Fantastic.The music that only he can make...

Well, I think at least it's good enough, especially when you compare it to the last two albums, and "Far Above the Clouds" is simply fantastic... By the way, I'm not very good at English, could somebody transcript the child voice words "Far Above the Clouds" please ?

"And the man in the rain picked up his bag of secrets.................and journeyed up the mountainside.................far above the clouds...........and nothing was ever heard from him again................except for the sound of TUBULAR BELLS!!!"""" ALLLLLLRRRRIIIIIIIIGHHHHHHHTTTTT!!!!!!

This is a good album..... Number 6 is the best track i ever heard..... thats was all....

This is more than great. If you just close your eyes and listening The Songs of Distant Earth, you can realy have. If you get this album, you are on Mike's Earth, and you have a great filling to be in this World, in the rain, to have clouds, and having this CD. You must have it......

If you are MO positive as me, it is useless to comment on what should and what should not have been included, excluded, made in other way ... bla bla bla. 10 points guys! By the way Mike mentioned in an interview he intends to create a guitar CD. Looking forward too?

I think the fans on this page are overrating this album. Yes, it's good, but does it really deserve a "10" rating? IMHO, absolutely not, or else you'd have to give Ommadawn, Amarok, TB1, Hergest Ridge, Incantations, etc, a 12 or 13 since they are definitely better pieces of music! Just trying to keep this page realistic (giving TB3 an "8" rating)...

In response to the above, TB3 is the closest embodiment of Mike's soul since Ommadawn, and as such merits a 10. You don't need to read about him screwing up relationships in the Daily Mirror to know how much he is the man in the rain. Treat the album as a whole, not as a subdivided series of tracks- it has a spiritual homogeneity and narrative structure as strong as the others. For God's sake, this is a GOOD album! Get yer ears ironed!

Mike Oldfield's music is for me the sweetest, most satisfying in the world. What I find most unsatisfying is the plodding wait for his next release. TB3, like so many albums past, was worth waiting for. By the way, if anyone out there is selling or knows where to find a laserdisc copy of TB2 Live at Edinburgh Castle, could you e-mail me with details?

 The first time I heard it, I was deeply disappointed. After the concert in London I was wet. And now I think it is another CD, not bad, but not a masterpiece. However, M.O. is the greatest. How many times did you play Amarok until you recognize it was a masterpiece?             Brian (bhagan@architecture.dundee.ac.uk) This is not dance music! It is infinitely better than Enigma, Robert Miles etc, etc because it's got SOUL! Listen to the album for God's sake and get beyond your silly prejudices. I have no doubt that this is Mike's most deeply felt music for many years, probably since Ommadawn. There is genuine melancholy throughout this album, not just commercial, money grabbing intent. And frankly I prefer that Mike is pushing out the boundaries of his music, actually showing what could and should be done with the technology available to him, than rehashing some dated ideal of the "guitar album". Mike Oldfield may well be some sort of God... I think Tubular bells III would almost convince anyone whose ears and whose mind is open.             Alberto Aranda (raranda@readysoft.es)      Me encanta todo lo relacionado con Mike Oldfield, tengo toda su discografía y es que no puedo pasar sin escucharla toda. Todos sus trabajos desde el primero hasta el último... ¡OH! ¡¡¡¡ME ENCANTAN!!!! Pero es que el Tubular Bells III ha sido la rematada final, creo que me voy a morir de encanto si sigo así, ¡necesito ayuda! En mi opinión Mike ha conseguido su perfección total en este último trabajo, se ha convertido en el completo. Pero... ¿qué nos preparará Mike en su próximo trabajo...?             Chris Cotton (saaswood@bigpond.com)      They brought forward the release date of this album in Australia by a month or so, and when I went in to enquire about it at my local record store, the lady said that she had already had heaps of enquiries and had only 2 copies left of the stock she'd brought in!! I was immediately encouraged, especially after having some kind readers of this web page e-mail me with words of encouragement about having to wait for the album. Thanks Patrick!! It was worthwhile. The first track is quite dance and club orientated. Track 2 is a good introduction for track 3, which is a great track - a bit like TSODE. Track 4 is a really good rock track. Track 5 didn't really do a lot for me, because I'm not really into Spanish guitar, but it is still an okay track. Track 6 has a lady with a lovely voice giving a superb, eerie feel to the album. Now, there has been a great deal of criticism of track 7 - "Man In The Rain", but I actually really liked it. Yes, I suppose it is similar to "Moonlight Shadow", but so what? It is still a good track in its own right. Track 8 has some lovely moments, including some great piano. Track 9 wasn't really anything spectacular and track 10 is just like track 1 - But track 11's "Far Above The Clouds" JUST GOES OFF!! WOW - It is incredible, particularly when those tubular bells start banging in. The track is really going somewhere, it has real purpose and power. It makes a statement to a new generation of listeners that says "Wow, this is the beat of the time, take me on the journey - Show me where you've been and what you've done. This journey is going somewhere - take me there Mike!!" I genuinely think that this track is one of the best individual tracks I have heard from ANYONE for a very long time - Well done Mike, follow your instincts. I really like your new style and where you're going ! I'm more than happy to follow...             Paul Cantrell (paul.cantrell@fluffy0.demon.co.uk)      As a fan of many genres of music, I think that anyone who can actually classify any of this album as dance orientated is talking shite. I can't see why people are adverse to a bit of a 'drum beat' on a couple of tracks, it doesn't sound out of place. I'm sure that if he had kept to the same formulas as people are familiar with, he'd get criticised for that as well. IMHO an excellent album.             Add Collyer (AdamCUK@aol.com)      Hey how's it goin. I also don't think that this album should be classified as a "dance album, and thats it" because, as someone else said, it isn't all dance - I mean, "The Inner Child" has some real power to it - something that I can't really explain, and this is why I hence to tell you another quote that someone else said, that Tubular Bells 3 could be called "Crises 2", as "Shadow on the Wall" = "Outcast", "Moonlight Shadow" = "man in the Rain", and "Taurus 3" = "Serpent Dream". Sorry to those names I can't remember. Anyway, I'M still listening to it, and still listening to the live version, and am still happy with it. P.S. I guess it's obvious that Mike called it TB3 coz of the 25th anniversary etc etc, but that's ok coz of the ending and the spirit of it.             Jonathan Pike (jipike@gil.com.au)      TB3 is simply put a wonderful album and a strong contender for my favourite Oldfield CD. "Outcast" is a great rock track and probably Mike's heaviest to date. "Man in the Rain" has a beautiful vocal and lovely lyrics - his first Song since "Heavens Open" and hopefully not his last. I wouldn't be surprised if this track reaches the top of the UK charts and even the Aussie one as well. All it needs is airplay and promotional support from Warner. I liked most of the other tracks as well. Mike - don't listen to those cloth heads who denounce your album - it's truly brilliant.             Drew McKinnie (mckinnie@dynamite.com.au)      After a long hard day in the heat and sun, when you've racked up a real hard thirst, there's nothing like an ice cold beer. A night out with great company and a tender fillet deserves a great red wine. At other times, when you're feeling mellow, a supple wee dram of single malt is magic... So what does this have to do with MO's music and TBIII??? Mood. Taste. Company. Occasion. There is no such thing as a single drink that is best for all occasions or all tastes. Similarly there is no such thing as one "best" MO album, but I definitely have been developing a strong thirst for something refreshing and exciting, and TBIII goes down very well indeed! I have enjoyed all MO's music since the early 70s, but I have not been so invigorated at first listening since Amarok. TBIII is also most refreshing to my ears because of its sheer variety, an aspect somewhat lacking in some earlier albums. A track fits every mood. I just love the energy and drama of "Outcast", the mystery and intricacy of "Serpent Dream", the Ommadawnish 'p-c' heartbeat rhythm of "Far Above the Clouds" after the crescendo of bell and guitar, and a hundred other things. When I'm feeling more mellow, the lovely "Top of the Morning" is magic, supple, soothing. This album has also caused me to drag earlier albums from their cases for a fresh listen - many tantalising echoes from early works are hidden in the TBIII tapestry. A long road trip with a friend was spent track hopping through the CD stacker, to our mutual enjoyment. Yes I love it! For my variable tastes and moods, TBIII is a great album, a wonderful tonic. Yes... mmm...             Robin Mackenzie (robinjmackenzie@hotmail.com)      I think anyone must be a fool to criticise any of Mike Oldfield's work. Especially this album. It's adventurous. And different. Truly wounderful. Please mail me if you agree.             Piotr Szymanski (pcop@polbox.com)      TBIII was the first of Mike Oldfield's album I'd listened to. In my opinion it's one of the best albums I've ever heard. Thanks Mike! You've got a new fan!             Ben Pearson (B.T.Pearson@pol-as.hull.ac.uk)      Never mind about the similarities of "Man in the Rain" compared to "Moonlight Shadow". Have you also noticed that the section with lyrics 'How's it feel when there's time to remember, branches bare like the trees in November', is an exact copy of one of the tunes on The Songs of Distant Earth as are many of the songs on the album. Ok - so perhaps this was the populist version of TSODE. I actually think the album is better. For me TSODE was a complete turn-off. I tried to look for the subtle coherence and ingenuity of Incantations, but it just wasn't there. The beginning tune was weak and the reprise of this poor tune at the end was a joke, particularly the screetchy guitar build up (as if to raise its prominence). TBIII is a complete success. It makes up for all of what TSODE lacked. We can argue about lack of coherence but at the end, just like any good Oldfield album, I felt part of the whole experience and uplifted. I've always felt that Mike should visit this dance area. It is a style that has always lacked soul and feeling (leaving me cold). Until now. The finale is unique sending a chilling shiver down my spine with an urge to dance to the drums - but perhaps that's just remembering wanting to dance in the freezing weather at Horse Guard's Parade, London. This is great.             Jessica Chiu (jessck@earthling.net)      Hmm, just wondering... am I the only one who was NOT disappointed after the first listen? *Grin* As somebody pointed out, it's addictive. Yes indeed, it is! Thumbs up! Fan-smegging-tastic! One thought though: 'Moonwatch' seems to end quite abruptly (too abruptly, in fact...). I'm sulking as I didn't get the chance to go to the TBIII concert *sigh* Oh well, maybe next time. I'm just waiting to get the DVD now...             Sylvain Barrette (ufo@videotron.ca)      I just purchased Tubular Bells 3 and I can tell you that it is up to the Mike Oldfield standards, its production is without any false but who am I to critisise him since I'm probably his greatest fan in Quebec, Canada. All the best Mike!             D White (w_traven@yahoo.com)      I'd have to say this: "The Source of Secrets" - Kinda like going to your class reunion. You see an old friend, and realised that the time has really flown by. Not as good in my opinion as "Sentinel", but reminds you of the theme most distinguished by Mike. "The Watchful Eye" - Kind of a transition piece. Like the smooth relaxing flow. "Jewel in the Crown" - More modern stuff. "Outcast" - Hey, the guitar has to come in somewhere, doesn't it? A little on the heavy side for the album. "Serpent Dream" - Mellow extension of "Outcast". "Inner Child" - Not really sure about this one. "Man in the Rain" - I agree it is somewhat like "Moonlight Shadow", but serves more as a break in the album. "Top of the Morning" - My favourite piece in the album. It gets started in my head and goes on and on. Brings back the focus of instrumentality to the album. "Moonwatch" - I like the flow of this piece too. Sets you up for "Secrets". "Secrets" - A return to the mood at the beginning of the album. "Far Above the Clouds" - I think of this as sort of a combination of the ends of Tubular Bells, Part One and Ommadawn, Part One. Very climactic. The Birds at the end don't really make me feel far above the clouds. I look at this album in two ways: It is like Tubular Bells, Part One (a little bit), or It is somewhat like Crises. tracks 1-6 being like one song, and ending and beginning similarly. Track 7 is like "Moonlight Shadow" and tracks 8-11 are more or less like replacements for lyric songs on "side 2". I thought it was rather short, and could use some additional music, but overall not a bad album.             Nicolás Cóppola (Ncoppola@hotmail.com)      Is a very addictive album, with a lot of variations, it has techno, new age, hard rock, flamenco, some opera, 80's pop, virtuoso piano playing, and the best finale that I've found on any of Oldfield's, or anybody else's, albums. The fact is that it's not too original, but that's the point He grouped very different musical styles that made his career so glorious, and he mixes all the styles very well. It's a great work.             Graham Freeman (gths@flat-earth.org)      A bit exploitative? Maybe. But it's still a Bloody Good Album. It's the album Tubular Bells 2 should have been. It's in my top five favourite Mike Oldfield albums already. And those five don't include either TB1 or TB2 That's right, it's better than Tubular Bells (which has always been a little overrated). Plus it incorporates some of the better mid-80s pop stuff, which oddly enough, I quite like. And it sounds like it was recorded in the 90s without sounding "90s" (ie dated in a year, like TB2 did). So, not quite better than Ommadawn or Amarok, but almost. It Does Not Suck, and If You Say So, You Are Obviously, to coin a phrase, a "Cloth-eared Nincompoop". I'm a believer again.             Thomas Takala (tt62569@uta.fi)      Humm... great! But I just think some of you people are so silly. You seem to think that if you liked one (or some) of Mike´s works, you are somehow entitled to demand that every album should be made for you. Then if the new one doesn´t, you come and crush it. No. Listen to the music you like and forget the albums you so despise. It's very pitiful to come and ramble about how that and that sound was so bad and that the title was not right and that that song didn´t fit... to me Mike's music is sacred and I have really enjoyed every album. He reveals small mysteries. He makes me feel comfortable... He is from the air, earth, fire and water. Elements. Thanks.             Leonardo Pérez (le-perez@uniandes.edu.co)      Parece ser (por lo que he leido), que yo soy el único admirador de TODA la música de Mike Oldfield, que trata de comprender un poco lo que pasa con el TBIII. Es cierto, el hombre ha exagerado un poco con sus beats del techno, y su música a veces es algo simple y vacia. Pero aún así, existen canciones en las cuales su estilo está aún presente ("Outcast"), y otras en las que sus impresionantes melodias aún me siguen dejando atónito. MIKE: Ojalá, no se siga pareciendo tu música a ENIGMA, ya que no te queda. De resto, está simplemente fabuloso!             Mark Slattery (mark@slatterym.freeserve.co.uk)      I agree entirely with Leonardo.             Andrew Caldwell (Crystalline1@prodigy.net)      Music is a state of mind. It either takes you where you want to be or escape what you want to get away from. No one does this like Mike Oldfield. In my opinion, Mike Oldfield and Vangelis are the only musicians that have the creative ideas and musical knowledge to perform such works of art. Buy Tubular Bells III, and enjoy it for what it is. As it is the work of a master musician. As of calling it "Tubular Bells..." a title is a seperation. The same as a chapter in a book. It's an ending to one section and a beginning of another. This is just the beginning ...             Steve Kennedy (SLiK@errisdeep.freeserve.com)      Listen, I know a lot of people had a go at this because of the perceived lack of "Tubular Bells" material but hey in twenty five odd years you have to expect the guy to have progressed somewhat. I was there, at Horseguards parade for four hours in the pouring rain and believe me it was the nearest thing I've ever experienced to the multiple orgasm. Admittedly I've been in the forces for most of my adult life and so actually finding the time and the leave to go and see a concert took me fifteen years and so was an ambition achieved and the only possible way it could have dissapointed me would have been if he hadn't turned up, but apart from my obvious bias it was a magnificent performance all round.             Ozan (ozank@eczacibasi.com.tr)      I have read all the comments. It is surprising to see some people who are dying to criticize this splendid album just because they want to oppose the general wiew - which is very positive for most of the fans. I also don't see the point of view why some fans always want that their favorite stars to repeat themselves. I am also a big fan of Tangerine Dream. Many of their fans have the same problem. They just insist that they should make music like they were doing in 70's or early 80's. Why are all these people always adverse to changes? I only agree with the critics stating that the CD is too short. While all his most recent albums were about an hour length, this one being 46 min. seemed to me a bit unfair. Particularly when we consider the track "Secrets" ,it should only find place in a single as another version of the first track. It is obvious that Mike wanted to create an atmosphere that this album has an integrism. This could be forgiven if the album is at least 10 min. longer. Secondly I don't consider the tracks "Moonwatch" and "Watchful Eye" as proper pieces but a sort of musical bridges like the ones in TSODE, to me they are not bad, but just stealing some precious 6-7 min of this short length album. Well, the rest of the CD is a treat! Someone has preached to us that TB III is a dance album. So we should beware! That's one of the most ridiciolus things I've ever heard. I really would like to watch him dancing to "The Inner Child", "Man in the Rain" (the sweetest voice I've ever heard), "Far Above the Clouds" or to the songs that I mentioned above! Why are you so narrow-minded? Why don't you just accept that if a musical tune requires a bit of rhytmic beat, a bit of drum-bass, why not integrate it to the music ? Finally, I'd like to say that if he is going to create magical melodies like this one; TB IV, TB V, TB VI... are perfectly fine by me. I like to discuss with other MO fans in the world. I wish you all a happy and healthy year.             Per Jorner (m94pej@student.tdb.uu.se)      I have to admit I now like it too; it's not anywhere near TBII or Songs, but good in its own strange ways. "Top of the Morning" and "Outcast" (quintessential Oldfield) have both grown on me enormously. "Moonwatch" is atmospheric, and "Secrets" leads nicely into the ending track. "The Source of Secrets" and "Far Above the Clouds" remain absolute gems. Unfortunately there are still two songs which haven't improved at all although I've listened to them a great many time: "Jewel in the Crown" and "The Inner Child". But overall, yes, this is as good as Enigma.             Wayne Marsden (Wayne@marsden.co.uk)      There is no end to this man's talent! I've been listening to Mike Oldfield's music ever since I grew ears and quite simply, in my opinion, there's no one to touch him!!!         Jonny 'EOL' (jonny_hall_eol@hotmail.com)      Yeah, it's nice, but apart from the bells on the last track, nothing much makes you stand up and notice. It's not really related to the other two Tubular Bells, so why didn't he give the thing a separate title? Still worthwhile, though.             Daniel Hollands (danielhollands@hotmail.com)      The best album you can buy! I love this album, it is possibly the best you can buy, and I say well done to Mike Oldfield for such an excellent album. I love ya man.             kostya (admin@city.hmansy.ru)      This CD are excellent - "Outcast" "Inner Child" e.t.c. But this is new Mike Oldfield. I can't write english properly, sorry. Oldfield forever!!!             Chris Cotton (saaswood@bigpond.com)      This album just gets better every time I listen to it. I look forward to listening to it so much. Thanx Mike...a truly great album. I can't wait for "Guitars".             Mikael Johansson (mikaelgammelfelt@hotmail.com)      Thank you, Mike! I've been a fan since TB, and think this is one the best albums you've made             Joe (Mourer)      This album seems like a retrospective of Mike Oldfield's entire recording career thus far. It incorporates many of the trademark sounds that Mike made famous. It's a true Mike Oldfield sampler that could introduce someone unfamiliar to what Oldfield is all about. The only mistake with this album was to call it Tubular Bells III. A fine work for Mike Oldfield.             Shmulik (shkrybus@netvision.net.il)      TBIII is great if for one reason alone - the production. it is so great! If u wanna test your new Hi-Fi stereo, this is the one, "Outcast" and "far Above The Clouds" especially. Anyway, this is a marvelous piece of music. Although I can`t think of any reason for Calling TB, except for some parts which I find familiar but I can`t Really place... :) (BTW, buy it! of course, and hold your breath for "Guitars"). P.S. if u have any info on "Guitars" please drop me a line, thanx.)             Joe M (cmjm15@hotmail.com)      Isn't Mike Oldfield's music a stirring experience? Just look at the thought provoking commentary his music has generated on this web page. I knew the first time I heard a 45 RPM recording of a Tubular Bells I extracted back in 1973 that this man was destined to create great stuff and this opinion page is a testimony to the fulfillment of that promising start. God bless Mike Oldfield and God bless all you wonderful fellow fans out there!             Stuart (s5c@yahoo.com)      The genius of Mike promulgates itself perpetually forwards, emanating now most brilliantly in TB3. To sit down, relax and listen to this and not be emotionally, and inspirationaly touched means perhaps that to you that is devoid of spirit, soul and appreciation. True to his form; Mike cloaks you in a musical experience that will fuel your dreams, ignite your passions, and launch your imagination. As far as the dance beats alienating some, I for one love it.....Mike moves not with the times...he dictates the times!...Those that are quick to scoff at such direction need to remember that Mikes music appeals not only to the original TB crowd, but now too, to a much wider audience. Though financial gains are surely not his motivation, every artist deserves respect and admiration from as large a field as possible. Thankyou Mike for bringing your music through the ages and positioning it for eternal remebrance. Thankyou too to all you fans, without whom we could never spread the legend.....the legend that is Mike Oldfield!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on the new album and let us celebrate more.........             Chris Cotton...Again !! (saaswood@bigpond.com)      "Ditto" to Stuart's comments above...obviously a very wise man !!             Ben M. O. (www.platinum.com)      I hate to break this to you Liron, but Oldfield is not god. Mike is no miracle worker, he can not be expected to produce a masterpiece every time he releases a new album. Personally, I think a lot of people expect too much from Oldfield. Every time he tries to do something different people complain that he has strayed too far from from his "roots", and then they whinge and complain about how he should do another Tubular Bells album. Tubular Bells 3 seems to have stirred up some mixed feelings, but I am glad that it sounds different from the original. I am glad that he did not produce a souped up rehash of the original because I would have felt ripped off, having bought something I already had. And I agree that people should stop worrying about the title and just listen to the music. It doesn't really bother me if he calls this Tubular Bells 3. If he had called this album "THE ADVENTURES OF LEONARDO DiCAPRIO IN WONDERLAND" I would still listen to it because I think that this is great music. And calling this album a "dance" or "rave" album is nonsense. I would like to see someone try to dance to The Watchful Eye, The Inner Child or Moonwatch!!! No, this album is not for everyone, but it still well worth considering, as it is simply full of ideas and Outcast rules! Some of, if not the greatest Oldfield guitar playing on offer. Nuff said.             Joe M (cmjm15@hotmail.com)      Why so many bad reviews on this page of Man In the Rain? It seems its okay for MO to have a variation on a theme so long as its on the same recording, but if he does that between records, he's accused of copying himself. Man in the Rain is actually a very interesting revisitation of the Moonlight Shadow song in which he gets the chance to explore alternatives on his guitar which are every bit as interesting as Moonlight Shadow. The vocal is just as beautiful and the lyrics well composed. I think it resides nicely as a bridge between "side1" and "side2". Thumbs up to Mike Oldfield. 

TBIII proves one thing to me - the man definitely has NOT lost his edge. Still THE greatest British guitarist ever - I'm sure at the new CD "Guitars" will show the world what an innovative and talented player he is. Can't wait for the concert at the NEC. Mike - if you read this - LET IT RIP!

Ok. Most of the people who listen to Mike seems that they don't understand HIM. TBIII is an incredible trip into the void because this is like "it goes mad in my life this time so i want to be nowhere". Mike is a dreaming guy who have a lot of indescriptibles feelings. But if you understand his music, you understand him. All his albums (I speak about the instrumental ones) are an other part of himself so theres no one I want to critic. When I listen to a new Mike Oldfield album, I enter in the trip instead of always complaining about little stupid things!!! HEY!!! IT'S INCREDIBLE MUSIC!!! IT'S MIKE!!! Never forget that.

I bought this album and left it on a shelf. Ever since my DAD played his copy to me it has been glued to my cd player. Excellent work i went to see MO at wembley - unbelievable

With the exception of the now familiar intro which reprisesitself from time to time throughout the album, Tubular BellsIII bears very little reseblance to its 2 predecessors. What really impressed me the most about this album is how it`s able to stand on its own with all-new ideas, whereas TB II relied more heavily on the original. Even though there is a techno/dance mindset to TB III, there is still enough MO ingenuity and creativity to satisfy even the most die-hard fan. From the spine-tingling "The Source of Secrets" to the Moonlight Shadow-like vocals of "Man in the Rain" and the rousing march in the finale "Far Above the Clouds" and everything in between, Mike Oldfield has once again created another masterpiece which ranks right up there with the likes of "Amarok" and "The Songs of Distant Earth"!!!