OK---Quick and Clean---I own over 200 "New Age" CD's. This is my favorite, no question. David broke some serious ground with this one. If you haven't heard it, try it....you'll definitely like it.

David's debut is a great mixture of synth and string arrangements that give it an ethereal feel that never becomes dull. David's CD's all have a different theme to them, and this one evokes images of another world, but at the same time gives the listener a modern, cinematic feel to it. This is one of the best in the David Arkenstone cataloque. Soundtrack music without the movie!

For anyone who has heard any of his later works...you are truly missing the best he has done! This CD may be vintage, but it is incredible! My recommendation is to give it a try, sit back, relax...Let the sounds wash over you as you are transported to the stars!

This is his debut, an all-digital recording and in my opinion, his best work. Arkenstone has not equalled this released since.

Yes, I give "Valley in the Clouds" 5 stars. It was the first David Arkenstone I bought, some 18 years ago, and it was his debut album. My 5 stars come with a sense of perspective.

While, in some of my other reviews, I refer to "Valley..." as somewhat dated, it represents the absolute best of "New Age" music circa 1987. It cannot, however, be referred to as Arkenstone's best work. Certain other of his releases even received Grammy nominations. "Valley..." did not. It also lacks much of the sweep, drama, and symphonic orchestrations of some of Arkenstone's later work.

Having said that, "Valley..." is highly recommended both for its stand alone quality, and as an introduction to David Arkenstone. It was Arkenstone's brilliant introduction to all of us. He creates a unique "synthesized" world, lush in imagery and vision, full of dreams, at once familiar and yet fantastic.

It is hard to name a track not to like. But there are standouts which deserve separate mention, such as "Ancient Legend", "Stepping Stars", the title track "Valley in The Clouds", "Princess", "Night Wind", and "The Sun Girl". These vary from the sweep and grandeur (as much as can be created on a synthesizer without an orchestra) of "Ancient Legend" and "Valley in The Clouds", to the wonder of "Stepping Stars"and "Night Wind", and finally to the lyrical beauty of "Princess" and "The Sun Girl".

Did I leave out anybody else's favorite? Of course! That's part of the joy of "Valley in The Clouds". Almost anyone can name different favorites, because almost all the tracks are that good! If asked for two favorites, almost everyone can say "Valley in The Clouds and... .", with a different track to name.

This album deserves its 5 stars, but with perspective. Anyone who begins listening to David Arkenstone with "Atlantis", for example, would be surprised by the simplicity of "Valley...". It IS somewhat dated.

But given that, it is one of the best debut efforts ever. A real "Gem in Time".