"Music of the Spheres" is the third solo album by Ian Brown, an English singer and songwriter known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band, The Stone Roses. It was released on 16 October 2001 through the Polydor record label. Brown worked with a variety of collaborators on this album, including acclaimed writer and arranger Nigel Godrich and percussionist Aziz Ibrahim, to create a richly atmospheric and wide-ranging work.
The album sees Brown incorporating a diverse range of musical styles, encompassing elements of rock, folk, electronica and Moroccan music, among other genres. Notably, the album contains a vocal performance from Sinead O'Connor on the track "Illegal Attacks," adding to its diverse musical palette.
The album was well received critically and commercially, and it peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. The album's lead single "F.E.A.R" was particularly successful, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. This album is often considered one of Brown's best solo works.
Regarding the title, "Music of the Spheres" derives from the ancient philosophical concept that posits proportions in the movements of celestial bodies; that is, the sun, moon, and planets are a form of musica or music. This concept is used metaphorically to establish and express the seemingly harmonious and interconnected relationships in the universe. This notion complements the album's tone and Brown's apparent perspective on music and existence, where the interplay of rhythms, melodies, and lyrics evoke a sense of cosmic harmony.
