His first double-platinum album, featuring remastered versions of his best early work.
His debut studio album, originally released in 1980 but widely distributed in '84. It set the stage for his signature blend of rhythmic synth-pop and neoclassical themes. yanni discography 19842012 flac top
| Year | Album | FLAC Recommendation | Notes on Sound Quality | |------|-------|---------------------|------------------------| | 1984 | Optimystique | 1980s CD (Private Music) or 1997 remaster | Early digital master has good dynamics; 1997 remaster is slightly brighter but clean. Avoid 2008+ budget reissues. | | 1986 | Keys to Imagination | Original US CD (Private Music 2001-2) | Lacks the heavy reverb of later remasters. Pure synth textures. | | 1987 | Out of Silence | Original CD (Private Music) | Very dynamic range (DR12+). One of his best-sounding albums in FLAC. | | 1988 | Chameleon Days | Original CD (Private Music) | Punchy bass, clear highs. No brickwalling. | | 1989 | Niki Nana | Original CD or 1997 remaster | Underrated album; remaster adds slight compression but still good. | | 1990 | Reflections of Passion | 1990 CD (Private Music) | Compilation, but master is warm and spacious. | | 1991 | In Celebration of Life | Original CD | Similar to Reflections – solid early 1990s digital. | | 1992 | Dare to Dream | Original CD (Private Music 01005-82013-2) | A high-water mark for production. FLAC shows deep bass drum and airy piano. | | 1993 | In My Time | Original CD (Private Music) | Solo piano album – needs FLAC for subtle pedal and room resonance. Remasters are too loud. | | 1994 | Live at the Acropolis | (not 2006+ remaster) | Essential. The 1994 CD has huge dynamic range (DR14). Later remasters (e.g., Sony 2006) are compressed. Seek the original BMG/Private Music release. | | 1997 | Tribute | Original 1997 CD (Virgin) | Excellent live recording; FLAC captures hall ambience. Avoid later reissues. | | 2000 | If I Could Tell You | Original CD (Virgin) | Slightly louder but still fine. Good sub-bass in FLAC. | | 2003 | Ethnicity | Original CD (Virgin) | World music elements; FLAC reveals percussion layering. | | 2009 | Yanni Voices | CD + DVD-Audio (if found) | Pop-vocal album – brickwalled on CD. Seek DVD-A for 24/48 lossless. | | 2011 | Truth of Touch | CD or 24-bit download | First album mixed for hi-res. The 24-bit FLAC (96 kHz) is superior to CD. | | 2012 | Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico | CD or Blu-ray audio | Good live energy; CD master is decent, but Blu-ray (24/48) is best. | | Year | Album | FLAC Recommendation |