Mannheim Steamroller is best known for its multi-platinum Christmas and holiday albums, which proved to the music industry that Christmas music wasn’t the best. "last breath" genre for dying artists.

However, prior to the 1984 release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, the group had already made a name for themselves among audiophiles with their Fresh Aire series of albums. This top/best list is based on all 8 Fresh Aire albums.

Here’s my countdown of the top 5 Mannheim Steamroller songs from their Fresh Aire (FA) album series:

5. Chakra #4 (Fresh Air 7)

Best song from the album which won the 1991 Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. The song is haunting and relaxing, and since Chakra #4 is the Heart Chakra, this song evokes emotions that come from the heart. Favorite moment: 4:12. The whole song is good, but this is my favorite part.

4. go somewhere else (FAII)

This song just reminds me of the excitement that surrounds setting off on a long overdue journey. Recapping a theme Mannheim Steamroller introduced in the Fantasia section earlier on the album, it’s a perfect blend of Mannheim Steamroller’s signature medieval rock-n-roll and a fitting conclusion to the musical journey the album offers. Favorite time — 2:00. Great transition into the final verse and the outro.

3. mother photo (FA III)

There are so many favorites of mine that come from this album, yet Mere Image is the 3rd best of all time. Originally written for the Omaha Ballet, it is a musical journey from youth to old age. Favorite moment — 0:31. The harpsichord entrance here is grandiose and seems to herald the vigor of youth.

2. Lumen/Atmosphere Exhaust (FAV)

This entire album is based on a dream that Johann Kepler had of traveling to the moon. the opening track, lumensfeatures the renowned Cambridge Singers, and escape the atmosphere it is nothing like any previous Mannheim Steamroller song up to this point. It conjures up images of leaving the earth’s gravitational pull, floating weightless in space, and entering the moon’s orbit.

Favorite moment: 5:33. This part of the breakdown is really nice, especially the use of what sounds like a Koto as the instrument that carries the melody through this section.

1. Come home to the sea (FA VI)

This is truly the best Mannheim Steamroller song. Originally written for Fresh Aire VI, it was also included in Yellowstone: The Music of Natureand saving wildlife.

Considering the state of electronic synthesis at the time, the dolphin (or whale) sounds at the beginning are pretty good. But that’s not what makes it a great track. Fantastic orchestration, a brilliant juxtaposition of piano and harpsichord throughout, and a general buildup of energy and emotion throughout the song catapult it to the top. Favorite moments: 2:34 and 2:48. I love huge buildups, and this song has a lot of them, but the buildups at these two points in the song are absolutely incredible.