"Selected Ambient Works 85–92," Aphex Twin's debut studio album under the pseudonym of British electronic music producer and DJ Richard David James, made its debut on November 9, 1992, through Apollo Records, a subsidiary of the Belgian label R&S Records. Comprised of ambient techno tracks reportedly recorded onto cassette as early as 1985, when James was just fourteen, the album quickly garnered widespread acclaim upon its release, entering the UK Dance Albums Chart at No. 6 in December 1992.
 
Regarded as a classic and seminal work of electronica, "Selected Ambient Works 85–92" holds a significant place in the genre's evolution. Music critics have praised its ability to expand the boundaries of ambient music while introducing techno to a wider audience, including fans of indie music. AllMusic hailed it as "a masterpiece of ambient techno," highlighting its distinction from the beatless ambient compositions of Brian Eno.
 
Over the years, "Selected Ambient Works 85–92" has consistently appeared on best-of lists, solidifying its enduring impact. In 2012, UK magazine Fact even crowned it the greatest album of the 1990s, further cementing its status as a landmark achievement in electronic music.