"Spirit of Eden" is the fourth studio album by the English band Talk Talk, hitting the shelves in 1988 under Parlophone Records. Crafted by singer Mark Hollis and producer Tim Friese-Greene, the album emerged from an extensive recording process at London's Wessex Studios spanning 1987 to 1988. Immersed in darkness, the band delved into hours of improvised performances, drawing from a diverse array of influences including jazz, ambient, blues, classical music, and dub. These extensive recordings underwent substantial editing and rearrangement, primarily in digital format, to shape the album's final form.
 
A radical departure from Talk Talk's earlier, more accessible works, "Spirit of Eden" failed to replicate the commercial success of its predecessor, 1986's "The Colour of Spring." Despite initial mixed reception, the album's stature has grown increasingly favorable over the years. Contemporary critics now regard "Spirit of Eden" as an underrated masterpiece and an early pioneer of the post-rock genre. In 2013, NME honored the album by ranking it at number 95 in its list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Furthermore, in 2020, the same publication recognized "Spirit of Eden" among "The best new wave albums ever," solidifying its enduring influence and significance in the music landscape.