Older Than the Universe - Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye (The Lost Reels) 

*Found barely legible on the last page of a journal inside the sealed vault...* I need to write this quickly. Hopefully he reads this. A small creature found me, one I've never seen before. He's small and quite cute, actually, with four very large eyes. He is the color of the sky on sunny days. The hope I had was just about to go out along with the fire in my lantern, and then I saw him, and I reached out to him. I told him what happened, everything I knew. I allowed him to feel everything I felt. He saw what I did, how I stopped the signal blocker. I expected him to scold me or leave. I saw him frown, and then he looked at me for a long time, and then... then he told me everything. I saw it all. I saw a planet with terrifying creatures and spiky seeds. I saw crashed escape pods and lost journals from an extinct species, and the ruins from their shelters and the knowledge they held. I saw quantum objects and a moon that defied all known laws of physics. I saw his friends and his family, and I could feel him getting more and more sad each time he went up the elevator to his ship. I saw the water planet with all of the tornadoes. I saw a station on the sun and felt the heat inside of it. I saw what was happening, the stars going supernova... I saw them all, up in the sky. I saw the travellers he met and the conversations he had with them, the *memories* he had with them. I saw the twin planets and the machine that existed inside one of them. I saw the warp drive, and the vessel, and I knew what he was going to do. I saw the same symbol over and over... over and over... of the eye, the eye of the universe. The thing that called out to us. What I did... stopping the signal blocker... it brought him here to me, and he's doing what we couldn't. He's helping the eye. If you're reading this, I need you to know that you have made this worthwhile. You've made every day in this tomb worth it just for the knowledge that I contributed to something this huge. That *we* are contributing to something this huge. Thank you. I can feel the pressure on you, I felt it in your vision to me. You know what you need to do, but it will be difficult and scary, much scarier than anything else in this world. It feels like the weight of the universe is resting on you, and... well, it is. But you can do this. If anyone can, it's you. I will remember you. Even if every version of me in the past didn't meet you, and even if every version of me in the future will forget you, *I will remember you.* And I know you will never forget me. Goodbye.

I feel like this song is what the Eye's signal sounds like in the universe created after the one seen in Outer Wilds; a collection of song, static, and data, beautifully interwoven into the message of something older than the universe.

As much as 'learning to let go' is an enormous part of Outer Wilds, it still hurts to say goodbye to this universe. Thanks for the good times.

This man has the ultimate power of making you feel nostalgic for something you’ve never heard before

It's sort of heartwarming to hear that you're having as hard a time letting go of this as we are. Thank you for putting those feelings into music. It's wild to hear this universe spiral out in directions I never got to see for myself, but I love it.

I can't stop picturing the collapse of an entire, beloved universe only to be intervened by a quaint, seemingly insignificant campfire song in the grand scheme of things, before bringing light into a new universe once again

Makes me feel like we Hearthians, Nomais, and Strangers together watching new stars, planets, and eventually, new life forms, born in the new universe.

3:40 I haven't noticed but... Now that I think about all thoses remakes, they just take what already exist, change the recipe, and call it art. Andrew Prahlow, he goes to the store to make something new. Thank you. From a Hatchling to his creator, thank you. Thank you very much.

Man, when that main motif from the soundtrack comes in at about 2:08, it really hits hard. I love this - thank you.

I am 99% sure that the version of the Outer Wilds main theme that comes in on the banjo is a very specific version of it. To be precise, I'm pretty sure it's the version that plays on the main menu.

My God. I’m just going through all of these briefly as you’re uploading them And this one is making me just I I don’t even know how to process it, but I know it’s spectacular.

even though these miniature songs don't get as much attention, it's still something very special that a lot of people don't know about

Gorgeous. Your work inspires so many people and tells such beautiful stories. Thank you for creating this album.

I'd say "i wish i could relive my outer wilds memories." But the point of outer wilds is moving on.. moving forward.. and remembering the great times we had. All we can do now is look back and appreciate all those memories. But now, its time to make new memories.

I knew nothing about the game or the characters when I first discovered Travelers as a RU-vid recommendation. The song by itself made me curious about it's origin and started my love for the game. Truly, the soundtrack you have made communicates the message of the game perfectly. This is beautiful.

This has got to be my favourite out of the six. My theory is that the travelers theme isn't actually from the universe you play in. Just based off how the travelers theme sounds like it's being broadcasted and the track is called older than the universe. And is like a sort of string that connects all universes. Outstanding work with the new tracks!

Like lost emotions drifting to me from a distant past, this envelops me. Nostalgia tugging at the frayed edges of my memory, enrapturing me with melancholy, awe, and joy, all at once. I cannot thank you enough for this.

Outer Wilds just will not be Outer Wilds without Andrew's music and conception of the game reflected on all his tracks

Its over...but I will never forget why I keep coming back to remember what was.

This inspires me so much to learn to play instruments, I've never had music effect me as much as The Outer Wilds soundtrack has, since I have heard of this game I constantly listen the soundtrack everyday of my life. Rivers end and Travelers Encore were my favourite songs but this truely tops them both. Thank you for releasing The lost reels, I feel like this music is now apart of me. I can't not thank you enough for all of the music you've created, your the reason this is my favourite game.

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.

Older than this universe, older than the one before it and before that. Older than the next thousand worlds beyond ours. Older as long as curiosity continues. Life will continue if it so desires. Let us play one last piece as we witness our universe die and another one form. Goodbye my fellow travelers. I had fun while it lasted and I hope you did too. Thank you for exploring with me and supporting my desire to learn, joining in with me. Let your curiosity continue with you into the next life. Don't ever let it die out even if the things around you do over and over. You can change the world one day if you just stay curious. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 Cya in the next life, Traveler.

I was not too lazy to translate my thoughts into your native language and I want to say that your music is a masterpiece. Your skill can be compared to the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven. To be honest, I have never experienced such emotions and never cried so much over the end of the game and its music ... What was in the game Outer Wilds will forever remain in my heart)) This game rekindled a dream and hope in my heart, the hope that there is someone in space who is similar to us not only in appearance, but also in thoughts!

Listening to these tracks for the first time dealt me actual psychic damage. I am now sad about this game again.

In floods of tears listening to this tonight, reminded of the wonder of playing and the sweet sadness of knowing I'll never get those moments back. Thank you, Andrew, for the beautiful music.

Outer Wilds works so well with a more orchestral layout. It's a way different feel than the base game music, but it still fits wonderfully

Thank you for these pieces. This genuinely means a lot to me - to us.

This is what it's going to be on my mind while I die. So much emotions freed, thank you Andrew for making me feel something once again.

Glad to see you again Andrew

I can't listen to this without being overwhelmed by emotions. Thank you so much for making these masterpieces

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand I’m crying again

Heartbreakingly, devastatingly gorgeous. Might be one of the top five most moving songs I’ve heard.

Thank you. Wow! I can’t believe it’s over. Very sad to move on from Outer Wilds, but it’ll be an exciting journey! Can’t wait to see what you do next!

I love this playlist so much. One of my favourites of all times, along with other outer wilds playlists. I really appreciate the reprise, and absolutely love the transition from one song to the next. I must thank you for bringing life to the best game of all time, fitting the music to certain areas. The music has made me cry countless times, and I absolutely love it. I feel like I’m learning new things just by listening to this music. I love all of your songs, and appreciate them so much. In addition, this is probably my favourite song, of the playlist, because it feels like being in the main title. I love it, along with all of the songs in this playlist. Once again, thank you.

Phenomenal work, all the way through. So excited to see what you create in the future!

I think this is the moment when we have to say Farewell, Outer Wilds, and thank you.

Andrew, I cannot express the feelings and thoughts your music has filled me with. You're an amazing artist, criminally underrated for your gorgeous work. You've touched my heart, my very soul, and I'm sure there are thousands of others out there who you've done the same to. I genuinely can't thank you enough for doing what you've done with your musical talents. Good luck in your future endeavours. 💙

Sitting here listening to The Lost Reels at 4am...thank you for this reprise and for work on Outer Wilds. The game would not be what it is without your contributions!

This song reminds me a lot of Peace from Avatar. The high, whiny violins emoting a bittersweet feeling that resolves into something so beautiful.... Wonderful work, Andrew Prahlow

absolutely gorgeous. thank you so much for everything youve done. outer wilds is an immensely special experience to me, and your music is the heart of it. it wouldnt be the same without all the passion you put into it. genuinely, thank you so much

I love all of you.

Absolutely phenomenal. You have a command of music that most never approach. Never falling in the trap of overcomplexity and embracing your core themes in new and beautiful ways.

Thank you so much for making this music. Outer wilds wouldn't be the same without it and neither would I. I can't wait to see what you do next.

I remember listening to this, miles from home, around or after midnight, and there was snow, everywhere. It was snowing. It must have been. Orherwise, how would i know that my knews were weak, my face was numb, and my fingers were sharp as steel? Was I there? Was I here?

Outer wilds is special. This is special

Thank you, for all of the feeling you've put into these tracks has one again brought a tear to my eye.

This whole album is amazing! Thank you for creating it.

I'm not sure why but those final 30 seconds made me tear up... Thanks for this, Andrew!

this feels more like a symphony than just album. hoping to one day be able to listen to a live performance.

Incredible, as Always.

Truly an unmatched experience.

When Atrioc started his Outer Wilds playthrough and heard the Timber Hearth theme for the first time he said to his chat: "Wait, is this game just gonna be an 8/10 but with amazing music?" Turns out it was a 10/10 with amazing music! Thank you for all of it :)

I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING! 😫

Chills! You are an absolute treasure, Andrew. Your music has become a part of my daily routines and these pieces you've written for Outer Wilds have helped me through some really, really tough times. Thank you

The mix of the Hearthian Campfire, the Nomai Eye, and the luminescent lines of the Owlks... it does bring an entire universe so delightfully together.

2:09 When that long lasting depression finally ends😩

Thanks man, my life has been touched by your work. Outer Wilds will always be dear to me and this is just amazing.

Really made something special here Mr Prahlow, all your work on this game has been inspired and simply magnificent, this release really does it justice and then some ❤

Very cool Andrew! You inspired me to learn guitar again

I just found this, oh man, you're really gonna make me cry again ?

First half gives me wandersong vibes, it's great

Maybe I'll be able to hear this without crying? 🥺💖

thanks for all you've done to Outer Wilds, you brought it to life through your music. I'm listening this soundtrack really often and everytime I remember how much I loved taking part of it and discoevring every secrets of the game

Just amazing as usual. Please put these on RU-vid Music however the hell that works. I would love to be able to listen to these more through that.

To me, this album tells the story of Outer Wilds from the Prisoner's perspective. Curiosity for what the Eye could be, intrigue for what following it could bring, dismay from the decision to block out the Eye entirely, hope for what setting free the signal could mean, dejection from being imprisoned, and lastly, just barely audible above the sadness and confusion, proof that the decision made an immeasurably long time ago was not for nothing.

Thank you for all you have done, you’re a brilliant musician. I can’t wait for whatever you work on next. Your music always brings chills and tears.

As the water lapped at my feet, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. Peace no longer meant what I had believed for so long. Never would I return to my beloved home. Neither it nor I remained to greet one another. Memories of another life, soon to be displaced by the tide. I did not need to remember anymore. I did not need to wallow in that majestic vision, all too tied up in the tragedy of past mistakes. That taste had long since rotted to bitterness. The mourning period has passed. It is time now, I think, to celebrate instead. Even in heresy I shared in their delusion, but you showed me a different kind of vision. Our cycles led us back to where we came from, but somehow yours helped you grow. It led you here, to the origin of a path that I had unwittingly sent you on. Peace is knowing that I do not stand at a river's end, but at its beginning. Where it will take you from here is between you and the currents now. It is time that I joined them.

i can’t think of anything to say other than thank you

beautiful. thanks a lot for this playlist. In a new universe, distant people will hear the echo of the eye, a song older than the universe itself (3:41)

Thank you for everything

Thank you so much for this! I'm extremely looking forward to seeing whatever you put out next.

This is just incredible, you managed to get the outer wilds vibe so perfectly and yet you still added a touch of nostalgia, similar to what I get from "everywhere at the end of time". Everything just plays perfectly. And I love it ♡ Edit: i just realised it's the original author from the ost but that doesn't change my point

Thank you, Andrew. Touches the soul, man.

The beginning strings sound so good

Thank you.

Sounds like Hammock, love it!

Thanks, Andrew. Better than that other Andrew for sure.

Me when burrito fall from my plate:

Just thank you

Thank you! You are an incredibly smart and talented human. No one else's music makes me feel this way, Thanks Andew :)

I am speechless.

welp, gonna cry again

”Start crying, NOW.”

Reminds me a lot of Arvo Pärt, beautiful

So amazing

The Music of the Ainur...

Holy Christ... this is good.

Good Outer Wilds music.

Siento que se me rompe el corazón cada vez que escucho outer wilds

the best song in the loost reels

4:47 MAN, don't do this to me...

otherworldly

So I’ve been think if the big bang was just everything from everywhere in one single point, then would that mean in the way distant future when the last black hole eats the smaller one and everything is in one place again will that trigger the next bang ?

(spoiler) This song reminds me of the bug people and the newborn Owlk creature at the end of the credits, with the mini scout. Was that intended? Or is this song is just about the Eye of the Universe?

my god

Guess it’s not the end of the wild

GOTY

I feel like I can finally cry

This is without a doubt…a wonderfully beautiful goodbye 🥲 thank you for the amazing compositions you’ve created