Stone in Focus

"#19", (commonly known by fans as "Stone in Focus"), is a song by British electronic artist and producer Richard D. James under the alias Aphex Twin. It was first released in 1994 exclusively on the vinyl and cassette editions of his second studio album Selected Ambient Works Volume II as the nineteenth track, being left off of the CD release due to time constraints and is also not featured on newer streaming service versions of the album.

Release
Despite the song not being released on streaming services until 2024, it has garnered 10 million views on an unofficial release of the track on YouTube.

The song was released as a single on 18 June 2024 in promotion of the Expanded Edition of Selected Ambient Works Volume II, slated to release on 4 October 2024. This marks the first time the track was officially released on streaming platforms.

Reception
In a ranking of the 50 best Aphex Twin tracks by Factmag, "Stone in Focus" was placed at #41. They stated that the track was one of the most "disarming and memorable" on the record and that it is "befuddling" it hasn't been re-instated on regular digital releases. In another ranking of Aphex Twins best tracks by Geeta Dayal of The Guardian, "Stone in Focus" was placed at #9 out of 20. They stated that the track was a "stirring, slow-burning anthem".

Personnel
Credits adapted from Selected Ambient Works Volume II liner notes.


 * Richard D James – writer, producer