18

by

Moby

Edit

Another 18 tracks -thus the name of the album- put together by pop-superstar Moby in this, his newest production, give the listener plenty of material to choose from. It might be questioned how original he has been this time around, when the norm of his previous works has almost always been innovation: at least I confess I had a hard time getting over my initial impression of "Oh, my God! This totally sounds like 'Play'." But after a few listens, it starts to pick up speed and take on a totally different meaning inside of you.

With '18' Moby has taken a two-fold approach: a good half of the album picks up where 'Play' and its B-Sides left and the other half brings a handful of new elements. Lots of gospel vocals and spiritual lyrics can be found in songs such as "In This World," "In My Heart" and "One Of These Mornings," all of which could easily have been produced back in 1999. "Another Woman," though not as gospel in tone, does have that R&B flavor to it, and "I'm Not Worried At All" reminds a lot of "Natural Blues" both due to the lead vocals and to the overall spirit of the song and the lyrics. The New Wave-y opening track, "We Are All Made of Stars" and "Extreme Ways" both have that super-hit flavor for '18' that "Porcelain" and "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad" brought to 'Play' but it mixes some elements which are somewhat alien to Moby's music (except for the "element" of eclecticism). On the other hand, "Great Escape," "Sunday (The Day Before My Birthday)" (consider his b-day is 9/11) and "Harbour" all have one thing in common: beautiful female vocals (surprise tip: "Harbour" has Sinead O'Connor on vocals).

Finally, tracks such as "Signs of Love," "Fireworks," "18," "Sleep Alone" and "Look Back" bring into the mix that exquisite ambient sound that tunes such as "Down Slow," "Everloving" and "The Sky Is Broken" were so special for. The tracks I could easily live without: "Jam For The Ladies," "At Least We Tried," "The Rafters," so, as far as I'm concerned, the album could be called '15.' Overall, obviously the album doesn't break much new ground, as 'Play' did, but it stands out as a very good work by NY's finest DJ.

I loved 'PLAY', I thought it was a genius record. 18 is a lot less involving to me, more personal for Moby I'd assume, more lonely, much more sad with an echoing wail. He sounded like someone very disappointed on their deathbed on 'Play', now he sounds like he's ready to die. Everyone notices the 09/11/01 aspect, apparently 3000 dead really put a damper on Moby's birthday party. It's not really a tribute to anyone, but a strange, detached commentary of how social/political issues hurt Moby. Kind of like a lighter, softer Korn, with dead female singers. If you want to know what the odd track is in this disc, it's easily 'Jam for the Ladies' where Moby raps with a lisp. In my opinion, a bizarre misfire, but artful nonetheless.