Rock Electronica

Amidst the rise of the chill-out genre, Moby prospered with his pop-leaning yet smooth electronic sounds. It was only until Play came out that Moby found his niche among the myriad of chill compilations and trip hop creations. Slightly over-hyped, Play made him a household name with its blues samplings and lounge grooves. Then 18 came, which wasn’t received as warmly with its off-kilter experimentalism.
His eclecticism doesn’t wane with his latest offering. Hotel merges the old Moby with his rock roots. The album is a direct tribute to Moby’s idols from David Bowie to New Order, who receive a rehashing of “Temptation” on this record.
“Raining Again” offers a glimpse of the entire album as it follows the intro, with it’s Brit-rock influence. The stirring “Beautiful” continues this trend. Then you see recent inspirations like the Travis-tinted “Where You End” and the Coldplay soundscape of “Slipping Away.”
Moby’s new wave inspiration is made visible by “Spiders.”
Unlike his other efforts, the vocals on this record are primarily Moby’s from the politically-anxious first single “Lift Me Up” to the aforementioned tracks. Then there are the damsel-fronted elevator favorites such as “Dream About Me” and “Temptation.” The tribute to 80’s ambient-dance with a Donna Summer touch “Very” is the stand out track. The others fall below average with their mellow demeanor and filler content.
Moby’s catalogue doesn’t far short of the making of a music legend, from his groundbreaking innovation to his ear for marketable songs. In pop culture he also remains one of the true liberal voices standing up against Eminem’s much-celebrated bigotry and continuing to voice his opinions whether in promotional interviews or his CD booklets. Not bad for a self-proclaimed geek.
Along with this CD comes another that features down-tempo mood music with elegant consistency. Hotel is definitely a rise from 18 but not quiet Play. Get it if you like the singles.

Music: Very - Moby