Moby 18 V2 By David Chiu

Is this Play 2? Yeah, but at least it isn't a retread of Moby's early album Animal Rights. Like he did on Play, Moby crafts 18 into ethereal and danceable electronica with an injection of soul music that goes beyond accessibility (or being used in a commercial). He would be a fool to do a 180 rather than sticking to the formula that finally broke him through. Things get off to a great start with "We're All Made of Stars," a slice of vintage New Wave that recalls Visage and an army of faceless synth pop hacks; there are also elements of funk present on "Extreme Ways," and another standout would be the gentle Sleep Alone. What bolsters 18 are the featured vocals notably Azure Ray (on the exquisite "Great Escape"), Angie Stone and MC Lyte, Sinead O'Connor ("Harbour"), and the Shining Light Gospel choir. Although 18 may not be the cup of tea of Moby's early die hard techno fans, the ambitious jumble of dance, pop, rock, soul, and New Wave still clicks.

http://www.v2records.com