Moby's latest softly whales, again

Moby
18
V2 Records Moby, everyone\'s favorite Christian vegan techno artist, has returned in wake of the massive success he achieved with his 1999 effort Play, with his latest release 18. The album picks up essentially where Play left off -- solid tunes perfectly suited for sedan commercials. Perhaps 18 isn\'t quite as solid as the Mobester\'s seminal work, but it\'s still pretty damned good. Much like he did with Play, Moby incorporates elements of older and often forgotten musical genres (i.e. blues, gospel, soul, etc.) throughout the album. What results is a patchwork quilt of a disc that mixes and matches new school technology and old school standards. 18 comes to its musical peak during its title track. This cut is an eerie piano and synth driven track free of vocals that unfolds like an emotional dervish and is primed for inclusion during a film\'s closing credits. Other strong efforts include the album\'s debut single "We Are All Made Of Stars" (a great New Wave throwback boasting a cool video and a cooler tune), Porcelain rip-offs, but nonetheless good ones, "In This World," "In My Heart" and "Signs of Love," the moving 9/11-themed "Sunday (The Day Before My Birthday)" and the bluesy "I\'m Not Worried At All." True to form Moby mixes various forms of music into one cohesive whole. He lays down a full-fledged hip-hop track, featuring has been rapper MC Lyte, entitled "Jam For the Ladies." Odd sure, but as any Moby fan knows, the man can throw a musical genre on like an old, worn sneaker, run around in it for five minutes and discard it for a new and aptly fitting shoe. This theory is exemplified through an eclectic guest list boasting the likes of Lyte, The Shining Gospel Choir and formerly chrome-domed Irish songstress Sinéad O\'Connor. The music is interesting but these cats aren\'t any match for the teaming of Moby and Gwen Stefani on Play\'s "South Side." There's no weak links on 18, however the first half of the album is somewhat superior to the second. As the high-pressure follow-up to Play, 18 more than satisfies. Much like its predecessor, it's the perfect mellow album for easy living room listening or a lackadaisical Sunday afternoon drive -- just be sure you're driving the right sedan.