Moby's 'Hotel' is musically vacant

Moby's newest album didn't change my life. Moby likely didn't change his life recording the two-disc release either. It doesn't deliver mind-altering riffs or weighty lyrics nor redefine Moby as an artist or break any molds. The record does have plenty of Moby's familiar beats and melodies. All of the tracks flow together well and all are pleasing to the ear, and yet none of the songs are terribly innovative and most have an unremarkable feel. This isn't a CD I would listen to if I was looking to find myself through music. Hotel would be great background music for a low-key, intimate party where no one is paying too much attention to the stereo. \nThe first CD, which is the crux of the album release and the only one available on the popular music Web store, iTunes, is part ambient, melodic tracks like "Homeward Angel" and part easy, slow love songs. The disc begins with "Hotel Intro," a typical Moby instrumental piece with a flowing melody reminiscent of driving through a cold, autumn rain. "Raining Again" awakens the listener drowsed from the intro's lulling sound with a comparatively driving snare and piano line. \nThe next 11 tracks plod along with no particularly original beats, melodies or lyrics. Moby shows his sensual side with the lyrics and timing of these tracks. The most exemplary of the lot is "I Like It," which features the feminine voice of Laura Dawn trading off with Moby's, both repeating "I liked it/I liked it a lot," while a pseudo-orgasmic sound wails from a beatbox in the background.\nTypical trance-like ambient tracks fill the second CD, which is labeled "Hotel Ambient." Fans of the radio show "Hearts of Space" will likely adore the way the tracks seamlessly flow together, none of which are particularly unique or noteworthy. I enjoyed playing the CD on "repeat" and catching up on my reading. Like most music in the ambient genre, it's not terribly fulfilling as a stand-alone disc, but the soothing flow of sounds make it attractive background noise. \nAnd that's what Hotel -- both discs -- is largely good for: background. The CD will get a lot of play when I'm doing other things and need something non-offensive playing beneath everything else, but it's neither terribly compelling music nor an outstanding CD for Moby. If you enjoy Moby, this is a good album to pick up. If you're new to him, go with an older release like 1999's Play.