Moby released his most successful album Play in 1999 to critical acclaim. This is an album that I know well. Play was not an instant success, but it eventual became the biggest-selling electronica album of all-time.
Trivia: Moby is actually the great-great-great nephew of Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick; or, The Whale.
One of my favourite song from the album was “Porcelain“. It is a bit of a sad song, but most of his songs sound sad to me.
I really like “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?“. The Shining Light Gospel Choir add the additional vocals, which gives it a gospel sound. The lyrics are so simple, yet so powerful.
Why does my soul feel so bad?
He’ll open doors
He’ll open doors
He’ll open doors
Another one of my favourite songs was “South Side” featuring Gwen Stefani of No Doubt. Originally, Moby left off her vocals on the album because he was not satisfied with the mix, but eventual had a friend remix it. He put her vocals back on when the single was released. It became one of his biggest hit.
Another favourite is “Natural Blues“. It feels depressingly mournful. “Lordy, Lord, trouble so hard. Don’t nobody know my troubles but God”
The weakest song on the album is “Bodyrock”, yet it is still sort of good.
Overall, I recommend the whole album. It is a great blend of many genres, especially blues and techno. Try out a few of the songs because Moby is a master of mixing sounds. 10/10.
an ocean roars 