Morcheeba:
Charango
(2002)

Genre: Laid-back pop with trip-hop feel.
Produced By: Godfrey Brothers and Pete Norris.
Record Label: Warner.

"Charango" lifted Morcheeba into a different in terms of how I perceive the band. Up until this album the band was merely a good, jazzy trip-hop band. But with this incredibly melodic and musically intriguing set of songs, inspired by a couple of great collaborations, this is an album which really defines the phrase "smooth coolness". The great melodies sound effortless and like the most natural thing in the world. In fact, when you listen to them you wonder why this genre tends to have a hard time on the charts. This is quiet brilliance with smooth vocals, tight beats and the occasional guitar, rap and haunting piano. An album to put on and really listen to.

Overall Rating (on a scale from 1 to 10): 9

Sneaker Pimps, Kelli Ali.