Being a fan of lounge music from as far back as i can remember, it was a real treat for me to get a chance to write the review for Creative Vibes latest release Lounge Anthology and from the first tune of the fifteen track teaser promo disc, i knew that i was in for a laid-back journey through the best that lounge has to offer, all without leaving the comfort of my sofa. So, armed with nothing more than my headphones, CD player and this delectable disc, my ears and mind where taken on a trip around the globe as the worldly influences of the lounge sound shone through.

From jazz, swing, mambo and bossanova to more contemporary nu-jazz, deep and chilled house, i found myself getting lost in an auditory haze of sensuous melodies, smooth vocals and swinging rhythms. The 4-CD compilation box set features artists from all over the spectrum, with names like Jazzanova, Mo’ Horizons, Stephane Pompougnac and Thievery Corparation all being well worth of a mention. And though i only received a small selection of tracks to base my review on, there was more than enough to realise the quality of this release is top class.

Gotan Project’s Last Tango in Paris kicked things off with its beautiful piano and hypnotic bass line drawing me in and preparing me for what was to come, though nothing could have prepared me for what i heard from Smooth’s self titled track, featuring a real trip hop vibe, funky wah guitar that’s layered over a some tasty MC vocals and jazz breaks; it really got my head swaying to the groove. Dimitri from Paris was another stand out, suppling a dose of soulful, funked up goodness with the tune Strong Man, and while we’re on the more housey tip we also have Flying Pop and their chilled tune Love the DJ as well as Charles Schilling’s No Communication, No Love, both featuring a more uptempo and danceable style that helps change things up from the slower, more classic lounge music found on this album. My own personal favourite had to be the Afro/Cuban gem Fedimes Flight from Jazzanova which truly summed up just how diverse the lounge sound (and this album) really is, with its percussive rhythms and catchy bass hook complimenting smoothly with the inspired keys and tasty vocal lines.

With such a large range of music encompassed in this box set, it is easy for me to say that it will be one of those compilation albums with great mass appeal, managing to bring a colorful blend of classic tunes that really show the listener why ‘lounge’ has become a synonym for style, class and intimate places, and with the variety and quality of the artists featured, it really is well worth a listen.