LP: Moby: Hotel (2006)

Following the runaway success of Play and 18, Moby takes a detour into pop/rock that leaves his signature sample-heavy electronica by the side of the road. Keyboards and drum machines are still prominent here, but they are used as background for Moby's songs, which often aim for a majestic, redemptive atmosphere. With the exception of live drums, Moby plays every instrument on the album, and sings lead on numerous tracks. Although, he's not a natural singer, Moby manages to make his half-spoken phrasing fit surprisingly well with the music, leaving the more emotive vocal tracks to Laura Dawn, as on her drowsy rendition of New Order's 'Temptation'. The anthemic 'Lift Me Up' and 'Spiders' are prime examples of Moby's pop-savvy direction, revealing what seems like a yearning to get in touch with his inner U2 and Coldplay. Mute. 2006.