GenQ - For the not so straight individual

If Ministry of Sound’s ‘The Annual’ is what you listen to on Saturday night, their ‘Chillout Sessions 10’ is what you listen to on Sunday morning after you stumble out of bed. The mix of smooth acoustic tunes and subdued beats are spread over two discs and like most compilations it’s a little hit and miss, though this time they’ve landed a few more hits than misses.

The first disc more than lives up to its name. No one can raise a sweat listening to this stuff… and I guess that’s the point. It’s an eclectic mix of laid back beats and peaceful acoustic melodies that hum along meekly, with a few exceptions. The instrumental, ‘La Ballade Du Georges’, by Sebastien Tellier kicks off the album in true café music style. Indie folk singer Jose Gonzalez is back with another smooth track, ‘Down the Line’, and siblings Angus & Julia Stone continue the trend with ‘The Beast’. ‘Again and Again’ by the bird and the bee, also featured on the recent ‘Grey’s Anatomy Vol. 3’, has a sweet melody and gentle beat that provide a highlight. Breakthrough artist Sia ups the intensity on ‘Pictures’ before Amy Winehouse cranks it past ten on soul torch ballad ‘Back to Black’, truly a stand-out on the album. ‘Sad Song’ by Au Revoire Simone is an 80’s throwback, synthesizer and all, and ‘Love Sunshine and Happiness’ from Salmonella Dub adds a little reggae soul.

The second disc kicks the energy up another notch with more electronic beats, many of which would be at home on ‘The Annual’. ‘Secret Sunday Lover’ from 1gnition rocks a 70’s disco bass line, and Osunlade’s, ‘April’, has a relaxed tribal vibe. Tracey Thorn’s honeyed vocals on ‘It’s All True’ is electronic chill as is ‘Walking in the Rain’ from Just Fascination. ‘Guessin’ Again’ from Mark Grant featuring Russoul brings a little soul while Ida Engberg’s ‘Disco Volante’ sounds like a Mario Bros video game, and closing track ‘Into the Galaxy’ from Midnight Juggernauts brings the drama, albeit 80’s style. Most of the tracks are more or less the same; subdued vocals and chilled beats. Nothing to write home about, but perfect to relax with.

If you’re looking forward to kicking back with friends and a few cold drinks under the sun or stars this summer, ‘Chillout Sessions 10’ is the perfect soundtrack.