Search - Various Artists :: Windham Hill Chill 2

Good, but not fantastic

Erica Anderson | 03/15/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Being the ambient/acoustic guy I am, I really liked the original album. I went to the store and saw the second one thinking, "Oh, this should be awesome. I can't wait to listen to it." So I paid myt twenty bucks, got home, and listened to it. Rather than having the tracks fade in and out like the original, most tracks had a definite beginning and end. It seemed more like a compilation--which it is--without the cool added effects. Granted the music was decent, but it didn't really leave me drooling. The original album, however, had such enthralling, meditative music. This one was just like, "Oh, that's nice. It's ambient/acoustic. Is there anything else to it?" Really, I'd reccommend this CD if you're into this genre of music, but need a few groups to look up. I think it'd work out better as a previewing of other groups rather than an actual CD that stands on it's own. Some tracks, like State of Grace's, were ineffable. Others were just kind of stagnant. One of the things I liked about it was the variety of different composers. It really allows me to go out and buy different artists' works. This CD is good for meditation/relaxation, and it's a great buy. It just won't be on my top five list. Go for the original, all the way."

A sumptuous soundtrack to relax to

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 02/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love chill out music. After a long day at the office, I like to kick back and unwind to music that would calm my nerves. I am quite particular when it comes to chill out music. A lot of chill out compilations are either too boring or too predictable. One of my new favorite chill out cds is "Windham Hill Chill 2". I bought it out of curiousity. On this two cd compilation there is an ambient disc and an acoustic disc. I thought the combination of ambient and acoustic music was intriguing.



While "Windham Hill Chill 2" is no Buddha Bar or Chill Out in Paris, the music is certainly pleasant to listen to. I found the music to be very relaxing to listen to. Both discs are excellent. I have to admit that I am partial to disc two which is the acoustic disc. Lisa Lynne's "Welcome" is the stand out track on that cd for me. It is absolutely breathtaking, if not spiritually moving to this music lover. I also enjoyed "Nocturne" by Steve Frouiaga", and "Inside Out" by Liz Story. On disc 1, I found myself shocked to like Yanni's "In the Mirror" given the fact that I really don't like Yawni's music (boring and cheesy). "In the Mirror" is a beautiful instrumental. My other favorite songs includes Lili Haydn's "The Longing" (a sumptuous classical/pop instrumental), State of Grace's "Stabat Mater", and Paul Schwartz's "Thalaster".



All the songs on both discs are breathtaking. My only issue with the compilation is that I would categorize the music as more new age than chill out. When I think of chill out music, I think of Portishead, Massive Attack, Delerium, and Olive. The music on this compilation is more new age but I'm just being picky. After eharing this cd, I definitely need to check out the original "Windham Hill Chill" compilation."