The Karma Collection: Sunrise

The last in a long line of chillout compilations from Ministry of Sound in 2002 did nothing to help further a solid definition of what chillout music properly consists of -- which is a double-edged sword because it leaves things open to a world of interpretation not normally associated with the pigeonholing of genres, while at the other end of the sword lies the freedom to casually lump together a package of new age-sounding compositions with lush arrangements and sub-110 beats-per-minute tempos. To its credit, Ministry of Sound does neither of those things on Karma Collection. What it does do is assemble several of the top downtempo/chillout artists from around the globe and amass them in a way that shows the regional influences that make downtempo music the truly diverse beast that it is. From the Latin rhythms of Up, Bustle & Out and Virginia Rodrigues to native African and Indian music, it all reflects the direct influence these native rhythms have had on such artists as Da Lata, Les Gammas, and even Delerium (which is normally associated with goth-style music). While not as solid in quality as the other two chillout compilations (Ministry of Sound: Chillout Annual and Ministry of Sound: Chillout Sessions), it provides an interesting perspective that makes it easily the most diverse of the three. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide