Big Calm

In the hands of Tricky, Portishead, and Massive Attack, trip-hop earned a reputation for being dark, even claustrophobic. On their second album, though, Morcheeba preserved the style\'s sedate tempos and sultry atmospheres while opening up a world of warmth and color. Hip-hop beats and turntable scratches are fleshed out with acoustic guitars, country blues, a splash of reggae, and even sitar, while singer Skye Edwards holds the spotlight with her hushed, soulful delivery. As the cover art underscores, it\'s best heard in a horizontal position.

Realizing that trip-hop was a dead end, at least as far as hipness goes, Morcheeba expanded their sonic palette on their second album, Big Calm.