New Yorker Moby was one of the most successful dance acts of the 1990s. His ‘Twin Peaks’ indebted single Go was a huge hit in Europe as well. It was followed by classics such as Move (You Make Me Feel So Good), Feeling So Real, Everytime You Touch Me and his ‘re-version’ of the James Bond Theme.

But Moby also turned a hugely successful album act with the release of Play. This long-player was built around samples from the famous field recordings collected by Alan Lomax. Initially Play didn’t do too well, due to the singles not being picked up by radio stations and television networks like MTV. But by licensing the songs to films, television shows and commercials, they became hits after all. This in turn resulted in radio and television joining the party after all. No less than 9 tracks off the album were released as singles.

One of those songs was Natural Blues, which originally contained an over 60 year-old sample from American folk singer Vera Hall’s Trouble So Hard. In 2021, Moby releases a new version of the song, this time featuring Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah. Their soulful vocals, paired with an orchestra, make for a powerful and moving combination, that gives the song a renewed energy.

This version will be included on Moby’s upcoming ‘best of’ album Reprise, set for release on 28 May. On this new compilation, the musician revisits and reinterprets his greatest hits with a host of guest singers, accompanied by the Budapest Art Orchestra. Nevertheless, it’s probably one of the most poppy records to ever come out on the legendary classical label Deutsche Grammophon.

Recommended as well:
Moby & The Void Pacific Choir – All The Hurts We Made
Moby & The Void Pacific Choir – A Simple Love

Follow Moby on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.