Play

Man, this album...1999. What an interesting year that year was. Porcelain is such a pretty song. Why Does My Heart Feel so Bad.. another beautiful song on here. Such a great album here. 5 stars.

I really enjoyed this album. It’s very much a product of the late 90s/early 00s, but still has a great sound. I added several tracks to my album project playlist and a chill mix playlist. The album is a nice mix of dance tracks and chill tracks and makes great background music for working or hobbies. Favorites: Everloving, Rushing Rating: 5

fun, energetic

This was cutting edge EDM. 5/5

5 out of 5

Absolutely blown away by how much of this album I recognized without thinking I'd listened to it.

Good album

Freaking obsessed. Makes me feel like I’m in the coolest 90s teen film ever made

Moby, you bald, tattooed, tofu eating musical genius!!

Have always LOVED this album!!

Kinda drops by the end but for a few years this was the background radiation of my life. Good stuff.

This was already on my no skip playlist, bangers galore

Moby - Play This is one of my favorite albums from the 90s. Moby and Fatboy Slim were big in the late 90s with dueling electronica albums. I can put this on and find myself lost inside the music. 5/5

The master of vibes! Moby seriously knows how to craft an album.

Absolutely excellent. Loved the whole vibe of the album.

Despite being into almost nothing aside from punk when this came out, I bought this album off the strength of a few of the singles. I didn’t love the whole album, but appreciated a lot of it. Having not listened to this in probably 20 years, we can consider this a fresh listen. I was nervous going in because the Fatboy Slim album the list previously gave me was so painfully repetitive. I was blown away by this album top to bottom though. It’s so well made and nothing repeats to the point of aggravation. This is masterful work. Probably the best compliment I can pay this album is that I’m voluntarily going to listen to the version that includes all the b-sides and adds an hour to the runtime.

Sweet music

All reviews from anybody who didn't give this album a 5 should be hidden from the site since they clearly are not mentally capable.

Hey Moby you so fine, you so fine you blow my mind. Hey Moby!

One of my faves

Used to play this album on repeat back in the day. Not every song is a 5 but enough are and I’m nostalgic so I’ll give it a 5

I actually didn't anticipate enjoying this album so much after not having listened to it in at least 20 years. About 8 of the tracks were immediately recognisable and absolute bops. The sampling work is incredible, especially considering how much effort would have gone into finding some of these records at the time before mp3 and the internet media. Nothing is worse for a song than to go unheard and yet here we have these songs finding a new audience. Beautiful.

Espectacular todas las canciones las has oído en algún sitio seguro, películas, anuncios, etc. Discazo

Заебись.

so many bangers on this, very unique style with old samples mixed with kinda of slow beats

Lyrics: "Play" is often celebrated for its minimalist and repetitive lyrical content. Moby strategically employs short phrases and samples to create a hypnotic and mantra-like effect. The lyrics often revolve around themes of alienation, spirituality, and the human condition. The use of samples, largely sourced from old gospel and blues recordings, adds a layer of authenticity and historical resonance to the album. While some critics argue that the simplicity of the lyrics may lack depth, Moby's intention seems to be creating a visceral and emotional experience rather than relying on intricate wordplay. Pros: The simplicity of the lyrics enhances the album's accessibility and contributes to its emotional impact. The use of samples adds a unique and nostalgic dimension. Cons: Some may find the repetitive nature of the lyrics lacking in complexity, and those seeking more profound narrative depth might be left wanting. Music: "Play" is a masterclass in sonic diversity. Moby seamlessly blends electronic elements with traditional instruments, creating a rich and textured sound. The album covers an expansive musical spectrum, from the pulsating beats of "Porcelain" to the haunting melodies of "My Weakness." Moby's ability to traverse genres while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity is a testament to his skill as a producer and composer. Pros: The musical diversity keeps the album fresh and engaging throughout. Moby's incorporation of various genres showcases his versatility as a musician. Cons: Some may argue that the broad range of styles makes the album feel disjointed, lacking a clear thematic thread that ties the tracks together. Production: The production quality of "Play" is often cited as one of its strongest attributes. Moby's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the seamless integration of samples and electronic elements. The album's success lies in its ability to balance the raw, unpolished nature of the sampled vocals with the polished, modern sound of electronic production. Moby's innovative sampling techniques, where he lifts vocals from old blues and gospel recordings, contribute to the album's distinctive character. Pros: Impeccable production elevates the album, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Moby's sampling techniques set "Play" apart from other electronic albums of its time. Cons: Some purists may argue that the heavy reliance on samples diminishes the originality of the work, as it leans heavily on existing recordings. Themes: "Play" explores themes of spirituality, existentialism, and the human experience. Moby draws on his personal struggles and emotions, infusing the album with a sense of introspection. The juxtaposition of electronic beats with soulful, often melancholic vocals creates a unique tension that adds depth to the thematic exploration. The album, at its core, seems to be a contemplative journey through the complexities of life. Pros: The thematic depth adds emotional resonance to the album, transforming it into a more profound listening experience. Cons: Some listeners may find the themes too abstract or obscure, desiring more explicit storytelling or thematic clarity. Influence: "Play" undeniably left an indelible mark on the music industry. Its success not only catapulted Moby into mainstream recognition but also played a crucial role in popularizing electronic music. The album's innovative use of sampling and its ability to bridge the gap between electronic and traditional genres influenced a generation of musicians. The widespread use of "Play" tracks in various media, including commercials and movies, further solidified its cultural impact. Pros: The album's influence on the electronic music scene and popular culture is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy. Cons: The overwhelming success of "Play" may have overshadowed some of Moby's subsequent work, with listeners and critics often comparing his later releases to this groundbreaking album. Conclusion: "Play" by Moby stands as a monumental achievement in electronic music, showcasing the artist's ability to fuse diverse genres into a cohesive and emotionally resonant masterpiece. The album's impact on both the music industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. While some may critique its simplicity or argue about thematic cohesion, these elements contribute to the album's accessibility and enduring appeal. "Play" remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners and inspire a new generation of musicians, securing its place in the pantheon of influential albums.

fuuuuuuuck yeah brutalan album. Ima prejebene sampleove i cijeli vibe je super. 3 pjesme Porcelain, Why does my heart feel so bad i Natural blues

Always a great listening experience.

Banger alert. Great album all the way through. He doesn't get enough credit

I remember buying this and listening to it on loop when it first came out. In fact, so many songs off this album were used in films, TV shows and adverts at the time: society was almost saturated with it!

These guys are tons of fun. I had to look up what exactly this music is, and the Wikipedia blurb is great: "...according to Spin magazine's Will Hermes, Play was "the high-water mark for populist electronica" and a "millennial roots and blues masterwork",[7] while John Bush from AllMusic said it balanced Moby's early electronica sound with the emergent breakbeat style of techno." Electronica. Cool. Memorable songs: Honey, Find My Baby, Bodyrock,

I did not expect to like this album but I REALLY did! I loved the very strong beats and bass as well as the repetition -- I liked listening for new things in the music through each repetition of a bass line or melodic phrase.

great album, brings a low mood up. early innovator of techno. early moby comes together here in a catchy way. though a bit repetitive, it somehow stops itself from ever being boring.

Genre: Pop/ Electric Instruments: 3/5 Modern Translation: 4/5 Dance Potential: 2/5 Listening Location: At my desk + commute to work. Favourite Song: Honey + Find My Baby + Porcelain Made me feel: I loved this diverse album. The start of the album made me bop my head and it got slower/more instrumental as it progressed. This is the only album that I revisited because I wanted to after listening to it for this list and am surprised it’s 24 years old (1999).

amazimg. solid beginnin to end

Tolles abwechslungsreiches Album mit vielen Highlights. Pfiffige Rocksongs und tolle Synthy Sequenzen. Meine Favoriten sind “Naturaral Blues”, “Why did my ..” und “Porcelain”. Auch die weiteren Songs anreihen sich schlüssig und abwechslungsreich in die Songreihen ein. Tolles Album .. zum wiederholen geeignet. 😊. Ein wahrer hidden Star.

Top shit

Great record. 9/10

Ok I was not expecting to like this at all since it's electronic but I absolutely loved this album, it'll probably be my go-to study music if I want something without too many lyrics. It isn't the harsh almost dubstep-type electronic I was expecting and I really like that. Really, really nice actually knew a couple of the songs he sampled from which made those more enjoyable. I do wish this site would stop giving double albums though since they are obnoxious and nobody wants to sit down and listen to 29 songs.

Classic

3/1001 Not overly familiar with Moby going in aside from "South Side" which happens to be on the album. So I was expecting a more electronic overall sound, but was surprised by a variety of bluesy songs. I didn't always take notice of the instrumental tracks, but made sure to tag "Inside" as a future playlist piece. A comfortable listen, that really went well with the rainy day outside. Favorite track: "South Side" 4.5/5

One of my favourite house records

This album is quality, songs like flower and porcelain changed my life.

Love run on. Really fun album

This was a go to CD when i just wanted to put something on to chill to. It all came back to me as I listened to it for the first time in probably 20 years. Always loved Natural Blues and Porcelain. I am not a huge fan of electronica but i genuinely like his approach to it. It was nice to be "reunited" with his record and I think it will be in my rotation again! (This time the Play plus B sides edition.)

Very good album. No bad tracks on this one.

Super Album, welches ich schon seit langer Zeit in meiner Sammlung habe.

Stunning work of art.

Already knew this one for some time. Moby is just such a vibe and I'm not at all surprised he's in this list. It's great trippy experimentative music and it's just so distinct and original. He'll always have place in my heart. Keep on bringing great music like this! 9/10

YEEES, banger after banger! Totally biased but love this album. I listened to Moby, Massive Attack and Beatles on a very long train ride to Slovakia a few years back and it really left a lingering feeling after, it's hard to describe but it felt just right. Now I'm being thrown right back into that time and I feel like returning to the Spišská Nová Ves thrift store. Great music, especially for dreamily looking out the window

Great atmosphere

This is exactly the type of electronica that I love. Would listen any time

What is there to say about Play that hasn’t been said before? One of the most important and influential albums of all time. Honey is an all time classic opener and the quality never relents. With the song Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? You can clearly hear where a group like Chase & Status would derive their sound from. I could talk about this album all day, but just listen to it and enjoy it for what it is. Perfect.

Really fantastic album. The blues sampling was a unique touch. Porcelain instantly brought me back to the movie "The Beach" with DiCaprio. The entire album carries a pensive, ethereal sound that is sure to put the listener in a thoughtful mood. I read somewhere that many of these songs were used in commercials, and I could immediately hear that. I had never heard of Moby before this, so I'm really pleased to have discovered this piece of music.

Either this does it for you or it doesn't: there doesn't seem to be any in-between. It does it for me. I like the sampling; both vocally and musically. I listened to this a lot during a very good time of my life. This is a keeper.

Wanna dance

No comment, simply the best !

Masterpiece. One of those albums you can listen from start to finish and love every song.

This is my jam. Had never heard any Moby songs before. This is great.

One of my old time faves but haven’t listened to it in ages. I was ready to rate it a 5 even before listening but thought it would be fair to give it the same treatment as all the rest. 5 after the first listen. Then I went back and listened twice more in the last day and the results have been validated. Creative, inventive, cool as a polar bear’s toenails. So good.

God. I adored this album for so long. I still love it, it's a place in time but also incredibly like going home. I love it still.

So chill. Keeping this one in my library.

BANGER 🥵

This album is amazing! I can hear it over and over! It is a classic.

Definitely one of my top 100 albums, so this was a nice first album to see since joining!

pog

Similar to Coldplay Parachutes this album was everywhere when I was at Uni. Thanks to MTV Europe in the 90’s I’d been along for the Moby ride before this. From techno guy to a return to his hardcore / punk roots then back to this. His “I like to score” album is still one of my all time favourites. This is interesting as I re listened to it recently after he had been on Steve-O’s podcast talking about his recovery from addiction. There’s a ton of classics on it. Body rock being on there surprised me, I’ve heard it so often over the last 25 years I’d almost forgotten it was a Moby song. 5 stars

Tons of variety and very cool sounds. It took me a while to realize it was dance music, some songs I still don't really fit the genre but in a good way. Feels ethereal at times, and very grounded at others. Great instrumentals mixed between songs. B side (starting with Flower) is a bit weaker, but still enjoyable. Favorite tracks: Porcelain, South Side, Run On, Inside

Excellent. Very nostalgic for me. I used to listen to this album 20 years ago when it was all the rage.

I can't even count the number of times I've listened to this album over the last 20+ years. An absolute staple for me, there's something for every mood.

Really liked album, listening straight through from start to finish made sense, will listen to again

Great listen.

Love the sampling of older blues and soul tracks. Overall great album to throw on in the background, especially while working.

Jesse vois hommaa samat tatuoinnit kun Mobylla on nykyään

pakko antaa 5/5 koska ollaan Mobyn kanssa molemmat sekä vegaaneita että kusipäitä. 'Moby identifies himself as heterosexual and cisgender and had felt "disappointed" to be straight. He claimed in a book to have had a brief relationship with actress Natalie Portman, though she has denied this, calling Moby's account "disturbing" (as she was 18 at the time), with Portman further describing their interactions as "a much older man being creepy with me"'

One of the greatest albums of all time. Love moby!

Love it. Classic

Любовь

dope

This is a really good album. I like the lo-fi beats across it, the strings, the piano, the melancholy / bittersweet feeling to a lot of the tracks. There's some good variation in there too, with some good upbeat tracks. It's really consistent across the board here, just very well done and great to listen to.

Oof, bunch of feelings about this one - it’s grossly appropriative and Moby is a bit (a lot) of a knob, but it’s also intertwined with my first year of uni so the nostalgia levels are off the charts! Even with him licensing damn near every track for adverts and making them inescapable, the underlying samples are so strong, and really acted as a gateway to exploring a lot of early blues and spiritual stuff, so all glory to the original musicians, I guess. Fave track - "My Weakness" has always been my fave - pretty transcendental stuff...

The only "skippable" tracks for me on this one are ones that I've played so much I need to take my monthly break.

A classic, not a bad song on it

I remember going to buy this album on CD when I was about 12 and listening it to death. The songs were absolutely everywhere at the time, so you get mental imagery of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach and a million glossy car ads. I haven't listened to it for many years but I think it stands the test of time, so many great tracks.

What a miracle: all these different styles and samples becoming a slow-paced unit here. Love it.

I bought this album on the strength of the seemingly many ads featuring Moby tracks, and grew to like this enormously. The way that he weaves samples, dance, ambient music, and blues to make memorable and distinct tunes is so impressive. There are so many great tracks threaded throughout the album. one or two tracks aren't that special but overall a major, seminal album

Nice

jomen banger

I have such a soft spot for this album. There's something both vulnerable and bold about it. Thinking that this would be his last album and that few people would hear it, gave him a lot of freedom to make a very different album of the music he loved. The fact that it exploded in popularity was a shock to everyone, including me. I bought this album the day it came out and loved it but always assumed that it was going to be this secret album that I listened to in my bedroom but no one else had ever heard of. 12 million copies later and that secret was out. Maybe 5 stars is too generous but this one brings back good memories for me.

Are you kidding me? I’m listening this album on a everyday basis! Is I could score 10 I’ll score 20!

Dette traff meg

Angrer på at jeg ikke har hørt gjennom albumet før, da jeg har hørt (og litkt) noen av sangene enkeltvis. Starter med en del bangers, før det roer litt ned mot slutten. Jeg vet ikke helt nøyaktig hva jeg liker med albumet, men jeg liker det veldig godt! Mange gode samples, enkle men catchy melodier.

Yes. Only yes.

Sooooo great and unique! Good memories and still in vogue

Ahead of its time! Very replayable

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Honey, Find my baby, Porcelain, Why does my heart feel so bad, Bodyrock, Natural blues, If things were perfect

Best

I never really gave Moby a chance. This album is so damn good.

Forgot how amazing this album is. Early pioneers of todays chill house I think

In the summer of 2001, I was working my first job at the last vestige of American culture: a store that was both a Dunkin Donuts and a Baskin Robbins. On Saturday's, the radio was always tuned to the local top 40 station, and as I spent 8+ hours of my day serving ice cream, the best part of my day was hearing "South Side" by Moby and Gwen Stefani come over the radio in the kitchen. Twenty-two years later, I still think "South Side" is a really fun jam, but I can't say that I reflect on my time at DD/BR with the same nostalgia. "South Side" is my only experience with Moby up to now (unless you count the Eminem lyric where he disses him), and I had no clue what to expect when I listened to this album, but from the first track, I was hooked. Every song was different, but each one was a joy to listen to. I wish I had more to offer about what I heard on this album, but I don't; I just found every song to be very pleasurable and pleasant. If I had to summarize it, I guess I just think it worked really well melodically for me. I like electronic music, but I was shocked at how much I liked this album. "Porcelain" was probably my favorite track, and it's such a bummer that the album version of "South Side" doesn't feature Gwen Stefani.

Epic Album... nothing to add more.

Bara hört ett fåtal av låtarna innan men plattan är ju awesome.

podverdikkie wat lekker, deze wordt zeker opgeslagen! Moby heeft echt een aantal bangers gemaakt. Dit is de eerste keer dat ik een album van hem luister en ik vond het bijzonder goed. Het album gaat alle kanten op, van het stevige nummer 'Machete' rol je zo in het rustige 'Run on' en daar kan ik wel van genieten.

Shockingly good. Would listen again.

The sounds of my teenage years. The hits of a generation. This whole album is filled with hits, and the few deep tracks that never really saw the mainstream are bangers. The quintessential Moby here.

This is the only album in history to have every track licensed for use in film, television or commercials. Twenty-four (24) years on, this album still sounds innovative and fresh. It's an essential album for every collection.

I really liked this album quite a lot. Southside is one of my most favorite songs. I love how the album moves.

Thoughts: really, really impressed with this one. I only knew south side coming into it (and porcelain, but didn't realize it beforehand). I love how diverse the album was - each song felt like a new experiment, but it all felt tied together also. Tons of different instruments and genres as well. I can't help but feel like this inspired a lot of the music I listen to now (among many other sources). Overall I'd give it a 9/10

Wowowow I mean I knew I would love this but I didn't know quite how much. I got quite deep into the research of where the samples came from on a few of these tracks and I love that soul/gospel Southern folk music. My GOD there is so much beautiful feeling in those songs and stories passed from generation to generation. It could have gone two ways with some guy sampling them in the 90s but jeez he has done these tracks justice breathing new life into small pieces of them. This is a spectacular example of sampling IMO. I also LOVE Porcelain with Moby's vocals, God it's a stunning 90s nostalgia soup. Very relaxing/exciting/beautiful album absolutely love it. Also really fun to find out he got the nickname Moby from his great-great-uncle being the author of Moby Dick!!

Okay class, so today we learned that: 1. Acoustic blues based electronica does exist. 2. It's sublime.

Неоспоримый мастер продюсерского дела Моби сделал один из самых оригинально звучащих и драйвовых альбомов в мире. Нельзя никак придраться к тому, как выполнен каждый трек. Идеальное сведение, идеальный инструментал и в целом композиции треков сделаны оригинально. Также очень понравилось, когда альбом плавно съезжал от энергичного к более мелодичному и спокойному, это только сильнее подчёркнуло мастерство автора и его способность создавать шедевры. (8.5)

Amazing album, totally nostalgic for me. I remember downloading "Natural Blues" from Napster, and watching the video for "South Side" with dear Gwen on MTV, before reality shows killed the video star. Good times.

Fun album. A real album, not just singles.

Het eerste album dat ik ooit zelf gekocht heb. Ik begon al te twijfelen aan mijn muzieksmaak... Dit album heb ik vaak geluisterd. Soms op vol volume als ik in een relaxte bui was, soms op de achtergrond. Soms integraal, soms skipte ik alle droevige en onderwaterklanken. Gewoon even lekker naar Honey en Run On luisteren. Nu alweer even geleden. Dus lekker twee keer geluisterd.

Typische Dieleman muziek. Maar ik verbaasde me hoeveel nummers ik er van ken. Het is wat ambient soms net als Bjork, maar met veel meer tempo en lekkere samples. Minder gejengel. Fijne luisterplaat, sfeervol, re-laxed!

Perfect

D’you remember when what’s his name who is now the voice of Apple Music had a show on MTV? 7pm four nights a week or so? (Zane Lowe. Fuck, I’m getting old. I was thinking Eddy Temple Morris and at the same time that that couldn’t be right.) Anyway. Good programme. He played Dead Prez and shit. And really have this album a push when it needed it. (Which sounds a pretty odd thing to say, but Play wasn’t always the every-track-licensed-to-a-commercial juggernaut that it became.) The sleeve had lots of earnest and questioning essays about … if I recall correctly, how you can have strong views but only beat yourself up about them. That didn’t age well lolz. Album has, though. It really is the sweet spot.

Классика... Музыка детства. Я думал, вторая часть альбома мне не понравится. А треки не менее классные, как и в первой части (хоть и запоминаются хуже).

A breathtaking masterpiece! Utterly perfect. I've listened to this THOUSANDS of times and, still, something stirs deep inside of me with each listen. Every track is a stand-alone achievement in its own right, but collectively, the cumulative product is just breathtaking. A collage of genres (gospel, blues, soul, hip hip, club dance beats, ambient haze), with samples taken from across a stunning range of time and space and artist, all woven together so well that they seem they were performed to be in this mix when these samples were originally recorded years ago. It's really an amazing achievement. The result is a sprawling stew of emotions that makes up all that we feel as humans...joy, elation, melancholy, despair, sensuality, determination, reflection....it's all in there. See for yourself. I've listened to this so many times and experienced it so deeply that it has truly become the soundtrack of my life...a soundtrack of all that we collectively experience. A perfect 10 out of 10!

Love it

I bought this album I think in 2000 I think, I was in computer class and the kid next to me asked to borrow it and my best friend came out to me over AIM and said she had a crush on me and I was an ass about it. Anyway

There is not a weak track on this album. The ones that aren’t total bangers make up for it with fantastic composition on the keys.

this album is so good, i already loved it before this list. It's just so much better than you expect it to be. it's just all a vibe. I have this on vinyl too but not because i seeked it out. it's a delightful surprise. first song is such a bop. porcelain how iconic and nostalgic can you get. why does my heart feel so bad is so good. its just great all around i can't deny that

Yeah Yeah Yeah! This is how you do it. Moby's masterful cobbling together of so many incredible sounds and voices made something wonderful. It has a clear voice and theme (I love the blues voices so much!), but each track is distinctive. Repeated samples only add to the ever-building layers of music. An hour went by and I was ready for some B-sides or to hear it again. I'd never heard this whole album before ("Porcelain" and "South Side" were already favorites) but it made me happy happy happy today.

This was really good...maybe too good... I kept getting distracted with dancing and not staying on task with my work today! I think that Moby had been on my list for further listing back in the day and just never got around to it. I have been missing out!!

I had a dance teacher who used this album in class a lot in the early 00s. I liked it so I ended up buying it. A few of the songs are barely noticeable ambience, melt into the background/use in commercials kinds of things. But many are catchy or interesting or both. I enjoyed revisiting this record today.

Thought I hadn’t heard any of it, but everything seemed familiar. This music has been a part of a lot of the world I just didn’t know it. Really great album! Really great songs! I love it!

The album that launched a thousand commercials. A classic.

Another brilliant album with some classics songs

Great album! Great flow, the variety keeps each new track fresh. Jam-packed with hits, and the B-sides are well worth the listen.

amazing album takes me right back

Whenever Moby comes in a conversation, there's always a groan, followed by "but Play was really good". I suspect that we're culturally tired of Moby himself, (in a similar way to the likes of Bono and Michael Stipe), but what a corker of an album Play is, bravo!

I love this album, played heaps when younger, the dudes a bit crazy but putting that side, great album.

Wauw. Heerlijke bekende schijven met porcelain, why does my heart feel so bad en natural blues maar vergeet die prachtige afsluiter niet. Deze gaat nog gespeeld worden.

I’ve long loved this album, it has everything

the album is epic

Had this CD stuck in the car 20 years ago and must have played it a zillion times. Still like it though- the tracks are like a soothing mantra to me. On the face of it Play is a bunch of samples with a disco beat but I think the sum is greater than the parts.

So I've heard about Moby, but I just thought he was a weird bald dude that made some kinda electronica music. I never really got the hype. But listening to the album, it made me realise that it has been a part of the wider soundscape for at least the last 23 years. There were so many familiar songs throughout, although I couldn't exactly pinpoint from where they were familiar - whether it was movies, ads or TV shows it's been a part of the wider musical zeitgeist. The lo-fi electronic beats, expertly moulded into ambient background music, it was really what I needed at work today. Not to sound too corny, Play took me to a zen, meditative state, where I was really able to focus and remove all intrusive thoughts. Definitely gave LoFi Girl a run for their money. Best: Procelain Worst: N/A

Wonderful album

Damn nice

Fan-fucking-tastic jfc Clear anticipation of much of the synth and vaporwave of 2010s, really sick downbeat electronic stuff. Great use of vocals and general atmosphere

rating this today i'd give it a 3/5, but having been a late teen when it hit and knowing just how big and influential it was, i give it a 5. this album was massive and a full on game changer. soooo many copy cats have caused the shine to dull a bit, but man, in my head, it's still an all time great.

Moby's ambient expressions that are so hauntingly beautiful. Should be in everyone's library.

A great album with what are now classics. It's hard to overstate the influence this album has had on modern music and culture.

This is such a beast of an album. There's not a single bad track. The whole thing slaps end to end. How is that possible?! It's a perfect mix of mainstream rock traditions and club electronica concepts. The samples are all purposely chosen and perfectly used. The beats are concrete, they're so solid. Everything is so layered that, even on a second, third, or thirteenth listen, there's more to explore and enjoy. It doesn't get old. It's just... damn. So good.

Every song is incredible and it’s 2 hours long. Sounds like it could’ve been made today. A masterpiece

Classic

Fantastic!

I don't know how to explain how much I love this album. Every song has it's own "soul" but they all work so well together too.

Cracking album. Brought techno and sampling to the masses. Cover art 5/5

This album is quite nice, very nice. Wow. This album is quite nice, very nice. Yeah. This album is a bit repetitive, perhaps. Wow. But just some lyrics, though. Just some. This album is quite nice, very nice. Wow. This album is quite nice, very nice. Yeah. This album is a bit repetitive, perhaps. Wow. But just some lyrics, though. Just a few, babe.

Toch meer piano en gitaar dan ik verwachtte. De singles kende ik al, maar de rest van dit album is ook top!

Defined the genre

Really good album. Every song is so different but great. Definitely adding a few to some playlists

wonderful album. Brought me back to high school when I owned the CD and used to play it in my car.

Play was one of my favorite albums of the late 90s! Loved seeing Moby performing it in concert even more. And then sometime in the 2000s I forgot about it. But I’m glad I got reunited with it. It flows so effortlessly, bouncy one moment to deeply mellow the next. It was a soundtrack for a snapshot in time that could be reimagined as a snapshot for today. Love it!

Yep, still love this album. Loved the mash up of Black folk/heritage music and dance music, and ambient/chill tracks like Everloving. I know this album isn’t for everyone, but it definitely has a place in my sonic landscape, even after 20+ years.

Great use of samples especially of Lomax collected blues music. The music is upbeat and driving which prevents the album from dragging which is necessary for an album that is about an hour long. I enjoy the use of blues/RnB samples with an electronic and string overlay. It adds a different depth of emotion to an already emotional genre. The strings particularly add an expansiveness with a tinge of melancholy.

I'd spent years studying Alan Lomax so to hear his recordings sampled by Moby and become a humongous album cheered me enormously - bringing so much good music to the electronica pretentiously inclined. And it was an amazing album in too many ways to list.

This album has significant musical and sentimental impact in my life. Beautiful blend of modern dance and blues music.

Didn't realize how good this album was..

I know I’m rating it in a biased fashion, but this album is so damned beautiful, start to finish. It was my lone companion on a nighttime bus ride from Pittsburgh to Detroit circa January 2001.

What an album! Only knew the song "Extreme Ways" before this so this was a revelation. Such a variety of sound and feeling across the record but it melds so well. I'll definitely be listening to this more.

Moby always AMAZING! <3

Ótimo album! Música eletrônica com pitadas de soul!

Best Song: Find My Baby. All the vocals looped throughout were excellent. Worst Song: Porcelain. Overall: Excellent collection of songs with great sampling and mixing. Track ordering is sometimes weird though, resulting in heavy tonal shifts between tracks (e.g., the transition from Rushing to Bodyrock). Last third of the album also slows down considerably.

Very moody. I loved it!

If I had to list out the most important albums of the 2000s I likely would not have thought of this one. Listening to it now it’s pretty undeniable how pervasive this music was during that decade. The bad take is this is the sound of car commercials. Realistically, this is the sound of cool for this era and everyone wanted to be associated with Moby. This album is so clean and so catchy it’s no wonder every song got put under any commercial or movie that would pay for it. 20 years later I think you have to call this the point when ‘selling out’ stopped being a thing.

All time classic. Got played so much it was in danger of being over-exposed but after a while away from it, it's just great.

Was pleasantly surprised by this one. All the songs were interesting and innovative. Not really my normal genre but really good.

Love Moby

Absolutely love this mix of Blues and Beats. Wonderful use of sampling to be more creative than usual in this genre. Stand out Tracks for me: "Porcelain" "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad" & of course "Natural Blues" and well worth it's place in this list.

magnificent!

divertente

I was planning to give this a 4. Until I listened to it again. And again.

Every track is the best it could be.

This is an amazing album! I first got acquainted with the work of Moby. It has never happened before that I liked absolutely all the songs on the album. Even my favorite bands. But here everything is different: all the songs in the album are different in style / genre, and even to the 18th song the brain does not have time to get used to it and gets more pleasure. Despite the lack of genre boundaries, the album leaves a full-fledged aftertaste and self-image as a phenomenon. And I want to listen to more. Not selectively, but a whole album! It is endlessly interesting to listen to. In a word, "Play" is the best thing that I have met in the musical field lately.

Love this.

Chill but danceable at the same time. I just love the vibe of this album so much.

Lots of ambient tracks and the well known Moby hits from early on. Good work music. Front end is a bit more energetic, back end is much more chill lo-fi. Double album, lots of good tracks, definitely good background music.

Oh yeH this rocks

Varied, chill, relaxing

Pretty interesting!

One of my favourites. Perfect.

Also classic

An amazing electronic album, well worth the title of classic

Transcendent electronic house jams. A fantastic era for the genre, I love the sound of the late 90's.

Fabulous album - 9/10. I figure it is called play because it swings between elecronic genres like crazy. Pop, techno, house, hip hop, trip hop, and experimental. The sampling is excellent and the album is a must have for anyone who loves electronic music. It is so big, I'm sure it can convert people who don't like electronic music. It truly is a modern album despite being really old now. It feels as fresh as the day it came out - rare that one can be ahead of their time and popular in their time as well. Amazing record.

Became background, although I used to listen to this album a lot. A few tracks surprised- sounded a bit like Prodigy/Underworld. Also ‘Guitar flute and strings’ raised a fun chat

Awesome, just awesome

Bring Sally up!

Excellent album. It’s a regular on my in car playlist. Sensational.

A really great album. Electronica with lots of different samples from hip hop, gospel, R&B. Really surprised me, and one of my favorites so far.

It could potentially get 5 stars for Porcelain alone, but the album is also undeniably strong, innovative and enjoyable. Even the instrumentals like Everloving hold their own if a very long 18 track release. Fantastic.

Love a lot of this album!

Seminal album from a strange, strange man

Mixed feelings on this record. It's way too long but when it hits, it really hits. "Porcelain", "Heart", "Bodyrock", etc., these are electronica classics for a reason. Even the B-sides have real gems. And although there's some filler, this is one of the great "mood" records out there. Over the course of the hour, it builds a world and fully envelops you in it. Which is almost as necessary in the world of electronica as being full of bangers.

Very unique album (7,5/10)

clear 90s/early 00s electronic feel juxtaposed with the inherent chill vibe of it. massive variety between the songs without the loss of cohesion in the signature artistic style. porcelain is the song ever bless you asap for making this song even bigger

A first rate record that like many people was an introduction to techno styles. Credit to Moby for providing access to the genre with his inventive use of gospel samples and rhythms in his musical mash up. I realize purist in the electronic and techno field likely frown upon his approach. Also, reports about his personality drop him into near Morrissey status. Nonetheless, multiple songs on the album generate high levels of swaying and thrusting. An admirable combinations of all sorts of feelings makes for an enjoyable affair.

Muy interesante

Blast from the past! Not heard in ages. What a great album. Quite versatile. No wonder it was so popular at the time.

It's a classic album of its time. I think it got quite irritating at the time as it was played everywhere, especially on TV ads. But listening back years later it sounds fresh and excellent. Bodyrock brought back memories of Fifa 2001.

Once again, I'm not an electronic music fan, but this is a pretty cool record

Один з небагатьох справді гарних електронних альбомів, що мені рекомендував цей сайт. 3,5

ALBUNAZO VIEJO CIERREN LA PAGINA

Riktigt bra!

I was slightly put off seeing Moby’s name today, but quickly realized I was not remembering him clearly. This was very enjoyable even though it had characteristics that I wouldn’t typically enjoy — I think it emerges, directly or indirectly, from the spring of music from my formative listening years. Hard to rate for me but it gets a small boost as I got this one on a good day for this style.. 3.75/5

New music to my ears and I enjoyed it.

Enjoyable music to do code analysis to. I don't generally seek out electronica, EDM, trance, techno, etc but when it finds its way to me I enjoy it.

Moby – Play (1999) On Day 259, this record genuinely surprised me. I didn't realize electronic music could sound this good. It stands completely apart from typical electronic music because it carries genuine soul and avoids relying on monotonous repetition. It offers so much across its runtime: infectious grooves, raw vocal samples, and top-notch production quality throughout. Several tracks were already familiar, like "Porcelain" from television and films like The Beach, while the rest of the tracklist held together with impressive cohesion for an electronic, bounce-driven LP. An unexpectedly rewarding listen. A strong 4/5.

Great techno

Random thoughts: * Is this blues EDM? * I definitely had a copy of this album. I found my CD of this. I even had a second Moby CD. * I haven't listened to this album in years but it was kind of like an old blanket. Super comfortable and made me wonder why I put it in the closet. * Of course the hits are good here: Porcelain, South Side, and Bodyrock. * But I really liked some of the more "bluesy" tracks: Honey, Find My Baby, Natural Blues. * I was trying to decide if this was truly an essential listen and I came across this fact: Play is the biggest-selling electronica album of all time. * I thought maybe my familiarity was making me over rate this album but it turns out, I may be underestimating how essential this album really is.

I would have liked a little more variation, but I enjoyed that more than I thought I would. Almost more ambience the electronica at times. Didn't listen to the B sides, so maybe I'll check it out sometime Favorite Songs: Honey, Natural Blues, Run On

Nicht so gut gestartet aber dann noch gut abgegangen.

Not exactly my comfort zone but i’m very glad i was exposed to it i like it a lot

electronic ambient sounds - nice

Difficult to review this one. So many of these songs became part of the TV advertisement collective consciousness, and this sound was endlessly copied after this record's huge success. Still, it's not hard to imagine how new this sounded at the time and how this takes 90's electronica and boils it down to its bare essentials: A straightforward sample, synths, and a beat. It's actually surprising how Moby can keep it fresh throughout the entire hour-plus runtime, but he does. There aren't many artistic intricacies to talk about, so don't think too much, just Play. Key tracks: Honey Find My Baby Porcelain Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? South Side Natural Blues Run On

i'm excited about this one because Moby feels like an artist that i know a lot 'around' but haven't actually heard much of. a lot of pop cultural shittalking and i think i liked a few of his songs (or possibly remixes?) but i can only really think of one track off the top of my head. i adore Shot In The Back Of The Head. and also there was a Moby track at a pivotal point in The X-Files that i have VERY mixed feelings about. (the X-Files, not the track. the song was used well and frankly doing some heavy lifting for that scene, lmao) evidently the original release is 18 tracks long so i'm limiting this to those original tracks. the only spotify version is an extended cut that is over twice as long. yes i know spotify is terrible it's on my todo list Honey's very cool. this feels 'structurally' similar to a lot of music i like with the sampling i like Porcelain; it feels SO 90s to me for some reason. the string samples and the piano, i think. i'm enjoying this but i think i prefer music like this to... i want to say 'fuck a little harder' but that's not academically precise. it's very nice in a chill way, though i almost like South Side a lot but something about the vocals is odd. although maybe it's odd in a way i like? hm. can't decide Bodyrock is good but a touch too.... clean? it's missing something. man idk am i just not in the right headspace to do these or something Natural Blues i think i've heard before and liked. i associate this piano tone with a specific kind of... house? happy hardcore? that i don't like or at least feel like i outgrew. but it doesn't ruin the track for me okay now we're fucking talking with Machete i like 7 but wish it went somewhere instead of only being a minute long, i was into it :( Run On is good! it's a fun one. the sampling is doing some work here though i like Everloving a lot and i swear i've heard this melody before but not the song. wtf Inside is really nice; i really like this sort of warbly underwater vocal background The Sky Is Broken is ringing a bell but i don't recall the spoken word (and don't really care for it, honestly, which is too bad because i like the track a lot otherwise). this is going to bother me. did something use this instrumental My Weakness has this weird ass distorted vocal sampling that is like catnip to me. oh my god is this the song that was in X-Files? IT IS. well i do love this song i mean he's got an ear for good vocal samples, i'll give him that. i debated high 3 vs low 4 and the back half of the album talked me into a 4. there's more variety here than i thought at first glance and i really like the progression from the first half of the album to the second. tbh i prefer the second half of the album, find it more interesting, and don't care as much for the singles. the second half is a lot moodier, a little weirder. i'm trying to pin down a criticism and i think all of this feels a little 'safe' to me? having read some about his work, i want to listen to some of his other albums to compare to. oh shit Flower is a song i love but it's not *technically* on this album lmao, it's on the extended cut

GCSE Music 2015

Noen veldig bra låter, andre litt mer kjedelige og irriterende

Reminds me of the 90s

I don't always understand Moby, but I dig him.

Moby demuestra que el sampleo le es nato y firma un disco enorme, lleno de melodías infecciosas y momentos de enorme creatividad. Algunas canciones se sienten de relleno.

Some very decent beats. I like this. It gets really good towards the end. Nice to see an album that matures as it progresses.

If you’re like me this album shows up in your life randomly and Moby really took the plunderphonics sound and made it his own. Moby makes an album that you just want to hit play on and it’s multi-instrumental nature makes it fun and unique to listen to. Natural Blues is one of my favorites. Edm songs have a way of making simple songs have such power and meaning. The only you think you remember from the song is how it made you feel and troubles with god and it just sticks in your head. It’s all good and fits a mood and doesn’t feel like it steps on each other. Back when Edm music really felt like it had soul not obsessed with the drop but invested in creating a holistic and full atmosphere. This feels like it’s made to be music first and then danceable after which works out for everyone since it’s so unique and been mimicked countless times. I love this album and I put it on whenever I want to explore outside my edm bubble yet still scratches that itch.

I think this is a pretty great album overall and I like the mix of old blues and gospel with electronica. "Honey", "Find My Baby", "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?", "Natural Blues", and "Run On" (which shares the same DNA as Johnny Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down") are all really cool. The biggest knock on it is at over an hour, there's definitely some filler here. There's some moments of more traditional EDM and new agey soundscapes that I could live without. Overall, the highlights are enough for me to get to a solid 4 stars.

I can imagine myself at a mass outdoor event of some sort, the kind where there are marquees out on a grass lawn and there are large speakers blasting out music. This kind of music. There always comes a point at these events where I'm either looking for something to eat, or something to do, and I just take a step back for a moment and listen to my surroundings. Now, here comes the magic of this kind of music - it only takes about 30 seconds of listening to the same repeated sample droning on and on and on and on, for 16 more bars than it probably should have, before I start feeling bored out of my mind, snap back to reality, and go look for something else to do. 2 songs into this album and I'm loving the vibe, but it quickly became clear to me that this is the kind of music you ONLY put in the background. Tune in your ears to properly listen to this album, and for the grand majority of moments you do so, you'll only be met with endless, endless monotony. That said, there were still some interesting songs scattered throughout the album (like South Side), and it's not to say I didn't enjoy listening to this album as a whole (I still enjoyed many songs despite their repetitive elements, e.g. Bodyrock). However, what stuck out about this album for me was that I couldn't just sit there and - to put it very simply - LISTEN to the music. All in all, I can definitely see how one could love this album for the vibes, but to listen to it without occupying oneself with some other task is completely unfathomable to me. Solid 4.1/5

... do I like Moby?

I love this album, especially the tracks that combine ghospel/soul vocals with electronic/dance backing. If it was just tracks like that, it would be a 5-star album. Alas, the album also has some tracks that are more straight up electronic or are just slow/mundane, so it nets out as a high-4 for me.

Listening to this album reminded just how ubiquitous Moby was for a time around the turn of the century. Though it ended up being overplayed and commercialized to hell, it really is a strong album from front to back.

Do I...like Moby? I think I do. So 90s. Shout-out to the movie Holes

The first 2/3 or so of the album was fantastic, consisting of high-energy genre-bending bops. But the last third or so totally killed the energy for me. I would probably say 3.5/5 if I had the option, but we'll go with 4.

Honestly, very enjoyable listen. Did not expect to like this that much. Was very nice to have on. I also definitely recognized Porcelain. I'd have to say 3.75. For the time period definitely felt ahead of its time.

Cool

Hits a lot of nostalgic buttons for me

Lots of great songs, some really moody echoes type tracks too. Definitely holds up.

Weird experience. Honestly I DO know this album and Moby. But like Steely Dan, I didn’t realize how WELL I knew them. I mean in my bones kinda knowing. How is that? Well I find out this album has so many tracks licensed for television and commercials it is one of the most licensed albums of ALL TIME. Yeah. Can’t get away from it actually. It’s EVERYWHERE. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about that. Brainwashed. That’s the ticket. I feel brainwashed. Well I guess there are worse ways of having your mind scrubbed. 4 Boolean: True

Funk and charisma packaged into this record - a wonderful dance/electronic recording

There are moments, chord changes, perfectly timed samples, that are sublime, but I'll take DJ Shadow or Little Axe or Dilla over this one.

Maybe a tad bit long and repetitive, but against all expectations I did actually like it.

Amazong

I haven't listened to this all the way through for 25 years. It still hasn't changed though, done great tracks mixed in with some good ones, and it's a bit long for me. 45 minutes is enough, remove a few of the lesser tracks and you've got a five star album.

Love this album and still listen to it a few times a year.

This album went like quadruple platinum in my house growing up. We would listen to it constantly. I did realize though that I don't think I had ever listened to the whole thing all the way through until now. The tracks that I remember are awesome. His mix of blues samples and electronic music hits as much as it now as it did when I was a kid. However, the last 5 tracks were the most unfamiliar to me. They brought the energy down significantly and made my interest in the album wain. I could see myself as a kid losing interest at this point which is probably why they aren't as familiar as the ones that came before. Still a super fun album and one I hope to play for my son someday (just maybe not as frequently). 4/5

Very enjoyable 90s dance/chill? Maybe pop?

War gar kein Techno. Verfluchter Eminem!

I’m not convinced this is a great work of art, and it’s definitely been sullied by the sheer amount of times songs off it have been used in TV and ads but there’s something undeniable about it. Well chosen samples and visceral grooves and beats- and when it hits on songs like honey, run on or natural blues you forget the baggage and just engage with the music

efectiv muzica de lift

The soul-blues feeling works surprisingly well with the dance-techno-electronica underlaid behind it. Enjoyed it surprisingly more than expected

2026.08.06.

Hol' up... is that white guy on the cover Moby? Well, shoot. I was impressed by a lot of these vocals and instrumental add-ons, but I guess Moby is just another petty music "sampler" (thief). Ah, well. It still sounds good, mostly. Straight into things with Honey. Ain’t no messing around. An old-fashioned blues chant song, almost sounding like a cover of a 50s/60s (or older) chart with some DJ SFX added in. I appreciate the guitar effect – a pedal or something (I’m not good with terminology) – and I wish the guitar had been utilised more. Find My Baby continues along the same lines. Very much a blues composition, or at least it feels like until you realise the same four bars are being repeated ad nauseam with no chord changes. It almost makes you suspect the music has been looped. Almost… And then we get to the last minute or so and you realise it is most certainly a loop. A soundboard, even. Pretty disappointing. Still, the instrumentation builds gradually over time, which balances out the niftiness levels, if I do say so. The guitar solo (this time just a standard electric) is again the song’s highlight. The first standout on the album is the dizzying, experimentally edited Porcelain. Of course, it remains the most memorable for its stop-start synthy strings, capturing a solid chord progression and underlaid by passable vocals and great little piano fills. Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad is a continuation of that pure unadulterated excellence – this time with more strings attached (literally) and very strong singing this time. I could listen to this on loop, easily. Ending the first third, we have the weirdly Arctic Monkey-esque South Side. Like if the AMs soundly strictly a little worse and used 90s SFX instead of guitars. It’s no wonder that the guitar solo is once again the clear highlight. Cool use of blues scale, general gusto… the whole shebang. I’m a little torn on Rushing, because it sounds like an interlude, smells like an interlude, even has the name of an interlude… but un interlude n’est pas ici. Instead it’s a 3-minute medium-tempo piano-and-drum noodle. Sounds good, I guess, though I don’t really know why. The intro of Bodyrock isn't promising but the middle section explodes with energy and slightly more interesting chords. Natural Blues is very catchy – earworm material for sure – and (relatedly) sounds like something C2C would record. In that sense, I guess, Moby is pretty ahead of his time. By the time of Machete, the average quality of the tracks takes a noticeable downturn. As to why... I'm stumped. Machete and 7 both fail to impress (the latter being too short to really develop into something memorable). Down Slow does a little better – but still doesn't give you room to breathe. Run On is better but only because it "weirds out" rather than underwhelms. A track centred around low piano and "honky tonk vocals" (is that even possible?) with an admittedly cool hip-hop spin. I would rate If Things Were Perfect quite low amongst the crowd, but at one moment I suddenly realised that the close-to-mic murmuring sounds like Sam O'Nella released an ASMR video. You wouldn't reject Sam, would you? I didn't think so. Everloving, though pretty good, also reeks of "80s B-side instrumental" (think some of Pink Floyd's lesser tracks from the Gilmour era). Inside is similar, with the added drawback of alternating between just two chords – really the major and minor versions of the same chord – but at least the low, layered synths Moby chose also sound cool as heck. Guitar Flute & String: self-explanatory. The Sky Is Broken has Sammy (Moby) giving us episode 2 of his new ASMR series, which unfortunately pales in comparison to the debut. The final track, My Weakness, is indeed Moby's weakness. Fortunately the album is such a juggernaut of "relatively great" tracks that it can afford to let a few slip away. 4/5 Key tracks: Porcelain, Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad, Natural Blues

I'm rating this about halfway through listening and not for the reason I usually do that on a dance album. I fucking hate this genre, I think it's one of the worst things ever. The repetitive low effort garbage of music, literally "we came up with a 10 second long segment and we're going to make you listen to it for 8 minutes" type of shit. But somehow, this album rises above its genre's conventions and manages to be something listenable. Decent, good even. Absolutely shocked by this development. Well done, Moby!

Действительно классика и монументальнейший альбом изобилующий как радио хитами, так и довольно нишевыми композициями. Думаю именно за эти не настолько заезженные треки из второй половины альбома он мне и нравится, а вот радио-хиты наоборот немного утомляют. Моби смешивает тут и рок и электронику и хип-хоп и эмбиант и получается универсальный продукт для каждого

This one was surprising. Not usually my thing, but enjoyed it.

Jammer dat geen album uit Moby's discografie hier enigszins bij in de buurt komt

Is het crazy dat ik een instant 5 verwachtte en het toch neeet niet dat vind? Iets te veel filler, verder niets behalve insane tbh

Brian Eno 🤝 Moby Kale mannen die vette elektronische muziek maken.

N.15 Some songs are really good and I enjoyed them a lot. Some are nice to listen to but aren't that interesting. And some are INCREDIBLY repetitive and boring. The first half of the album is noticeably better then the second. I rate it 3.5

Surprised that I like it! Didn't think I would like it but I do!

The soundtrack to a half-dozen midnight school trips to Alton Towers, and every car trip with my Mum for three years. Favourite track: Machete

Such a versatile album! It was a really good listen and every song was different and interesting! Saved it!

LEGENDARY DJ

The production is immaculate, but it gets too loopy at times.

Neblogas, kas patiko tai labai patiko, bet daug filler

This was rad. I saved a bunch of songs. Common list 90s electronic/trance music W

So many of their hits on one album! I was excited to listen to it as I never really have before. It was great but the last few tracks just sort of faded into the background. A good album though!

One of my favourite albums - I love the spiritual remixes

First album I've been disappointed to enjoy as Moby was a creepo to Natalie Portman. Damn if it isn't the seminal sound of the early 2000s though

Really good vibey stuff. Great for my night walk. Didn't expect it to infuse old jazz. Feels like you get enlightened at some songs and other sounds feeling repetitively annoying.

Cool exploration of sound, super unique, like Guitar Flute and String. There were others, but that one stuck out on the first listen. *Will need to return to this one.

I have to admit there is some bias here, because several songs from Play were a big part of my childhood. I remember hearing them on the radio, loving their sound, and carrying them with me as I grew up. Listening to the full album brought back a lot of that nostalgia, but as an adult, I could also better appreciate what Moby was doing musically. Instead of sticking to pure techno, he blends electronic music with old blues and gospel recordings, giving the album a sound that feels both modern and rooted in the past. Most of the songs I knew were packed into the first half, so I was a little worried the album would fall off afterward. The second half is not quite as strong and leans heavily on instrumental tracks, but it still has plenty of worthwhile moments. Even some of the unfamiliar songs managed to transport me back to the late ’90s and capture that distinct electronic atmosphere of 1999. The final track is especially haunting and beautiful, though I wish it had lasted longer. I would probably cut about five tracks to make the album tighter, but listening to Play still felt like reopening a part of my childhood that had been sitting quietly in the background all these years. I would gladly return to it again.

Not sure why Mobly got such a bad w-rap. This is the first experience I’ve had with listening to one of his album in its entirety, and it’s a good one. Was familiar with South Side, Bodyrock, and If Things Were Perfect, truly enjoyed his instrumentals. Will listen to Play again! (4.44*s) Will also check out more of his albums.

Pretty great execution by Moby. I thought the 63 minute Playtime would be a drag but I have to admit that as the songs ticked off I found myself continuing to enjoy them. Something about these tracks made them very consumable in 90-second spurts like you would see in a film/tv/commercial spot so I'm not surprised to see that this album was widely licensed. I didn't outright know any of these songs but a couple had an air of familiarity so maybe I had run into them in the wild at some point. Moby proved pretty effective at building an electro-pop song around a simple samples/hooks. With Play he did just enough to make it stand out and differentiate it from contemporary artists of the time, while while keeping marketable to the masses. Though some of the samples were interesting I think I enjoyed the songs that featured his lead vocals the best like Porcelain and South Side. I also appreciate Moby keeping these tracks to 3-4 minutes. While a couple of them get a little repetitive as they wrap, it didn't fall into the trap a lot of electronic music does of having 7-8 minute tracks that drag by the end even if they start out enjoyable. Back half of the album isn't quite as strong as the front side, but I did enjoy the full listen. All in all Play was a surprisingly solid album. I remember him making a bit of splash in the early 2000's but not sure if Moby saw any sustained success in the wake of Play otherwise but I would check out anything else he released that had some popularity. 3.51 stars

If, like me, you spent any time at all between say 1999 and 2001 in even the vaguest of sentient states, you will probably be overly familiar with every track on this album, even if you've never owned a copy. It really was ubiquitous - in every bar, every radio station, in every car that drove by, every TV advert... This is no bad thing, either. It's a hugely enjoyable soundtrack of a time - not just background music either, it's a genuinely inventive, absorbing and compelling listen, that's richly produced and that stands up really well today. I haven't heard it in years but even now, every single track felt fresh and familiar, as if I was only listening to it last week. When it popped up on the list, I groaned a little and felt a grumpy review coming on having been over-exposed to it back in the day, but on pressing play, I was just swept along with it all over again. It's actually a rather blissful listen. I'm pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed spending time with this record again.

Moby is at his best on this album when he is sampling old blues artists. The high points on this album are really high but in reality he has tried to cram too much into the album - not all ideas are good ideas. It is still eminently enjoyable though.

Lots of good tracks on this one.

Highlights: Porcelain, Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?, South Side, Rushing, Bodyrock, Natural Blues, Run On, Everloving Where to begin with this album, honestly its first half was really good which isn't a surprise since that is where most of the singles are placed. Blending all sorts of different genres really taking you to some unexpected places musically (trip hop vibes, blues, strong beats and electronica among others). Unfortunately, the hype kind of dies in the later half as the tracks get slower and less exciting. I don't mind a change of pace and more relaxed tracks, but the later half was just too long and felt like it was there to fill up space for the album or make it longer for some reason. With all that in mind, since I enjoyed the first half so much, I'm leaning more towards a 3.5 (rounded to a 4).

Monday, 6 July, 2026 Great album. Transcendent moments. Not quite throughout, though.

super

I bought this on release and absolutely loved it back in the day It's still a very, very good album and has some absolute bangers on it The looped samples of old singers can take the shine off at some points, but this is a very solid 4

Tiene un estilo muy marcado, melodías en loop, una linea y un crecimiento exponencial. Para mí eso es lo especial de este disco, tiene temones, sabés lo que te espera y lo que hace lo hace muy bien. De cualquier manera una hora de lo mismo es mucho y más sabiendo que las ultimas 7 canciones meh. Cuando lo empecé a escuchar hasta consideré ponerle un 5, pero estoy evaluando álbumes enteros. Seguro que lo voy a escuchar, pero no sé cuantas veces lo voy a terminar.

Really interesting to return to this album after more than 20 years. I used to love it and played the cd into near extinction. Initially it was pretty revolutionary and then ultimately deemed a bit appropriative. To me though it mostly feels a little dated. Odd to think that Moby had been such a trailblazer and then became gradually tired and eventually intolerable. Still, I think this album deserves its props. Incidentally, at the time this album hit, I was singing in a church choir that was performing a work called “African Sanctus.” Worth a listen - and worth noting that the composer, David Fanshawe, had effectively already done the same thing in 1972.

Moby – Play still holds up really well. Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? and Natural Blues are timeless classics, but unlike some other albums, this one stays consistently strong from start to finish. It has a coherent atmosphere that makes it easy to listen to as a complete album. I could have used a bit more energy today in this heat, but overall it’s still a great record.

Wow what a surprise! I never heard an entire album of Moby before but obviously I should have! It never clicked for me with the single tracks I heard before but this album was a journey. Great energetic start and positive calm vibes at the end. Only the mid part lacked a bit of interesting elements but the reoccurring parts in different tracks showed the talent of moby. Close to 5*

A great album that marks the transition to the extremely eventful 1980s, with wonderful songs

Ik vond deze plaat wel chill, ik denk dat deze plaat ook echt nice is met een leuke drugs.

Leuk album, erg creatief. Wat ik er een beetje in terughoor, is Moby die eind jaren 90 op zijn kamertje soulsamples aan het knippen en plakken is op zijn computer en daar vervolgens iets heel eigens van maakt. Het album heeft wel echt een vroeg digitaal geluid. Dat heeft ergens ook z'n charme, maar het klinkt tegenwoordig natuurlijk wel anders. De plug-ins en samples uit die tijd waren simpelweg nog niet van de kwaliteit die we nu gewend zijn. Daardoor klinken sommige pads en vooral de piano op Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? voor mijn gevoel een beetje onnatuurlijk, bijna MIDI-achtig. Je kunt Moby dat eigenlijk niet kwalijk nemen; dit wás gewoon hoe digitale muziek eind jaren 90 klonk. Sterker nog, juist daardoor is het ook een soort tijdcapsule geworden. Overigens maakt Moby nog steeds video's waarin hij laat zien hoe hij muziek produceert, tegenwoordig vaak in Ableton Live. Als je een beetje geïnteresseerd bent in produceren, zijn die zeker de moeite waard om eens te bekijken.

Didn't expect to like this as much as I did, as I usually can't stand electronica. But this is a cut above the rest for sure.

It's hard not to like this....some songs hit better than others. If you were around when this came out, you have no idea how inescapable it was. It was EVERYWHERE. My favorite was at the end of Any Given Sunday when Pacino is walking out of the press conference...one of these songs is playing. I don't listen to music like this often...techno, electronic, whatever you want to call it, it's just not on my radar. But it's good to work to and it's good to help get into flow mode...when you're just zooming through tasks at work, the music is on the headphones, you're not actively listening to it but just immersed in what you're doing. I'll also say, I see a lot of bitching in here that all he did was sample old black musicians....which, yes, he did. But to listen to all of those songs, pick the 1 or 2 second samples to take and build complete songs around...yeah, it's not sitting down with a guitar and writing lyrics. But it's a completely different form of building and creating a song that's just as valid.

Luulenpa et olisin tehny opparin ennätysajassa jos Moby ois kuiskutellu taustalla. Sellasta kivaa ysäriä, helppoa kuunneltavaa. Ei kuitenkaan tylsää, biiseissä oli pikkuyllätyksiä. Niistä pidän. Kiitos Moby.

Klassikkolevy joka toimittelleepi aina! Alkupuoli on aivan täyttä rautaa, loppupuoli vähän väsähtää.

Beats to study to -tyyppinen levy :D En tienny kaipaavani tällasta, mutta meni todella mainiosti automusana ja lautapelin taustalla! Ja Porcelain oli ihan tuttu biisi, en tienny että olin kuullukki Mobya :D

Siis morjens että tää Porcelain on kova!!! 😍✨ Vähän jännityksellä ootin että miten aika on kohdellut tätä lapsuuden sankaria ennakopöhinää seuraten 😬 Mut olihan tää nyt edelleen kova levy! Vuosituhannen taitteessa kun Porcelainin musavideo pyörähti jossain Jyrki Countdownissa ni olin ihan että ”Oon 11 ja mitä tämä on?!!! 🤯”. Kirjosta ollut tää lainassa vuosituhannen vaihteessa tehosoitolla ja sittemmin Anttilan Top Tenin alelaarista tarttunut omaan CD!!!-kokoelmaankin 🙂‍↕️ Tää muuten varmasti ollut myös yksi isoista esikuvista ekalla ”omatekemälle” musalevylle, joka oli tehty jonkun ”lätki valmiita sampleja aikajanalle” -musaohjelman ilmaisversiolla ja jossa 80% biiseistä päättyi ideoiden loputtua kuin seinään crash-crash-crash-filliin 😌 Edit: Loppuun kuunneltuna ois näistäkin saanut pari päättyä 1min 10s jälkeen samaiseen filliin 😅 Mut muutamaa musta vähän turhaa täytebiisiä lukuunottamatta upee lätty! 💎

Did not age well

This was a lot better than I remembered

2000s type beat

This is the extent of my Moby knowledge: - He's an electronica/techno artist - He's bald - That song 'South Side' with Gwen Stefani - The bar on Eminem's 'Without Me' where he emplores Moby to give it up because "Nobody listen to techno!" This was my first extended listen of any Moby album, and it wasn't bad at all! Some cool mixes, fresh beats, good energy, and most songs sounded unique and fun. Last third of the album dropped off into ambient techno boring territory, so it won't get a perfect score, but it's a good 4/5 for me.

Very good, really shines on the calmer tracks.

Relaxing and yet danceable. I was very suprised how many of those songs I knew without actively listening to them. Great album!