Chillout '05 Compilation

This is the fifth offering in a series dedicated to the chillout genre, which is often used as background music for cocktail parties and pilates sessions. Unlike many of the collections that clog the racks (some of which boast obscene price tags), this edition features recognizable tracks that we’re used to vegging out to. Even if you’ve never thought of The Flaming Lips’ "Do You Realize" or Radiohead’s "No Surprises" as chillout tracks before, hearing them in this context may make you dreamily nod and say "Yeah, I suppose this song is rather relaxing." Of course, more predictable electronic fare also features prominently, like coma-inducing offerings from Delerium, Goldfrapp and Wax Poetic featuring Norah Jones. As far as chillout mixes go, this one gets a passing grade, if only for boldly looking to rock artists for relaxation music.