AMG Review of Galactic Soul

Rob Theakston
All Music Guide

Continually meeting (and in some cases raising) the bar for chillout and downtempo compilations, BBE issued Galactic Soul right in time to act as a counter-agent to all of the usual horrific chillout compilations that flood the market during the summer season. Not straying too far from the usual formula of hip-hop laced with bits of acid jazz, deep house and broken beat, Galactic Soul flows easily and seamlessly from song to song, including a bling-free, stripped of pretension contribution from Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am. Other contributions from Cee-Lo, Four Tet (immaculately remixed by Jay Dee), and Roy Ayers help balance things out and keep the comp from straying too far in any one direction. It is also equally sophisticated, as it is accessible for at-home listening or in a lounge/club setting. Galactic Soul serves its simple purpose well.