Bunkka [Enhanced, Import]

I first heard this album on holiday last year. A friend put it on the CD player while we were having a few beers and it got to Starry Eyed Surprise when a group of us went "that's Oakenfold, really?!?". I recognised Ready, Steady, Go and Southern Sun but was unaware that they came from this album before that.

Skip forward to getting home and I decided to look the album up and couldn't believe the reaction in some quarters, so much so that I wondered if I had the right one. Well I got the album anyway and I still love it.

Full marks to Mr Oakenfold for trying to get away from being typecast as just a remixer and dj. No marks to narrow minded fans for not giving something a chance from outside their own genre. I've can see why this might cause some controversy with the long standing trance fans, but good acts will try different things and this is no different. Some people say this album is schizophrenic. Another way of looking at that is to say it demonstrates versatility.

In summary, if you are just into your 90s Oakenfold, Tiesto, Ferry Corsten, van Dyk, etc (and don't get me wrong, I love that stuff too) then excercise caution. Only a couple of tracks fit the trance bill, but a few more wouldn't be out of place on the likes of Another World. Indeed Ready, Steady Go and Southern Sun have unanimous 5-star reviews on this site.

However if you are approaching this from the direction of Massive Attack, The Chemicals, Leftfield, Bjork or anyone in between then I am sure you will like this. Don't be put off by lazy professional reviewers and disillusioned trace fans, and check the US Amazon site if you need to hear this from more people than just me.

As an aside, the other reviewer probably knows the Tiesto mix of Southern Sun, which is pretty well played. However it is worth checking out the Gabriel and Dresden unplugged remix and Solar Stone remix of the track as they are slightly more relaxed and highlight what is an excellent vocal. Thanks then Oakey for introducing me to Carla Werner, who deserves more credit as a singer/songwriter in her own right (but that belongs in another review).

Havent been a fan of Oakey for that long, but ever since I heard his superb electronic soundtrack for the film Swordfish I have wanted to hear more, and his latest offering Bunkka doesnt dissapoint. OK, you could argue that all the collaborations on the CD are there to boost sales and make it more universally or commercially appealing, but I think they work well. Apart from the Tricky and Nelly Furtado mish mash and the strange warblings of the Nixon track, the album provides something for everyone, from chilled vocal ambience to all out breakbeat. I would say listen to the CD before you commit because it is a grower, but I have to say from my personal view it is a worthy purchase.

Buy this album now! Perfect for post clubbing listening or for your in-car-stereo! Stand out tracks are the first singles "Southern Sun" and "Ready Steady Go", the shimmeringly beautiful "Hypnotised", the dark "The Harder they come" and the summery new single "Starry Eyed Suprise". Ignore all those who say this album is no good, 'cause this is my favourite album I have bought all year. If you like dance influenced pop tunes then get this now! Including vocals from some of the greatest singers of our generation including Nelly Furtado, Tricky, Emiliana Torrini, Carla Werner, Tiff Lacey, Ice Cube and Crazytown's Shifty Shellshock.