Zero 7: Simple Things

Given the overwhelming proliferation of so-called "chill-out" records, you might be inclined to pass on Zero 7's inaugural effort. At first listen, Simple Things begs comparison to Air's impossibly brilliant Moon Safari, but Zero 7's debut album has a few tricks of its own. It starts with the usual suspects--smooth down-tempo beats, jazzy synth lines and sparse string arrangements--but subtle touches like the ear-pleasing stereophonic synthesizer blips and whirs slowly reveal themselves with repeated listens.

The record's greatest strength--and what will keep you listening after the late-night bliss has gone--is the sweetly soulful vocals of singers Mozez, Sophie Barker, Sia Furler and Philani Mothers, who perform on tracks like "In the waiting line" and "Likufanele." Ultimately, their contributions demonstrate Zero 7's collaborative savvy.

Simple Things won't send you out to the heavens like Moon Safari, but it will leave you nicely orbiting through the clouds of this third stone from the sun.