To New Age enthusiasts, Steven Halpern (http://www.innerpeacemusic.com), is a pioneering icon in a musical genre that receives little respect and understanding from rock critics. For those expecting something cold and detached, the often used criticisms of New Age, on "Music for Lovers Vol. 2: The Rhythm Method," they're in for a stunning surprise.
Aside from the retro spacey trance of "Passion Play," "Music for Lovers Vol. 2" is closer in spirit and tone to the finest contemporary jazz and world music you could find. Immaculately produced and slickly arranged, this record is recommended for its craftsmanship alone. The stereotype of New Age artists being one-man computer nerds couldn't be further from the truth. Halpern has surrounded himself with top-notch musicians including Grammy winners Paul Horn and Paul McCandless.
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From the soothing jazzy textures of "Thigh Chi" to the tropical percussion of "Body Language" to the Middle Eastern flavors of "Blue Nile," "Music for Lovers" has a wider appeal than the overworked yuppies it is being marketed to. Thankfully, there is real music on here, a wordless collection of relaxing rhythms and sensuous grooves with a real heart beating behind it.
If you think that New Age music is bland and lifeless, then "Music for Lovers Vol. 2" might change that opinion.
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