This is my favorite from the Putumayo collection. It has a perfect blend of various styles, but yet they go together well. It is great background music for a party, and it is a joy to listen to while you are busy at the computer.

It is a great introduction to world music. Once you start listening, you won't want to stop.

This CD offers a flawless mix of electronica, jazz, latin, and ethnic styles. I've listened through a lot of other similar compilations, such as Paris Under a Groove, Hotel Costes 5, and Bhudha Bar IV, but this one's the icing on the cake.

I am addicted to Putumayo releases and this is one of my favorites so far. Honestly I didn't think I'd like it nearly as much as I do. It's difficult to describe it's overall appeal, since genre-namedropping doesn't do this music justice. To humor the prospective buyer, however, I'd say it's a nexus of world music, Euro trip-hop/club, and dub with a fun dash of retro-kitsch. Each track is distinctive enough to stand out on its own, which is one of this sampler's strengths. I give it 5 stars because while there's a couple of tracks that don't do it for me, the tracks I enjoy more than make up for the ones I can do without. Having said that, I'd rank Mo' Horizons, Mau Mau, Blue Asia, and Pink Martini as the winners on the bunch, both for the distinctive style and musical appeal of each track, with the Montefiori Cocktail track getting an honorable mention for its delightful kitschiness. I enjoyed some of these tracks so much it motivated me to go out albums by three of these artists, despite the premium import price I had to pay for them all. It's a wonderful album to kick back and chill with, without it getting dull or boring, as well as something to throw on the player at a party that'll definitely make heads turn and intrigue any inquiring minds.

Putumayo Music has done it again! This has to be one of my most different, and favorite, CDs I own. World Lounge is an exploration in lounge music, its downtempo beats spreading across the globe. The music on this CD comes from everywhere: France, Italy, India, Japan, Argentina . . .

Without a doubt Blue Asia's "Abyssinean Dub" is the best track. It fuses middle eastern rhythms, asian instruments, and modern beats in one terrific song. I can never play it just once. Another favorite of mine is "Santa Maria", which puts a modern, urban spin on the Argentinian tango. (you may have heard this song in some commercials) Then there's always the quirky "Sympathique" by Pink Martini, which is a throwback to the days of French cabaret.

This is truly an eclectic CD, and it is definitely not for everyone. This is the type of CD where, to be honest, you either love it or you hate it. Listen to the sample tracks; trust me, you'll love it.

This is a great soundtrack for a swanky cocktail party.

Whenever I play it at my parties, my friends always ask where the wonderfully different music is from. I tell them its from all over the world.

Its also a great "springboard" CD. If you like one cut better than another, investigate the artist (Pink Martini has become a new favorite of mine).

If you like this CD, you should also look for the Style series by Electric Lounge.