Album Review: Buddha Chill by Various Artists
If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug for your soul, Buddha Chill might just be your next obsession. Released in 2005 by Apace Music in the UK, this album is a lush blend of jazz and electronic vibes with a heavy dose of ambient, smooth jazz, easy listening, and downtempo grooves. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—it’s perfect for chilling out after a long day or setting the mood on a lazy Sunday morning.
The tracklist is massive, clocking in at over 40 songs, so there’s plenty to explore. But two tracks stood out to me in particular: “Sun Splash” and “Feel Me (Sands Of Time Mix).”
“Sun Splash” hits you with this effortless mix of laid-back beats and sunny melodies. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to grab a cold drink and sit by the window, watching the world go by. The version here—the original—is solid, but the “Buddha Groove Mix” gives it an extra layer of depth, turning what was already good into something hypnotic. You can almost picture yourself on some far-off beach, even if you’re stuck in rainy London. That’s the magic of this album—it takes you places without you having to leave your couch.
Then there’s “Feel Me (Sands Of Time Mix),” which has this dreamy, slow-burning energy. The tabla rhythms weave through the track like whispers, giving it a meditative quality. There’s something about the way the layers build up—soft synths, subtle percussion, and that ever-present groove—that sticks with you long after the song ends. It’s understated but powerful, like a quiet conversation that says more than words ever could.
What’s cool about Buddha Chill is how seamlessly it blends genres. One moment you’re vibing to Punjabi-inspired dub (“Sailing Away”), and the next you’re lost in the serene echoes of “Harmony (Secret Chill Mix).” Tracks like “Tokyo Skyline (Dub)” and “Global Information (Freedom Mix)” add an experimental edge, while cuts like “Love & Happiness (One Time Remix)” keep things grounded in pure feel-good territory.
But honestly? Listening to this album feels less like analyzing individual tracks and more like sinking into a sonic bath. Sure, some songs stand out, but the real charm lies in how everything flows together. It’s like flipping through a photo album where every picture tells its own story, but the whole thing adds up to something bigger.
As I wrapped up my listen, I found myself thinking about how rare it is to find albums like this these days. With streaming services pushing singles over full experiences, Buddha Chill reminds us of the joy of sitting back and letting an entire journey unfold. And hey, if nothing else, it’s proof that sometimes the best way to escape life’s chaos is to press play and let the music do the rest.
Oh, and one last thing—don’t skip “Urban Buddha.” Trust me on this one.
