More audiophile reviews by Ted King

Whether you're in love with another or just yourself, these recordings should provide a soundtrack that will make your heart skip a beat.

Till The Sun Turns Black
—Ray LaMontagne
Looking for the warm remembrance of a time gone past? This album will awaken your nostalgic side for the glorious sounds of artists like Bill Withers and Cat Stevens. On this, his second CD, Mr. LaMontagne's voice is mesmerizing and his songwriting is beautifully crafted. Acoustic guitars permeate the album and are surrounded by strings, horns, piano, bass and drums. The lyrics are honest, challenging and beg you to turn up the volume. Soaking up these lush recordings makes you want to curl up by the fireplace in silent introspection.

Buddha-Bar Ten Years
—Various Artists

In this time of cultures colliding at every turn, here is a recording that successfully melds world music. Blending smooth electronica with voices and instruments from India, England, France, Germany and numerous other countries, sounds emerge that inspire you to leave the mundane and explore the exotic. Buddha-Bar is a bar/restaurant chain that began in Paris and has been compiling great soundtracks of moody club music for years. It's like a sultry cocktail delicately poured over the ears as you prepare an extraordinary meal for the one you love.

Classic Corner
Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday
—Etta James

Well, if this doesn't get the heart pounding, you might want to check with your cardiologist. It's one of the most romantic collections of recordings released in the last 20 years. Jazz renditions of Billie Holiday songs reach into the soul and stimulate the senses. Beautiful piano, rich trumpet and saxophone — and Ms. James's silky voice — combine to form a lethal arrow of music from Cupid's bow.

This article originally appearred in the February 20, 2007 issue of Soap Opera Digest.