The British trio Morcheeba got its start as one of several mid-'90s U.K. acts blending slow, moody electronic beats with female vocals. On its third album, Fragments of Freedom, the group distances itself from the "trip-hop" style, turning instead to such distinctly American genres as funk, disco, and R&B.

The disc kicks off with the slow groove of "World Looking In," a track built around lead singer Skye's sultry vocals and a repetitious keyboard beat. Then the band picks up the mood quickly with "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day," an infectious number highlighted by bouncy horns and big, brash harmonies reminiscent of '70s soul acts like Marlena Shaw. Throughout the rest of the 12-song disc, Morcheeba liberally plays around with tempos and moods, moving with ease from the heavy funk of "Love is Rare," which features a diva-ish turn by Skye, to the Caribbean-styled instrumental "A Well-Deserved Break," to "Love Sweet Love," a track that includes a scratching sound like Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love." "Love Sweet Love" is also one of three tracks on Fragments to feature a rap bridge by a well-known American MC: On "Love Sweet Love" Mr. Complex delivers a pair of short raps, and"In The Hands of the Godz" has a guest appearance by Biz Markie, while the energetic "Good Girl Down" finds Bahamadia lending her talents. "Good Girl," on which Bahamadia and Skye trade vocals, is the most effective of the three.

Fragments is an extremely well-produced, well-designed disc, one that will be of service whether you want a party album or a "chill out" record for late at night.