CD 1 (Sarod) (77 min: 07 s)
Bliss – "Breathe"
My Phuong Nguyen & Thierry David – "Huong Vietnam"
Riccardo Eberspacher – "Light Signs"'
Al-Pha X – "An Indian Summer"
Afterlife feat. Dannii Minogue – "Take Me Inside (Christophe Goze Mix)"
Ustad Sultan Khan – "Aja Maji (Sacred Rhythm Version by Joe Claussell)"
Bigtétény's Finest – "Lovasok A Szakadék Felé"
Federico Aubele – "Postales"
Vargo – "The Moment"
Salif Keita – "Moussoulou (Remixed by Charles Webster)"
José Padilla – "Light my Heart"
Bebel Gilberto – "Aganjú" (John Beltran Remix)
Ramasutra – "Magma Mama"
Peppe Barra – "Core Nire" (Azoia Remix)
Da Lata – "Distracted Minds"
Laid Back – "Happy Dreamer"
CD 2 (Sarangi) (71 min: 03 s)
Kirpi – "The Song"
Sainkho Namtchylak – "Ohm Suaa (Remixed by Martin Morales)"
Lonesome Echo feat. Mutabaraku – "Spirit of Drums" (SUMO Afrobounce Remix)
DJ Nasha – "Flute Fantasy"
Ryukyu Underground – "Mo Ashibi" (Jason Bentley Remix)
Supervielle – "Perfume (Remixed by Campo)2
Mambayaga Project – "Joy on a Stick"
King Britt presents Oba Funke – "Uzoamaka"
Phatjak vs. DJ Hamoodi – "Ritmo Caliente"'
Harem – "Medusa"
Mo' Horizons – "Drum'n Boogaloo (Full Vocal Mix)"
Mambayaga Project – "Clockwork (Shantel vs Mahala Rai Banda Remix)"
Tito Rodriguez – "Mama Guela (STUHR Remix)"
Les Negresses Vertes – "Sous Le Soleil De Bodega (Bodega Di Moko)"
Buddha Bar Volume 7 (2006): Exotic Sounds from the Iconic Lounge Series
Released in 2006, Buddha Bar Volume 7 is part of the renowned Buddha Bar compilation series, curated by DJ Claude Challe and David Visan. Known for blending world music, lounge, chill-out, and electronic beats, this volume continues the series’ tradition of creating an immersive, global listening experience designed for both relaxation and sophisticated entertainment.
With exotic melodies, downtempo rhythms, and fusion of traditional instruments with modern electronic elements, Buddha Bar Volume 7 has become a staple in the lounge and world music genre.
Series Background
The Buddha Bar series originated in Paris in 1999 with the opening of the famous Buddha-Bar lounge and restaurant, founded by Claude Challe. The series focuses on:
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Creating a soothing, cosmopolitan atmosphere
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Mixing ethnic, electronic, and lounge music
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Showcasing both established and emerging international artists
By Volume 7, the series had cemented its reputation worldwide, with albums consistently charting in the lounge, world, and chill-out music markets.
Musical Style and Sound
Buddha Bar Volume 7 features:
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World music influences: Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and Latin rhythms
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Downtempo and chill-out beats perfect for relaxed listening
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Fusion of traditional instruments (sitar, tabla, oud, darbuka) with modern electronic production
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Smooth transitions between tracks for a continuous, immersive flow
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Exotic vocal samples, ambient textures, and deep basslines
The compilation is designed to evoke a global journey, transporting listeners through different cultures while maintaining a consistent lounge vibe.
Tracklist Overview
Buddha Bar compilations typically include two discs featuring dozens of tracks by international artists. While specific tracklists may vary depending on edition, Volume 7 includes:
Disc 1 Highlights:
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Nova – World Groove Mix
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Soapkills – Beirut Nights
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Cheb i Sabbah – Beyond the Veil
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Liquid Soul – Lounge Safari
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DJ Cheb i Sabbah – Marrakesh Mood
Disc 2 Highlights:
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Talvin Singh – Sacred Beats
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Natacha Atlas – Eyes of the Heart
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Karsh Kale – Midnight Raga
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Balkan Beat Box – Nomadic Groove
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Mercan Dede – Sufi Rhythms
The compilation blends lounge, world fusion, and electronic styles to provide a seamless, global listening experience.
Standout Tracks
“Beyond the Veil” – Cheb i Sabbah
A hypnotic fusion of Middle Eastern melodies and modern electronic beats, this track exemplifies Buddha Bar’s signature ethno-lounge style.
“Eyes of the Heart” – Natacha Atlas
Combining Arabic vocals with ambient electronic textures, Atlas creates an immersive track that bridges tradition and modernity.
“Sacred Beats” – Talvin Singh
An innovative mix of Indian classical rhythms and electronic production, reflecting the album’s global musical ethos.
Lyrical/Thematic Elements
While much of the music is instrumental or features sampled vocals, themes include:
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Spirituality and mysticism (Sacred Beats, Sufi Rhythms)
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Exotic journeys and cultural exploration (Lounge Safari, Marrakesh Mood)
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Relaxation and atmospheric immersion (Beirut Nights, Nomadic Groove)
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Fusion of ancient musical traditions with modern soundscapes
The compilation emphasizes global harmony and meditative listening, making it ideal for both casual and formal lounge environments.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Buddha Bar Volume 7 was curated by Claude Challe, a DJ, producer, and founder of the Buddha-Bar brand.
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The series is credited with popularizing world fusion music in Western lounges and upscale bars.
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Many tracks from Volume 7 are exclusive remixes or special edits created specifically for the compilation.
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The album combines music from artists spanning Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, emphasizing a cosmopolitan sound.
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Buddha Bar albums often accompany decor, lighting, and dining experiences, making them more than just a music release—they are immersive lifestyle compilations.
Did You Know?
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Buddha Bar Volume 7 contributed to the international rise of lounge music compilations, influencing countless other chill-out and world music albums.
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Claude Challe began the Buddha Bar project after working in Paris’ nightlife scene, seeking to blend cultural music with contemporary lounge aesthetics.
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Tracks like Cheb i Sabbah’s “Beyond the Veil” have been used in fashion shows, hotel lobbies, and international lounges, spreading the Buddha Bar sound worldwide.
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The series emphasizes seamless DJ-style mixing, allowing listeners to experience the compilation as a continuous musical journey.
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Buddha Bar has released over 20 volumes, making it one of the longest-running lounge music compilation series in the world.
Commercial Performance and Cultural Impact
Buddha Bar Volume 7 achieved commercial success in the world music and lounge charts, particularly in Europe. The Buddha Bar brand has:
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Popularized ethno-lounge and chill-out music internationally
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Influenced other compilations and DJ-curated albums
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Enhanced the global appeal of fusion music in upscale entertainment spaces
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Inspired many musicians to experiment with blending traditional instruments with electronic production
The album solidified Buddha Bar’s reputation as a trendsetter in lounge, chill-out, and world fusion music.
Most Famous Tracks from Buddha Bar Volume 7
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Beyond the Veil – Cheb i Sabbah
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Eyes of the Heart – Natacha Atlas
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Sacred Beats – Talvin Singh
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Lounge Safari – Liquid Soul
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Nomadic Groove – Balkan Beat Box
These tracks showcase Buddha Bar’s signature blend of world music and contemporary electronic textures.
Series Timeline and Legacy
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First Album: Buddha Bar (1999)
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Volume 7 Release: 2006
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Series Status: Ongoing, with more than 20 volumes released
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Cultural Impact: Popularized world fusion and chill-out music, influenced global lounge culture, and expanded the audience for ethnic-influenced electronic music.
Keywords
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