Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Box Set

Volume 5, the appropriately titled Wildstyle Pirate, celebrates the origins of hip-hop and DJ culture; Fever 105 focuses on sizzling soul; and Radio Espantoso rounds out the set with upbeat Cuban jazz hybrids. With such differing styles, not every disc will appeal to every listener. And not every CD is mixed well--Fever 105 can be monotonous, and Emotion 98.3's tunes are overplayed. However, the best part about GTA is its often surprising musical selections: Tears for Fears' morose "Pale Shelter," the long mix of Grandmaster Flash's "The Message," and Mary Jane Girls' slinky "All Night Long." Throwing in lesser-known musical gems among the hits adds spice and unexpected turns, which redeem GTA's shortcomings and make this set a treat for everyone, not just fans of the game. --Annie Zaleski