Goldfrapp have just released their fifth album ‘Head First’, but after the new wave of electro-pop artists that have been established in the past couple of years, have they still got that same appeal as when they released their first album? Quite possibly not, through no fault of their own, why should they be forced to change their style just because of fellow competitors for the electro-pop throne?
This album is surprising contrast to their 4th album ‘Seventh Tree’ which seemed to nod more to the sixties for inspiration, where as ‘Head First’ has an evident 70s/80s pop inspiration, which, at times seems a bit too much as it conceals the haunting darkness that has always been present in their music. But, this album’s full of contagious vocal hooks and chorus’s and tastefully created cheese, however, the repetition can get irritating from time to time.
Despite its negatives, this album also contains a lot of positive factors, not only in its uplifting style but Alison’s delicious breathy, dream-like vocals are impossible to hate. Many of the songs contain strong dance beats and catchy synth riffs which is another reason why I like this record; Alison seems to be revisiting her roots, this music is similar to the music that you would expect to find on some of their earlier albums.
‘Head First’ contains slick vocals and smooth production, particularly on certain tracks, for example ‘Shiny and Warm.’ Though, some songs are a little too reminiscent of 80’s pop acts like Van Halen, such as ‘Rocket’, the title track ‘Head First’ and ‘I Wanna Life.’ This well polished pop album is easy on the ears and despite its downfalls, is quite an enjoyable album, there’s nothing not to like, yet there’s nothing there to really thrive upon either, I’d say it’s a ‘pleasant’ album. Though, unfortunately for Goldfrapp, given pop’s current climate of producing exciting, fresh new artists continuously, I doubt this album will be winning any awards any time soon.
6.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment