Bulletproof dropped 5 years ago. Just
think about that, because that's how long it's been since the band, which is technically just Elly Jackson's solo project, had that hit single. La Roux was doing the 80s even back then, back when it wasn't cool!
The self titled record released that year was a blissful, sentimental, and fun record, with a shelf life to it that's helped her hold on to a solid fan base in this modern age where most acts would long be forgotten by going half a decade without an album.
"Trouble In Paradise" was announced earlier this year and I was immediately enthusiastic towards this release after hearing the lead single "Let Me Down Gently". A cut above what most 80s driven acts are doing these days, simply because of its heart. It's one of the more emotionally in tune tracks on the record, with much of the LP having a vibrant and upbeat sexual appeal doused with a healthy dose of synthpop and alternative.
The style of the record is this tropical and breezy, fusing together the smart 80's sensibilities of the debut album with a new open feel to really cultivate a sound that I see as a solid step forward for La Roux.
"Let Me Down" is a winner for combining the breathy "who, haaa's" with an emotive vocal performance and an inescapably memorable synth line that makes this without a doubt a contender for one of my top tracks of the year.
Although this album does remind me of several other releases this year including the self titled Kitten record I recently reviewed alongside Anthony Fantano. What sets this record apart for me is that the album doesn't take itself too too seriously, unlike some similar acts that tend to get caught up in the glitz and glam of the 80's rather than other elements of its existence.
Sex and attraction fuel parts of the record like I already mentioned. Whether it be blatantly in your face on cuts like "Sexotheque", or more reserved and playful on the 7 minute highlight "Silent Partner", it's definitely there.
I think "Trouble In Paradise" is stacked with potential hits, let's just hope that Elly and her touring band can keep it together on the road this fall and not take so long for a follow up next time around.
What's really clicking with me is the adventurous feel that the instrumentation provides for the listener. The guitars are solid and creative, the synth lines are completely refreshing and crush many of the tracks, and Elly's vocals come off really intriguing and fun to me.
Point in case of the playful and fun nature that I've been hinting at is the bumping and bright "Kiss and Not Tell". Potential single? HMMM?! Instantly catchy, with a memorable chorus and melody to match the outstanding instrumentation, I definitely see this as something that will please fans.
Miss Jackson croons over the airy and free spirited "Cruel Sexuality" that's as serious as it is blissful. The island vibes really start to radiate at this point in the record, and I couldn't be happier with the results. "Tropical Chancer" is another song that flows with the same spirit, but with less satisfying results unfortunately.
I think "Silent Partner" could be my favorite cut from the record, a smashing 7 minute epic that has one of the most tangible synth lines in recent memory. Perky keys and bass are added bonuses, as the track winds in and out but never really loses its momentum going forward, even though the synth line rarely changes.
One of the weaker moments on the record would be "Paradise Is You", which reminds me a little bit too much of the single "Let Me Down Gently" in terms of it's vocal style. Big synthesizers and keys tend to distract me and allow my mind to wander. With that being said, the song does have a nice build to it, and the latter half feels much stronger and has really grown on me as a whole.
La Roux has been performing a few of the cuts from the album live since last year, including the upbeat "Sexotheque", which comes with a catch. It's really a song about a man who always has his lady questioning his whereabouts, because he's always at the strip club! Or something similar to one. THAT BASTARD! Too bad it's got such a pleasant feel or else I might feel bad for the lady.
I'm enjoying the good vibes that this album brings, but I can't help but feel like some of the tunes won't age as well as others, including the whacky out of place closer "The Feeling". Repetition is key to many points of the album, and while I often find that to be a good thing as it brings consistency, I could see some listeners getting irritated by this aspect of the music.
"Trouble In Paradise" paid off big time in the scheme of things though, truly surprising me on a record that I really didn't expect a ton from, even though I have been in love with "Let Me Down Gently" since May. Hope you all enjoyed the review, keep checking back here and to my channel for more reviews in the future.
4/5
"Trouble In Paradise" is out July 22nd worldwide on Polydor Records.
-Jon
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