La Roux - Trouble in Paradise

La Roux
Trouble in Paradise
18 July 2014
Polydor

4 stars out of 5

 

London’s Elly Jackson returns with her second album as La Roux, following a long break during which she suffered panic attacks, was unable to sing due to throat problems, and split with collaborator Ben Langmaid. Jackson revealed during interviews that Langmaid didn’t actually play anything on the debut record and that his songwriting contributions were minimal. Regardless of Langmaid’s role prior to 2013, his absence hardly makes a difference. Trouble in Paradise is a delightful piece of electro-retro-pop, containing elements of reggae and Italo-disco.

Despite the obvious challenges Jackson faced in the five years between La Roux and Trouble in Paradise, the latter is altogether more sunny and relaxed compared to the former’s barely contained angst and pain. “Silent Partner” seems to be Jackson’s statement on her feelings regarding the split with Langmaid, and she’s not in the mood to sugar coat it. Elsewhere, “Uptight Downtown” and “Cruel Sexuality” are as catchy a pair of pop songs as you’re likely to hear this summer, and the sprawling “Let Me Down Gently” strives for the independence that Jackson eventually achieves during the process of making the record.

As a comeback record, Trouble in Paradise is very good, and as a smart and sexy pop record it’s even better. While it doesn’t contain a hit as memorable as “Bulletproof,” it’s still well worth the listen. Jackson reaffirms her role as one of the modern saviours of pop music.

reviewed by Richard Krueger