Music this week

Atlantic

Rs. 395; rating: HHHH

Rejoice,all who like their music to be a little less profound and little more frivolous. Youve watched in gloom as boy bands went out of fashion,alternative became mainstream and pop a pejorative. Thankfully,a reversal of tides seems near. And one performer,wholl certainly be remembered for her contribution is Little Boots,who was declared by BBC as the sound of 2009. This was while the singer,nee Victoria Hesketh,was still a MySpace phenomenon. This debut album fulfills the prophecy. Hesketh is unabashedly a pop singer,combining Britney Spearss sass with Sophie Ellis-Bextors energy and Kylie Minogues breathless sensuality.

In her short career,Hesketh has tried out almost every genre of music from jazz to rock to funk. But she has declared in an interview that shes a pop artist and one cant help but agree. Dont look for sublime poetry. With lyrics like Im gonna take you out tonight/Im gonna make you feel alright,Hesketh isnt trying to be the new Alanis Morissette. What she is trying to be is someone who can belt out upbeat,danceable songs. Its about catchy choruses and memorable melodies,especially tracks such as New In Town,Stuck on Repeat and Symmetry. She even manages to make you move to the heartbreak ballad No Brakes. Perhaps,the only weak song is Hearts Collide,where Hesketh sounds like Kylie Minogue,although less asthmatic. Its difficult to churn out an album full of winners,especially with a debut. Heskeths smartest decision was roping in producer/songwriter Greg Kurstin whos worked with established pop acts like Allen,Minogue and Spears. But what really works is Heskeths ability to embrace the pop and the cheese. Such honesty will pay.