When La Roux released their self-titled first album in 2009, they made an impression on the music industry.
“Bulletproof,” the album’s single, was on constant replay on radio stations across the nation and beyond. The album gave the synth-pop, quirky duo (vocalist Elly Jackson and keyboardist Ben Langmaid) enough attention to succeed in their first endeavors, yet their name was quickly forgotten once the likes of Lorde and Iggy Azalea came onto the scene.
Five years later, the dynamics of La Roux have completely changed. After touring their first album, the members settled down in 2011 to work in the studio in hopes of releasing a sophomore record. It took longer than expected; Langmaid decided his musical tastes had changed and left Jackson to continue on her own.
Without a bandmate, Jackson wrote the songs, played the instruments and collaborated with other artists/producers/sound engineers to release La Roux’s second record, “Trouble In Paradise.”
From beginning to end, “Trouble in Paradise” is structured oddly. Songs aren’t fluid in succession, and some songs are much longer than others causing a break in the album’s story. Yet, each song embraces different parts of a mixture of electronic dance music and synth pop without being overworked. Like a female, modern David Bowie, La Roux’s falsetto perfectly accompanies the computerized tunes and follows suit to the 2009 album.
Some songs, such as “The Feeling,” are happy and upbeat while others, such as “Let Me Down Gently,” are sad and depressing. The only song that seems to have taken title as a single, “Tropical Chancer,” is similar to the reggae pop first developed by No Doubt. Possibly a product of her collaboration with experts in production and sound design, Jackson’s experimentation in different genres is admirable and works well in this tune.
However, the song that stands out and capitalizes on the familiar sound created by La Roux in “Bulletproof” is one called “Kiss and Not Tell.” This song has a beat that fans might expect from Jackson as well as a catchy chorus sure to please most pop music enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the title of this album really sums up the rough five years that Jackson has experienced as a musician. Even though “Trouble In Paradise” dabbles in troubling states of mind, unrequited love and emotionally abusive relationships, it also exudes an effortless air of encouragement and confidence in discovering what one wants and figuring out how to get it.
Jackson’s solo work in La Roux showcases raw emotion in singing honest lyrics while maintaining futuristic, synth beats. Hopefully it won’t be trouble in paradise for La Roux much longer.
