Amazon.co.uk Review With commercially successful singles "Quicksand" and "In For The Kill" (latterly remixed by dubstep luminary Skream), red-headed, pale-skinned Brixton girl Elly Jackson and her "invisible" co-producer Ben Langmaid irrevocably established their love of 80s pop. This debut album continues the duo’s foray into euphoric retro-dance, nodding non-ironically to the likes of The Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, Heaven 17 and The Human League while remaining impressively contemporary. Opening with a string of sassy tunes--the buzzing "Tigerlily", the synth-heavy "Quicksand" and the slick and fiery "Bulletproof"--it’s apparent that La Roux have colour, class and confidence in spades. The album tapers off a little during the second half--failed experiments like "Cover My Eyes" which features the London Community Gospel Choir don't help--but it still boasts way more in the shape of dynamic killers than sappy fillers. First class. --Danny McKenna
Customer Reviews: NiceFebruary 14, 2010 Ruigi(Amsterdam) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Captivating songs. I'm not much up-to-date with today's music, but I like the 80s/new wave expressiveness as opposed to a lot of the music I have heard for some time. At the same time, the staccato and high voice tires me after a while, so I'll probably not listen the cracks into this CD (but who knows: 'Bulletproof' is a killer).
Liked the tunes until the singer startedDecember 17, 2009 Charles Gosling(Brighton, England) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Being a long term fan of 80's electro pop I was keen to listen to a contemporary take on the era. I liked the tunes, even if they were a little simplistic - like early Depeche Mode. When the singer started wailing though it didn't fit the style at all. Her voice is loud and harsh and does sound a little amateurish to me. I'll give the tunes a few more goes as music can sometime grow on you, but at the moment I'll stick with the original 80's 'classics'
Retro but goodNovember 7, 2009 SynthBoy(UK) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It's not a *brilliant* album, it does taper off towards the end, but it *is* their first so give them space, and "Bulletproof" is just so great it's almost worth buying just for that track!
If I have a criticism though it's so blatantly influenced by early 80's synthpop I almost feel Vince Clarke should have a royalty credit - this music just wouldn't exist if it wasn't for him! ;-)
Can't wait for album number 2...
La Roux, best new singerOctober 8, 2009 R. Pipe(England) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Heard La Roux on Alan Carr's show for the first time. Reminded me of Leo Sayer when he first started absolutely spot on with notes and a great performer.
Quite good, actually...August 27, 2009 Craig Manton(Cork, Ireland) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
At first glance La Roux appears to be yet another '80s-imitating electropop wannabe setup. However, fears that Elly Jackson (the oddly coiffed but adorable singer) or Ben Langmaid (her invisible musician partner) who comprise the duo are just out to be "the next Lady Gaga/Little Boots" can be safely allayed.
La Roux's debut album is full of good, funky dance music with strong and obvious '80s influence as well as lyrics that are snappy and heartfelt. Elly Jackson sings from the perspective of a 21 year old who has learned a bit about life and love, which is exactly what she is. Therefore the pretensions risked by the retro style are avoided.
There are at least five memorable tracks here: the three singles released so far ("Bulletproof", "In For The Kill" and "Quicksand") along with "Tigerlily" and "Reflections Are Protection". The other tracks aren't quite as catchy, but none of them are actually bad.
Chances are that you know already whether this kind of sound appeals to you. If it does, get this album.
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