Critiques CD: Goldfrapp | Head First

The English duo that paved the way for the current wave of synth-poppers indulges in dramatic, hi-NRG anthems. At its worst, Head First plunges into flaccid songwriting (“Dreaming”) and drawn-out Enya cooing (“Voicething”). At its best, it’s a nostalgic blastoff to an ‘80s wonderland. Lead single “Rocket” is glossy, empowering fromage, with singer Alison Goldfrapp chanting: “I got a rocket / you’re going on it / you’re never comin’ back.” “Alive”, so unabashedly giddy and toothache sweet, feels like it should have been the theme song to The Care Bears. In more ways than one, this album is your one-way ticket to the Forest of Feelings.