Album Review: Christine And The Queens, Chris

Gallic insouciance receives a glittering makeover on the second major label album from French pop heroine Héloïse Letissier.

The front-woman of Christine and The Queens more than lives up to the promise of her international debut, Chaleur Humaine – confirming Letissier as effortlessly conversant in the international language of pop, and showcasing her ability to wear her heart on her sleeve without it feeling as if she is wallowing in misery. We already had an inkling what a special record this was going to be with single ‘Girlfriend’ – a sophisticated stomper that deals in high-emotions and deep, deep grooves. Just as impressive is ‘The Walker’, which updates Abba’s happy/sad dynamic for Generation Snapchat, while ‘Goya Soda’ sees her singing out her sorrows against a twinkling Giorgio Moroder-style synthscape. Granted, there isn’t a huge amount of variety. Letissier has found her metier and here she doubles down on it, even as she proudly represents her post gender-normative identity.

Those whose appetites were whetted by what came before will be delighted she has done so. Newcomers will be thrilled to witness the birth in real time of a genuine star. It’s a special LP from an artist who may well define the arriving era in mainstream pop.