Now on her third album, Ellie Goulding has become a popular choice with teens and adults alike. At this point in any artist’s career, it’s time to start spreading your wings and trying to mix things up a bit. That’s exactly what happens here, but how does it leave the listener?
Delirium starts with a slow crescendo as an intro track before properly kicking off the party. Goulding stated that she has deliberately aimed for more of a pop orientated album and the opening tracks of “Aftertaste”, “Something in the Way You Move” and “Keep On Dancin” immediately showcases her intent with catchy dance rhythms, layers of synth and plenty of memorable vocal line hooks. Lead single for the album “On My Mind” starts off with a guitar riff that wouldn’t be out of place on a record by The Police, and then develops into a smooth mid-tempo mix of RnB and Club music.
“Around U” follows and although it continues the happy-go-lucky pop approach it is perhaps just a bit too “bubblegum pop” for my liking. “Codes” is next and, although well produced and perfectly easy to listen to, it does feel like an English girl trying to sing like an American popstar. “Holding on for life” is a little more interesting than the norm so far, with a gospel vocal group leading the melody at the start, however it still becomes a generic mash of synths and vocal production. Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey will be pleased to see “Love Me like You Do” from the film’s soundtrack as the next track. It’s more of a typical Ellie Goulding song mixing mid-tempo backing with her strong vocal performance. “Don’t Need Nobody” and “Don’t Panic” are just as pop orientated as the opening tracks but with better thought out arrangements at a more mid-tempo which is a welcome break from the previous dance tracks. “We Can’t Move To This” sees things revert to type though and another dance track is born. The final third of the album features a mix of tracks that stick with the “epic synths and dance beats” and the odd instrument such as a guitar (remember them?).
Delirium is Ellie’s third studio album.
The general feel of Delirium harks back to Top of the Pops many moons ago where the main artist (Sash! Chicane etc) had a guest vocalist singing along to whatever synth loops they’d come up with. They are all reasonable songs in their own right, but a 16 track album with only a couple of less dance-orientated songs in between is perhaps a bit too much. The formula is a little well worn by the time you reach the end which is a shame because there are some excellent tunes in there. Having more songs than usual on an album is always tricky as you risk watering down the album which I believe is what has happened here. All in all I suspect that this will be more popular with Ellie’s younger audience but there is still enough here for everyone to enjoy.
Author – Steve, Bristol store
