Madonna and Kylie can take the backseat because Roisin Murphy has claimed the title of 21st century dancing queen. Having written and co-produced her latest gem, Overpowered, a follow-up to her solo debut Ruby Blue, Murphy is bringing disco back and swirling in shimmering elements of funk and electro. ‘Overpowered’ gives disco the prime place on the sound spectrum, but devotees will love the funk-filled soulful beats of tracks like ‘Scarlet Ribbon’ and ‘Footprints,’ reminiscent of her Moloko days. Emphasizing those immovable electro roots, ‘Cry Baby’ and ‘Parallel Lives’ take charge. But Murphy stylishly struts her stuff most on ‘Let Me Know’ and ‘Body Language’ — bedecked with pure disco bliss that sets the tone for an album dripping in sparkles and sequins. (EMI)
–Andrea D’Alessandro