Almost 'Bulletproof'

Perfectopop's Best Albums of 2009:
#19 La Roux by La Roux

Based on the hype surrounding British electropop duo La Roux, it would sound like they truly have become, as their popular single said they hoped to be, bulletproof. And singer Elly Jackson's ethereally high voice just adds to their superhuman image. Their loss of the mtvU Breaking Woodie award to NeverShoutNever! seems to be the only proof that they're only human.

The duo's terrifically danceable debut album is propelled by producer Ben Langmaid's superb instrumentals, and Jackson's thin croon provides the icing on the dance hall cake. Songs like "I'm Not Your Toy" prove that Langmaid can write a catchy loop, and "Fascination" shows that Jackson is just as good with catchy choruses. La Roux's songs are all fairly similar, which makes them the perfect party album, but it's not clear if their synthpop will catch on outside discos (and all of Europe).

Jackson has ruffled some feathers when criticizing other artists in interviews, and her songs are most interesting when they're equally aggressive and blunt, as in "In for the Kill" and "I'm Not Your Toy." Yet her soft voice is better suited for gentler songs, like the delicate ballad "Cover My Eyes." And although "Cover My Eyes" is the only really unique-sounding track on the album, La Roux don't need much variety because they know what works. Their album is certainly airtight, even if it's not quite bulletproof.