I like a little bit of dance music now and again, particularly when I’m driving, but there’s not a ton of dance music I’d recommend. Chromeo is one of those rarities. They know how to have fun without falling into obscurity, and they know how to say something interesting without becoming oppressive. (And it doesn’t hurt that they’re Canadian.)
You’ll know pretty quick if this record is for you: just put on Jealous (I Ain’t With It) and listen to the first minute. If it’s not grabbing you, you can move on. Otherwise, you’re in for a treat. Almost every track is worth listening to.
Come Alive finds Chromeo experimenting with vocals and introducing some Michael Jackson-like elements. Actually, this is everything I would have wanted a new Jackson record to sound like (XScape was awful). If you want to hear the track that’s more fun than anything else on Unsung this week, you have to listen to Sexy Socialite. What a fantastic track: it’s got all the right elements. The rest of the album is filled with other tracks like that, but my favourites are Hard To Say No and especially Old 45s, which has some fantastic vocal work and harmonies.
If you like dancing and having fun, you’ll love this record.