Goldfrapp dives ‘Head First’ into ’80s-inspired tunes

Goldfrapp

Head First

Mute Records Ltd

Rocks like: Yaz,… Goldfrapp

Head First

Mute Records Ltd

Rocks like: Yaz, “Xanadu” the musical

Grade: A-

If you were to listen to only one song from each of Goldfrapp’s many albums, you would think the duo suffered from multiple personality disorder.

You can find sexy, grinding electronica (think “Strict Machine” on Black Cherry), soothing ambient music in the vein of Zero 7 (“Lovely Head” on Felt Mountain) and disco-reminiscent ditties that conjure images of Studio 54 (Supernature’s “Ride a White Horse”).

One thing remains consistent, however. No matter what the duo puts out, it’s always good, usually great and sometimes masterful.

Goldfrapp’s latest album, “Head First,” is no exception, neither to the standard of quality nor to the constantly changing sound. This time around, the duo takes us straight to the middle of the ’80s synth-pop craze. The music of that decade was often made solely with the intent of selling records, whereas “Head First” is the antithesis of that — an album of perfectly orchestrated beats, lyrics and melodies that heighten a movement so drenched in superficiality that it elevates it to true art.

Who would have thought synth-pop and art would ever be uttered in the same sentence?

Opening track “Rocket,” also the first single, brings to mind Jefferson Starship and sets the mood perfectly for the following tracks. “Believer” and “Alive” are two more highlights, in which the former seems to meld perfectly into the latter, lifting the listener up to some sort of pop-music cloud nine.

“Shiny and Warm” most closely resembles the duo’s previous work and sticks out — in a good way — from the other tracks on the album.

The album lasts a brief 38 minutes, with only nine tracks on the standard version, and perhaps the best compliment I could pay it is that there isn’t a weak track to bring down the overall experience.

Although it is beautiful, elating pop-music cheese, the fact remains that it is still different. This is certainly not music for everyone, and much more so than albums like Supernature or Black Cherry, it is directed to hardcore fans of Goldfrapp and those pining for more bands like Yaz and more musicals like “Xanadu.”

Still, as singer Alison Goldfrapp coos, “I found a diamond that shines brightly / I can’t let that go,” I can’t help but think the same thing.