Thankfully, time hasn’t diminished Annie’s ability to craft some amazing pop masterpieces.
Annie released one of the most underrated albums of 2005 with “Anniemal,” with a number of electronic gems that deserved more attention, such as “Me Plus One,” “Heartbeat,” “Chewing Gum” and Madonna-sampling “Greatest Hit.”
After a struggle locking down a release, she has finally returned with her second full-length, “Don’t Stop.” Thankfully, time hasn’t diminished Annie’s ability to craft some amazing pop masterpieces.
Lead single “Songs Remind Me of You” has an insistent backbeat that is as infectious as the Donna Summer classic “I Feel Love,” and is as lovingly crafted. While that track is more focused on the dancefloor, second single “My Love is Better” has the same swagger as some of Annie’s debut, while falling closer to pop terrain.
When Annie hits the right spots, some of her music falls among the best I’ve heard in awhile. “Heaven and Hell” is quite possibly the catchiest track she’s released yet, and is one of the best examples of how she adeptly bridges generations of music, a trait that carries over from her first album. “Don’t Stop” has a very drum-heavy backbeat that’s among the more creative musical palatte’s she’s worked with yet. Her vocals throughout are top-notch, light as a feather yet apropos of the music that surrounds it.
Those who enjoy upbeat electronic music with a bit of bravado will find a lot to like in Annie’s newest release. The album is cohesive, with the songs well matched with each other, but yet there are many winning individual moments that make Annie's latest quite easy to recommend.