British electronica duo Goldfrapp (named after singer and frontwoman Alison Goldfrapp) have been slowly gaining in popularity since the beginning of the millennium and their debut album Felt Mountain. Fusing Goldfrapp's talented vocals with instrumentalist Will Gregory's dance-punk synthesizers and array of sounds, Goldfrapp has become a fixture on the European club scene. It's surprising, then, that their latest album, Seventh Tree, takes such a divergent musical route.

It takes about six and a half minutes before a casual listener might realize their listening to an electronica outfit, as a drum machine explodes onto the scene halfway through "Little Bird." Whereas previous albums focused on Gregory's innovative beats and textures, Seventh Tree's focus is on Goldfrapp's lovely, breathy voice.

While the down tempo ballads that start off the album might initially turn off fans, later songs such as "Happiness" feature beautiful, multi-tracked vocals and a bouncy pop beat and build a pleasant vibe that continues, with just a few bumps in the road (see snoozer "Eat Yourself"), for the rest of the record.

I can't believe people criticize this album for being different from their previous ones. Isn't that what originality is about? It would be really boring if they all sounded the same. Of course, all 4 albums have been completely different from each other, so what? They've all been great! My favorite will always be Black Cherry but I enjoy the rest as well. Seventh Tree reminds me a bit of Felt Mountain, but more energizing overall. Alison's voice is so beautiful, one of the best I've heard. Any true Goldfrapp fan will love this album, otherwise it means you only like one or two songs from years ago.

Dance party people, alert. Goldfrapp's latest release may not be on your playlist. If you've got the patience, and if you liked her earlier material, still give this a listen.

It's fitting that Alison Goldfrapp looks like a grown-up Goldilocks. Her latest, Seventh Tree, evokes images of riding through a forest, in the middle of a kind of offbeat fairy tale. Though not as energetic or glamorous as recent releases, this album seems to be a return to her debut Felt Mountain. Beautifully arranged, Seventh Tree offers plenty of sensual, soothing songs, both contemplative and healing.

"Little Bird," the second track, is practically symphonic. The way the music sways and builds until it's all around you, with Alison's angelic voice, backed by drums and atmospherics, is absolutely blissful. "Happiness," is like a tiny, cheerful circus with its playful rhythm and catchy introduction. "Road to Somewhere" gently pulsates and guides the soul. "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" is sultry but sophisticated.

Seventh Tree brings us into the summer soothing and gently edging the soul forward.

--Christine Thelen

See more music reviews at www.shortandsweetnyc.com

I've listened to this CD over and over... I can't stop. It's pure perfection as far as I am concerned. It's the best CD I've heard in quite some time. So, bought it in San Francisco and listened to it there. Just now put it into my car CD rotation. I need more time to provide a respectable review, but I had to submit my five star review to help contribute to the overall rating for this CD. Upon the first few listens, I was immediately reminded of Cocteau Twins... that seems like a very kind comparison!! I'm not too familiar with older Goldfrapp. I am not one that is a fan of the two CDs between Felt Mountain and Seventh Tree, not because I don't like the music, I just haven't had the opportunity to listen closely. I am listening closely to Seventh Tree. I really love it... enough to write this rather pitiful review. I guess sometimes great music leaves one speechless. This CD is Joyous and I love it!

The perfect CD to listen to after a long day at work. Currently, my favorite album. All I can say is BEAUTIFUL work! Congrats!