VIRGIN EMI
Chic have rarely been more namedropped than in the years since Daft Punk reminded everyone how exceptional they were, so It’s About Time’s attempts to sound relevant feel unnecessarily misguided. Nao may have earned success alongside Disclosure, but her heliumfuelled voice sounds shrill on Boogie All Night, and that Sober arrives in the same key helps no more than Craig David and Stefflon Don battling rhythms aspiring to – but lacking the discipline of – Janet Jackson’s Control. Elton John, meanwhile, is harder to find on Queen than Wally, his vocals lost amid Emeli Sandé’s histrionics, and State Of Mine (It’s About Time) disintegrates into hotel lobby muzak, though smooth-jazz champion Philippe Saisse is probably responsible. Fortunately, Do You Wanna Party overcomes its hackneyed sentiment thanks to LunchMoney Lewis’ energetic flow, and Till The World Falls offers pure joy. In truth, though, nothing outshines a reworking of I Want Your Love, its melody enunciated carefully by Lady Gaga.