Released: June 1
Todrick Hall shares his love of the 1980s on his latest feel-good record ‘Algorhythm’.
Arriving off the back of his appearance on ‘The Masked Singer’ in the US, the set sees the star channel the icons of the classic decade across 11 songs that bring classic sounds into the 21st century.
Of his vision for the album, Todrick explains: “‘Algorhythm’ is an ‘80s inspired record that while still being on brand with my most popular work, it reveals a side of my voice I have never accessed in my previous music.
“I want this album to get back to good traditional music, no gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors, just great music, beats and rhythms.
“My goal is not to create a replica of ‘80s music but an evolution of my music infused with 80s nostalgic instrumentation.”
His ambition becomes clear from the opening bars of synth-laden Algorhythm Intro, on which he sings, ‘Let’s hear it for the heartbreakers / Who left my tears on the dance floor’. It’s a poignant opening to the collection and breathes life into his vision for a sound that feels reassuringly familiar yet undeniably fresh.
It flourishes on Dance Forever, the album’s lead single on which he embraces his ‘80s fantasy wholeheartedly while shunning the haters with uplifting lyrics and irresistible beats.
On his previous album ‘Femuline’, Todrick enlisted a heavyweight line-up of guest stars, including Chaka Khan, Brandy and Nicole Scherzinger, but on ‘Algorhythm’ he hones in on his personal influences and channels them through his music – most notably, the stunning ballad Breath is inspired by Prince’s Purple Rain.
Elsewhere on the album, Higher is a shimmering disco anthem that, as the song suggests, ‘shuts the dance floor down’, while Impressed is a slick electronic number that proves Todrick is more than deserving of his status as a global pop star, with a rap bridge packed with pop culture references.
Among the classic reference points, there are also echoes of his past releases – Sorry Barbie celebrates queer love via the playful narrative of Barbie and Ken, with the earworm chorus, ‘Sorry Barbie / Toys will be toys / Ken’s at the party / Kissing on boys’. We’re gonna need a video for that one!
On ‘Algorhythm’ Todrick sets out to prove himself as a singer and, as he pushes his vocal abilities further than ever, he excels like never before. But in silencing his critics, he also proves himself a fully-rounded pop star, capable of blending classic vocals and rap with ease for a signature sound that sets him apart from the crowd.
‘Algorhythm’ is available now.
