Ellie Goulding Creates Experimental Pop Euphoria on ‘Delirium’

Stephanie Hernandez

English wit meets club ready vibes and offbeat charm on Ellie Goulding’s third album “Delirium.” Goulding’s je ne sais quoi has been captivating audiences at home and overseas since her debut as a club friendly singer-songwriter with the release of her debut album, “Lights” in 2010. Constantly evolving and experimenting, Goulding’s high-energy electro-pop has gone from soft and gentle to an impactful force to be reckoned with in recent years. Aggressive but not overpowering, Ellie’s dozens of high profile collaborations have helped the world experience her versatility as an artist and welcomed her into both their homes and nightclub dance floors. Now, in 2015, Goulding has decided to go full on pop star, bringing on a certified legendary pop production team to back her on her journey down to the final frontier.

Ellie Goulding proclaims “Delirium” as her next great pop album and it is on that proclamation this enigmatic singer has delivered. While Goulding has had insanely successful pop hits in the past a la “Anything Could Happen,” “Burn” and “Lights,” the tracks on “Delirium” are all consistently formed with the same focused structure, making them all the more impactful when shared in collection with one another. A significant step in her evolution as both a pop writer and singer, Goulding held nothing back when preparing for this album’s huge sound. Bringing creative heavyweights and hit making producers on board like Greg Kurstin, Max Martin and Ryan Tedder, Ellie was able to decipher and break down the often-misused pop-industrial complex. “Delirium” is chock full of punchy lyricism and earworm hooks. Tracks like the 80’s styled “Something in the Way You Move,” “Codes” and the record’s Ed Sheeran-assisted lead single “On My Mind” can easily be heard taking over just about every dance floor from New York to Texas. Accessible to everyone in any venue, without sounding overly cheesy or insincere, Goulding has mastered the balance between creating hits with both artistic integrity and maximum radio play potential.

The record’s silky smooth synths and thumping beats blend effortlessly alongside Ellie’s gossamer style vocals; and let’s be honest, it’s that ethereal voice that brings you in and keeps your attention through “Delirium’s” sixteen pounding tracks. Goulding’s balance between originality and modern day pop world standards has allowed her to produce a record that although not completely groundbreaking does let the listener into a side of Ellie we all knew was hiding but until now had not been fully realized. The over dozen nonstop dance-inducing bangers feel like a full throttle attack on the senses. Trading her past slowed down nuances for untamed energy machines, Goulding seems to have found her euphoric sweet spot and we can’t wait to see where this Brit takes us next.

“Delirium” is available Nov. 6 on Apple music.