We Are Born

Originally from Adelaide, Sia Furler moved to the UK in the mid 1990s to launch her career as a downtempo R&B artist, gaining attention first as the voice of Zero 7 and then as a solo artist with the odd hit single. But over 10 years and four studio albums, Furler has slowly moved away from the effervescent ballads associated with songs like Zero 7's "Destiny" and her biggest solo hit, 2006's "Breathe Me". And according to Furler, We Are Born is the album she's wanted to make since 2006's Colour the Small One. Instead of catering to fans of that slow, sultry earlier work, she's brought in old and new songwriting partners to help her craft a fast-paced, upbeat pop album.

Full Review | More Reviews from Publication | Top Rated of 2010

On Sia’s We Are Born, the Australian chanteuse switches gears from her more somber early work and creates an infectiously happy dance-pop album. There are many factors contributing to the album’s lighthearted jouissance—Furler is in a serious relationship with JD Samson (of Le Tigre); she was inspired by her icons Cyndi Lauper and Madonna; the songs were co-written by Dan Carey; Nick Valensi (The Strokes) plays electric guitar; and the album was produced by Greg Kurstin, who’s produced similarly energetic albums for the likes of Lily Allen. From its insanely catchy first single, “Clap Your Hands”, to the dance-command that is “Bright Night”, this is an album for happy times. Better still, this is an album that creates happy times as Sia cuts her teeth on a jangly record unlike anything she would have created during her days with Zero 7.

Full Review | More Reviews from Publication | Top Rated of 2010