Chromeo is the greatest Canadian import of the last 25 years.

There’s a certain comfort in knowing exactly what you’re going to get from Chromeo. Great grooves, catchy melodies, danceable rhythms, smooth vocals, and production that pulls from pop, disco, funk, R&B, and soul. Adult Contemporary delivers all of that, and then some.

The opening track, “(I Don’t Need A) New Girl,” is a perfect example of what Chromeo does so well. The groove, the keyboards, the vocals, and the clever little love song at its center all come together beautifully. This is a song that could play on repeat forever. “Got It Good” follows with a brighter, poppier sound, carrying the warmth of an 80s sitcom theme song that everybody already knows the words to. And “Lost and Found” is another irresistible pop anthem, with a bouncy groove and a terrific chorus that lifts the song as it celebrates finding the right person after a history of romantic misadventures.

There’s plenty of humor in the songwriting, too. “BTS” takes a smooth, seductive disco groove and turns it into a song about how sometimes a good night’s sleep is better than getting romantic. “CODA” uses a similarly inviting, almost romantic sound to deliver a tongue-in-cheek take on codependency. The contrast between the music and the lyrics is part of the fun. Chromeo have a knack for taking the familiar complications of relationships and finding clever, sometimes ridiculous ways to sing about them.

That musical variety is one of the album’s biggest strengths. “Replacements,” featuring La Roux, is a fantastic collaboration, with a funky, slightly distorted beat and a great vocal contrast between La Roux and Dave 1. “Personal Effects” is an absolute earworm, with a terrific groove and a clever breakup premise built around all the little things someone leaves behind. “Ballad of the Insomniacs” adds another irresistible combination of keyboards, synths, and even a welcome saxophone appearance.

Meanwhile, “Words With You” brings in a live horn section for a funky 70s feel, while “Lonesome Nights” and “A Cut Above” slow things down with smoother, more sentimental 80s R&B grooves. There’s a little Phil Collins and Al B. Sure! in the mix, and I mean that as a compliment.

The album also finds room for some more tender moments. “Friendsnlovers” has a breezy, nostalgic pop sound, complete with a fun spoken-word section, while “Two of Us (Friendsnlovers, Pt. 2)” brings things back down to a slow jam, with P-Thugg taking the lead through his distinctive talk box.

There’s a reason Chromeo have been one of my favorite bands for so long. They understand the appeal of a great melody, a funky bass line, a memorable keyboard hook, and a groove that just won’t let go.

Adult Contemporary doesn’t need to reinvent their sound because there’s nothing wrong with the sound they’ve developed. They’re still making catchy, clever, ridiculously enjoyable music, and there’s a real pleasure in hearing a band continue to do what they do so well.

Verdict: Great

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