Tegan & Sara Go Full Power Pop

Sister duo Tegan and Sara have come a long way since their more understated indie days. Their new record Love You to Death does not hold back when it comes to sugared Taylor Swift-level pop. It’s synth-heavy, bursting with color and catchy as all hell. Tapping into 80s pop influences, the duo make heartbreak sound damn sweet.

Love You to Death is the ultimate dance record. And not just any old dance record – a neon face-painting, glow stick-waving, elastic nylon-coated dance record. And though the songs are packed with enough groove to make you want to surrender completely, they’re also filled with thoughtfully written hooks about losing yourself to someone else, finding yourself, empowerment and deep hurt. Album opener “That Girl” finds them taking a long, hard look in the mirror and asking “When did I become that girl?” It’s a tune about rediscovering who you are in the aftermath of a broken relationship and it’s moving and sad.

The vocal harmonies on Love You to Death are breathless and energetic, or belted out in true power ballad fashion. You can hear hints of Cindy Lauper, Pat Benatar, Heart and even 80’s era Madonna. Songs like “Faint of Heart” and “Boyfriend” are ideal for radio-play, with melodies and choruses you won’t be able to shake. These up-tempo moments are likely to become the favorites, but the true standout for this listener is the expertly crafted “100x”. It’s a little more stripped-down, a little less electro and whole lot of serious emotion. Beginning with a dramatically sparse piano melody before erupting into a piercing chorus, and it’s the epitome of a breakup song.

Love You to Death won’t be the ideal version of Tegan and Sara for some, but for the open-minded and pop-appreciating fans, it will be a lasting top choice you turn to again and again.