★★★★☆
Known to denizens of the dance floor as Popof, French DJ/producer Alexandre Paounov has evolved in many ways since his days in the free-party scene. While his gallant remix of Marc Houle’s “Late For Work” released in the spring epitomizes the current blueprint of his elegant, effortless fusion of house and techno, Love Somebody, his full-length album for Jamie Jones and Lee Foss’ Hot Creations imprint, speaks to the totality of his musical evolution in 11 captivating chapters.
Only the fourth full-length to be released on the label, Paounov crafts his beats and housey grooves with aplomb and finesse. French singer/songwriter/actor Arno Joey is the featured vocalist on three cuts. A gifted singer, he’s the perfect voice to lyrically express the essence of Paounov’s artistry.
With its heady bass wobble, meandering melody and pitched down vocals, “Going Back” oozes with soul and humanity. It’s a song you’ll want to wrap your arms around and embrace. “It’s Been A While” is equally euphoric yet manages to steer clear of sounding like EDM fromage. “Always In My Mind” featuring Miss Kittin takes a rawer tone, eschewing clinical pop perfection for a rough-around-the-edges song designed to make you move your body.
Paounov closes the album with “Outro,” a slow jam clocking in at a scant 1:17. Is this truncated downtempo offering a hint of things to come? Only a master of reinvention like Paounov knows the answer.