Ariane Brunet - Stella (2016)

Quebec chanteuse Ariane Brunet's velvety voice and perky pop instincts on her first pair of albums established her as a rising francophone star. She goes deeper on Stella, bringing evocative electro, acoustic balladry, and breezy disco to her wonderfully nuanced third LP. A newfound polish is there in the moody, rhythmic backdrop of lovestruck opener "Y croire," as lush synthesizer strings envelop Brunet's soothing vocals. "Fais-moi tourner encore" starts introspectively before opening into a soaring, horn-enhanced dance party. But it’s the ‘60s-style sass and shimmying groove of "Ta parade” that seal the deal: Ariane Brunet has found her sweet spot.