La Roux
Biography
La Roux's self-titled debut album stands as one of the most electrifying synthpop statements of the 21st century, a neon-drenched masterpiece that single-handedly revived 80s electronic music for a new generation. Released in 2009, this collection of razor-sharp synth anthems transformed Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid from obscure London musicians into global superstars, with its crown jewel "Bulletproof" becoming an unstoppable force that dominated charts worldwide and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album.
The story of La Roux begins in the mid-2000s London music scene, where Eleanor Kate "Elly" Jackson, the daughter of actress Trudie Goodwin, crossed paths with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Langmaid. Jackson had been bouncing between various musical projects, including a stint in a band called Automan, while nursing dreams of pop stardom and battling personal struggles with anxiety and identity. Langmaid, meanwhile, had been honing his production skills and developing an obsession with vintage synthesizers that would prove crucial to their sound.
Their collaboration initially began as a casual partnership, but the chemistry was undeniable. Jackson's distinctive, androgynous appearance – complete with gravity-defying quiff and angular features – paired perfectly with her powerful, emotionally charged vocals. Langmaid's production style drew heavily from 80s pioneers like Kraftwerk, Human League, and Giorgio Moroder, creating a sound that felt both nostalgic and futuristic. Together, they crafted a unique brand of synthpop that was simultaneously cold and warm, mechanical yet deeply human.
The duo's breakthrough came with early singles like "Quicksand" and "In for the Kill," which showcased their ability to blend infectious melodies with darker lyrical themes. However, it was "Bulletproof" that truly launched them into the stratosphere. The song's irresistible hook, combined with Jackson's defiant vocals about emotional resilience, struck a chord with audiences across the globe. The track reached number one in multiple countries and became a defining anthem of the late 2000s, its influence still echoing in contemporary pop music.
La Roux's debut album was a commercial and critical triumph, selling over a million copies worldwide and earning praise for its cohesive vision and impeccable production. Beyond "Bulletproof," tracks like "I'm Not Your Toy" and "Cover My Eyes" demonstrated the duo's range, from dancefloor-ready bangers to more introspective moments. The album's success was particularly notable in the UK, where it helped establish a new wave of electronic acts and contributed to the broader revival of synthesizer-based music.
Following their meteoric rise, La Roux faced the inevitable challenges of following up such a successful debut. Internal tensions began to surface, and by 2012, Langmaid had departed the project, leaving Jackson to continue as a solo act under the La Roux name. This transition period was marked by uncertainty and creative struggles, as Jackson grappled with maintaining the project's identity while exploring new musical directions.
The second La Roux album, "Trouble in Paradise," arrived in 2014 after numerous delays and represented a significant stylistic shift. Jackson incorporated more tropical and disco influences while maintaining the electronic foundation, though the album received a more muted response compared to their debut. Despite producing standout tracks like "Let Me Down Gently" and "Uptight Downtown," it failed to recapture the cultural lightning-in-a-bottle moment of their first release.
Jackson's third album, "Supervision," released in 2020, marked another evolution in the La Roux sound, embracing a more mature, sophisticated approach to electronic music. The record dealt with themes of personal growth, relationships, and artistic independence, showcasing Jackson's development as both a songwriter and producer in her own right.
Throughout their career, La Roux's influence on contemporary music has been substantial, helping to pave the way for the synthpop revival that dominated the 2010s. Artists from Robyn to The 1975 have cited their impact, and "Bulletproof" remains a touchstone for electronic pop music. Jackson's visual aesthetic and gender-fluid presentation also contributed to broader conversations about identity and representation in pop music.
Today, La Roux continues as Jackson's vehicle for artistic expression, with the artist remaining active in both recording and live performance. While they may never again reach the commercial heights of their debut, their legacy as pioneers
