Primal Heart

The Kiwi singer/songwriter who achieved worldwide fame on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” moves confidently into the spotlight on her third studio album. Producer John Congleton (St. Vincent) makes Kimbra’s voice the star, creating a glittering electro-pop playground with tasty chill-out spaces. She flexes over a simple drum kit on “Past Love,” while “Right Direction” and “Like They Do on the TV” are endearing, ear-pleasing homages to ’80s synth-pop. And Skrillex adds tribal rhythms and vocal layers that sound like a didgeridoo on “Top of the World.” Hidden below the surface are tales of vulnerability and strength—“Version of Me” is a showstopping moment of introspection, and “Everybody Knows” bravely addresses domestic violence.