Antony and the Johnsons: Swanlights

Label: Secretly Canadian

For album number four, Antony Hegarty immediately dispels the weight of any expectations set by his previous, much-lauded work, and simply sings beauty: Swanlights is characterized by an apparent of lightness of heart and a searching quality that reverberates through its 11 songs. A tune called "I'm in Love" can't do much to hide its mysteries, but the softly clacking percussion and Antony's artful scatting propel it to higher heights. While not really minimal, a piece such as "Ghost" does well to place this sui generis vocalist atop lush but simple piano and strings -- not a thing is lacking. The title track dwells in shadow but blooms in the half-light, while the gospel-pop of first single "Thanks You for Your Love" still surprises after several listens. For artists known to challenge preconceptions and boundaries, Antony and the Johnsons have made an album of fearsome beauty that's just plain easy to love. (M.L. Thrope)