Despite a handful of classic pop singles,
Saint Etienne
's debut album,
Foxbase Alpha
, is a tentative fusion of club culture and swinging '60s pop. Lead vocalist
Sarah Cracknell
hasn't been fully integrated into the band's lineup -- she doesn't even sing on their astonishing Euro-disco cover of
Neil Young
's "Only Love Will Break Your Heart," which is not only cleverly ironic, but also works -- yet the filler remains thoroughly enjoyable. [A 25th Anniversary Edition of
was released on vinyl LP in 2016, replicating the track listing of the album's original U.K. pressing. The set also included a digital download card.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine