Lipslide

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineRecorded as St. Etienne was on an extended hiatus, Sarah Cracknell's solo debut Lipslide is a breezy, endearing record that wears its lightweight aspirations proudly. Divided equally between Euro-dance and British Invasion pop, Lipslide is a triumph of style over substance, but its surfaces are so appealing that the uneven songwriting doesn't matter. And when Cracknell's writing does succeed, as on "Anymore," and "Ready or Not," Lipslide shines with both infectious, well-crafted melodies and sparkling, sunny charm.