Unapologetic pop confidence.

Perimenopop is a vibrant, self-assured statement from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, proving that pop brilliance has no age limit. Released in September 2025, the album arrives at a moment when younger artists dominate the mainstream, yet Ellis-Bextor reasserts herself as a defining force in dance-pop, not through nostalgia but through evolution, wit and refined songwriting.

The title Perimenopop is both playful and defiant, blending “perimenopause” with “pop” to encapsulate the album’s central philosophy. Coined during a studio session with collaborator Hannah Robinson, the phrase reflects a creative shift: a joyful “sod-it era” in which confidence replaces insecurity and experience becomes a strength rather than a liability. Rather than chasing trends or attempting to sound younger, Ellis-Bextor absorbs modern pop textures and reshapes them through her unmistakable voice, sharp melodic instincts and lyrical clarity.

The album strikes an impressive balance between contemporary polish and classic Ellis-Bextor flair. Collaborators such as Finn Keane and Jin Jin bring sleek, modern production, pulsing synth basslines, dynamic builds and club-ready beats, while familiar signatures remain intact: soaring choruses, elegant piano flourishes, string accents and melodies designed to lift a room. Tracks like “Vertigo,” “Dolce Vita,” “Freedom of the Night” and “Layers” deliver pure dancefloor exhilaration, each anchored by vocal performances that feel controlled yet euphoric. In contrast, “Time” and “Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Gone” lean into 80s-tinged synth-pop introspection, softening the pace without diluting the album’s momentum. While the record occasionally prioritizes cohesion over surprise, the consistency ultimately reinforces its confidence.

Arriving amid renewed public attention following the resurgence of “Murder on the Dancefloor,” Perimenopop feels less like a comeback and more like a statement of permanence. This is an artist entirely comfortable in her power, embracing her age, her life and her craft with clarity and joy. Bold, celebratory and irresistibly danceable, Perimenopop stands as one of the strongest pop records of the year and a compelling reminder that Sophie Ellis-Bextor remains very much in her prime.