Back like he never left!

Andy Bell’s Ten Crowns is a confident, well constructed collection of electronic synth pop. It leans into the synth driven, euphoric sound he’s built his name on but with a clarity and precision in its production that keeps it from feeling nostalgic or dated. Rather than chasing trends, Bell sharpens his signature style, delivering a record that feels focused and intentional.

The album opens with “Breaking Thru The Interstellar,” immediately establishing the tone. A steady pulse anchors shimmering pads, airy arpeggios and Bell’s unmistakable voice. The arrangement knows when to hold back, pulling away in the verses before opening into a wide, uplifting chorus. It’s a standout that blends classic dance pop influences with clean, modern electronic production – the kind of track built for both dance floors and late night drives.

“Heart’s A Liar” is another highlight. The vocal interplay between Bell and featured artist Debbie Harry adds depth and contrast, while the hook grabs attention quickly without feeling too cliché. Its darker, minor key palette offers a well timed break from the album’s brighter, more euphoric stretches, showing Bell’s ability to craft moodier moments but never lose pop appeal.

Throughout Ten Crowns, the production is crisp and high definition. Drum programming is tight and understated, while lush pads, analog inspired leads and subtle modulation effects fill out the arrangements. The mix is spacious but not empty, with Bell’s vocals consistently commanding attention – they’re full of character, delivered cleanly and never over-processed.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that several tracks in the middle of the album start to blur together. While individually well-produced, they lean so heavily into Bell’s familiar palette of bright and airy pads and arps, that some distinction is lost. Without a few more dynamic shifts through bold production choices, those tracks feel like variations on the same theme. Still, Ten Crowns succeeds on the strength of its highlights and Bell’s undeniable presence.