24 Hrs [Deluxe Edition]

24 Hrs continues Olly Murs maturation, shedding some of his former pop/rock sound in favor of tighter dance-pop sheen and deeper lyrical content. The singer's fifth effort sounds slick indeed, serving up shimmering pop that connects the dots between contemporaries like the 1975, Years & Years, and DNCE. Save for the guitar-based "Grow Up," 24 Hrs' primary objective is to inspire movement. The result is a highly enjoyable LP, upbeat and fun, despite the fact that much of the lyrical content revolves around a rough breakup. Bittersweet tracks like "Better Than Me," "Love You More," and "Years and Years" are fine examples of such craftily disguised heartbreakers. Even on the title track, as Murs' laments a love that has "ripped [his] heart right out of [his] soul," he admits that "it feels so good." That's the best summary of the 24 Hrs listening experience. Produced by Steve Robson (Take That, One Direction, Christina Aguilera), the album is worthwhile based on the strength of single "You Don't Know Love" alone. That infectious track -- as well as the elastic "Unpredictable" -- sounds like something off Carly Rae Jepsen's wonderful E-MO-TION. Elsewhere, Murs flexes his heartthrob muscles with the sexy MNEK-assisted "Private" and "Read My Mind." Album-closer "Flaws" launches the one true arrow to the broken heart, the only quiet moment of restrained sadness where the music finally matches the lyrics. Ultimately, 24 Hrs is comforting and reassuring in its ability to lift the spirits, healing broken hearts through dance therapy. ~ Neil Z. Yeung