Little Boots Working Girl

On her 2009 debut Hands, Little Boots sounded like an electro-pop star in the making. But disputes with her record label and a disappointing second album (2013’s Nocturnes) pushed her out of the spotlight. Newly independent, she returns with confidence and focus on Working Girl, a sort of pseudo-concept album about female liberation and empowerment. From the power-suited cover photo to the ’80s-movie-referencing title, Working Girl is a bit retro in its representation of feminism, and the music too is often reminiscent of ’80s pop trailblazers Madonna and Kylie Minogue. On songs like the bass-heavy disco romp “Get Things Done” and the bubbly, infectious “The Game,” Little Boots mixes cheeky, clever lyrics with danceable beats and memorable hooks. Instead of chasing after indie cred or mainstream accessibility, she’s followed her own instincts, and put together some of this year’s best, most assured pop music in the process.