Erasure: Andy Bell , Vince Clarke.

Audio Mixer: Jeff Knowler.

Photographer: Dirk Linder.

The U.K. duo Erasure have been specializing in sparkling dance pop since 1985, and their 13th full-length release finds them as gaily outrageous and unapologetically commercial as ever, with a collection of soaring, classic synth pop that includes the cascading keyboard overture of the Euro-style "Sunday Girl," the aching-yet-catchy "When a Lover Leaves You," and singer Andy Bell's edgy, remorseful "Storm in a Teacup." The deluxe edition also includes two extra dance-pop tracks, the mid-tempo "Be My Baby" and the disco torch song, "I Don't Know Why."

Arguably Erasure's most energetic and confident album since its late-1980s heyday, 2007's LIGHT AT THE END OF THE WORLD presents the U.K. duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke in full-on dance mode after the beautifully subdued NIGHTBIRD, the elegantly acoustic UNION STREET, and numerous live releases. While LIGHT's lead single, "I Could Fall in Love with You," expertly showcases Bell's soaring voice and Clarke's club-filling keyboards and beats, other tracks on the record, most notably the pulsing "Sunday Girl," prove that this return to classic Erasure form is no fluke. Though there are more nuanced songs on LIGHT (the shimmering "Darlene"), the real draw is undoubtedly the lively synth-pop element of the album, which proves that Bell and Clarke are still capable of nearing the heights of "A Little Respect" and "Chains of Love."