The Origin of Love
Universal Music
t2 rating: 2.5/5

Feel-good, snazzy and rarely reflective, Mika’s third studio album has all the sugary-syrup moments that have made The X-Factor a success. His vibrant nature –– evident from the opening number (the title track) –– gets explored over 13 songs that range from the playful Make You Happy (which makes indirect references to Pet Shop Boys) to the Robbie Williamesque Popular Song (featuring popular singer-songwriter Priscilla Renea Hamilton). Making The Origin of Love a guilty pleasure even for

30-somethings are happily-ever-after love stories that are honest.

Despite all the happiness these songs spread, there is a downside. The album has a heard-that feel of early 1980s Buggles or Bee Gees on tracks like Lola, Kids and Love You When I’m Drunk. And the absence of that one killer song makes The Origin of Love less memorable than his debut Life in Cartoon Motion.