Perimenopop: Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Joyful Return to the Dancefloor

Sophie Ellis-Bextor's much-anticipated eighth studio album, Perimenopop, has arrived, marking a confident and celebratory new chapter in her career. Released on September 12, 2025, the album is a playful and empowered collection of songs that sees the British pop queen embrace her iconic disco-pop style with a fresh perspective.

The album's title, began as a joke but stuck because it perfectly encapsulates where Ellis-Bextor is at this stage of her life. She's not shying away from aging but is instead embracing the confidence and freedom that comes with it. This attitude is reflected in the album's sound: it’s a vibrant, joyful journey through upbeat tracks that are both nostalgic and completely current.

A Glittering Tracklist of Pop Perfection

Perimenopop is a testament to Ellis-Bextor's enduring talent for creating elegant, dancefloor-ready pop. The album is a cohesive experience from start to finish, with a tracklist that includes:

"Relentless Love"

"Vertigo"

"Taste"

"Stay on Me"

"Dolce Vita"

"Time"

"Glamorous"

"Freedom of the Night"

"Layers"

"Diamond in the Dark"

"Heart Sing"

"Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone"

The album is front-loaded with a triple threat of delightful disco in "Relentless Love," "Vertigo," and "Taste," which set the tone for the entire record. Later tracks, like the Nile Rodgers collaboration "Diamond in the Dark," maintain the feel-good energy. "Glamorous" and "Layers" have been singled out by fans and critics alike as highlights, with the latter even drawing comparisons to her classic albums like Shoot from the Hip.

What the Critics Are Saying

Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising the album for its cohesive sound and confident songwriting. It's described as a "bulletproof pop package" with "no skips," and a "celebratory soundtrack for mid-life happiness." The record showcases Ellis-Bextor's refined vocals and her ability to deliver catchy melodies with substance. After the global resurgence of "Murder on the Dancefloor" from the film Saltburn, Perimenopop feels like a natural and well-deserved return to the spotlight, proving that Sophie Ellis-Bextor's disco machine is still running strong.