Initially launched in 1989 as a solo studio project, the Lightning Seeds became producer Ian Broudie's most enduring endeavor, sending a clutch of memorable pop hits into the U.K. charts, one of which -- the catchy English football theme "Three Lions" -- has become an almost perennial national sports anthem, hitting number one as recently as 2018. Despite his enduring back catalog, Broudie has managed just one new Lightning Seeds album in the 21st century, 2009's reflective, though somewhat disappointing Four Winds. In retrospect, Broudie himself concludes that it had much more in common with his 2004 solo album than a proper Lightning Seeds joint. In that respect, 2022's See You in the Stars could be considered a more natural sequel to the band's original '90s run. Sunny and resolutely hopeful, the ten-song set is on par with the Lightning Seeds' best work and introduces a number of new highlights to their canon. "Sunshine" is a radiant bit of uber-melodic indie pop that harks back to early classics like "Pure" and "All I Want." The vibrant "Emily Smiles" is another cheery standout, co-written by the Specials' Terry Hall, who also provides guest vocals. Broudie leans on another longtime collaborator, the Coral's James Skelly, on the more stripped-down "Great to Be Alive" and "Live to Love You," a pair of upbeat acoustic-led cuts that further bolster the album's overwhelming feeling of uplift. Arriving after such a long hiatus and during a period of global tumult, Broudie's sweet melodicism and gentle vibes are more welcome than ever on this appealing return to form. ~ Timothy Monger, Rovi

1		Losing You
2		Emily Smiles
3		Green Eyes
4		Great to Be Alive
5		Sunshine
6		Fit for Purpose
7		Live to Love You
8		Permanent Danger
9		Walk Another Mile
10		See You in the Stars

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