Following the success of her smash hit “Lights,” Ellie Goulding’s sophomore album “Halycon” takes her sound in a new, darker direction. Sweeping tracks like “Explosions” and “Atlantis” bring epic, Florence Welch-esque drama to an album flavored by Goulding’s flair for electronic sounds. Though lead single “Anything Could Happen” makes a strong case, it’s the addictive “Figure 8” that steals the first half of the album, combining a catchy hook with the killer line, “I need you more than I can take.” Deeply personal lyrics like this color all of “Halcyon,” make it an emotionally rich album tempered by Goulding’s raspy, smoky voice which keeps it from feeling too overwrought. Even with its greater depth and more dynamic arrangements, “Halcyon” is more pop-friendly than its predecessor. Expect to hear more Ellie Goulding on the radio soon.

Grade: A-