When it was first announced that art-rock legend David Byrne would create his first work in four years with St. Vincent (Annie Clark), a still unknown but talented indie powerhouse, the pair seemed unlikely. But as with many unexpected pairings, Byrne’s knack for ‘80s paranoid funk and Clark’s baroque melody and guitar work to create a refreshing, hearty collaboration. “Love This Giant” isn’t afraid to embrace conventional dance pop while creating its own brand of spacey, soulful and convoluted rock bliss. While some songs’ horn-lead melodies fail to dig into the brain, fans of Byrne and Clark’s separate work will find the best of both artists on this record, as they flex their creative genius on triumphant tracks like “Who” and “Lazarus.”

Grade: B+