After four years away from the limelight Anna Coddington’s third album feels incredibly accomplished. ‘Luck/Time’ is full of melodic hooks and rhythmic grooves, with an easier and poppier feel than her previous albums. This is exemplified on gems like Falling Fast, with a chorus of wall of sound vocals by Coddington, Julia Deans, Tama Waipara and Cherie Mathieson. Likewise Lantern with its yearning vocals and shuffling, brushed drumbeat courtesy of The Phoenix Foundation’s Chris O’Connor, who features on most tracks. There’s much introspection in Coddington’s songs, which could run the risk of over-sentimentality, but she pulls it back from melancholy with musical touches and flourishes, and a more grown-up vibe within her themes and lyrics. Aside from some production assistance from SJD and Jeremy Toy, she has involved some excellent contributors, and musically is having fun. Release Me has an ’80s dancefloor vibe and The Runner (Toy) has a super-catchy electro-pop R&B chorus. However, it’s her 2013 Silver Scroll-finalist song Bird In Hand (SJD) that impresses most, with a melodic vocal line and gently rhythmic textures. ‘Luck/Time’ shows a different approach for Anna Coddington, and it has paid off – an exceptional record full of soulful and groove-laden pop, showing her to be more confident in her own skin as a writer and performer.