Daft Punk, Discovery, Black LP

While Daft Punk’s second recording still focuses on the maximum accessibility that earned its debut such high marks, there’s less of an obvious focus on pop hooks. Irony and house beats are the order of the day, and an eclectic thread runs throughout Discovery.

“Digital Love” sounds like the theme to a ’70s sitcom as realized by the Buggles. “Nightvision” is a mellow, wordless, Quiet storm-meets-Eno soundscape, while in an interpolation sure to gain plenty of attention, “Superheroes” marries a Barry Manilow sample to an unrelenting house beat. Ultimately, Discovery is less of a mission statement than its predecessor, but no less danceable or listenable.