Erasure singer Andy Bell's recent disclosure that he's HIV-positive makes it difficult to listen to Nightbird without parsing the lyrics for clues. But if you're hunting for some sort of stark examination of life-and-death, forget it.

Gill, one of the first openly gay men in British pop, tested positive back in 1998, so it's hard to say what effect if any it's had on these 11 songs. Unless, that is, it made him eager to reconnect with the melodic synth-pop balladry of his youth -- which is precisely what he and musical partner Vince Clarke do on their first studio disc in five years.

All but ignoring the oversize dance-floor grooves they embraced in the '90s, Bell and Clarke turn down the lights and unveil a set of intimate and introspective musings on heartache.

As always, Bell's pure alto and swooning lyrics suggest a more sincere Morrissey, while Clarke's chilly keyboards complement and contrast his emotion with their cool precision.

Lush, romantic and yearning, Nightbird isn't a party disc by any means. But as a long-overdue return to form by musical pioneers, it's still cause for celebration.

Track Listing:

1. No Doubt
2. Here I Go Impossible Again
3. Let's Take One More Rocket to the Moon
4. Breathe
5. I'll Be There
6. Because Our Love Is Real
7. Don't Say You Love Me
8. All This Time Still Falling Out of Love
9. I Broke It All in Two
10. Sweet Surrender
11. I Bet You're Mad at Me