Pop music can be categorized into an almost infinite number of categories, often to meet marketing or radio designations. When a musician like Ian McGlynn comes around, it’s a refreshing reminder that pop music is also art. On his newest album, Now We’re Golden, the beauty and texture of his compositions come through with such sparkling precision, thinking about categorization seems foolish.

The opening notes of Gold Morning Mend set the stage for an expansive and lush collection of tracks that soar, bend, and flutter into your mind, leaving you giddy and serene. The obvious touch point for McGlynn’s music is Pet Sounds era Beach Boys, but McGlynn’s style goes several steps further. The shiny pop of My Tiger Darling and I’m December are so uplifting, you’ll be hard-pressed to keep the corners of your mouth from tilting up. Cathedrals is an electro-tinged hymn that leaves you buoyant. Ken Stringfellow‘s open and refreshing production brings layers of sounds into a lovely and melodic blend without distracting from the hooks.

Now We’re Golden is another step forward from the success of 2008′s This is the Sound. McGlynn has created gorgeous and stirring art.