Traditionally, solo albums can afford an artist the opportunity to explore previously uncharted sonic or lyrical terrain. In Alison Goldfrapp’s case, however, the electronic duo that bears her surname has mined such a rich, diverse palette over the last two-plus decades—from trip-hop to synth-pop to folk—that a solo venture seems like little more than a chance to make music with people who aren’t Will Gregory.

The Love Invention was birthed during the pandemic, when the singer says she was forced to create music more independently than she had in years. She ultimately tapped Richard X, who co-produced Goldfrapp’s 2010 single “Alive,” and Ghost Culture’s James Greenwood to bring her vision to life, though the album doesn’t stray too far from Goldfrapp’s synth-pop roots.

“Fever (This Is the Real Thing)” is sleek and undulating—and markedly more sophisticated than the Paul Woolford piano-house remix...