For a genre already rife with clichés and imitators, LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy has always had his work cut out for him. With sincere songwriting and widespread acclaim, the buzz generated by LCD Soundsystem’s last album, “Sound of Silver, ” skyrocketed him to the very top of the indie rock totem pole. Murphy’s blend of self-deprecation and stylistic dance-rock attracted a disparate audience that included the East coast elite as well as more casual, club-going listeners. Three years and countless nods from “best of the decade” lists later, expectations were high for the release of “This is Happening.” Luckily, Murphy has avoided burning out and returned with an upgraded brand of dance-rock that is as personal as it is catchy.

While the sound doesn’t leave its normal mold, it’s clear from the lyrics that Murphy has grown up a bit. In place of semi-nonsensical romps are intimate tales of relationship woes and introspection.

Despite the deeper content, Murphy still retains his playful demeanor. Punchy and energetic, the first half of the record picks up where “Sound of Silver” left off. On the superlative opening track “Dance Yrself Clean” Murphy mutters over pattering percussion before erupting into a crisp, feel-good, electronic frenzy. “I miss the way the night comes/ With friends who always make it feel good/ This basement has a cold glow/ Though it’s better than a bunch of others,” he laments, foreshadowing the more sentimental tone regnant throughout.

The album’s most raucous moment occurs early on with the call-and-response single “Drunk Girls,” a frivolous throwback to Velvet Underground’s “White Light/White Heat. ” In the hypnotic “One Touch,” Murphy’s brooding baritone and trance-inducing synths recall David Byrne only to fade into the Strokes -inspired ethereal alt rock of “All I want.” From there on, Murphy slides into melancholia that is occasionally drowned out by the numerous bells and whistles on the album. In “Somebody’s Calling Me” Murphy’s high production works to his disadvantage as his vocals are overshadowed by heavy synths and the pick-up of the oddly-placed “Pow Pow” is more distracting than invigorating. However, in “You Wanted a Hit,” Murphy is effectively defiant and confrontational before breaking out into a scorching guitar solo.

It isn’t fair to dub the record as an afterthought to “Sound of Silver” but the album isn’t a far cry from Murphy’s previous efforts either. If the rumors ring true and “This is Happening” is indeed Murphy’s final installment, the last note he ends on is a bittersweet one.