The latest offering from the “male model of pop,” Robert Palmer, is an anomalous work that attempts to encompass every conceivable form of contemporary music. But while Palmer experiments a great deal with styles on Heavy Nova, there’s basically only one running theme throughout the album, “I love a bitch.”

Side one starts out with “Simply Irresistable,” a guitar-based dance tune that delivers Palmer’s favorite message in his typical smoky-voiced, rough-edged style.

She’s a craze you’d endorse/ she’s a powerful force/ you’re obliged to conform/ when there’s no other course.

Another track on side one of the album, “More Than Ever,” continues this theme and expands upon it to an almost metal guitar sound. Your love’s so strong I can’t fight it/ can’t resist your siren’s wail/ I won’t run I won’t fight it/ I could lick you any day.

Always experimenting, Palmer’s versatile voice takes on a country-style twangy whine on “Disturbing Behavior.” He’s still complaining about a woman, though. She wants perfect behavior out of everyone/ she’s got a bone to pick with you/ and you don’t know what to do.

Side two of the album takes on a whole new approach, and is so dissimilar to side one as to appear to be a different work entirely. “It Could Happen To You” is a melodious tune, complete with piano and strings, that is reminiscent of Frank Sinatra’s early crooning.

“Between Us” is a lounge singer’s song. A slow, torchy, love song that is happily missing the biting cynicism of Palmer’s other pieces.