The name Chris is fairly common, at least in America. However, as Christine and the Queens will make clear on their second album, “Chris” is anything but ordinary.

Héloïse Letissier, commonly known by her stagename, Christine and the Queens, has made a name for herself in Europe as a France-based artist, as well as in the global alternative music scene. Breaking into the limelight was an unintended bonus of her debut album, “Chaleur humaine” (re-released in English in the U.S. as a self-titled album). Now, on “Chris,” Letissier is aiming to break the mold of more than just sound. Toying around with the idea of gender, identities and society that make up the fabric of the human experience, the singer created a Bowie-esque alter ego, cutting her hair and taking a more androgynous wardrobe.

However, the concept of destroying preconceived notions of an artist is not a new phenomenon for Letissier. On Jan. 6, 2015, Laura Snapes wrote for Pitchfork about Letissier’s ever-changing persona.

“Christine and the Queens is a beautiful, important negotiation of these liminal states at a time when the media is quick to bandy about the term “post-gender” as if the hard work is done,” said Snapes. “…It’s empowering, bold, and vulnerable and made for dancing.”

Not only does Christine and the Queens’ music initiate a connection with listeners, it asks them to participate, whether it be through dancing, crying or reflecting. Through music, the artist finds a singular space that blends intimacy and entertainment.

As the Sept. 21 release date of “Chris” approaches, there are specific aspects of the album to be noted already. Three songs have already been released, each with the signature flair of Christine and the Queens. A strong synth-pop vibe blurs into the ballad-like singing style of Letissier. Standout single, “Doesn’t matter” is a robust anthem of uncertainty, representative of “Chris.”

Along with the three pre-release singles, Apple Music produced a short film from behind the scenes in the production aspects of music videos and stage performances. In the exclusive mini-documentary, “Apple Music Presents: Chris,” Letissier explains the conception of her new personality.

“I felt really fragmented,” said Letissier. “‘Chris’ was born out of an itch, a need, a crave, whatever extreme words you find for it.”

Speaking more on the album in the same Apple Music film, Letissier describes the feelings that fueled the process and define the tracklist.

“I was trapped before in impossible ideas of perfection,” said Letissier. “…And I think now I’m just embracing the chaos way more, which actually, suprisingly, makes me, even more, emerge as a person.”

Christine and the Queens’ sophomore album is more of a question than a statement. Nevertheless, its resounding comfort in the unclear should leave listeners amused on Sept. 21.