BRANDON VOSS & REBECCA ARMENDARIZ | 5.14.2008
More than a decade after the Swedish spitfire invaded the U.S. charts with pop hits “Show Me Love” and “Do You Know (What It Takes),” Robyn strikes back with her electropoppy self-titled fourth studio album, which just received a stateside release after first blowing up in Sweden in 2005.
It's taken the artist a few years to get past label troubles and grace the U.S. with what her native Sweden and the rest of Europe have heard since forever. Since the States saw "Robyn Is Here" in 1997 (with the blissfully radio-friendly singles "Show Me Love" or "Do You Know (What It Takes)?"), Robyn bought herself out of her contract and formed her own label, called Konichiwa, in 2005. Her triumph features collaborations with Swedish electro-rock sweethearts the Knife and Teddybears Stockholm's Klas Ahlund.
The ice-blonde Robyn deceives listeners about her style on the first two tracks — an intro of sorts titled "Curriculum Vitae," forces us to hear Robyn's convoluted accent talking on a cell phone. This leads into "Konichiwa Bitches" — didn't Gwen Stefani already do this whole Asian-women-as-trendy-accessories thing?
, "Handle Me," that we hear the melodic quality of Robyn's voice. FINALLY, we arrive at "Be Mine," Robyn's perfect pairing with Ahlund. Her vocals soar from her throat, crying for unrequited love, over rapid string lines and a pouncing synthesized bass.
"With Every Heartbeat" is Robyn's take on a ballad, and it's a ballad for popping your hips at the clubs. Picture "It's Not Right, But It's Okay" with a more today declaration of pain.
Then suddenly "Who's That Girl?" featuring The Knife, smacks down into the center (literally) of the album. The label hated this track, which led to Robyn's launch of Konichiwa Records.
"I guess they didn't consider it to be pop music, which I think is crazy," she says. "It's TOTALLY pop music!"
And it is. Layered and synth-driven, the Knife's hand in this track is heavy and obvious. Popping snare drums lead into the chorus, which drops with a sigh before immediately picking up into dance tempo.
with us about her connection with gay fans, including a certain controversial blogger.
Robyn: The gay community has always been familiar with being on the outside, but is still cool with that, and that’s something that I feel connected to as an artist.
It happens, but if I’m not into it, I’m not into it. I don’t act differently if it’s a girl. I’m not bisexual or gay, so usually I don’t hit back, but I definitely get flattered.
I cut my hair like this because it makes me look fly!
We met when I played at his show in Austin for South by Southwest because he’s been a big supporter of what I do, so of course I want to support him back. But at the same time, I’m totally aware of his professionalism, and I’m not confusing work with friendship. I don’t know — he could turn on me the next day! But when I met him, I was really surprised — he’s not a sleazeball as people think.
Well, I don’t think you have to watch out when you have a good album. He’s supporting me because my music is good.
Because I’m winning, of course!
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