Robyn: Robyn : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Looking like David Bowie's little sister, Swedish starlet Robyn entered the arena in 1997 with "Show Me Love," a generic dance-pop smash co-produced by hitmaker/Britney Spears sculptor Max Martin. But sensing a future of head-shaving and How I Met Your Mother cameos, Robyn jumped ship to start her own label and work with some of her edgier homeys: electro-goth oddballs the Knife and freaky club fusionist Teddybears.

The result, released in Sweden in 2005 and now available in a virtually identical version here, is a shiny mainstream pop record with enough wit and weirdness to impress even jaded bloggers. YouTube fave "Konichiwa Bitches" nods to Missy Elliott, Eminem and a classic Chappelle's Show skit over hand claps and Eighties-style synth drums; it's such nasty fun that her dubious rap skills don't detract a bit. "Bionic Woman" quotes art-pop grand dame Laurie Anderson, while "Crash and Burn Girl" bites Buffalo Springfieldís "For What It's Worth" over fat party beats. Sexy without being pandering, arty without being pretentious, Robyn is a public service: a record that can make indie-minded geeks dance without shame.

WILL HERMES

(Posted: May 1, 2008)

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Review 1 of 4

4of 5 Stars

Being a Robyn fan for quite some time, I was extremely happy to finally go to the cash register and buy a CD from her. And I wasn't dissapointed.

Granted, I have heard all the songs (except for a Dream On), it was still a refreshing take on what pop should be. From the almost emo dance pop of "Cobrastyle", to the techno infused love lament of "Every Heartbeat", to the R & B infused "Should Have Known", to the Sheila E. drums of "Who's That Girl", and to the "what pop should be" song "Handle Me". The CD did not dissapoint.

The only downside was the intro of "Curriculum Vitae". Is it me, or are the Janet Jackson intro's and interludes just boring at this point? And I wasn't super happy she put "Anytime You Like". She should have put "Fire" on this CD.

Anyway, loved the CD. Can't wait for the comeback!

May 11, 2008 05:55:42

Review 2 of 4

5of 5 Stars

AMAZING ALBUM!!! To think that we have not embraced her in the U.S. is a perfect example of why America has absolutely no taste. :)

Apr 24, 2008 14:35:37

Review 3 of 4

5of 5 Stars

WOW!!! This is such a great album....hot damn!!! "Every Heart Beat" "K. Bitches" and "Cobrastyle" make this album fun and exciting. If you get a chance look up her videos on YouTube! They will blow any of the pop shit in the U.S. out of the water!

Apr 24, 2008 14:33:33

Review 4 of 4

4of 5 Stars

I downloaded this CD about a year ago and have been burning it for friends ever since. She's totally underated and especially gifted. Her music probably won't translate to American sales but her artistic integrity is to be commended. When you leave a guaranteed hitmaker to decide you want to go back underground and come back even better, you know there is talent. My favorite song on the album has to be 'elipse' Very ethereal very sparse. Awesome song! Notables: with every heartbeat, should have know, anytime you like.

Apr 15, 2008 22:35:52

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