I heard the voice of an angel. Her name is Lykke Li. For those not familiar with this Swedish goddess, immediately check her out. Without a doubt, Lykke Li is one the best female pop vocalists waiting to breakthrough. I first heard about Lykke Li in 2009, when she was rumored to be dating a certain Hollywood actor, but I never followed up on her. Now I am kicking myself in the head.
There have been times where I came across an amazing artist, but just never really delved into their music only to rediscover them at a later date. Lykke Li is a perfect example. For most of my life I unintentionally go through music listening trends, whether it’s primarily listening to early 80s punk music or shoegazing music. As long as the music sounds good, it doesn’t matter to me. Usually when I go through these music listening trends I discover cool bands that I never heard of and feel better for “going through a phase.”
Back in 2008, Franz Ferdinand, one of my favorite bands, was preparing to release their third album Tonight: Franz Ferdinand. About that time I happened to discover some unusual, yet unique Scottish alternative bands that just rocked my world including Glasvegas and The Retrosexuals. Somehow I become mesmerized and fall into a trance whenever I listen to non-US musical groups because I always want to discover more awesome bands like the one I “just discovered.”
In 2010, I came across another Swedish superstar, Robyn. Three of the best albums I heard all of last year came from her: Body Talk Part 1, Body Talk Part 2 and Body Talk, which is practically a compilation of the two Body Talk mini-albums plus five new original songs (They were all tied for 13th place on my Top 20 Albums list of 2010). Robyn initially intended to release three mini-albums and issued the first two in June and September respectively, but decided to release a full length album in November 2010. I bring this up because I became enamored with Robyn and was shocked why I didn’t know about her sooner. You always have to be consistently and actively on the lookout for new bands. That’s how I rediscovered Lykke Li.
The first time I heard Lykke Li was in Amanda Blank’s song, “Leaving You Behind,” but for others it was a different kind of medium. Li wrote the song, "Possibility," for New Moon from the Twilight series and her music was recently covered on an episode of Glee. Also back in 2009, Drake sampled Li’s “Little Bit” on his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone Little Bit in his song also titled “Little Bit.” Needless to say, she has already made a strong impact in the world of music.
Inspired by Alejandro Jodorowsky’s cult classic film Holy Mountain, Lykke Li delivers a stellar sophomore album, Wounded Rhymes, destined for greatness. Unlike her debut album, Youth Novels, Lykke Li has matured with a dark album capturing lost love and the torment of youthful romances. Easily this is one of the year’s top ten albums and currently my album of the year. The album is well balanced with indie rock, folk, alternative and dabs of electro-pop sounds solidifying a well-produced album (produced by Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John fame).
Li’s tormented voice captures the darker aspects of love and appears to be the new quintessential breakup album everyone should own. From beginning to end, Lykke Li progresses from reality to fantasy discussing sex, obsession, unrequited love, and the vulnerable feelings one faces when they’ve been wounded by an ex. Wounded Rhymes is a poignant, powerful and passionate album that leaves an immediate impact on you.
The album opens up with “Youth Knows No Pain” and you’re immediately put into a trance. Lykke Li’s swagger swings your moods back and forth, but you don’t mind the dance. The combination of tambourine, tribal drums, and eerie organ, this song is the perfect song to clap along with. The second track, “I Follow Rivers” is phenomenal! Lykke Li’s lovely voice is accompanied by pitch perfect percussion in one of my favorite tracks. It’s a really romantic song that’s an awesome predecessor to “Love Out of Lust.”
“Love Out of Lust” opens up with the beautiful lyrics, “Rather die in your arms, than die lonesome/ Rather die hard, than die hollow/The higher that I climb /the deeper I fall down /I'm running out of time /So let's dance while we're waiting.” It’s another amazing song on this superb album.
“Unrequited Love” is a perfect example of Li embracing her heartache and happiness wholeheartedly without holding back on any of her emotions. The song also includes an awesome throwback with a 1950s doo-wop sound. The remarkable thing is no aspect of love is off limits for this breathtaking, beautiful popstar.
The infectious up-tempo “Get Some” in recent weeks has become a staple on the LA Radio. I couldn’t be happier because “Get Some” is my favorite song on this album and thus far, my favorite song of the year. Lykke Li is phenomenal with creating catchy lyrics and this is a perfect example in this song, “Like the shotgun need an outcome/I'm your prostitute, you gon get some.” I am completely ecstatic that friends who aren’t familiar with Li know this song.
With two awesome ballads like “I Know Places” and “Sadness is a Blessing,” there really isn’t anything Lykke Li can’t do. This is a must own for everyone who consider themselves a music buff. Not only do I own the vinyl, but the CD and the iTunes edition of the album. Wounded Rhymes is a mature modern masterpiece and an instant classic. Li is the bright future of music.
-- Mr Brownstone
Buy here: Wounded Rhymes
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