Why Robyn is not as popular as the over hyped Lady Gaga is just beyond my personal comprehension. Sure, she is Swedish and is ridiculously popular in her own region of the world, but here in the states she is only marginally appreciated. Hopefully, as my review title suggests, this three part album will change all of that. With the whole Dancehall craze lighting up around every corner, and artists like Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Santogold and M.I.A. benefiting from it, hopefully Robyn will reap the rich rewards she deserves.
Collectively, she stomps all over the aforementioned.
The first installment, `Body Talk Pt. 1', was pretty outstanding. After listening to this 2nd installment nearly non-stop since its release I can honestly say that it not quite as good, but it is only secondary by a small margin. The album is tightly woven and perfectly constructed to deliver the goods with nearly every song. Personally, `In My Eyes' is a tad generic, `We Dance to The Beat' lacks a little heart and `U Should Know Better' is a little uninspired, considering the collaboration with Snoop Dogg (the song is fun, but it just doesn't reach the heights it should have).
hat said; the balance of the album is ridiculously amazing.
The `one-two-THREE' punch that comes from `Include Me Out', `Hang With Me' and `Love Kills' is just almost too much to handle in it's greatness. They all rely on that tinge of commercial pop-quality that Robyn understands how to layer effectively. Her delivery is smooth and enticing and her songs are incredibly catchy. I got these beautiful glimpses of her 90's work all over these songs (especially `Include Me Out') which added a nice splash of nostalgia to the offering. `Hang With Me' has a beautiful beat and a sweet sincerity within the vocal delivery. `Love Kills' adds that edginess that sets Robyn apart from her former self. It is brilliantly controlled, with a pulsating beat that will send shivers, and the way that Robyn sinks her teeth into the dark side of love is splendidly realized here.
`Criminal Intent' is a load of fun, cheeky and sensual in all the right areas. Personally, it's the best track on the album for all sorts of great reasons. It's edgy and controversial with a playfulness that makes it ridiculously enjoyable. Techno meets hip hop with flawless results.
And then we have `Indestructible', the unexpected album closer that begins with orchestral arrangements that set the pace for a more heartfelt ballad that is certainly separate from the bulk of the album but serves as a sincere and beautiful way to close the album, with lyrics that seem straight from the heart and a delivery that is pure and organic and sheds light on yet another layer of Robyn's brilliance.
Seriously, this girl DESERVES to be famous!
I cannot wait until she drops the 3rds installment. It has two big shoes to fill, but I'm pretty confident that it'll close out this album perfectly!