Robyn is the best female voice in pop music today. And I am here to convert you if you believe otherwise.
There are few artists where I will get up in arms and on a soapbox defending (or defaming- Ke$ha and Uffie, I’m looking at you.) Why does this tiny Swedish woman with a couple of early 90′s hits inspire so much vehemence and hopeless stanning from an otherwise calm person? Oh, dear reader, I will tell you why. And I will outline it in three points.
1. She makes you FEEL THINGS, man.
“Pop music” is a genre that ties together disparate voices and sounds around these central tenants: catchy hooks, modern technology, and songs with themes of romance. Robyn has all of those in droves, but there’s a certain quality to her voice that is undeniable. It is packed with such raw emotion that a simple song about a relationship ending is not just a lament: you believe her and ache with her when she sings. Her acoustic songs are her forte, and they swell and soar over simple piano tracks or yearning string orchestras. But nothing, NOTHING can top this song, where you keep yourself from drowning in waves of heartbreak by dancing your heart out.
2. Her lyrics
I am a lover of pop, but it is not a perfect genre because there is a certain predictability about its lyrics: heartbreak, new love, pretty boys and girls and parties abounds. Robyn takes those concepts and makes them fresh and exciting, even a bit edgy. How many times can you say you’ve heard a sweet female voice sing this?
If your man ain't no good Come on over to my neighborhood We can jump in the sack and I'll jack u off If you're tired of the masturbator Little girl, we can go on a date And if you like, I'll jack u off
With Robyn, we hear surprisingly compelling stories about fembots, dancehall queens, robotboys and requests for black and female popes and an end to papal celibacy (I’m serious. We’ll talk about this later.) She is tongue-in-cheek and playful, but can sweep you up with unexpected depth. It’s great.
3. Her collaborations are amazing.
What do Royksopp, Yelle, and Snoop Dogg have in common? They all have made amazing songs and collaborations with Robyn. I think this is the time for me to stop dithering and let the music speak for itself.
Robyn’s 3-album collection comes out this year! Body Talk, Part 1 is in stores now. Body Talk, Part 2 will be released in early September, but the single, Hang With Me, is out now!
About the author
Intro to Radio Instuctor - Jacob is given young minds for molding. He then molds them. This is what he does.
I heard “Dancing on my Own,” on NPR’s All Songs Considered. I agree! More emotion than your typical house-y dance anthem. A little bit creepy and pathetic, I like!
I heard “Dancing on my Own,” on NPR’s All Songs Considered. I agree! More emotion than your typical house-y dance anthem. A little bit creepy and pathetic, I like!