Let’s get this out of the way now; Robyn’s first album in over 5 years is short. The Swedish songstress announced earlier in the year that this would be the 1st installment of three records she plans to release in 2010. That’s a risky move and no mistake but I’m more than happy to report that not a single minute is wasted. I’d rather have 30 minutes & 8 brilliant tracks than the bloated efforts of say, Bionic by Christina Aguilera, with her myriad of collaborators but no cohesive sound or direction.

There are no duff tracks but there are three absolute standouts. The first is the melancholy, disco soliloquy ‘Dancing on My Own’ which is the song of the year so far. It works as a haunting dance floor anthem and layered portrait of unrequited love. The 2nd is ‘Cry When You Get Older’ which displays Robyn’s knack for smart, relatable writing ‘Hey girl in the strobing light what ya momma never told ya, is love hurts when you do it right, you can cry when you get older’ all set to an irresistible electro beat. The 3rd is ‘Fembot’ which continues her ongoing android theme covered previously with “Robotboy,” the interlude “Bionic Woman” and last year’s “The Girl and the Robot” collaboration with Röyksopp. Fembot is intelligent, bouncy & lyrically schizophrenic. In order words, it’s unconventional pop at its best.

The ambitious ode to Jamaican dance-hall ‘Dancehall Queen’ takes a few listens & may not appeal to everyone but it’s symptomatic of Robyn & her playful style. It’s just bloody good fun. The collaboration with Röyksopp on ‘None of Dem’ features a broody synth rift that works beautifully with the tone of the track; utter disillusion. The addition of two ballads ‘Hang With Me’ & traditional Swedish song ‘Jag vet en Dejilig Rosa’ slow down the pace somewhat but both are typically heartfelt & ultimately moving.

The handful of popstars who write their own material have become increasingly more cerebral & Robyn is right at the head of the pack.

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If you have yet to catch one of the music industry’s finest, Swedish electro pop sensation Robyn at her previous shows then we are imploring you to get your assess in gear and book tickets to one of her UK dates this month.

The show promises to be bigger, better, sweatier and sexier than her previous outings and having been to many of the London shows already we can guarantee that you won’t want to miss out.   Support will be provided by the brilliant Sam Sparro.

Click one the links below to get your tickets now!!

June 07 – Birmingham: Carling Academy
June 08 – London: Astoria
June 10 – Manchester: Academy 2
June 11 – Norwich: UEA
June 12 – Bristol: Carling Academy

For more information on Robyn visit – www.robyn.com

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