Real Talk: I may officially be pronouncing myself a Robyn stan. I'm really not sure why I didn't come to this conclusion sooner.
Her debut album, Robyn Is Here, was a quintessential piece of my childhood ("Show Me Love", "Do You Know (What It Takes)" and "Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect)" are killer to this day). Her third effort brought us the beauty that is "Keep This Fire Burning". 2005's Robyn remains to be, from beginning to end, one of the most satisfying pop records I've ever heard -- it has something for every mood, thought and emotion.
Now, as I (not-so) patiently await Body Talk Part 1, the first of three mini albums set for release in 2010, I'm reminded yet again of this woman's innate musical genius. Every single song from this project that has leaked to us so far has been brilliant in its own way -- the reggae-twinged "Dancehall Queen (No Hassle)", the mechanically defiant "Fembots", the darkly hypnotic "None of Dem", and now the official first single, "Dancing On My Own."
Stilettos on broken bottles
I'm spinning around in circles
It takes up where "With Every Heartbeat" left off, completely with static-y synth and bitter melancholy that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. Robyn has a way of penning emotion in such a down-to-earth way that cuts right to the chase, and right to the gut.
Yeah, I know it's stupid
But I just gotta see it for myself
I'm in the corner
Watching you kiss her
Oh
I'm right over here
Why can't you see me?
Oh
I couldn't have voiced it better if I had written it myself -- it's like staring into the mirror of my short-term memory, as it completely echoes a recent encounter I had with a former beau. It's the type of relatable heartbreak she aired with "Be Mine!", except this time, she doesn't play as coy with her feelings of betrayal regarding the worst kind of voyeurism. The pain is palpable, but there's nothing you can do other than walk away, and "dance" on your own, on your own terms.
It's the type of moody realism that I desperately wanted from Christina Aguilera's Bionic project when I heard word of her collabs with all of electro and underground synth's best. But it's official, fam. Robyn just slayed my fave.
The song of 2010? Quite possibly.
4 comments:
YES! I've been a self proclaimed Robyn stan since '95 and sincerely welcome you into the family! ;-) That lady rocks my socks every time I hear a new track! Or an old one. Or a fairly recent one... Oh, you get the point.
Love her ever since With Every Heartbeat, lack of exposure here on this side of the planet. But dang, this is really awesome. I really can't wait for the new album right now cos of this :D
The new stuff actually has me more eager for Robyn's album than I even am for Kylie's. And that's saying something.
@Linus - :) :) Yay for more new family! So true -- she is so legit, it kind of blows my mind. You can't listen to just one song. You have to listen to the whole record. She just...calls to me.
@Loy - Lack of exposure in the US too, and it's sad. If Body Talk 1 is any indicator -- all three are gonna be killer!
@John - I'm in the same boat. It's pretty much trumped everything I'm excited for, including Kylie's and Christina's.
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