CD Reviews

Lykke Li

Youth Novels | Atlantic

By SAM UBL | August 26, 2008

3.5 Stars

Lisa. Nora. Leslie. Lykke? As a category defined by its inoffensive prettiness has grown edgier, so, it seems, have the names. But not only does Lykke Li, Sweden’s hotly tipped bid for Starbucks stereoplay, pose the biggest pronunciation problem of any pop debutant since Björk, her Björn Yttling–produced debut, Youth Novels, one-ups the competition by being sillier, funkier, and less comfortable — more “Konichiwa Bitches” than Keren Ann. Whatever you think of Mr. Yttling’s band (with Peter and John), here he helps Lykke settle into natty lap-pop tracks that accommodate all the colors of the 22-year-old’s dusky voice. Youth Novels may lull listeners with æthereal soundscapes, but cute it ain’t. And thank goodness. “Complaint Department” encourages self-absorption’s obverse, self-reliance, over a stern electro pulse; “My” suns up its sappy sentiments with Beach Boys harmonies. But to applaud this record’s brass balls is by no means to overlook its outsize pleasures: the sweet hooks of “Breaking It Up” and standout single “I’m Good, I’m Gone” would charm far less without their tenacious beats.

Related: Peter Bjorn and John | Seaside Rock, Pretty and slow, Turning up, More

Topics: CD Reviews , The Beach Boys, Keren Ann, Bjorn Yttling, More

| More

Most Popular

The Current Issue

Table of Contents

Cover Archive

Masthead | Authors | Contact us

Blogs

Where To Follow Me
Talking Politics | March 24, 2013 at 11:09 AM

Mo Takes His Turn
March 21, 2013 at 12:59 PM

[Q&A] KMFDM's Sascha Konietzko on art, Columbine and having balls
On The Download | March 18, 2013 at 3:22 PM

See this film series: The Belmont World Film Series @ Studio Cinema in Belmont
Outside The Frame | March 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM

See this film: This is Spinal Tap [with post-film talk by expert from Acoustical Society of America] @ the Coolidge
March 17, 2013 at 12:00 PM

ARTICLES BY SAM UBL

PETER BJORN AND JOHN | SEASIDE ROCK | October 01, 2008
It’s really pointless. And somewhat nice.

YOUNG JEEZY | THE RECESSION | September 10, 2008
Remember, Jeezy disdains rappers, just like the teen movie anti-hero who decries the phoniness of movie stars.

FRIENDLY FIRES | September 02, 2008
The Hertfordshire trio’s debut full-length cobbles from some of dance rock’s silliest (and sappiest) party mavens, among them Talking Heads, Prince, and the Rapture.