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 What is it about Sweden? From Max Martin (renowned producer of Britney, P!nk, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson and more) to ABBA to Roxette to Robyn to recent indie discovery Lykke Li, the Swedes’ knack for hitmaking is undeniable. So we’re excited to take a musical journey to the land of the midnight sun with two hot new Swedish acts just for you.
Upon first listen (and even first look), it may be easy to confuse 21-year-old Swedish singer Agnes Carlsson—known simply as Agnes—and “Bleeding Love” diva Leona Lewis. And the comparison doesn’t end in stellar vocals and looks—both ladies also won their countries’ respective vocal competition series—Lewis with Simon Cowell’s X Factor and Agnes with Swedish Idol in 2005. Since her big win, Agnes has been largely confined to success in Sweden, until this past month when release “Release Me” debuted at No. 3 on the UK Singles Charts. Opening with big strings and dramatic toms, the song soon morphs into a killer pop diva disco anthem that we can’t get enough of. The song also gets loads of remix releases from Moto Blanco, Cahill, The Void, Fisco, La Rush, Nils Van Zandt and more. We’re guessing American dance lovers won’t want to release you, Agnes—they’re going to want to hold you closer!
Speaking of Idol-winning divas with big voices, Jordin Sparks’ “Battlefield” has finally gotten the remix treatment. Bimbo Jones delivers a reliable main-floor-ready mix, and even locals Drew G and Abe Clements get in on the action with a nice, chilled-out rendition that’s perfect for summer lounging.
Bringing us back to Sweden, Kleerup’s self-titled debut album comes out on Astralwerks in the U.S. on July 28. You might know Kleerup (a.k.a. Andreas Kleerup) as half of the duo behind “With Every Heartbeat”—the UK No. 1 single he did with another Swede, Robyn, that helped propel her back into the spotlight after her ’90s exile from the pop world. That track appears on the album along with some similarly melancholy electro–pop/NuWave/trance-y songs, most notably “Until We Bleed,” featuring the aforementioned and fabulously talented Lykke Li—and “Longing for Lullabies” with Titiyo (the younger sister of ’80s pop-rap goddess Neneh Cherry). The album ranges from full-on songs to more spaced-out, ambient bits—but it’s fully enjoyable throughout. And go figure—Kleerup just won three awards at Sweden’s 2009 Grammis music awards (the equivalent of our Grammys), taking home the impressive Best Newcomer, Best Composer and Best Producer. Max Martin, you might have some competition! N |
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