Robyn's electro-beats rock the 'Body'
I remember first hearing Robyn in an ice skating rink as a little girl; I sped round and round the rink to Robyn earnestly asking her significant other to "show [her] love, to show [her] what it's all about." As I look back now, "Show Me Love" is easily one of my all-time favorite '90s songs, and it was with her 2005 self-titled album that Robyn easily became one of my all-time favorite artists. Now, five years later, the 31-year-old Swede is releasing a series of three albums titled Body Talk. The first of these came out June 15, the second was just released on Sept. 7, and the third will be coming in December. In Body Talk Pt. 2, Robyn offers up another album chock full of electro-pop songs that get you moving. Body Talk Pt. 2, produced by Robyn and fellow Swedes Kleerup and Klas ehlund, is Robyn's sixth album. It is made up of eight-nine if you purchase the album from iTunes-songs that are cohesive and fun. Through this album, you can really see that Robyn has become comfortable at composing songs that are just right for the dance floor, carefully crafting her unique pop sound. While almost every song has an infectious beat supported by synthesizers and various other effects, the lyrics and content never end up being mere fluff. Robyn moves from one theme to another, emphasizing her us-against-the-world attitude along with her philosophy on the healing power of dance. This album, though by no means perfect, offers an enjoyable 33-minute experience.
One thing that Body Talk does really well is meld synthetic electro-pop with Robyn's sugary-sweet voice. "In My Eyes" opens the album perfectly with that us-against-the-world attitude that permeates throughout the album. Accompanied by futuristic sound effects and strings, Robyn jumps right into the swing of the things, oozing confidence as she belts out the value of originality, of being different and of going to someone for hope and comfort. Robyn continues with similar themes in "Include Me Out." The song, which is not considerably upbeat, provides a great platform for Robyn to display her desire to empower, which she does quite well.
On the other hand, Robyn dishes out some sassy, cutting and risqué songs, that starkly contrast to the former half of the album. In "Criminal Intent," she coolly compares her desire to "unwind and just bump and grind" to being criminal; so criminal, in fact, that someone should contact the authorities. The song is a perfect display of Robyn's ability to border the ridiculous but somehow keep intact her smooth appeal as an artist.
Another song that stands out is "U Should Know Better," featuring, surprisingly, Snoop Dogg. One, this collaboration just shocked the heck out of me, and two, in some weird, mysterious way I cannot yet determine, this song works. It really works. While it is not my favorite song on Body Talk, Robyn comes out in full force, basically challenging the entire world and giving them a big "eff you." She and Snoop challenge everyone from the French to the Vatican, the CIA to the LAPD, and even the Devil himself.
After two relentless, slippery smooth songs, Body Talk ends with "Indestructible," a sincere and urgent acoustic song that displays Robyn's softer, more vulnerable side. The backdrop of the song is a club in which strobe lights and lasers are prevalent and where Robyn is willing to let down her guard, despite not being the most fortunate in love in the past, for the one she loves. "Indestructible" is an arresting song, and the dramatic string instruments in the song mimic and emphasize her urgency and apprehension.
In terms of sound, Robyn doesn't make enormous strides in Body Talk-she's got her own formula and is sticking to it. However, she provides an honest, well-paced and slick album worthy of any dance floor.
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