Asbjørn, Be Human (Pride Version) | Track Review

Danish pop artist Asbjørn ‘brings it on home’ on his moving, transcendent, sermon to the LGBTQ community, “Be Human (Pride Version).”

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ith Danish pop artist Asbjørn (Asbjørn Toftdahl Terkelsen), I’ve come to expect honesty in his songwriting.  As an American man, I wasn’t acquainted to this sickening Dane’s music until 2021.  Better late than never, right? Right! Anyways, after reviewing a couple of singles, I connected with his authenticity. Once again, on “Be Human (Pride Version)”, Terkelsen writes a marvelous, personal, and transcendent song that speaks volumes. Regarding representation, Terkelsen asserts, “…Queer youth doesn’t only need representation once a year. They need support every single day, so nobody grows up feeling wrong in our society.” Agreed!

Vocally, on “Be Human,” Terkelsen gives a marvelous performance, including a rich middle register and a ripe falsetto. His tone is gorgeous and the nuances spot-on.  Lyrically and thematically, he candidly speaks about gender and gender stereotypes. Ultimately, rather than focus on gender – being a man or woman – he places emphasis on being human.  He executes this masterfully on the chorus, the centerpiece of “Be Human.” Beyond the chorus and those personal verses, I heart the contrast on the bridge, where he doubles down on the narrow-minded nature of labels.  In addition to a fine vocal and sublime songwriting, “Be Human” features fantastic, slick production (Terkelsen, Tom Stafford, and Rangeklods) which helps fuel for the fire for Terkelsen.

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Final Thoughts

I’m in love with Asbjørn – his music of course.  “Be Human (Pride Version)” is a sermon to the LGBTQ community. However, that sermon transcends just one community.  So often, we all fixate on stereotypes associated with gender roles and how we should conform.  Why should we conform? Aren’t we all human regardless of if we walk, talk, or act differently than others? Terkelsen ‘brings it on home’ on this fabulous anthem. Bravo!

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Asbjørn • “Be Human (Pride Version)” Embassy of Music • 10.1.21
[: Brent Faulkner, Embassy of Music, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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