Swedish alternative pop standout Lykke Li returns following a four-year hiatus with a short-but-sweet fourth studio album, ‘so sad so sexy.’

Following a four-year hiatus, alternative singer/songwriter Lykke Li is back in action.  We last heard from the Swedish musician in 2014 on the impressive, nine-track LP I Never Learn, which was bolstered by stellar single, “No Rest for the Wicked”.  But that’s the past, and now Li drops her fourth studio album, the tight, 10-track effort, so sad so sexy.  At 34 minutes, she keeps things short and sweet.

“Hard Rain”

“Hard Rain” kicks off so sad so sexy colorfully with its layered, effects-filled vocals and unique production from Rostam Batmanglij.  Lykke Li sounds radiant, among the biggest selling points of the opener.  This record isn’t necessarily a gem compared to the very best, but give it credit for its alternative, experimental spirit.

The crème de la crème follows with “deep end,” an instant hit that screams ‘pop.’ as opposed to ‘alt.’  Produced by T-Minus, Malay, and Jeff Bhasker, it’s not surprising how hip, slick, and thoroughly modern the record sounds.  Beyond the killer, minor-key, the Swedish singer successfully performs this well-written number, characterized most by the feisty, infectious chorus.

“Swimming pool, swimming pool / Swimming pool, swimming pool / Indigo, deep blue, deep blue / Oh, baby I know where you’ve been / I know where you been, in the deep end.”

“Deep end” is a tough act to follow, but Lykke Li comes through once more on the fantastic “two nights.” With Bhasker and Malay still on the boards, Jonny Coffer joins them in stitching up another compelling backdrop, if relatively low-key. While Lykke Li does awesome all by herself depicting the effects of what’s seems to be a dead relationship thanks to her man cheating, Aminé plays the role of the unfaithful, providing scintillating contrast.  

“Last Piece” 

“Last Piece” continues to focus on matters of the heart as Lykke Li sings, “So let me keep the last piece of my heart / Before you tear it all apart.”  Even though she’s understandably in a mood, “Last Piece” is relatively bright, in a major key, with some bombastic production moments (pummeling drums).  T-Minus, Malay, and Jeff Bhasker return as producers on the hip-hop-infused pop of “Jaguars in the Air.”  ‘Vibe’ seems to be the biggest part of the script as “Jaguars in the Air” is chocked-full of repetition, at times rhythmic melodic lines, and a heaping dose of swagger. “Jaguars in the air, jaguars in the air, air / Jaguars in the air / You and me, we shine together.”

DJ Dahi joins Malay behind the boards on the brief, sexy, “sex money feelings die.” Again, Lykke Li delivers quick-paced, rhythmic melodic lines.  She’s calm, cool, and collected, yet still manages to pack a sizable punch.  The punch is bigger and better on the title track, gorgeous ballad “so sad so sexy.” “So sad so sexy” features one of the stronger choruses of the album, sang with great expressiveness, showcasing the Swedish musician at her best.  She’s not the least bit shabby on the verses either, as she exits the relationship.

“Better Alone”

Illangelo produces the rhythmic ballad “Better Alone.” Lykke Li asserts, “I’m better alone than lonely here with you.” Here, she successfully imparts a tale of feeling like something is off in the relationship – she’s not fulfilled.  Therefore, it’s better she’s lonely by herself as opposed to being lonely with someone else.  Clever, relatable, and well-penned.

Penultimate number “Bad Woman” finds Lykke Li in apologetic, confessional mode for the wrongs she caused her lover.  While she’s unspecific – this is no bulleted list after all – before he’s gone, she wants to “…Show you what’s behind all of my sorrow / What’s inside all of the bullets I throw.” On “Utopia,” without any background, the perception is that she’s solely focused on a relationship or a potential relationship.  The way it’s written, that’s a natural interpretation.  However, based upon the music video and the message about motherhood as well as the advance single arriving Mother’s Day, the relationship is clearly a different breed – mother and child in utopia.  Fitting closer.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Lykke Li impresses once again on her fourth studio album, So sad so sexy features its fair share of high-flying vocals, captivating production, and strong, catchy songwriting.  Yes, so sad so sexy falls under the ‘alternative’ characterization but call it what it is – this is a pop album, and a well-rounded, soundly-executed one at that.  The gem of all gems you ask? “Deep end” is a bop!

Gems: “deep end,” “two nights,” “so sad so sexy” & “better alone”

Lykke Li • so sad so sexy • RCA • Release: 6.8.18

Photo Credit: RCA