Robyn, ‘Missing U’ | Track Review

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Following an extended hiatus, Grammy-nominated Swedish dance/pop artist Robyn returns with a bright, thrilling comeback single, “Missing U.”

“I’ve turned all my sorrow into glass / It don’t leave no shadow.”  She’s back! Who? Why Swedish singer Robyn, whose been missing in action for a whopping eight years.  She breaks the dry spell with her new, love-centric single, “Missing U.” Sure, she’s upset about lost love, but the music itself doesn’t reflect the sadness.  It’s good vibes y’all! She sounds happy to be back!

Getting specific about those vibes, “Missing U” begins with bright, sparkling introductory synths.  There’s no possible way not to be stimulated – those synths capture your attention from the get-go. Once Robyn begins singing, her voice is clear, shining over the optimistic, major key production.  Again, while this song centers around missing an ex, it’s pretty easy to ‘move on’ with the incredibly danceable beat.  Still, lyrically she’s down.  On the first verse she sings, “All of the plans we made that never happened / Now your scent on my pillow’s faded / At least you left me with something.” On the second verse, she asserts, “Can’t take all these memories / Don’t’ know how to use ‘em.”

That odd blend of optimism (musically) and sad recollection (lyrically) occurs throughout “Missing U.” It’s a mixed message, but still an incredible one to listen to. “There’s this empty space you left behind / Now you’re not with me,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “I keep digging through our waste of time / But the picture’s incomplete / ‘Cause I’m missing you / I miss you.” While it runs a bit long – nearly five minutes – Robyn definitely reminds everyone why she was missed during her extended hiatus.

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Robyn • Missing U – Single • Konichiwa / Interscope • Release: 8.3.18

Photo Credits: Konichiwa / Interscope