Lykke Li
so sad so sexy
RCA Records
Lykke Liβs fourth and 2018 release so sad so sexy plays true to the title. This ten track album is perfect for crying at the club or dancing in slow-motion after a break-up. Though comedic, it is probably the best way to describe this emotional whiplash of an album. With heavy 808 beats and current pop-industry sounds, Lykke Li sings over top with raw lyrics that are not only poetic, but shed light on the modern anxieties of romance. This album is unashamed of being a refection of the time, both through sounds and lyrics.
Though itβs been four years since Lykke Liβs last critically acclaimed album, I Never Learn, itβs obvious that she has busy in the interim. Lykke Li has transformed from indie-pop to more contemporary R&B-pop. The best example being that AminΓ© (West Coast rapper) makes a surprise appearance, being featured on the track βtwo nightsβ. The combination of AminΓ©βs clever raps and Lykke Liβs sad floating vocals makes a great pairing. This new turn in Lykke Liβs career is exciting, especially at future potential collaborations.
Many of the tracks on the album are shockingly honest with pop sounds that seems to follow suit of many 2018 releases. Similarly to other pop-inspired stars such as The Weeknd, Lorde, Post Malone, and Banks, so sad so sexy places Lykke Li in this new group of melancholic radio jams. Tracks like βlast pieceβ and βbetter aloneβ tear at the soul but make the body dance. The final track βutopiaβ is a crescendo to a cinematic ending with swelling vocals that acts as perfect ending.
Though this album isnβt necessarily life changing, that doesnβt take away from how exciting it is for Lykke Li. Seeing where she will go and how she will tour with this album will be interesting, as well as hopefully working with more artists. Who says βsadβ canβt be sexy?
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LYKKE LI – SO SAD SO SEXY
Emily Badgley