Robyn

Robyn's self-titled album has finally made its way over to the States. I am certainly glad it did, as it's an awesome album. It's hard to believe it's been years since I got my first taste of this album - the excellent single "Be Mine!" My next exposure to the material was the heartwrenchingly beautiful "With Every Heartbeat." From there, the release earlier this year of The Rakamonie EP really left me ready for this album, and now I am gratified.

Robyn brims with both personality and musicality. The moods are diverse, but the results are always the same - pop gems. Of the tracks I hadn't previously heard, "Who's That Girl" is the one that has made the most immediate impact on me. Excellent song. Other standout tracks not previously mentioned: "Konichiwa Bitches," "Handle Me" (both mixes), "Bum Like You," and "Dream On."

Tracks:
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Konichiwa Bitches
3. Cobrastyle
4. Handle Me
5. Bum Like You
6. Be Mine!
7. With Every Heartbeat (with Kleerup)
8. Who's That Girl
9. Bionic Woman
10. Crash and Burn Girl
11. Robotboy
12. Eclipse
13. Should Have Known
14. Any Time You Like
15. Dream On
16. Handle Me (RedOne remix)

The Rakamonie EP (Robyn)

I picked up The Rakamonie EP, Robyn's first U.S. release in ages. It's been out for a while overseas, but it's nice to have it here. I had already been familiar with the first two tracks and the final one, but I like them and thought it'd be cool to hear the alternate versions of "Be Mine!" and "With Every Heartbeat," so I picked it up. The ballad version of "Be Mine!" is utterly heartbreaking. Robyn has developed her own style, especially since taking creative control, and it works well for her. Five solid tracks here.

Tracks:
1. Konichiwa Bitches
2. Cobrastyle
3. Be Mine! (ballad version)
4. With Every Heartbeat (with Kleerup) (acoustic version)
5. Jack U Off

Song of the Day: "With Every Heartbeat"

ARTIST: Robyn and Kleerup
TITLE: "With Every Heartbeat"
YEAR: 2007

I have no idea why this song has suddenly become big with me, but for the last day or two I have been listening to it like crazy. "With Every Heartbeat" was Robyn's comeback single in most of Europe (discounting Sweden and the surrounding areas, where she's remained consistently popular since her debut). It's just a really solid all-around song.

The song is available on the recent edition of her self-titled album, which is supposed to see a U.S. release later this year. Hear it here.