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Jun 18, 2018 Web Exclusive By Michael Watkins

For quite some time now, Lykke Li has specialized in soundtracking a particular kind of moment. So often on her previous releases, she has perfectly encapsulated a crossroad between being disillusioned with love whilst also being completely submissive in its presence. It’s been four years since her last outing—the electro-goth tour de force that was I Never Learn—and in that time, it seems that maybe she has learnt from these past mistakes and that, for once, finally, she has the upper hand.

It’s difficult to appreciate this album without being aware of the context around it. An unashamedly strong-yet-seductive figure, Li somewhat perfectly epitomizes what it is to be a modern woman. At a time when sexuality, gender, and the backlog of historic sexual injustices against women in particular is at the forefront of the public consciousness, Li has produced an album of defiant, resolute love ballads that feel initially innocent and serene but can sting in the tail at the same time.

On “deep end” she challenges her lover. On “two nights” she becomes inquisitive about what they have been up to outside of their joint home. On “last piece” she pleads with them to let her keep one part of her heart intact, having forgone all of the other broken pieces. Over just these three consecutive tracks, she covers as broad a spectrum of emotions as some artists cover in an entire career.

The consistency remains throughout the album, allowing her to both cover a lot of ground and tell a coherent story. So sad so sexy is another stellar record and Lykke Li’s unique brand of Scandinavian pop feels as comforting and warm as ever here. (www.lykkeli.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10