Robyn
Park West – Chicago, IL
5/7/08

Where has Robyn been all my life?! I had NO IDEA that all of the songs on her new album, the self-titled Robyn, would be so good! I seriously felt last night at her concert like I had missed out on something great these past three years. For those of you who don’t know, this record came out in Europe back in 2005, and is JUST NOW (2008!!) being released in the U.S. We, as Americans, have been deprived of the beautiful music that this Swedish pop princess singer-songwriter has made in the past three years. I fell in love with at least five of her new songs after the show and immediately went to her merch table to throw down some cash and buy the CD right then and there.

I hope Sweden appreciates what it has and what it produces. In addition to Robyn, the country is home to The Sounds, The Hives, The Knife, and of course ABBA! Some of the best musical talent in the world comes out of Sweden. Let’s not forget mega-songwriter Max Martin and the dynamic production duo of Stargate. I have been a fan of Robyn since my middle school years when she came out with her debut album, Robyn Is Here. This 1997 record spawned three huge radio hits in the States: Show Me Love, Do You Know (What It Takes), and Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect). And let me tell you – I was OBSSESSED with Show Me Love. Man, talk about a catchy song with an instantly memorable chorus!

It was evident that Robyn didn’t want to revert back to the days when she was 16 years old and labeled the “Swedish Britney Spears.” Please, Britney doesn’t even write any of her songs. I don’t even know what her involvement in her music is anymore…does anyone? FYI: Robyn sang the demo version of “Piece Of Me” and sings backup vocals on Britney’s hit song. At the show, Robyn only performed one of her old songs – can you guess which one? Yuppers, she sang Show Me Love, but it was a shortened acoustic version. She had to do it though, her fans would have DIED without hearing her sing that song. Below is the set list from Chicago’s show. My favorite tracks from her new album are:

Cobrastyle

Handle Me

Bum Like You

Be Mine

With Every Heartbeat

Who’s That Girl

This girl is an angel – I met her after the show and got her autograph! She treated the audience to an acoustic ballad version of Be Mine at the end of the night. I couldn’t have chosen a better way to end her set if I were her. It was an amazing night of awesome music. If you didn’t go, you really missed out. Robyn has so much talent and the majority of the USA has never even heard of her. Music really can improve your life, so PLEASE listen to Robyn and her new record with its wonderful songs. Her North American tour is super short, so check her out in a city near you if you can. Peace!

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