CD Singles Club – Anna Ternheim – What Have I Done

For a self-professed edgy rock fan, it’s always strangely amusing how I find myself drawn to Scandinavian pop stars.  If you were to scan through my vinyl selection you’d probably not peg me as a pop fan.  Lurking in the midst of all those records, however, is Fever Ray’s newest release, and Lykke Li’s 2008 monster, Youth Novels.  I’m not entirely certain what draws me into this arena, but Anna Ternheim’s newest release, Leaving on a Mayday is getting some heavy repeat listens for me.  The Swedish award-winning popstress released the track, “What Have I Done” quite awhile ago and unfortunately we completely missed it.  It has all of the things I like about Swedish pop.  Her sultry voice is lulling in a dark and edgy way.  An intensified string section weaves through the track with a slightly wicked sneer and the large pulsating kettle drum percussion is impossible to dislike.  The entire record veers and careens through hook-laden tracks with just a touch of yearning and desperation.  At the root is Ternheim and her chops, which isn’t atypical, but entirely worthwhile at the same time.

The more I listen to her music, I think it’s the furrowed brow aura that is present in nearly all Swedish pop music that’s intriguing.  Ternheim’s album has already won the “Best 2009 Album” award at the Swedish Grammys, along with “Best Female Artist.” That’s a pretty big fish in a stocked pond.  It’s also produced by Bjorn Yttling (Peter Bjorn and John), which certainly adds to both the quality and largeness of the tracks.  I’ve included “What Have I Done,” along with a remix, as well.  Pick up the album at Insound right now, as the full length was released to US music-lovers this week.

Anna Ternheim – What Have I Done

Anna Ternheim – What Have I Done (El Perro Del Mar Remix)

Visit Anna Ternheim on Myspace

Buy Leaving on a Mayday at Insound now!