When I think about artists who've really made an impression on me over the past year, Robyn definitely stands out. I've been a fan of Robyn's for a long time, so to see her come back here to the States 13 years after she first debuted on the scene, and make people go CRAZY all over again...it's rather gratifying. Robyn has always had a fan base here in America, ever since she exploded onto the scene with "Show Me Love" - it's just that her fanbase here NOW is considerably larger, thanks in part to her 2008 self titled album which featured "Cobrastyle," "Handle Me" and "With Every Heartbeat." This album got people talking about Robyn again. Robyn, being the smart businesswoman that she is, kept the momentum going the following year by working on material from, what would become her Body Talk album trilogy, releasing first single "Dancing On My Own" in June of 2010.
Now, as 2010 comes to a close, various outlets are compiling their 'Best Of' lists and Robyn's name is (not surprisingly) appearing on quite a few of them. MTV has named Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" their #6 pick for song of the year. Nice! Even better? "Dancing On My Own" is up for a Grammy this year, nominated in the 'Best Dance Recording' category. This will be Robyn's second Grammy nod, after being nominated last year for 'Best Electronic/Dance Album' for Robyn. The song, which also recently closed out an intense episode of CW's hit teen drama Gossip Girl, is one of my favorites from the past year. Hands down.
"I don't know why this song wasn't the biggest hit of 2010, honestly," says MTV's Jim Cantiello. "It's like the perfect pop song."MTV Shows
Agreed. Check out more on the MTV News staff's decision to include Robyn in their Top 10. Definitely a honor, despite the fact that MTV is not the music video mecca that it once used to be. While "Dancing On My Own" might be Robyn's most talked about single here in the States, her Body Talk album has been garnering quite a bit of praise on it's own. Spinner, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Spin, New York Magazine and NPR have all highlighted the Swedish songstress's new record as one of the year's best and brightest. According to Spinner:
"As her stilettos stomped across broken glass, the Swedish former teen star outclassed all comers, pairing soaring synths, thundering drums and emotion-soaked lyrics, showing sympathy for Britney-esque fembots and declaring her indestructible independence. Body Talk is epic pop for epic times. Get on board. Buckle up."
Well summed up. Body Talk, a compilation of the three volumes, is available now on Cherrytree Records (download HERE). Check out the video for Robyn's new single, "Indestructible" HERE and check out the video for "Dancing On My Own" below.
Check out Robyn on the web: