Music
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Sigrid
In-depth on Sigrid's debut album, Sucker Punch.
There is absolutely nothing to dislike about this joyous debut from 22-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid. It’s a pure, authentic pop triumph.
It’s easy to see how she’s become a pop’s sweetheart since the release of Don’t Kill My Vibe back in February 2017, which is included on the album in case you were wondering. Since then, her tunes have dominated the airwaves and charts, and she was crowned the winner of BBC Music Sound of 2018.
The album’s title track and third single Sucker Punch – released back in October – opens the record with a fierce hit of pop gold. A story of young love with a slamming chorus which transports you straight into her world – you’re right there with her feeling everything she feels in vibrant technicolour.
Mine Right Now hits the ’80s synth and wouldn’t be out of place in the San Junipero episode of Black Mirror. It’s faultless in its realness, as she talks herself in and out of committing relationship sabotage and it grooves along against the lyrics “Then I start overthinking and I ruin the moment…cause I picture the end…” … “Hey… it’s alright if we don’t end up together, ’cause you’re mine right now…”
The “Nah nah nah nah etc…” opening of third track Basic leads the way for the dance-pop track you didn’t know you needed. There’s an air of Swedish pop star Robyn, with Sigrid showing off her remarkable falsetto range in full force.
The release is pristinely produced, which complements her storytelling arcs, catchy melodies and confident delivery.
Strangers, which was released late last year, hasn’t lost any of its vibrancy or gusto. Her vocals are self-assured as they move towards the pop-banger chorus with a building beat and a hint of speak-singing, which comes into full force in later track Never Mine, which is kind of Taylor-Swift-like in style.
Don’t Feel Like Crying chimes in on the ’90s revival, while Sight of You riffs off Annie Lennox’s Walking on Broken Glass.
Level Up changes the pace – it’s a soft and dreamy ballad, one of two on the record, the other being Dynamite, both of which perfectly showcase her range.
The release pulses through with a versatility that comes with experience. In Vain’s gravelly vocals are potent and fierce. From start to finish, it’s immaculate, unfiltered and euphoric pop.
Sigrid is heading on tour with George Ezra this spring, before hitting the festival circuit. In November and December 2019, she’ll embark on a huge headline tour around the UK. [Find Tickets]
Tracklisting:
1. Sucker Punch
2. Mine Right Now
3. Basic
4. Strangers
5. Don’t Feel Like Crying
6. Level Up
7. Sight of You
8. In Vain
9. Don’t Kill My Vibe
10. Business Dinners
11. Never Mine
12. Dynamite
Listen to Sucker Punch on Spotify: