Tove Styrke’s introduction into the mainstream pop world has been very long overdue. “Borderline” was one of the most under appreciated songs of 2015 and deserved to have topped the charts and make everyone feel all the emotions. But I’m grateful that in 2018 the world is finally getting to hear her music and are excitingly dancing along to the infectious hooks of “Say My Name” and “Mistakes”. The Swedish singer-songwriter has finally released her sophomore album “Sway” and sadly it’s a little underwhelming. However that is only because the album is VERY short with a track listing of only 8 songs. This includes her 4 recent singles, 3 new songs and a cover of Lorde’s “Liability”. After a 3 year wait I do expect a little more. Like at least give us 10 original songs and then the Lorde cover as a bonus track. But putting the length of the track-listing aside this record is very strong and impressive. She proves that she can write not just one killer pop hook but seven. Album opener and title track “Sway” is a quirky pop track that offers a groovy baseline along with a catchy and smooth hook that allows her slick vocals to take lead. It truly has the potential to be the next big track for her. It’s super catchy and will be stuck in your head instantly along with the infectious hooks of her big singles “Mistakes”, “Changed Your Mind” and “Say My Name”. She then backs it up with the DIY-pop track “I Lied” which has this cool production that perfectly reflects the unsure feelings of falling in love. “On A Level” further experiments with a DIY production with pulsating synths, call and response methods and transports you back to the 80’s. Where as “On The Low” is the albums slightly downtempo moment that reflects on wanting a relationship with someone but they don’t want to commit.
On this record she showcases a playful side as well as an emotional side while experimenting with different sounds, production styles and still manages to deliver strong pop moments that will be stuck in your head for hours. This album will see her touring the world for a solid year and bringing euphoric vibes to crowds but we need more new music next time.
You can purchase a copy of Tove Styrke’s album “Sway” now from Sanity https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2372850/Sway