Robyn

Swedish star Robyn Carlsson is largely unknown beyond her mid-'90s teen pop incarnation, responsible for such bouncy hits as "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)." But if there is any pop justice in the world, this will change with her dazzling new release. Robyn pushes the boundaries of pop into brave new territory—fusing the candy-coated adrenalin rush of L.A.M.B.-era Gwen Stefani with icy soundscapes à la the Knife to create a collection of songs as innovative as they are infectious.

From her spoken intro "Curriculum Vitae," boasting of having "sucker-punched Einstein, outsmarted Ali, and even out-superfreaked Rick James," Robyn's flagrantly feminist, badass manifesto is clear. Free from filler, every track on the album is a revelation. Hipster favorite "Konichiwa Bitches" blends hip-hop beats and cheap Casio synth effects with enough lyrical vamp to win over even the most reluctant pop skeptic. "Be Mine" is a shiver-inducing anthem of longing, lush with cello and staccato beats, while "Crash and Burn Girl" skitters with glee over a giddy string section.

Unapologetically ambitious, Robyn's songwriting is nonetheless shot through with a sweet humor that has "Bum Like Me" pledging to "knit you mittens and feed you pie"— lyrics which might induce a toothache were they not delivered with such resigned devotion by a woman who could take you down without even ruffling her platinum blonde bangs.

- Abby McDonald
04.06.07