Swedish recording artist Robyn had a busy year in 2010 releasing three separate EPs before the release of her official fifth studio album, "Body Talk". The project, released on November 22nd, takes five songs from each 'mini album' to create a complete piece of work that rivaled most of the efforts American pop artists had to offer. Preceded by three singles, "Body Talk" allowed the singer to make a name for herself in the U.S. and helped her secure a Grammy nomination in the Best Dance Recording category for the smash hit "Dancing On My Own".The fifteen track album starts off with Part 1's Grammy nominated single, "Dancing On My Own". The track provides one of the best moments on the entire project and Robyn's vocals are the main reason the song is such a success. The artist is singing about loving someone from a distance while providing a performance that is both sad and amazing. The beautifully written track is a great pop moment of 2010 because of the vulnerability that the audience will hear. The pace of the album quickly changes with the fast and futuristic "Fembot". Robyn delivers lyrics reminding one that she does indeed have feelings in a very sexy and robotic voice. The beats are loud and the vocals are fast which creates a catchy and fun song. "Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do" is a track that confuses me as to why it was included on the album. The point is that it does not sound like a song at all. In a voice beyond recognition, Robyn starts listing things that are killing her. The only positive thing about the song is the fact that a curse word is used throughout. A disappointing moment on the album is the best way to describe it. Another highlight for the album comes in the form of Part 3's single, "Indestructible". The song is one that would sound perfect in any club, but the message of love and empowerment allows it to become much more. The track allows the artist to really shine because it is the type of song where she can show off her full talent. The album continues with "Time Machine". The track is the definition of pop in every sense and it works with the rest of the songs on the track list. Robyn sings about rewinding time in order to right some of the wrongs in her life. The song is nothing new, but it is a song that is done perfectly and, more importantly, an enjoyable one. "Love Kills" is a song warning others to protect themselves from the hurt that love could bring. The track is another pop creation that Robyn can add to her arsenal. The vocals are great while the beats and production help take the track to a higher level. Although not the best off the album, the song does deserve some positive feedback. Part 2's single, "Hang With Me", is filled with soft, sweet vocals and has been praised and called Robyn's best single of we career. The track is very good; however, I do not think it reached it's full potential. Every component of the song comes together very well, I just would not call it her best work. "Call Your Girlfriend" is another reason why the album has received so much positive responses from critics. The song talks about Robyn advising her new man to tell his current girlfriend that he has found someone new. In the real world most would not side with the artist in this situation, but she does give some consideration to the soon to be ex in this piece of pop perfection. The tempo and pact are slowed down for "None Of Dem". To me, the track does show the artist going in a different, R&B direction with her music which I applaud her for, but I do not think the finished product is a great success. The attitude that is present does help the song a little, but it is nothing memorable or exciting. "We Dance To The Beat" can only be classified as an annoying, unneeded filler. The title of the song gets repeated so many times throughout that I found it very hard to keep listening. It halts the dance vibe of the album, which is ironic, and has to be considered the ultimate low of the project. Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg lends a hand on "U Should Know Better". Robyn receives a little street cred and the attitude that emerges goes well with her voice. Even though Snoop Dogg sounds a bit bored as usual, Robyn is the one that shines here and actually beat Dogg at his own game. The song is different, fun, and keeps the album moving in a good direction. "Dancehall Queen" takes on a Reggae vibe and incorporates it in a way that does not make the song sound out of place on the album. It is not as successful as the other tracks that preceded it, but it is something different than just the ordinary dance/pop song. Originality is the main positive aspect of the track. The club beats return in "Get Myself Together". The song is one where Robyn's vocals actually sound relaxed and comfortable. The material talks about getting one's life back on track, to shake off all the bad and stand strong. The song is one that will surely have many dancing along as they relate to the lyrics that are being sung. "In My Eyes" is a beautifully written and sung track where Robyn sounds a bit like the Queen of Pop, Madonna, which a great feat to accomplish. The beats and production compliment her voice very well in a way that help the song succeed, but do not overshadow the artist at all. The song is another great one off the album where Robyn shines bright with amazing material at hand. The album comes to an end with "Stars 4-Ever", a great pop creation that closes "Body Talk" on a positive note. The vocals that are present come from an artist that has proven that she has incredible talent. The song carries a message of love which ties in what the entire album was mainly about. All the songs that make up the track list come together to create a piece of work that breathes life into the pop industry even though most of the songs had been released before.
"Body Talk" is a smart collection of songs that were released throughout 2010. The completed album takes some old and new songs that work very well together when they are played one after another. The album and the artist have received critical acclaim for many good reasons. The vocals that Robyn provides take the album to a higher level than just a generic pop effort. The songstress may be overlooked now, but with this release and her recent Grammy nomination, things will change for her in the future. "Body Talk" has been called one of the best dance/pop albums, and I agree. For amazing vocal performances, many standout tracks, and originality, the album receives an 88%.
Tracks to Hear: "Dancing On My Own", "Indestructible", and "Call Your Girlfriend"
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