The time for immortal superstars seems to be coming close to an end. Apart from a few exceptions that are still relevant today and actually seem immortal (hello Madonna and, hum, who else?), the current music stars are regular people, full of normal insecurities and fears, with whom anyone can identify with. Take Jens Lekman, for example. After almost reaching stardom in 2005 with his previous album Oh You're So Silent Jens, he lost all his confidence, abandoned music and found a job as a bingo caller. Luckily for us, it seems he has solved his own insecurities and is now back with what is his best album yet. The sound here is mostly grandiose, sometimes even reaching epic proportions like with the wonderfully beautiful opener "And I Remember Every Kiss", a track full of dramatic orchestrations and melodic crescendos. Elsewhere throughout these 12 songs, Jens embraces a wider palette of styles, even incorporating alien elements like Motown-soul or doo-wop in his own kaleidoscopic vision of what indie-pop should be. Another great asset of his: the genius lyrics, half-touching, half-humorous, full of sincere declarations and charming opinions but also hilarious situations and poignant comments (who else could make songs describing what it's like to be the boyfriend of a catholic lesbian or about immigrant hairdressers?). All in all, an ambitious travel into the fascinating mind of a common everyday-guy, where you can walk on clouds, feel goosebumps and hear fireworks in your head. Just like any regular guy. (9,5/10)
Jens Lekman - Sipping On The Sweet Nectar (video)
Sky-writing in Iceland...hum...
Official Site
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