Release Date: May 6, 2022
Genre(s): Pop, Pop/Rock, Left-Field Pop, Scandinavian Pop
Record label: Island
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There was once a time where second albums were grossly relied upon just to tear down an artist for not maintaining a similar oomph to their debut, with the phrase coined 'the difficult second album'. Upon reflection, it's hard to believe the phrase ever existed, with the likes of James Blake and Wolf Alice both winning the Mercury Prize for their second albums in 2013 and 2018. This year it's Norwegian pop-powerhouse Sigrid 's turn, wearing vulnerability like a coat of honour in her deliciously explorative sophomore.
Slick songwriting and polished production help this focused suite of tracks hit home Pop music in 2022 rests in the shadow of Olivia Rodrigo. Her debut album Sour documented a messy break-up using an instrumental palette of pop-punk, analog synths and ASMR balladry, and it rocketed her to superstardom remarkably quickly. As sure as night follows day artists around the world were going to respond somehow to this reinvention of the mainstream, and Sigrid's latest album devotes most of its subject matter to ending relationships and the need to move on, though without hard feelings - less sour, more sweet.
Sigrid is no stranger to pop anthems. She blessed us with 'Don't Kill My Vibe', 'Strangers', and 'Don't Feel Like Crying' on her debut album 'Sucker Punch', as well as an EP literally titled 'Anthems'. Sigrid has shared these pop bops all over the world playing a plethora of tours and festivals and solidifying her status as pop royalty. Now, the Scandivanian chanteuse has returned with more anthemic contenders in the shape of her sophomore album 'How To Let Go'.
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