Electropop Princess

by LaQuita Luv

Swedish-born Robyn hit the scene in the mid-90’s with high school hits “Show Me Love” and “Do You Know What it Takes (To Love Me)” and I have to admit that I not only owned the album, but played the hell out of it. A chick who is my age, talented, adorable, and full of attitude—when can we be besties?

Robyn and I lost touch over the years due to her music not being available in the States in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, but we were reintroduced through “Cobrastyle” and “With Every Heartbeat” in 2007. These tracks reveal the disparity between being hard-hitting and sassy, while also keeping a raw, emotional side intact. Something that all modern women struggle with.

She gained more electro cred by joining Röyksopp on the track, “The Girl and the Robot” off their 2009 Junior album. Two of my other favorite electropop princesses, Karin Dreijer Andersson and Lykke Li were also featured on the album.

Yeah, she’s over 30 and still shooting videos in a club—but it works. Robyn tours and creates mercilessly. Her latest album, Body Talk, is broken into Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 and isn’t stuffed with filler. Every track is thoughtful and well produced.

She is a pint-sized, platinum powerhouse whose consistent ability to stay true to pop music and still evolve musically will keep her working for years to come. I'll be sure to invite you over the next time she and I are in my living room, chatting over a bottle of Malbec and some Swedish meatballs.

Head to the official Gem District Drop Site for a limited time to download a sampler for your listening pleasure.

I’ve personally requested that she cover “Invincible” by Pat Benatar, but I doubt she’s heard my plea.