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Wounded Rhymes
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Wounded Rhymes Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 145 Ratings

  • Summary: Sweden's Lykke Li continues to disarm listeners with her distinctive voice on her second album, keeping in tune with her tough sensuality and pop whimsy.
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Top Track

I Follow Rivers
Oh I beg you Can I follow? Oh I ask you Why not always? Be the ocean Where I unravel Be my only Be the water where I'm wading You're my river... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 25, 2011
    100
    While her 2008 breakout, Youth Novels, was quirky and coy, Wounded Rhymes is hungry, dark, dirty.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Feb 28, 2011
    90
    Wounded Rhymes is filled with gorgeously spiteful moments such as these, adding an obstinate wrinkle to the album's already-rich, shadowy mystique.
  3. Pitchfork
    Mar 3, 2011
    83
    Like Joss Whedon's show, Wounded Rhymes is an album of stark, scintillating contrasts: between fantasy and reality, between the powerful and the vulnerable, between the brash and the quiet, between the rhythmic and the melodic.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Mar 1, 2011
    80
    Lykke Li is a different kind of Swedish wunderkind: an ingenious oddball.
  5. AllMusic
    Mar 1, 2011
    80
    Despite that plethora of knowing musical allusions, this is by no means a stale, cut-and-dried retro affair.
  6. cokemachineglow
    Mar 4, 2011
    76
    Wounded Rhymes' moments of true daring are few, but it's the first indication that Li's turning a critical eye on her own style-and that she's got a knack for reinvention.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Mar 4, 2011
    40
    While the minimal production and closely miked vocals on her debut emphasized the pop hooks and her fragile voice, Li and producer Bjorn Yttling (Peter, Bjorn & John) give listeners a more all-encompassing, if familiar, sound on Wounded Rhymes, nestling her vocals amidst girl-group harmonies, psych organ and shambolic percussion.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Markovian
    Mar 1, 2011
    10
    Lykke Li is big and bold, soft and subdued, dancy and sleepy, all within one record. Itâ
  2. LuizCC
    Jan 12, 2012
    10
    It's a cohesive album, emotional within, but the real point is Lykke's unique voice. It has nasal forms, vibratos, powerfull spelling, we canIt's a cohesive album, emotional within, but the real point is Lykke's unique voice. It has nasal forms, vibratos, powerfull spelling, we can feel what she is saying, what she lived and it is the key to this CD. Her efforts to make something about herself were accomplished, and her voice is just comparable to Bjork's. Extraordinary.… Expand
  4. TheGorilla
    May 30, 2011
    10
    I've adored Lykke Li since her "Little Bit" single hit the music scene, and i was looking forward to her sophomore effort with a 'little bit'I've adored Lykke Li since her "Little Bit" single hit the music scene, and i was looking forward to her sophomore effort with a 'little bit' of worry. i was scared that she won't deliver and thought that she'll be be gone with the wind. but i was wrong, fortunately. and i couldn't be more satisfied than that. Actually, it feels so great that an underdog artist has crafted such a good record. On this one she has shown growth, artistically and musically. "Youth Novels" was, well, youthful and had a dose of innocence , but "Wounded Rhymes" declared her as a grown ass women and as an artist in control. All the songs are well produced, but may have a little let down with 'Rich Kids Blues'. If you're an indie lover, or alternative pop addict, than this album is the right choice. Lykke Li is an artist i will be looking forward the most.… Expand
  5. Falling_Hammer
    Apr 11, 2011
    10
    Since "Markovian" already wrote everything there is to be written I'll just make this short. It's a great album, filled with stunningSince "Markovian" already wrote everything there is to be written I'll just make this short. It's a great album, filled with stunning drumbeats, rhythms and so much more. When I first heard this album I thought: "Could this be true, is it so fu***** awesome?" If You think that there's no reason in spending money on this album, well think again. I say bull*** to all those who think that this album sucks. Listen it again and explore the harmonies surrounding this Masterpiece.… Expand
  6. julietvalentine
    May 27, 2011
    9
    Lykke Li is terrific. I was a bit scared about the possible sophomore album disapointment, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sure there are aLykke Li is terrific. I was a bit scared about the possible sophomore album disapointment, but I was pleasantly surprised. Sure there are a few songs (Sadness Is A Blessing, Rich Kids Blues) that don't drive me off the wall, but there are amazing ones to compensate. Recommended tunes : Jerome, Love Out Of Lust, I Follow Rivers, Get Some
    I'd give it 8.7 but a nine is fairer for Li. ps. Saw her live last week : MIND BLOWING! Make sure to catch her on tour if you can.
    Much more enticing and memorable record than Youth Novels, where only a few tracks were praise-worthy (Little Bit, I'm Good I'm Gone).    … Expand
  7. ernis_v
    May 4, 2012
    9
    Lykke Li is honestly is the best that Sweden can offer. After leaving the diverse "Youth Novels", songstress returns to a more monogamousLykke Li is honestly is the best that Sweden can offer. After leaving the diverse "Youth Novels", songstress returns to a more monogamous sound, full of truly amazing songs.… Expand
  8. hydrawithears
    Nov 18, 2011
    8
    Lykke Li follows her charming and clever debut Youth Novels with seductive Wounded Rhymes. Just like a whole bunch of indie kids out there,Lykke Li follows her charming and clever debut Youth Novels with seductive Wounded Rhymes. Just like a whole bunch of indie kids out there, she knows that the â… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

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46
#46 Best Album of 2011
90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2011
73
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