1. xoxchyeahxox

   9

   Lykke Li’s debut album, Youth Novels, is a whimsical blend of songs describing the emotional and physical trials of adolescence. Despite having grown up on a remote mountaintop in Portugal, the Swedish-born Indie artist captures the essence of the teenage mentality and depicts a depth of emotion through her inspiring creations. At first listen, the album may seem a bit too eccentric and you may be inclined to toss it into the pile of albums labeled at the extreme end of the alternative genre. If given a chance, however, the album proves to be a bizarre, yet compelling mix of songs, each with its own character, each telling one part of a narrative. The album tells the story of Li’s youth in the form of a verbal memoir. The opening song, “Melodies & Desires,â€� is less of a song than it is a narration of the themes the listener can expect to hear in the subsequent tracks, which include the hackneyed subjects of love, desire, and the emotional turbulence of adolescence. However, Li differs from mediocre artists who vomit their fantasies and struggles onto music sheets in that she transforms these clichés into pieces of art that by no means resemble the nasally, complaining voices of many mainstream artists. Li’s articulation is short, sweet, and to the point. She squanders no breath when vocalizing her thoughts and feelings in Youth Novels. Each song begins with the basics. A simple rhythm on the woodblock, the minimalist bass tones of the guitar, or just her own voice providing the basic beat. She then layers noise upon noise until she hits the perfect, harmonious combination of sounds. She ranges both her singing styles and the use of instruments, adding character to each song. She’ll easily transition from the megaphone to the kazoo to the woodblock without missing a beat. Her sweet, girlish voice rises and falls and takes on different tenors and qualities as each song progresses, some of which are complete digressions from the overall aesthetic of her music. She gets creative. Listening to the album is like uncovering a mystery. There are always surprises, whether it’s the saxophone solo in “Dance, Dance, Dance,â€� the rough, scratchiness of the megaphone in “I’m Good, I’m Gone,â€� or the distinctive blast of a trumpet in “This Trumpet in My Head.â€� It’s a refreshing new outlook much different from the predictable, machine-altered tracks of pop stars like Ke$ha and Eminem. The organic aesthetic of the Li’s music provides a stark contrast to the artificial, auto tuned fiascos of mainstream music (that is, the songs repeatedly played on Z100 and 92.3 NOW that lack any degree of musical artistry and originality). Li has begun to infiltrate the ranks of mainstream music with her work alongside some of the most influential artists in the American music industry such as Drake and Lil Wayne. Even when working with these hit artists, Li does not sacrifice her personal musical touch. She retains the unique, natural quality of her voice, which has contributed to her increasing acclaim in the American music industry. Lykke Li will, without a doubt, continue to raise her status in the music industry until she reaches the top. She brings a fresh musical and artistic outlook that stands out in a sea of mediocrity without going to the extremes. She has the potential to fully develop and display her musical talents in the upcoming years.… Expand

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2. oscarL.

   8

   Her voice is so sweet it makes your spine tingle. Her beats are original yet unique for a "pop" artist. watch this space.

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3. IgorB.

   4

   I don 't see what's all the fuss about this record? It manages to accomplish something rare in this kind of music - boredom. Hold on to your St.Etienne and Annie records.… Expand

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