#15 Linda Bengtzing, "Hur Svårt Kan Det Va?"

Se mig!
Hör mig!
Rör mig!
Hur svårt kan det va?

Linda Bengtzing returned to the world of schlager in her typical full-bore style. The Mika-styled verses of "Hur svårt kan det va?" might have taken a few listens to get used to, so obvious was the backing music's inspiration, but with time they've revealed themselves to be a perfect showcase for Linda and her always-trouble-with-the-boys subject matter. Here, though, she gets to be the aggressor, demanding attention in that indefatigable way only energy-filled Linda can as she simultaneously berates, flirts with, and pursues a boy who just doesn't seem to be getting what an opportunity he's being presented with. The sparkling schlager verses are as good as those of any of Linda's other schlager classics and yes, of course, we get a key change. A great key change, too, only lacking in comparison to her live performed version.

Who'd have known we'd be able to say that? But all the practice obviously paid off, with Linda nailing her semifinal performance in Melodifestivalen and even managing to get a whole extra section out of the key change. Her happiness after that key change at having pulled it off was adorable, with her looking like she was going to bounce right out of her skin, fact which only enhanced her woman-next-door sort of appeal. The Swedish music scene just wouldn't be the same without her. Congratulations on the pregnancy, Linda, but I sign off on this petition 100%.

Find it on: Vild & Galen