I apologize in advance, as this post is far from the cutting edge, but given all the times I've written about Ola's second album material, I really can't restrain myself from actually posting something from it, and, save for a radio rip, I haven't actually done so yet, sort of surprisingly. #1 Hits From Another Planet covered "Can't Get Enough" (co-written by Tony Nilsson and produced by Bassflow) and You Don't Know Pop covered "If You Gave Me Your Love" (co-written by Gary Barlow), "Natalie"'s been around since last spring now, and if "Baby I'm Yours" had a little extra something--maybe a better chorus--I'd post that (shamelessly upbeat mid-tempo pop with strings and gospel-esque backing vocals? I'm sold!), but as is, I'm just going to be uncreative and post one of the year's best singles, with apologies to those who've already covered it. Plus, given that Tony's name has shown up among this year's Melodifestivalen composers and there's got to be a good chance Ola will be singing the song (called "Love In Stereo"), it's probably worth taking a listen to some of his work--he's one of the writers of this song--in case you somehow haven't heard any of it yet (which I admit is probably pretty unlikely, given that I think I was writing about him every other day for a while there). Speaking of "Love In Stereo," the other co-writer of it is Mirja Breitholtz, who has a MySpace here.S.O.S.--I know I just linked Ola to Melodifestivalen, but even if you couldn't care less about that contest, take a listen to this, because it's fantastic pop of the very poppy, very catchy sort, the sort that still feels young and bubbly and cute and simultaneously quality. There's nothing cool about it, but it's not cheap either, something which can be really difficult to achieve. Uber-quotable and singalongable as well. This is exactly the sort of thing that would stand zero chance in the U.S. or U.K. but is worth searching the world for.
To buy Ola's second album, Good Enough, go here (physical). I know I've written about it fifty million and a half times by now, but his version and Tony's original version of "Natalie" are completely worth seeking out as well. The blogs I linked to earlier did a great job of picking out good non-singles and are worth checking out, too, as is The Zapping's review of it.
Next up: maybe another Swedish singer or an American one.
(BTW, D'luv, yes, I am expecting your Robyn comment; bring it.)
8 comments:
i really like the pure pop of Ola. i think that was what i was trying to get across in my review of Roisin Murphy - my brain sometimes doesn't need the dense complex stuff, because although people brush pop off as throwaway, it's actually incredibly difficult to write a good pop song let alone an album of them (horrific lyrics aside haha) so good on Ola!
I cannot stop saying "Ola!" now. I think "S.O.S." is great! I have to try and remember to play it on next weeks show actually...
*waits for D'Luv's Ro' comment*
It is! Not that I'm disparaging other types at all, but "simple pop" is not so easy to make, or at least make well.
That happens to everyone who sees his name! And yes, me as well ;)
Ola is amazing!!!!! as is Darin!
Yeah, I'd bang him, for the sole fact that he's boffing me with his eyes in that picture.
Who the F is Ro'? You mean that Roisin broad? If I hear one more thing about how her vag is lined with gold, I'm gonna puke up my McNuggets.
I'm not sure why, Robpop, but I'm sort of surprised you like Darin. As I said, no idea why (after all, he's done songs written by Robyn, and I definitely like him). Ola really did release a pair of great singles over the summer (well, near the summer)!
Ro' would be Robyn, I think. And, like my surprise with Robpop, but that's not what I was expecting (about Ola)--I thought we'd be getting a Robyn/butch comment from you! He probably is, though, isn't he?
Oh, that guy. What's up Robyn's unibrow in the "Handle Me" video? Does he think he's Tom Cruise or some junk?
I love Robyn, but I think her image in that video is too much for me--maybe too cool or something. It's just sort of offputting. Still, hope the song does well so she can finally release the should-conquer-the-world "Be Mine!"
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