★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
From the gorgeous, dark, sultry cover art and unexpected success of lead single "Habits (Stay High)" over the past few months, the anticipation was building in favor of Swedish artist Tove Lo and the release of her official debut album, Queen of the Clouds, late last month. With an ability to craft a huge pop hook, great vocal performances and an edgy, indie-like presence, many more will be speaking of this unique artist.
Broken up into three different portions, dealing with sex, love and pain, Tove Lo has pieced together all the good and bad elements of a relationship into a diverse pop effort. The album becomes a way for the talented artist to vent and share her personal stories of initial love and heartache. Though vocals and many choruses are on point, it is the lyrical content of the debut album that truly makes the effort stand out for all the right reasons.
First up in The Sex category, the electrically-charged "My Gun" opens up with some "Like A Prayer"-sounding production until Tove Lo's captivating vocals come off as a Rihanna, reggae-leaning impression. The sultry innuendos and fun, sexy nature of the track are the highlights of the opening effort and details the thrilling and exciting first few moments of a new relationship.
"Like Em Young" is the perfect anthem for the youth-seeking daddies of the gay community, but I guess the young blood-chasing cougars in the world could relate to the poppy, clap-filled creation a bit more. "I don't really know what gets you more, is it that my guy is gonna live out yours?," Lo asks those with an unwanted opinion on an energetic track that deals with the taboo topic of age in a relationship.
Tove Lo gets deliciously explicit on "Talking Body", a song detailing the love for carnal lust with someone's perfect body to the point where the artists wants to "fuck for life". While the delivery on the verses is low and seductive, the tempo does pick up for a chorus that listeners won't help but blast when it rolls around. It's clear the artist isn't shy about speaking of sex, but still does so in a sophisticated manner.
With a cinematic piano supporting the fast delivery on the verses, "Timebomb" becomes a truly epic moment for the Swedish artist. Though it may sound like a rushed, off beat mess during the first listen, the song is something unique and brilliant as Lo sings of knowing the man she is currently with will never be "the one" for her. On the surface it sounds like a mash of Robyn's edginess and Lady Gaga's ARTPOP piano ballad.
For the opening segment of The Love, "Moments" is a clashing, flashy high point for the debut album. Lo sings of loving one of the freaks while admitting that although she's far from perfect, she does have her moments. "I can get a little drunk, I get into all the don'ts, but on good days I am charming as fuck," she shares. The finished product is equally somber and happy with a small dose of vulgarity for good measure.
On "The Way That I Am", the artist hopes the new man in her life will love her exactly how she is, either way, she'll continue to love him. The personal love song is supported by a unique electronic, thumping beat that brings another interesting element to the album. The songwriting does carry the honest statement, however, the vocal performance this time around sounds broken, without an armor on.
"Not On Drugs", released as the album's second single and the song where the album's title originates, the artist is a little aggravated that her love sick feelings are being attributed to being high off drugs. Falling in love can be a weird feeling, the song does a great job at embodying that moment, with a crazed performance and loud production, however, it does not sound to be great single material.
After the love and lust comes The Pain. "Thousand Miles" shows the artist in a new found state of heartbreak following the end of her relationship, she is ready to run and fight for her man's return. Instead of a scornful song of revenge, it's slightly depressing to hear the artist isn't ready to give up on the love she once had. Many will be able to relate to the lyrical content as Lo's vocals are top notch once again.
Lead single "Habits (Stay High)", which is currently sitting nicely within the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, became a sleeper hit for its blunt lyrics on drugs and love, and the connection they have for the artist. "You're gone and I gotta stay, high all the time, to keep you off my mind," Lo tragically sings of the narcotic-induced state of the mind she's in. The song is dark, very Lana del Rey and perfect for radio airplay.
Lo is still having a hard time letting go, reminiscing of the past on "This Time Around". Lyrical content is everything on this emotional track. The artist wonders how the couple went from lonely hearts in love to the distance causing both bodies to grow cold. The downtrodden and heartbroken lovers will resonate with what Lo is singing as her vocals allow each line to hold true meaning.
The album closes out with "Run On Love", a track where Lo considers herself to be a failure for giving into the lover that left. Wrapped in 90s dance production, the closing effort sets itself apart from the rest of the track list, experimentation is always good, however, the finished product is not a completely infectious home run. While it's good, nothing about the song is as memorable or innovative as all its predecessors.
Queen of the Clouds is a pretty well-crafted, sparkly debut for Tove Lo, a Swedish future pop star that is able to craft brilliant hooks and stories. The music alone is a personal look into one's guarded life, but it sounds as if the artist is able to breath a bit easier by sharing the ups and down that influenced the album's material. By breaking it up into three parts, listeners can focus and imagine the state of mind Lo was in, allowing each word to truly hit home. Track after track, the artist creates unique, edgy moments that create pop music along the lines of what is picking up steam on the charts today. The album signals great things still to come for Tove Lo.
Tracks to Hear: "Like Em Young", "Timebomb", "Got Love" and "Moments"
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