Album Appreciation: ‘Sucker Punch’ by Sigrid [2019]

Hey there Insighters! I’m really excited to have you back for another musical start to the weekend courtesy of #FiveOnFridays. Today, we add-on another installment to one of my favorite segments here, ‘Album Appreciation’!

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the concept, here’s the gist:

‘Album Appreciation’ is where I discuss my thoughts on an entire body of work from an artist based on recommendations or personal curiosity. And to keep in-tune with the Top-5-countdown spirit of things, I will rank and comment on my 5 favorite songs from said body of work.

This week I’m covering the album ‘Sucker Punch’ by Norwegian Singer-Songwriter, Sigrid. Apparently, she rose to prominence (mainly in the UK) from 2017 with couple of tracks from her EP ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’. Since then, she’s been releasing a slew of Pop gems all leading up to the release of her first LP.

As a gifted vocalist, Sigrid (who at just 22) finds absolutely no difficulty conveying the diverse emotions amalgamated in this sonic gestalt. Complementing her captivating voice is the clever, lively, and simply brilliant production found throughout the track listing.

Every song felt and sounded different from its predecessor. Truly, this album was what I was yearning for from Pop music in 2019 and I cannot wait to share with you my thoughts on faves from the project.

So without further ado, let’s get on with today’s countdown!

NUMBER-FIVE [5]

‘Basic‘

Admittingly, there were a lot of great cuts from this debut effort. Nevertheless, ‘Basic’ managed to make it onto this competitive list due to a personal connection I had with it.

The song conveys this urgent need to clarify things in a tempestuous relationship.

And Sigrid makes this idea evident as she pleas on the chorus, “Ooh, I wanna be basic/’Cause you make me so complicated/ Can I be basic with you?”

With this string of simple phrases, she perfectly sums up a cesspool of conflicting feelings all brought on by a paradoxical lover/love interest – the overthinking, the anxiety, and the constant state of confusion.

Furthermore, the sonics here are riveting in a magical sort of way. Sigrid’s voice comes through laced with earnest and desperation, making it clear that she has reached her wit’s end in this relationship and is waving her white flag.

Also, I really admire how she placed a positive spin on the word basic. Contemporarily, the word is mainly used to refer to something that’s considered lame or unexciting.

But here, Sigrid is pretty much begging for things to be straightforward; she’s craving for the sense of knowing exactly what she’s getting. Overall, it’s really a cool listen!

NUMBER-FOUR [4]

‘In Vain‘

What initially appears to be a cliched dirge over subtle guitar strings gradually transforms into one of the most impactful songs I’ve heard this year.

‘In Vain’ finds Sigrid stripping herself down to the core and letting her lover know that she doesn’t have the energy for games.

The chorus hits sweetly as she muses in this raspy, soulful nature. “So don’t you stay if you don’t mean it/ If you don’t feel it and just fuck me up again/ Please walk away, and we’ll just leave it/ Or were you thinkin’ I would give my heart in vain?/ I won’t give my heart in vain, in vain/ Nah, nah, nah, no, oh”

Her vocal performance here truly does the painful and morose overtones of the song justice. And just before you spiral into an emotional abyss, the song picks up in its second half.

Indeed, the bridge enters almost mystically, emanating a playful charm with a flair all its own. “Give it, give it up, give it, give it up, baby”, it repetitiously resounds.

All in all, this track felt like music for the soul; it resonated lyrically and sonically, while creating an atmosphere of passion.

If you ask me, it’s definitely one of the more underrated songs off the album that got overshadowed by more Power Pop tracks.

NUMBER-THREE [3]

‘Sucker Punch‘

After discovering Sigrid musically for the first time, ‘Sucker Punch’ was the second song I’ve heard of hers. And needless to say, I was intrigued instantaneously.

The production has this retro feel to it; there’s ringing, whirring, and beeping noises working seamlessly in the background as you prepare to brave the rather bursting chorus.

“It hit me like a sucker punch/ Just one look and I’m out of touch/ I’m freaking out ’cause I’m scared this might end bad/ But I still come back for that/ Sucker punch” And on first listen, the chorus did in fact sucker punch me in the best way possible.

Sigrid melodically howling ‘Sucker Punch’ in a variety of ways just adds to the quirky endearment of the song.

Not to mention, the lyrics convey relatability to listeners. How many of us have dreaded royally screwing up a new relationship/situationship by thinking about the end result, instead of enjoying the now? [*Nervously raises hand*]

And this inclination toward pondering on what’s to come in a new romance is highlighted throughout several tracks on the album.

It’s a recurring theme that speaks to our anxious nature as human beings. Nonetheless, this track perfectly balances a timely relatability with pulsating Pop production.

NUMBER-TWO [2]

‘Don’t Kill My Vibe‘

With every album I’ve ever listened to, there’s always one song that I didn’t necessarily enjoy at first. But then somehow, the song grows on me a lot.

And ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe’ just so happened to fall into this category. It now has me in its clutches and refuses to let my ears go.

The more I listen to it, the more enamored I become. With its autotuned intro accompanied by poignant keys, you’d think the mood of the song is already set.

“You shut me down, you like the control/You speak to me like I’m a child”, Sigrid crows softly, pulling you deeper into the mystery of the song’s direction.

Additionally, the chorus presents an interesting melody leaking with passion.

As you continue on listening, you catch wave of the song’s flow and realized that it went from gloomy and unassuming to anthemic and surging with energy.

Sigrid once again uses her vocals to create an atmosphere of emotional intensity, empowerment, and enjoyability.

Without a doubt, it’s one of those tracks that will have you spamming the reply button. Especially whenever somebody would occasionally attempt to rain on your parade.

HONORABLE-MENTIONS

• Strangers
• Level Up
• Never Mine
• Mine Right Now
• Dynamite

*NUMBER-ONE [1]

‘Don’t Feel Like Crying‘

Being my favorite genre, I was really yearning for some great Pop music this year. Hence, I sent up some prayers to the universe, and the Pop gods answered with this cut from Sigrid.

Admittingly, this was the first thing I’ve ever heard from Sigrid and this track was enough to convince me to listen to ‘Sucker Punch’.

The dancy, euphoric sonics possess a cathartic vibe that ignites a fire in you and coerces you to break out into spontaneous dance. They also sharply contrast with the morbidity lining the lyrics.

Lyrically, Sigird is saying no to crying over a love too soon a tragedy; she’s placing her emotions on hold and dancing herself numb.

“At least tonight, no, I don’t feel like crying”, she muses beautifully as her vocals elevate the song to another level of remarkableness.

And I absolutely adore her opting to talk during the post chorus – “It hasn’t hit me yet (Ooh)/ And I know if I go home I’m gonna get upset, yeah”.

Now realizing her emotions can only be repressed for so long, she anticipates the imminent breakdown. Something I find so painfully relatable.

Overall, the song is an excellent, cathartic listen with ton of replay value. So by all means, dance ’til your heart’s content and enjoy not crying.

Did you enjoy today’s Album Appreciation segment? Have you given this album a listen? If so, which songs are your fave? Let me know in the comment section below.

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