Lykke Li released Youth Novels in 2008 when she was just 19-years old and captured the attention of many. Her dreamy indie pop sound, accentuated by her fragile, infectious vocal style, returns on 2011's Wounded Rhymes, which is produced once again by Bjorn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John. Li, however, presents a darker, moodier body of work that does away with much of the youthful energy that marked her debut, and that's a good thing: "I'm your prostitute, you gon' get some," sings Li in "Get Some," and these confident, direct, and more grown-up moments abound throughout the 10-tracker. The heavier lyrics are accompanied by scattered melodies, layered harmonies, upbeat percussion, but there also are slower songs ("Unrequited Love) that provide some of the best moments on the album. Highlights include: "I Follow Rivers," "Love Out Of Lust," "I Know Places," "Sadness Is A Blessing," and "Youth Knows No Pain."

• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Atlantic 2011

reviewed by bar adal 05/2017