I have to tell you that this week, I’m especially excited about one release: Robyn‘s Cherrytree Sessions.
The Swedish dance-pop singer has made a huge comeback in the U.S. over the last year. Her self-titled album was released in Europe in 2005, but didn’t reach America until 2008. But Robyn has proved to be ahead of the curve — her music excited even the harshest of critics, as she had once been known as a teen singer with her 1995 hit “Show Me Love.” With electro tracks like “Konichiwa Bitches” and “With Every Heartbeat,” Robyn gained popularity with hipsters and pop fans alike, and is up for Best Electronic/Dance Album at the Grammys.
This week’s Cherrytree Sessions is a three-song EP, but the songs are definitely worth downloading from iTunes. Robyn sings stripped-down, acoustic versions of songs from her 2008 album: “Be Mine,” “With Every Heartbeat,” and “Bum Like You.” It’ll be the best few bucks you spend today.
Here’s what else is out this week:
If you’re into Liza’s brand of Broadway/jazz stylings and missed her sold-out live appearances at the Palace last year, this album is for you. The two-disc set include her ever-popular renditions of “Cabaret” and the theme from New York, New York.
The country singer’s album is full of covers by the likes of Hank Williams and Burt Bacharach. The only original song, “Sing,” was written by Rodney Crowell, who has worked with Emmylou Harris and ex-wife Roseanne Cash.
Ex-American Idol contender Melinda Doolittle is another one taking on songs by other people. (It must be what she’s used to.) The good thing about her, however, is that she not only picks songs that are from the early 21st century and often forgotten, but she’s always able to put a fresh spin on them with her old-soul style.
