National, 2006
[8/10]
With three albums within a twelve months period and a best of album summarising her first year released, Miss Li may be the most productive artist in Scandinavia today, if not ever. It all began with Late Night Heartbroken Blues, an impressive debut album that sucks you in and one that you can’t help but smile to.
The album swirls with energy and mixes jazz, blues, power pop and soul. The title track kicks of the album with clever word-play, piano, double bass and jazzy drums, but it is the second track on the album that gets you really hooked. “I’m So Poor Won’t You Lend Me Some Money” begins slow but when the chorus kicks in you’ll involuntarily reach for your dancing shoes and start spinning around in your living room. This song reveals what a strong voice Linda Carlsson (a.k.a. Miss Li) possesses.
The following two tracks take the beat down a notch and if wasn’t for the sharp voice “Give It to Me” could be something you might have heard if you stepped into a New York jazz bar during the 1920s.
“Seems Like We Lost It” is more up-tempo but it’s “Oh Boy” (the first single from the album) that really gets things going. Its simple lyrics and happy tune are strangely captivating. “High on You” which sees Miss Li toning it down somewhat, is the only real weak song on the album. The lyrics are dull and it feels more like filler than anything else. The remaining tracks are of a much higher calibre with “Backstabber Lady”, being my personal favourite.
If you not into a cabaret pop you won’t be a fan of Miss Li, but if you like clever lyrics, strong female voices and a bit of jazz with your pop this could be for you. The songs feel honest and if Miss Li’s goal was to entertain people she has succeeded admirably.
A warning though, you might be stuck with “Oh Boy” in your head or realise a week later that you’re still humming “I’m So Poor Won’t You Lend Me Some Money”.
