1. "On Our Way" - Royal Concept
This Swedish band kind of reminds me of One Direction, only with way better music. This upbeat "live-while-you're-young" song has a great rhythm and a fun, partying-with-your friends vibe. If you like alternative pop music, add this to your list!
2. "Down On Life" - Elliphant
Liv Tyler look-alike Ellinor Olovsdotter has a very unique voice, which lends itself well to Elliphant's reggae-style electropop (unlike anything I've ever heard before). This is one of those songs that easily gets stuck in your head - super catchy!
This Swedish band kind of reminds me of One Direction, only with way better music. This upbeat "live-while-you're-young" song has a great rhythm and a fun, partying-with-your friends vibe. If you like alternative pop music, add this to your list!
2. "Down On Life" - Elliphant
Liv Tyler look-alike Ellinor Olovsdotter has a very unique voice, which lends itself well to Elliphant's reggae-style electropop (unlike anything I've ever heard before). This is one of those songs that easily gets stuck in your head - super catchy!
3. Esbjörn Svensson Trio
I truly love everything by this jazz group. They rekindled my love of jazz music, and I was amazed to discover that they're one of many Scandinavian jazz groups! Apparently Scandinavians know jazz, because this group is fantastic! Sadly it's founder died in a scuba accident, and I don't believe the group is active anymore. It really is a shame, because their compositions are so wonderful - I recommend "Eighthundred Streets by Feet", "Behind the Stars", "Seven Days of Falling," and "Goldwrap."
4. "I Follow Rivers" - Lykke Li
You might already recognize this artist - she's rapidly becoming quite popular in the US. Lykke Li loves to have famous Swedish actors in her music videos, it would seem: Stellan Skarsgård is her costar in "Sadness is a Blessing," and in "I Follow Rivers" she costars with Fares Fares. I love this song - it's so eerie and beautiful, blending indie rock with a lot of cool percussion/electronic elements.
5. "Vårens Första Dag" (First Day of Spring) - Laleh
This song is so cute, and it's all in Swedish! Believe it or not I actually found it hard to find Swedish bands that actually sing in Swedish. Just goes to show how prevalent English fluency is in Scandinavia. Anyways, the music video for this song is pretty adorable as well.
First Aid Kit is the folkiest band I've ever heard from Sweden. Some of their songs remind me very strongly of Mumford & Sons, but this one in particular really illustrates their unique style. The melody is very catchy and features the harmonic voices of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg. Also check out "The Lion's Roar."
You will be hard-pressed to find a sicker beat than this, or a cooler music video. Swedish band Kate Boy features Australian lead singer Kate Akhurst, whose slowly rotating face you see featured in this computer-generated spiral. Kate Boy is touring in the US all through the month of September, in case you're interested in seeing them live after hearing this badass technoey song of theirs.
8. "Tough Love" - Sailor & I
Indie band Sailor & I's airy use of instrumental and percussive elements will just enchant you. This song is particularly beautiful, with gorgeous violin forming the underlying rhythm and haunting lyrics reminiscent of the band Washed Out. The "Tough Love" music video is eerie but enrapturing, some simple slow-motion shots of a man swimming, as if for his life.
You probably already all know this song, but did you know Robyn is from Sweden? Kind of a one-hit wonder, but I thought I'd include her just the same. The music video to "Call Your Girlfriend" is fun because it's done in one take, and features Robyn herself dancing in an empty warehouse surrounded by a constantly-changing lightshow.
10. "Breathe Out" - Faye
Faye is, in my opinion, the Swedish Rihanna. She has incredible range and her angst-y, heartfelt songs really pull you in. The piano melody in this particular track is so gorgeous, and I just love how she screams out the refrain. Also check out "Water Against the Rocks," because the music video really captures her intensity as a singer.
11. "Snow" - Frida Sundemo
I really like Frida Sundemo. She reminds me of Imogen Heap or Regina Spektor - sort of techno/electronic music, but airy and more melodic. If you like "Snow" then check out the music video to "Indigo" - it's very strange, she has a giant white bunny boyfriend (idek).
I really like Frida Sundemo. She reminds me of Imogen Heap or Regina Spektor - sort of techno/electronic music, but airy and more melodic. If you like "Snow" then check out the music video to "Indigo" - it's very strange, she has a giant white bunny boyfriend (idek).
12. "Habits" - Tove Lo
I've had this song on repeat significantly more than the others in this list. I can't put my finger on what makes it so addicting, but the rhythm and the refrain are just so catchy. I seriously can't stop listening to this one, and I love the scandalous music video featuring haunting close-ups of Tove Lo's tear-streaked face interspersed with various scenes of reckless abandon.
13. ABBA
All of it. We love them. You should see how excited Zab gets before watching Mamma Mia. It's hilarious. "SOS" and "Take a Chance on Me" are just a couple favorites. And who doesn't love "Dancing Queen"?
