Robyn/ Body Talk Pt 2

Robyn
Body Talk Part 2
(Konichiwa/Island)

In the unforgiving world of pop, taking five years to release a follow-up to a successful, acclaimed album would usually ends in tears. So when Robyn announced her return from the wilderness in the form of three albums to be released throughout 2010, it was certainly a sign of intent.
‘Body Talk Pt.2 is the ‘Empire Strikes Back’ edition of her pop trilogy and continues on the ‘80s electro vibe which won its predecessor many plaudits. ‘In My Eyes’ and ‘Hang With Me’ are examples of her inch-perfect pop prowess, the former collaboration with ‘With Every Heartbeat’ producer Andreas Kleerup.
Although there are a few potential hits amongst the clean, emotionally charged synthpop, scratch the surface of the album and at eight tracks there is little filler.
‘Love Kills’ is my personal favourite. Produced by Swedish techno-pop act Savage Skulls, the high BPM and eerie drones of the song are perfect fodder for Robyn’s warning to would be romantics. Meanwhile, ‘Criminal Intent’ sees the singer in rap-pop mode, rhyming over a bleepy Neptunes-like cut courtesy of M.I.A collaborators Klas and Diplo.
With this track in mind I suspected Snoop Dogg’s appearance on the record would be a similar affair, but to my astonishment ‘U Should Know Better’ is a speedy synthfest a million miles away from his usual work. Final track ‘Indestructible’ feels a little out of place with its full orchestra, but still ends her near faultless sequel with an emphasis on her fine voice, which is only fair.