Has anyone else heard of this Norwegian DJ turned artist? She has overcome personal tragedy to burst onto the music scene with some of the best pop music in years. I'd rank Anniemal as my third favorite album of 2004. Check out her website!

Here's my review:

Annie- Anniemal
2004
5 stars

In the world of pop music, little is left to the imagination and even less is expected. So often, it is processed within a beat of its life; its plastic production and ostentatious gloss render it soulless and lifeless. Every so often, though, an artist manages to inject personality and humanity into overt pop frilliness. In 2004, Annie indubitably staked her claim as a pop princess that the world, not just her native Norway, could relish.

Throughout the course of Anniemal, her first full-length release, Annie delivers spunk, energy, insouciance, poignance and even a story. The album is prefaced by the irresistible effervescence of "Chewing Gum," whose feathery vocals and synthesized chug make it as intentionally disposable- and addictive- as its title and lyrics dictate. This sets the stage for Annie to open up into the many facets the album has to offer, from the urban snarl of "Always Too Late" to the pure pop glitz of the Kylie-flavored "Me Plus One," whose melody and cocky bass jabs seem destined for greatness.

One of the album's biggest accomplishments is that its heroine retains her approachability in contrast to the grossly overstated and unattainable wealth that plagues the pop milieu. Nowhere is this more evident than on the second single, "My Heartbeat", which succeeds so well that it could serve as a template for the perfect organic pop song. Soft electronic piano is echoed by a persistent, hypnotic bass pulse as Annie hovers above the mix with a vocal that is at once ethereal and vulnerable. Consequently, its appeal is both transcendent and authentically human. Annie does not come off as pop royalty, but rather as a long lost friend.

Despite its variety of textures and styles, the album is able to maintain its identity cohesively. While the title track is a kaleidoscope of saccharine pop, the follow-up "No Easy Love" has such a breezy groove that it recalls Prince and Chic. Elsewhere, the aptly named "Greatest Hit" utilizes the punch of a sample from Madonna's "Everybody" to its fullest. The standout opus "Come Together" is an uplifting call to unity, opening with a stark wafer-thin vocal that launches into a delectable disco bonanza. The album closes with the somber, downbeat "My Best Friend", whose introspective dealings make it the album's most personal track.

Perhaps the most astonishing of all of the album's qualities is its mere existence. Each breath and note contained is underscored by personal tragedy. Her first single, "Greatest Hit" dates to 1999 as a collaboration with her boyfriend. A club hit, it paved the way for their musical union to extend to a full album. However, those plans were derailed by his untimely death from a rare heart disorder at age 23. This knowledge renders songs like "My Heartbeat" and "My Best Friend" even more endearing and the encouragement of "Come Together" and the title track even more inspiring. As such, Anniemal stands tall as both a personal and a musical triumph.

Here are some other reviews of her debut album:

Pitchfork

BBC Music

Stylus

The Stranger

Cokemachineglow

Fake DIY

It's pretty fucking great. I had no idea what to expect before I first heard it. It's fun and fabulous and catchy and infectious. Everything a good dance album should be. I hope she becomes a hit.

I thought it was gonna be appreciation about the musical.....

GangstaFam said:

I hope so too, but her album hasn't done well commercially yet.

thesexofit said:

Me too!

The Sun will come ouuuuut... Tomorow...

VinaBlue said:

I used to love that as a kid.

Annie (from Norway) is the real deal.

you are always up on the good pop artists!

Nice review, it has me intrigued

Is this album out in the US?

endorphin74 said:

Not until May 24th, unfortunately. It was just released in the UK on March 7th. I'm awaiting my copy in the mail. I'm trying to track down copies as gifts.
[Edited 3/15/05 13:43pm]

Moonbeam said:

sweeeeet!

endorphin74 said:

She's well worth it. If I can hook my brother on a pop artist, anything is possible.

I just gave her Web site a look around, and I like what I hear. I'm always up for something that doesn't sound like every other pop record out. From what I've heard, hers is different and at the very least worth listening to more. I may have to make a purchase come 24 May.

RipHer2Shreds said:

She is quite different and has a unique perspective.

WAIT!!! Stop the party! I'm listening to a sample of Greatest Hit on her Web site, and it samples/interpolates Madonna's Everybody. Fun.

RipHer2Shreds said:

That song kicks it quite well. It's bittersweet considering the circumstances.

And he's off! Moonie's a posting fool again.

GangstaFam said:

I can't help it that Annie is so damn delectable that she needs to be pumped.

Moonbeam said:

You should hip Sassy to her pump-worthiness.

GangstaFam said:

Oh, she pumps... and prods... and yanks... and fills.

Moonbeam said:

GangstaFam said:

I just read in her forum that she may be coming to New York in April! I hope she plays a set, but she probably is just going to DJ.

Here are some more reviews:

Gigwise

Soundklash

Moonbeam!





And, uh, yeah, I'll have to check this chica out.

CarrieMpls said:

Mipples!

RipHer2Shreds said:

Same here.Thanks for the heads up!

larryluvlife said:

Any time!

VinaBlue said:

I thought it was going to be about Annie Lennox...:"Why" not?

VinnyM27 said:

With the way Music: Non-Prince has been lately, I expected to read

Are you Okay? Annie are you okay, are you OK Annie?

Moonbeam said:

Do DJ albums come wigh high sales expectations? I'm not being a music snob and in fact am always interested in good dance music. I'm just thinking that it really doesn't seem to sell and it's usually on indie labels, right? And she looks really cute! Not your stereotypical DJ.

Hi Moonbeam ~ nice to see you here sweetie ! I was treated to a private listen in Moonbeam's car and I agree ~ a beautiful voice and very infectious. The ride was over much too quickly. Thanks again Ian!!!!