Struggle by Dilsa: A Pop Gem from Norway That Still Hits Different
Let’s get one thing straight—Dilsa’s Struggle isn’t your run-of-the-mill pop album. Released in 2004 under Global Music, this Norwegian project feels like a time capsule of raw emotion and quirky experimentation. With credits stacked with talent (shoutout to Glenn Gulli and K.E. Bergseth for the music, Per Østmark for mastering, and Dilsa herself penning those heartfelt lyrics), it's no wonder this record still resonates.
Now, let me cut to the chase and talk about two tracks that stuck with me like gum on a shoe: “What Do You Think I Am? (Reversed Mix)” and the title track, “Struggle.”
First up, “What Do You Think I Am? (Reversed Mix).” Whoa, hold up—what even is this sorcery? It’s got this hypnotic vibe, almost dreamlike but with an edge. The reversed elements are trippy enough to make you feel like you’ve wandered into a parallel universe where pop songs have secret lives. Every time I hear it, I find myself zoning out, imagining some alternate reality where Dilsa rules as queen of avant-garde radio hits. It’s not just catchy—it’s different. And honestly? That’s what makes it unforgettable.
Then there’s “Struggle,” which hits hard right off the bat. This isn’t just another moody ballad; it’s more like a conversation between your heart and brain when life gets messy. The production is smooth yet gritty, letting Dilsa’s voice shine without overdoing it. There’s something so real about how she owns her vulnerability here—you can practically feel her wrestling with whatever inspired these lyrics. By the end, you’re left wondering if she found peace or just decided to keep fighting. Either way, it sticks with you.
One thing I gotta say—if this album dropped today, people would lose their minds over its authenticity. Back in ’04, maybe it didn’t get all the hype it deserved because, well, trends were weird back then. But now? It feels ahead of its time, like Dilsa was quietly dropping wisdom while everyone else was chasing bubblegum beats.
And hey, fun fact: Preben Holst handled the photography, giving the whole package this artsy-cool aesthetic that matches the music perfectly. Kimbo’s production ties everything together seamlessly too, making Struggle sound polished but not plastic.
So yeah, here’s the kicker: listening to this album feels like finding an old journal entry you forgot you wrote. It’s personal, kinda messy, but oh-so-honest. If you haven’t given Struggle a spin yet, do yourself a favor and press play. Just don’t blame me if you start questioning whether 2004 was secretly the best year for pop music ever… or if Dilsa knew something we didn’t.
