Album Review: "1979–1991 Tiden Bara Går" by Roger Rönning
Released in 1991 on STI Records, 1979–1991 Tiden Bara Går is a fascinating retrospective of Roger Rönning’s musical journey through the genres of Rock, Pop, and Electronic, with an AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) touch that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly timeless. This Swedish gem compiles tracks spanning over a decade, showcasing not just evolution but also consistency in storytelling and melody.
The album opens with “Tiden Bara Går (Nymix),” which immediately grabs your attention—not because it tries too hard, but because it doesn’t. It’s smooth yet layered, blending keyboards by Mats Hedström and Håkan Lundqvist with the steady rhythm section provided by bassists like Christian Veltman and Peter Salin. The mix here is masterful, thanks to Björn Engelmann’s mastering work, giving the track a polished sheen without losing its soul. The lyrics are simple—time marches on—but there’s something haunting about how they’re delivered. You can almost picture yourself standing at life's crossroads, pondering choices made and missed opportunities. It sticks with you for days after listening.
Another standout track is “Vi Är Alla Löv.” Now, this one hits differently. With Mikael Rickfors contributing vocals alongside his guitar chops, the song carries a sense of unity and fragility. The choir adds depth, making it feel less like a solo performance and more like a communal experience. Lyrics about being leaves blown by the winds of change resonate deeply—it’s poetic but not pretentious. And then there’s Lasse Orupsson’s wind instrumentation subtly weaving through the background; it gives the whole thing an organic vibe, as if nature itself is part of the band. Honestly, I couldn’t get enough of it.
What makes this compilation so compelling isn’t just the music—it’s the people behind it. From Gunnar Westbergh’s drumming to Richard Torell’s striking cover art, every contributor brings their A-game. Even the photography by Torell adds another layer of authenticity, capturing the era perfectly. It’s clear everyone involved cared deeply about what they were creating.
Reflecting on 1979–1991 Tiden Bara Går, it strikes me how much heart went into preserving these moments. Sure, some tracks sound dated, but that’s kind of the charm. Listening to it feels like flipping through an old photo album where each snapshot tells a story. In fact, hearing songs from different years side-by-side reminds us how fleeting time really is—a theme echoed throughout the album.
Unexpectedly, though, the most memorable aspect might be how unapologetically Swedish it all feels. While the themes are universal, there’s no denying the cultural fingerprint left on every note. It’s comforting, really. Like sharing coffee with an old friend who knows exactly what you need to hear. So, whether you’re a fan of AOR or simply curious about Swedish music history, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Tiden Bara Går” during random moments of introspection!
Rating: 8/10
Final Thought: If time truly does go by, why not let it take you somewhere beautiful?
