Album Review: Rymden by Sverige – A Swedish Space Odyssey You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s cut to the chase—Rymden (that’s “Space” for you non-Swedish speakers) is like that quirky friend who shows up uninvited but ends up being the life of the party. Released in 2016 under Tona Serenad, this pop-rock gem from Sweden feels like a cosmic journey through soundscapes that are equal parts dreamy and punchy. And yeah, it’s got some bangers.
First off, let’s talk about Följa med. This track slapped me awake faster than my third cup of coffee on a Monday morning. It starts with this almost hypnotic groove, then BAM—it hits you with an infectious chorus that sticks to your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk. The lyrics? Sure, I don’t speak fluent Swedish, but there’s something so universal about the vibe here. It’s like Sverige is saying, “Hey, come along for the ride,” and honestly, how can you say no? The guitar riffs are sharp enough to slice through space debris, while the vocals float around like they’re weightless. It’s catchy as hell and makes me wanna grab my air guitar and pretend I’m headlining Glastonbury.
Then there’s Stjärnor (translation: Stars), which is basically the soundtrack to staring out of a car window at night while contemplating life choices. It’s slower, moodier, and packed with emotional depth. There’s this one moment where the melody swells just right, and suddenly you’re not just listening anymore—you’re feeling it. Like, deep-in-your-chest kind of feeling. If Följa med is the fun-loving buddy dragging you to a rave, Stjärnor is the thoughtful pal sitting next to you on the couch, whispering, “It’s okay if you cry during Pixar movies.”
Now, I won’t lie—the other tracks like Känn Min Fina Stil and Gömstället have their moments too, but they didn’t quite burrow into my soul the way these two did. That said, the whole album has this consistent energy that keeps things fresh without ever getting boring. Think of it as the Goldilocks of albums—not too edgy, not too soft, juuuust right.
So, what’s the verdict? Rymden isn’t gonna change the world or anything, but dang, does it make for a killer playlist when you’re cruising down a highway or pretending you’re starring in your own indie film. Plus, it’s Swedish, so bonus points for cultural street cred. Honestly, after spinning this album, all I could think was: Why aren’t more bands named after countries? Imagine booking a gig with Norway opening for France. Genius.
Final thought: Listening to Rymden feels like finding an old mixtape in the backseat of a borrowed Volvo—you know, the kind that makes you go, “Huh, weird flex, but I like it.”
