What’s this? After a pretty fruitful 2020, Swedish artist Benjamin Ingrosso kicks off his 2021 with the release of a new album. His first in Swedish. ‘En Gång i Tiden’.
What’s on it? Eight songs. Two of which were from his reign on Så Mycket Bättre, and six of which are brand-new. All of the new songs were written by Benjamin himself, and all are inspired by music from the ’90s that he felt an affinity to growing up. Some of the songs were even written by him as he grew up. Yet despite this, it’s an album on which Benjamin showcases a side to him that we haven’t heard before, in the musical sense. It feels like he’s stepped aside momentarily from the Benjamin Ingrosso release schedule, to tap into and explore another side to his musical tastes. And the fact that he’s executed it so masterfully, further cements his burgeoning reputation as a skilled artist, as a songwriter, and as a performer.
Highlights please? Of the new songs, we have two instant faves. The first is ‘Se Men Inte Röra’ – a smooth disco track that whether intentionally or not, sticks out as the thread that holds together this album with his time on Så Mycket Bättre and with – hopefully – whatever comes next from him. This is the Benjamin we like best on the record. We’ve also taken an instant shine to ‘Längst Inne i Mitt Huvud’. On an album of mostly slower songs, this is the slowie that packs the biggest punch certainly in the melodic stakes. And with the slight r&b production it’s been afforded, it stands out as one of the most layered songs on the album, to keep returning to.
More from Benjamin? He’s gone on record to say that he has two more albums pretty much completed. But can’t say for sure when – or indeed if – they will be released. Get ’em out Benjamin! Don’t be shy.
You can find ‘Se Men Inte Röra’ on our Best New Pop playlist.
