Josefin – Getaway

For reasons unknown to me, you’ll find Swedish singer Josefin’s new EP, ‘Getaway’ listed under Rock on iTunes. I guess it’s because there’s no Scandinavian Soul-Pop category – yet.

If there was, then this 5-track EP would top the list.

Josefin’s debut collection of songs are all written by her and produced by Mépu –Julia Falthin and Aksel Odenbalk, drawing on a variety of influences from big soundtrack scores to simple, catchy melodies.

‘Getaway’, the EP title track, featuring the Swedish queen of rap, Cleo, opens the EP and has already drawn Swedish radio attention. With touches of 80s sound effects it works, kind of…but it doesn’t grab you by the ears and pull you into Josefin’s world as the following track, ‘Nothing at All’ does.

Listeners should be glad it’s not the last track! The incredibly appealing chorus will remain with you long after you’ve closed the car door or taken your headphones off!

Josefin seems incredibly playful and this comes across in this light-spirited single – easily my personal favourite. ‘Nothing at All’ is planned to be released as a single and is easily justified being added to a commercial radio station’s playlist. I can see heads nodding from side to side already!

Josefin has a bouncy tone, which continues in ‘It’s OK’ the EP’s first release, and it’s this sound that makes her so recognizable. By the way, the sweet harmonies at the end of the track are Josefin’s, not children, as one would easily imagine.

‘Part of You’ is perhaps the most soulful from my perspective with wonderful strings, touching lyrics and sweet harmonies. It’s during the track’s bridge when we discover more of Josefin’s voice, too. Hmmm… actually, I think I’ll play this again now…

Inspired by film score legend Ennio Morricone, ‘The One I Call Fall’ brings in the big strings and orchestral percussions to wrap up the EP. It’s not overly dramatic in scale but big thumping drums really add depth – nice idea!

The entire album feels like it’s the making of a quality pop artist who promises fun with a ‘soul’ but I must add, it’s during Josefin’s live performances that the soulful side of her comes out and really reveals itself.

Getaway is definitely worth a listen, and as I say, make sure you see Josefin live to experience a very fun and funky lady indeed.