The Cardigans

Staying true to the album's wistful title, the Cardigans forsake their customary pop for introspective slowcore that's too busy navel-gazing to throw fans many hooks. But change is good: surprising tracks like "A Good Horse" plunge straight into rock territory, while Nina Persson's airy voice sounds stronger than ever.

The last time we saw much of the Cardigans, Beverly Hills 90210 was still on the air and the
Swedish band was performing its hit "Lovefool" on that episode where Donna, like, loses
her V-card. On the Cardigans' first proper album in six years, the group has finally
succumbed to its dark Scandinavian moods. Singer Nina Persson's hair is now jet-black, and
the music is a gloomier, less poppy version of the band's old sound. Persson is no... More >

She'll love you as long as the chorus lasts, and if you're good the verse too--a period that lengthens as she gets older ("For What It's Worth," "And Then You Kissed Me"). (Grade - *)