Search - Marie Fredriksson :: Karlekens Guld

The Whole Enchilada

Paul Foley | Boston, MA United States | 10/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The bad news for stateside Marie Fredriksson fans is that her solo albums are no longer being sold individually, even as imports. The good news is that they are all included in this 6-cd boxed set, along with some material that was previously unavailable. Those who are drawn to her unique vocal style (and who with ears wouldn't be?) and who may be considering shelling out nearly eighty bucks for this opus magnus can be reassured that there are no dogs among the 75 tracks. Her songwriting and musicianship are of a consistently high standard. And althought it's hard not to hear how her music has evolved since 1984's "Het Vind", there are no stinkers or tracks that time should have forgotten. Plus there is plenty of variety, so it doesn't all begin to sound the same. From hard-rockin to bluesy to balladic, she works in a wide variety of musical styles. She plays the pipe organ, she plays the recorder, she even does a version of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time." In Swedish, of course. Until you've heard that, you haven't truly lived.The sixth "bonus" disc was recorded live in concert. Those fortunate enough to have heard Marie in concert know that she is one of the select few performers who can sound better, more dynamic and inventive, onstage than in a studio. It's interesting to listen in on this concert as she becomes progressively more energized by the audience.These discs have apparently been carefully remastered, and the sound is crystalline. And while $80US is a hefty price to pay, it's cheaper than a trip to a record store in Sweden."

Terrific....

Torsten | Singapore | 12/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hardened critics of Roxette so often lambasting the duo's music as no more than shallow, candy-coated pop fluff might be surprised upon hearing Marie's solo efforts...if they even knew of it. Her solo works are in various aspects in stark contrast to Roxette's. The reason perhaps, is understandable when one realizes that Per Gessle is the main man behind their songs. But it goes to show how these two differing songwriters could achieve a synthesis. If Per's music was buoyant and sparkling, Marie's was blue-tinged and poised. It may be easy to write off Roxette as fluff but Marie's solo career demands no more than true admiration. It is no wonder she is one of Sweden's top female artists.I sometimes can't help but compare Marie to Annie Lenox and the likes. Indeed, one has to hear her solo efforts to appreciate her incredible interpretive skills, and she sounds so much better singing in her native language than she ever could in English (with Roxette). Her vocals are expressive, emotive and has sublime finesse. This box set also tracks how she has evolved and matured in her musical style. I shall try to review a little of each album...Het Vind (1984) / Den Sjunde Vågen (1985)Marie began her solo effort in 1984 with Het Vind followed by Den Sjunde Vågen a year later. As with the pop era of the time, the albums are quite the standard fare; arena-scaled pop, synth-laden tracks and big, histrionic ballads, somewhat similar to the likes of Pat Benatar, Scandal, etc. In fact, Het Vind contained an interesting Swedish cover of Cyni Lauper's "All Throught the Night" - "Natt efter Natt", which sounds real similar to the original. These albums are ultra-commercial, nonethless, the songs are still good to listen to.Efter Stormen (1987)Compared to the first two albums, Efter Stormen was more introspective. Her partnership with Per Gessle as Roxette the year before probably influenced the course of direction in this album. Rather than repeating her previous albums commercially oriented sound, the music in this album was jazzy ("Intro", "Bara för En Dag"), slow, methodical ("Aldrig som Frälingar, Även Vargar Måste Välja)and generally bluesy... A second favourite of mine, next to....Den Ständiga Resan (1992)This album is in every way opposite to what is Roxette. And it's also the album I love most. Dark, melancholic and heavy, the songs are subtle, poised and elegant. The album is hauntingly beautiful and has an ethereal aura. The album's intro sets the mood perfectly to what is to be expected next as it flows perfectly to the next track, the cool "Det Regnar Igen". It goes on to subtle jazzy, disco beats ("Så Länge Det Lysser Mittemot"), haunting, eerie tracks ("Medan Tiden Är Inne, Den Där Novembedan")and meditative tunes. It is an album best suited during autumn and winter...I En Tid Som Vår (1996)I was actually a little disappointed by the album, after hearing Den Ständiga Resan, I was hoping to hear an album of the same calibre. Nonetheless, the songs are well-crafted and reflects the maturity of Marie's music. Best loved tracks are the haunting title track and the last track "Tro" - pure, understated elegance...It is quite a shame that Marie's solo efforts aren't recognized since Swedish is, after all, a small language. Judging by the standards of her work, it is something that deserves recognition."

The best of her best with Bonus tracks

Peter L. Nilsson | Chicago, IL USA | 07/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marie is an outstanding singer with introspective talent that would put most popular kittens of today's pop scene to shame. It's outstanding and you will also get some exceptional bonus tracks. I love it, I love it, I loooove it!!!!!"