Robyn review: Comeback confirms her status as one of the greats

Comeback: Robyn
Matthew Baker/Getty Images
Andre Paine15 April 2019

Those in search of pop perfection made a pilgrimage to Alexandra Palace at the weekend for Robyn Carlsson’s first headline shows in the capital for more than six years.

The Swedish singer’s 2018 comeback album, Honey, outclassed many younger chart rivals, who could also learn a thing or two from her unrestrained live performance.

While the band settled into the evening’s infectious groove and tropical beats on a stage featuring a billowing gauze and giant hand reaching out to the audience, the anticipation built for her arrival.

When Robyn finally appeared on a staircase amid a cloud of dry ice, her unsmiling disco-siren demeanour was at odds with the crowd’s joyous reaction. But she soon warmed up with the latest record’s shimmering title track, which revealed the softer side of her dance-pop.

There were no complaints as she went heavy on the new material, including the woozy summer rhythm of Beach2k20, breathy break-up tune Ever Again and disco ballad Because It’s in the Music.

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The cavernous venue contributed to an euphoric atmosphere that felt like being at a club show — Robyn wouldn’t have been quite as much fun at The O2.

With the sauciness of Madonna and the élan of Christine and the Queens, the choreography was as playful as her songwriting. There was emotional drama too as she revisited the No.1 With Every Heartbeat and Dancing On My Own, which 10,000 fans sang for Robyn, who was clearly choked up by their devotion.

Unlike those half-hearted comebacks that are all about the money, her unforgettable performance showed the possibilities of pop. Robyn’s return confirmed her status as one of the greats.

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