Wounded Rhymes – Lykke Li

Swedish popstrel Lykke Li escapes the sophomore curse on Wounded Rhymes, building upon the promise she showed on her debut, 2008’s engaging Youth Novels. Clocking in at 10 songs, Rhymes is a more concise, perfectly formed album, the sometimes gloomy lyrics married to strong, muscular production courtesy of Björn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John. Upfront rock songs like opener Youth Knows No Pain and Get Some (sample lyric: “I’m your prostitute, you gon’ get some”) sparkle, but head straight for the majestic Love Out Of Lust — you won’t hear a more beautiful song all year.