Lykke Li – Wounded Rhymes

Following the success of her charismatic 2008 debut Youth Novels, Swedish Chanteuse Lykke Li returns with this much anticipated next move. Admirably tackling high expectations, for the most part Wounded Rhymes – aided once more by the capable hands of Bjorn (sans partners Peter and John) Yttling – is a successful progression. The opening double-header of 60s influenced dance-a-thon Youth Knows No Pain and I Follow Rivers wastes no time in demonstrating the artist's playful side, not to mention her alluring vocal charm.

Lead single Get Some is pounding and upbeat, presenting a considerably more sultry delivery. On the other hand, Unrequited Love and I Know Places show an impeccable ability to compose genuinely tender and affecting ballads too, with the latter having the same effect as Youth Novels' equally touching Tonight. Perhaps the results aren't quite so poppy as with its predecessor, but Wounded Rhymes is an unfurling joy in every other way. [Ryan Drever]