Release Date: 27 March 2026
Song Count: 9
Duration: 29 minutes, 30 seconds
Rating: 4.7/10
Description:
Song Count: 9
Duration: 29 minutes, 30 seconds
Rating: 4.7/10
Description:
Last one of the batch of the 27th (and co.), and the shortest one in duration out of them all, today we've got Sexistential, a new release and an odd stylistic step for alternative pop icon Robin Carlsson from Stockholm, known to many as simply Robyn. The singer known for her melancholic songwriting delivered in an upbeat tone - a formula she has been following to great success for several decades at this point - has decided to go on a highly erotic detour with her ninth LP by carrying over a digitalised, modern and cheery sound whilst theming the tracks around the tried and true music concept of sex and intimacy. So not for the kids in the room, this one is, assuming the rather vaguely suggestive cover art and the significantly less subtle title wasn't enough of an indication.
Synths and electronic tools reminiscent of trends in both contemporary and older (80's) music set the stage for Robyn's singing as the primary focal point. Nine tracks focusing on the emotions and social dynamics surrounding sexuality make up one cohesive package of music that has a stylistically wide appeal and explores an aspect of life many individuals relate to - a reason why it is such a common topic in popular music to start with. The approach of the lyrics hereby alternates between keeping things under a thin veil whilst alluding to the true nature of the subject matter whilst other contain much more direct phrases and language associated with the act, letting the listener take their pick for what direction they prefer in their music to listen to.
Perhaps due to personal angles holding yours truly back from truly connecting with the primary subject Sexistential revolves around, the album, whilst undeniably well-produced, does not succeed in invoking any strong mental reaction, with pleasant sounding yet exploration-averse instrumentation and almost distant-feeling vocal showcases, which would on paper be the opposite of what music laser-focused on intimacy and passion should contain. Though obviously throwing no real shade at Robyn or her talents with this, finding out about her prolonged experience in the industry making music and jumping into this album afterwards ends up painting two rather different metaphorical pictures; however that may simply be just some sort of incorrect timing to get introduced to her work via a project that is deliberately meant to break from her usual style. Still, listenable and even enjoyable at particular times, but unfortunately on the lesser end in terms of impressiveness and strength as an album.