Lykke Li: Youth Novels

Label: Warner Bros.

After spending the summer playing in Europe and the U.K., Lykke Li, a lithe 22-year-old Swede with a voice that falls somewhere in between Bjork and Feist, is coming to the U.S. this fall, and the buzz, which has been building steadily, is that she’s going to take us by storm. After listening to her debut album, Youth Novels, you’ll understand why – it’s hard not fall in love with songs like “I’m Good I’m Gone” and “Dance Dance Dance,” whose delicate beginnings build into undeniably catchy choruses that will have you humming for days. “Trumpet in My Head” is a short, surprisingly soulful number, and “My Love” is lush and full of melodic twists of turns. Produced by fellow Stockholm native Björn Yttling (of Peter, Björn and John), who also cowrote the songs, Youth Novels is clever fun from a distinctive new talent and will no doubt be topping numerous Best of 2008 lists, but do yourself a favor and don’t wait until then to check it out. (Wendy)