Lykke Li

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• Genre: Singer-Songwriter
• Hometown: Stockholm

About

Sure, she's cute, sweet and quirky, but Sweden's Lykke Li (pronounced Lick-ee Lee) also has a confident charisma primed for pop-sweetheart status. As a kid, Li and her family traveled much, roaming from Stockholm to places like Portugal, Morocco, Nepal and India. Her nomadic upbringing would later filter into the retro-chic blend of indie pop showcased on her 2008 debut album, Youth Novels. Produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John fame, the album bounces with heavy bass and subtle electro beats, sporadically replaced by calypso rhythms, flamenco guitar, trumpet blasts and saxophone trills. With sing-talk mantras, poignant confessionals and upbeat sing-alongs, Li's delicate pixie coos are the main attraction.

- Stephanie Benson