Often remembered as the album where Nina Persson changed her blonde ‘Lovefool’ locks winter brown, 2003’s Long Gone Before Daylight is also remembered as The Cardigans’ “contemplative” album. While not a radical departure from their earlier pop efforts, it was however an album with slight shades of folk or country – all, however, polished under a shiny Cardigans veneer.
What makes this album worthy of note is that – if you move past the Swedish pop sheen – it is a collection of tightly written, highly personal and emotionally expressive songs. “For 27 years I’ve been trying to believe and confide in different people I’ve found” sings Persson softly, “… but I don’t know how to connect, so I disconnect“. This theme runs rife through the album’s lyrical content, as Persson reflects on love lost, missed opportunities and occasionally slightly darker themes; addiction and domestic violence are both vaguely referenced albeit in nonesocertain terms: “I never really knew how to move you, so I tried to intrude through the little holes in your veins“.
If you’re searching for the vocal rawness of a Patty Griffin or a Kathleen Edwards this might not be the most immediate choice of record. However, for those who can see past the gloss it is ultimately a rewarding effort. It won’t shatter any aural universes with originality but remains a sombre, sometimes compelling, rainy night listen.
In summary: thematically interesting subdued pop that you wish was a little more sonically immediate or adventurous.
Standout track: Communication – a slowburning, thoughtful confessional piece.
Nina Persson has recently released a new project as her solo project A Camp. She has released the album “Colonia” and a Covers EP.
