Why would Sweden be recognized for its pop-school, and Norway not? This is the question Cloud Nine puts forward. The title may sound pretentious, but let me get one things straight – it needs to have a little bit more intriguing content If it wants to be considered pretentious. An album by a Norwegian producer Kygo is mediocre. Made by imaginary cookbook of dance-pop music with severe doses of carefully selected ingredients, the record is saturated with big choruses and catchy piano sections. Although Scandinavians tend to be emotionally distant, it seems like they are always ready to dance. Maybe that is the only way to warm up out there in the snow.
Cloud Nine brings what every casual fan of the radio wants to hear. It is hard to fight against this – music is a product. It’s clear from every cloud that this product has a buyer. Many vocalist and diverse dance-pop tunes create a seductive, but forgettable album. Ignoring it and listening this type of music is the same, which might be the explanation for its popularity. It is politically correct, it does not provoke anyone, every song could be a hit. Every other song could become a populist anthem.
Now we are coming to the other side. Composition, arrangements and interpretations are spot on. Everything is just how it should be, nerdy and stylish. The only thing missing is a wish to press play again. Music is good for changing the radio station.
Firestone and Happy Birthday leave the best impression, thanks to the affectionate interpretation of the singers. Vocals resonate with instrumental. Maybe Kygo knew who to choose, but I guess we will never know that. Do we ever want to know that?
The list of collaborators make Cloud Nine a missed opportunity. John Legend, James Vincent and Tom Odell are just some of the big names who appear on the record, not succeeding to make it interesting. I was intrigued to hear For What It’s Worth, a track featuring Angus and Julia Stone. It turned that Kygo was saving the biggest disappointment for the very end of the album.
No matter how harsh I was during this review, Kygo has nothing to worry about. There is no winter for him. The law of big numbers will play its part; there will be fame and money. What more can a Scandinavian producer expect from a debut.
