It’s finally here; Lykke Li’s third album, I Never Learn. Three years since her second album, Wounded Rhymes, and six years since her first, Youth Novels, Lykke Li has developed beautifully but has also remained true to the unique style that captured our ears from the beginning.
I Never Learn is an amalgamation of emotions; honesty, sadness, helplessness. Simple background instruments really intensify Li’s voice and lyrics. There are two versions of “No Rest For The Wicked,” each equally well put together. The piece creates a foundation of simple piano notes, somewhat optimistic but also melancholy in a way. In fact, the narrative is quite sad. The original video introduces a man on a train, remembering a past love, running through the meadow. It’s initially a little sappy, but the message is strong. The story is one of love, made obvious by the introductory nostalgia, preserving love in memory, and also preserving regret in memory. “No Rest For The Wicked” is about fighting for love and fighting internally.
The second version, featuring A$AP Rocky, gives a different perspective on the piece, as a plume of smoke dominates the video, which eventually reflects itself and fades. It’s psychedelically artistic. Of course, a lil rap never nobody.
A$AP Rocky sings just as smooth as Lykke Li, and, again, the simple piano beat only adds to his contribution.
Likewise, Lykke Li’s video for “Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone” is simple, yet brimming with emotion. The piece is composed of simple acoustics that, like “No Rest For The Wicked,” showcase Li’s unique voice. The video centers on Li as she kneels in in a dark setting. She exhibits hopelessness, as she seems to be pleading.
“Love Me Like I’m Not Made Of Stone” is followed by “Never Gonna Love Again” on the album, a track with a surprisingly more upbeat tone (if you don’t listen to the lyrics) than it’s predecessor. Though the title and message does once again emphasize hopelessness and defeatism.
Lykke Li is simple; she doesn’t require synthesizers or voice distortion, and it is effective. Honesty and emotion comes out in this well developed album about love, regret, and growth.
4/5
Nikki grew up in an imitation German town in Georgia by the name of Helen. It wasn’t until middle school that she started to get interested in the arts: painting, music, and writing. She wrote in her diary, sketched in art class and listened to regretful music. By high school, her tastes became a little more refined. She found Fiona Apple, Lou Reed and Giant Drag, and they remain her favorites in college. She was accepted to the University of Georgia in 2012 and is currently majoring in English. Upon moving to Athens from a town with more trees than people, Nikki was a bit overwhelmed. However, there is certainly no lack of inspiration in Athens, and she appreciates its love for the arts and its service as a platform.