The first hint at the new album came by the way of emotional musical love letter, ‘Missing U’ – a glittering, urgent ode to the weird sensation of missing the ghost of a relationship. It was everything we have come to expect from the Swedish singer, but without a hint of predictability.
As Honey progresses, the urgency mellows, softening to an undulating flow. It becomes the pulse underlying everything rather than the rattling slam of a pounding heart. ‘Baby Forgive Me’ is a haunting whisper which slips into the soft, hypnotic demands of ‘Send To Robin Immediately’ seamlessly. The title track, ‘Honey’ drips; dulcet and dreamy as Robyn takes you “right where the hurt is.” There is catharsis and strength here. ‘Ever Again’ takes us home and it feels like a celebration of letting go. In true Robyn fashion, it is an anthem, a stand out track if ever there was one, with a perfect bassline to see Honey out (before hitting repeat).
It is tempting to give Honey the title of a comeback album, but the truth is that Robyn never actually departed. What it is, however, is Robyn renewed; an amber jewel in a disco ball crown.
