The Cardigans Album: “Gran Turismo”

Nina has me feeling as if we were all growing up with her. In the beginning with "Life" we heard her in a youthful teenage phase of infatuation and carefree lifestyle. In "Gran Tourismo" Nina and her band make us feel the angst of the late 20s and early 30s. Her dissolusion with socitey and it's norms come clear. Now with "Long Gone Before Daylight" we feel as if she's now post-cynical in middle age, come to accept the stuff she can't change, with regrets and old memories. We can hear her baggage and lost loves in her voice. If you're like me you'll never forget her voice.

When I first got this, i was like "What the heck? " and was dissappointed, but i had to give it a second and third listen. Then its like it just grew on me, dark, morbid, depressing introspective music. Industrial Strength Viking Inflected European Blues.

Let there be no mistake, this is a fantastic CD. The tracks have an immediate accessability but will also linger with you long after you first hear them. 5 star performance for me. "Junk of the Heart" will have you grabbing the controls of your walkman to hear it again and try and recapture the feelings. Truly astounding, well balanced and just brilliant!

With this new album,The Cardigans have stepped up their musicianship and sound variety.I have enjoyed seeing how they continue to grow and challege the boundaries of their music.On Grand Turismo,they abandon their previous and beautiful smooth pop offerings (songs like "Rise and Shine","Carnival",and "Lovefool") and churn out some very emotional and gritty songs.I prefer to call this type of sound 'Industrial Rock'(c).Nina's songwriting has also improved-- immediately noticed on the album's opening track,"Paralyzed",in which Nina later sings,"This is where your sanity gives in and the love begins".Other lyrics like,"This is the age when my past should be gone but it's just stronger than the aims I have" (from "Starter"),will get stuck in your head."Explode" is simply a haunting and beautiful song.It is so hypnotic and melodic."Hanging Around" at first sounds like the band looped a level sound from Nintendo's 8-bit Ninja Gaiden series,before it swings into a flourishing Industrial Rock development.This song just pounds constantly,and the distorted guitars reflect Nina's pessimistic conclusions.On "Higher",the band incorporates some beautiful chorus-like background vocals.This song also sounds like an enchanting time clock,ticking away and pulling the listener into this atmospheric and peaceful abyss.I love the 'wah..wah..wah' guitar riff on "My Favorite Game".The band also puts a strange organ sound into the chorus part of this song,giving it a cool processional vibe.Speaking of riffs,"Do You Believe" has an awesome pulsating and upward electronic-like guitar riff.This song also serves as the group's best use of their new Industrial Rock experimentation.Nina sings,"Do you really think that love is gonna save the world?....well I don't think so",emotionally draining the listener with her voice.This song has a great accoustic guitar being utilized in the background,adding to the polyrhtmic texture."Junk Of The Hearts" comes at a perfect time,because up until this point,the band has really grinded and successfully wallowed in the simplified trip-hop and full Industrial Rock realm.With this song,The Cardigans somewhat calmn things down.I like the country-like sliding guitar and subtle rythms on this tune.Nina's voice is so sultry and the band chemistry couldn't get any better on Gran Turismo.

I can't tell you how many times I have listened to this album,but I do know that this is one of the few albums that really really affects the listener.It can be emotionally draining at times,or very instrumental in commanding some type of action on the part of the listener.If you are mad about a breakup,then this album may just infuriate you more,or could also be some therapy!If you are in a mellow mood,this album could simply lull you to sleep.It has often done this to me.Speaking of direct emotional appeal,this album just makes me want to rock sometimes and groove,and other times I just want to sit back and contemplate things.I will say that those who are Cardigan fans and those who have not heard this album yet,will definately be beautifully disturbed.I would recommend it to new-comers and supportive Cardigan followers.

i've listened to them all and this one grabs me the most. the whole album is good. your favorite game got a little played out but is still cool.

erase and rewind is very nice.