Erik Grönwall

Erik Grönwall was assembled immediately after his Swedish Idol 2009 victory, combining performances associated with the television season and the winning single “Higher.” Because of that speed, it functions less as a fully developed original statement than as a direct record of a voice discovered in front of a national audience. “Higher” announces a new star through an ascending, optimistic chorus, while “Over You” shows that his tone can also fit contemporary pop rock. The album’s identity is clearest in “Run to the Hills,” “The Show Must Go On” and “18 and Life.” Those songs come from very different rock traditions, yet each allows him to demonstrate range, stamina and theatrical character. “Hey Jude” and “Heaven” emphasize melodies designed for collective singing; “Shout It Out Loud” and “Bodies” increase the physical aggression of the performance. “Leave a Light On for Me,” “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “Is It True” preserve the broad pop connection needed for the audience that followed the program. The songwriting identity and band experience of later years are not present yet, but the strength of the voice and the direction of his taste are unmistakable. It is both a document of a television breakthrough and the starting point for the path through H.E.A.T, Skid Row, online covers and independent solo work.