Den vassa eggen cover

Released 41 years ago this October

Den vassa eggen

Ulf Lundell · 1985

88 min · 15 tracks · rock music

Ulf Lundell blends rock and poetic lyricism, weaving narratives of love, freedom, and introspection through vibrant melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Släpp mej fri Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Den vassa eggen — The title track captures the album's essence with its sharp lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, reflecting themes of personal freedom and existential reflection.
  • →
    Äktenskap — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of relationships and marriage, combining emotional weight with Lundell's signature storytelling style.
  • →
    En fri man i stan — Offering a vivid portrayal of urban life, this song encapsulates the spirit of liberation while merging catchy melodies with profound lyrical insights.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant melodies with poetic lyrics, showcasing Lundell's strong songwriting and production skills.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat rock tracks, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Lundell's vocal delivery alternates between spoken word and melodic singing, enhancing the narrative quality of the lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards creating a rich soundscape that supports the lyrical themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamics with peaks
  • introspective reflections on life
  • rich storytelling through melodies
  • late-night contemplative listening
  • emotional depth in each track

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Further established Lundell's influence in Swedish rock after earlier successes.
Themes
Swedish rock poetry· marriage reflections
Career context
By the time 'Den vassa eggen' was released in October 1985, Ulf Lundell was already a prominent figure in Swedish rock music, following his successful album 'Öppna landskap.' This album represents a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter and solidifying his status as a cultural icon in Sweden.
Stylistic neighbors
Håkan Hellström· Kent· Bo Kaspers Orkester

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Släpp mej fri Start here 2:20
  • 2 Chans 5:44
  • 3 Den vassa eggen 5:52
  • 4 Kyssar och smek 6:29
  • 5 Nytt liv 5:27
  • 6 Äktenskap 5:04
  • 7 Inte ett ont ord 5:16
  • 8 En fri man i stan 8:06

Disc 2

  • 1 Lit de parade 5:39
  • 2 En ängel på isen 6:55
  • 3 Aldrig så ensam 9:03
  • 4 Tuff match 3:43
  • 5 Främmande stad 6:38
  • 6 Vi kunde ha älskat 4:35
  • 7 Rialto 7:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata