Sjung cover

Sjung

Laleh · 2012

62 min · 17 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop melodies with introspective lyrics, merging Swedish folk influences with contemporary soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Elephant Start here — An introspective opener that combines catchy hooks with profound lyrics about loss and resilience, setting the emotional tone for the album.
  • →
    Some Die Young — This track stands out for its poignant commentary on youth and mortality, wrapped in an infectious melody that invites reflection.
  • →
    Sjung — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, blending uplifting rhythms with a call to embrace life and sing despite challenges.

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 folk-pop melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing Laleh's unique style while maintaining solid production.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong, upbeat track followed by a series of mid-tempo songs that maintain a consistent energy level.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, creating a rich sound texture.
  • The use of traditional Swedish instruments is prominent in multiple tracks, blending folk elements with contemporary pop arrangements.
  • The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • uplifting anthems for sing-alongs
  • cultural resonance in lyrics
  • emotional depth throughout listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, fast-paced tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Showcases Laleh's unique sound, resonating with dedicated fans post-breakthrough.
Themes
Swedish pop evolution· personal struggle metaphors· life's fleeting nature
Career context
By the time Laleh released 'Sjung' in January 2012, she was already recognized for her unique sound following her self-titled debut album in 2005 and a successful sophomore effort, 'Colors' in 2009. 'Sjung' marked a significant evolution in her artistry, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and producer.
Stylistic neighbors
Sia· Tove Lo· Florence + the Machine

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Elephant Start here 4:09
  • 2 Some Die Young 3:39
  • 3 Who Started It 4:45
  • 4 Interlude 1:41
  • 5 Samuel 3:41
  • 6 Better Life 3:23
  • 7 What You Want 3:14
  • 8 In the Comet 4:14
  • 9 Vårens första dag 4:40
  • 10 Du följer med mig 4:37
  • 11 Sjung 3:45

Disc 2

  • 1 På gatan där jag bor 2:52
  • 2 Just nu 4:00
  • 3 Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö 2:32
  • 4 Ängeln i rummet 4:13
  • 5 Here I Go Again 3:18
  • 6 Fred 3:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata