Annie - Anniemal

Step forward one Anne Lilia Berge-Strand, your time has come. It was back in 1999 when Annie launched her pop career with the single ‘Greatest Hit’ but it has been a long tumultuous journey from there to the release of this, her debut album. ‘Greatest Hit’ was a dance stomper complete with Madonna sample, background clapping and reverberating interruptions which was released, and is included here, with production by Annie’s partner Tore Korknes before his untimely death; such is the history, time and effort that has been involved in the release of this album.

Every track on ‘Anniemal’ is reminiscent of a diary charting Annie’s memories and experience; sharing them, keeping them, holding them close for prosperity, never to forget the moment. Taking a reflective look at relationships, love and the intricate complications yet doing so with the best aspects of pop through the ages; from a smidgen of Abba to a dash of Girls Aloud and seasoned with some help from Richard X.

Beginning with the swirling galactic opening ‘Intro’ where bleeps, whirrs and lasers buzz in the background crafting a mystical fairy world opening which welcomes the rhythmic beats, sprinkling of pulses and self referential lyrics on the one of the singles of 2004 ‘Chewing Gum’ an insatiably catchy Richard X electro-dance parade.

Production techniques incorporated on ‘Anniemal’ do not burden each song with unnecessary complexities moreover they grasp the simple aspects and fashion them to the extent that every song is a potential single.

Vocal styles undertake a variety of integrated approaches; ‘Always Too Late’ sees Annie dashing out rapid fire machine gun lyrics whilst ‘Helpless Fool For Love’ is a more mellow affair by the standards set and depicts the sensation felt by the emergence of one you care for. A primarily unaccompanied opening creates a lullaby-esque feel on ‘Come Together’ before an accomplished disco groove kicks in, cooing beats and hypnotic drums produce seven minutes that skip by effortlessly.

‘Heartbeat’ is a genuine grower progressing from uneventful on first listen this develops in to an elegant pop funk affair engulfing you with more relaxed sugary vocals over a pulsating beat. With this Annie’s dreams to go from heartbreak to music starlet have been accomplished paralleling those expressed in the autobiographical ‘Me Plus One’.

Overall ‘Anniemal’ is tinged with downhearted melancholic lyrics, unsurprising given the personal history, yet every track is upbeat enough to counter this and create a juxtaposition to utmost effect. The climactic moment comes in ‘My Best Friend’ which summarises the album and Annie’s tale beautifully, low-spirited, searching for a lost friend, and failing to find them. While that search may fail the album is more than a success.

Blessed with light whispery vocals Annie perpetuates the illusion she is talking directly to you, hooking you in and forcing you to pay attention. It’s delicately intense, touching, catchy, it’s pop music at it’s finest. What more do you want?