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I came across a video of current successful Swedish pop princess Robyn doing a version of Bjork‘s Hyperballad today. She performed the song with a full orchestra at the Polar Music Prize ceremony. Bjork was one of the recipients of the award, and was sitting right in front of Robyn as she sang.
It’s awful. I hate to say that since I love Bjork and Robyn, but Robyn does not have the chops to belt out such a vocal heavy song such as Hyperballad. I felt a little uncomfortable watching the blonde pixie dressed up as the “president of the Philipines”, struggle with the loud high notes. Bjork didn’t seem to happy either. Look at her expression at 1:42, eeps. I’d be a little peeved if I were her too if someone covered a 15 year old song of mine, considering all the great music I’ve been putting out since then.
I had high hopes for this before I heard it. Robyn has some great emotional songs, and it would seem like she could really give a powerful performance of the song, but she doesn’t put any life into it. When I saw Bjork perform this at Sasquatch back in 2007 it was one of the most thrilling live performances I’ve ever seen.
Watching Robyn sing her song, Even Bjork (below) doesn’t look impressed as she watches from the audience…
Maybe I’m just being picky though. Take a listen for yourself:
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Votta
August 31st, 2010 at 12:40 pm
It’s a very hard song to sing; Robyn did a great job. Also, does anyone really know what Bjork is thinking?
Mike
September 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 pm
I have never disagreed with an article on this site more than this, and there has been a lot I don’t agree with.
Try listening to the song. Not watching Robyn cover a Bjork song. Just turn off the lights, turn off your screen. It’s far from “awful”
Jake V
February 13th, 2011 at 11:24 am
I am pretty sure the original says “safe up here with you” and it sounds like she is saying “safe again with you.” I totally agree with Votta, i don’t think anyone can read bjork.
James A Turko
February 19th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Robyn performance was amazing, you fail to interpret her performance. Bjork love it! Robyn climbs over every word like and wide eyed killer. She gave the song a new style. She was being true to the song, and only a narrow minded reprobate would not hear or see a gift from God. A amazing performance from a amazing artist. Robyn’s performance of Bjork Hyperballad was Fastastisk and thank God most of the world agree.