Elina is a Stockholm, Sweden-based singer songwriter who has featured on this blog a couple of times before, most recently in August thanks to her single I Should’ve Danced More. It’s a track that features on her recently released debut album, written as therapy during the pandemic. It’s called Whatever Happens Now.
By Graeme Smith
Elina grew up in a small village set in the Scandinavian forest with ’60s and ’70s influences including Joni Mitchell and The Mamas & The Papas. Pairing them with modern soundscapes, her work has already earned her an Ivor Novello nomination and multiple awards. Her career so far has led up to this debut album, which she sees as the closing of a chapter, and the start of a new one.
The album opens with Silver Linings. It’s a delicate, instrumental start as twinkling keys create the early atmosphere. The composition slowly builds, reaching a welcoming climax that feels like it simultaneously looks back and looks forward. It captures the concept of the album well.
Apologize is where that concept started and it’s a richly emotional pop and R&B moment. Elina’s vocals are utterly captivating, accompanied by a compelling piano melody. If there was any doubt about Elina’s exceptional song-writing talents, they are dispelled by this track. It’s an early highlight.
Before We Fall Asleep brings with it some electric guitar and intimate romance. You Make Me Think Of Fire is a slow-burning number where Elina’s vocals are at their most expressive. You’ll find yourself falling in love a little. Sweet Night is Elina’s tribute to Sweden in Summer. It’s warmly acoustic and its descriptive and optimistic lyrics make it another highlight.
Title track Whatever Happens Now gives us a mix of nostalgia, nostalgia and trepidation. Its understated yet anthemic quality is a tonic. It’s followed by the aforementioned I Should’ve Danced More which in the context of the album provides a woozy, reflective, guitar-driven wonder.
Worst Is Over is a gentle and meditative exploration of heartache before I Don’t Know Love closes the album with an exploration of the human relationships. A soaring chorus showcases the charisma of Elina’s vocals beautifully. It’s a final highlight.
You can give Whatever Happens Now a listen below.
