Norwegian pop-princess Annie (née Anne Lilia Berge Strand) is at it again with her sophomore album, Don't Stop. Her debut Anniemal was a smash hit in 2005, selling over 100,000 copies and making her a staple in homes and clubs all over the world. Annie has an uncanny knack for making musical magic, singing sugary hooks over synth beats in a breathy soprano, and her lyrics are contagious.
Don't Stop has a little something for everyone, diving into Bossa Nova sounds and then jumping back into her signature ladies anthems; my personal favorite is "I Don't Like Your Band," on which she sings "I don't like your music / I'm just not into it / it's not you, it's not you / it's your tunes" (who hasn't been there before, right?). I've been putting the album on repeat when getting ready for a night out and when trying to liven up holiday parties. There is nothing like a good playlist to serve as an icebreaker.
Not only is Annie an awesome musician in her own right, her mixtape for the DJ Kicks series (released in 2005) helped bring underground acts to light with her remixes and collaborations with DJ legends Alan Braxe and Junior Senior. And she's cute as hell.
Put on any of Annie's albums and get loose, this is sunshine-y pop music that is great for dancing, driving, and putting some pep in your step.
Don't Stop will make an awesome stocking stuffer this year, who will you give it to?
