by Tysa Banks
Leona Lewis, Rihanna, Beyonce, and Christina Aguilera either need to watch out or at least take notice because there is about to be some fierce competition coming to America. Her name is Agnes Carlsson (known simply as “Agnes”) and she’s from Sweden. Yes, the Nordic Country produces pop stars. The ironic thing is she looks like a cross between Leona Lewis and Jennifer Lopez so not only is her voice going to fit in but her look will too. Pretty soon it’s going to be hard to keep up with this “Fab Five” because of how spectacular they all are. Some may think I’m being too bold by putting such an unknown (at least to the United States) artist in such a high classification but when you hear this song, you’ll understand why.
From the very first moment “Release Me” began to play, her voice awoke something inside of me that I haven’t heard since I heard Leona Lewis’ voice for the first time. Lewis’ song was “Bleeding Love,” and I remember thinking to myself, Oh yeah. This chic is gonna be HUGE. I think I even went out and bought her album that same week. That is exactly what I intend on doing as soon as Agnes’ album, Dance Love Pop debuts in the U.S. Right now, the only place I have seen it available is on Amazon ($19.98) or via digital download. Until it’s a little easier (and affordable) to acquire, I’ll impatiently be waiting for that day to arrive.
Some fun facts about Agnes: She was Sweden’s second Idol winner in 2005. She has two previous albums, Agnes and Stronger, that were released back to back. Her first one came out within a few months of winning and then a quick ten months later, her second album premiered. Agnes currently holds the record for being the highest selling album by any Swedish Idol contestant. Both of these albums have sold nearly 200,000 copies in Sweden alone, making Agnes one of the most successful Swedish pop singers ever. She is the only winner from the popular show to cross overseas to the United States. Do I need to go on or are you convinced enough? If you aren’t, then just go listen to “Release Me.” Then you’ll know why I am so animated about the song and the astounding artist behind it.
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i LOVE agnes! release me is one of my favorite songs (the best is remixed though) and she’s so cute! she just performed the wkend before last at the tea dance at white party in palm springs..i had skipped that one tea dance party but i heard her performing from my hotel. britney spears went with her to the performance to support her as a friend. i have one of her other songs on my ipod i forget the name, but it’s not as good. not bad though.