Joyride - Roxette
Alright, you half-brained knucklehead, strap the hell in because we're diving deep into "Joyride" by Roxette, and this isn’t just any pop album, it's a goddamn masterpiece from the ‘90s. And if you’re too dense to understand why this thing is a perfect 10 out of 10, you better keep reading because I’m about to break it down for you with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to the face.
The Ultimate Pop Adventure: "Joyride"
First off, let’s start with the bloody obvious—this album is called "Joyride," and that's exactly what it is: a fucking joyride. This thing takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and sounds so slick, you'll think you're riding in a convertible with the wind in your hair and the sun in your eyes, blasting these tracks as loud as your eardrums can handle. The duo behind Roxette, Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson, crafted an album that is not just a collection of songs but a goddamn experience.
The opening track, also titled "Joyride," kicks things off with a whistle that could wake the dead and make them dance. The chorus? Oh, don’t get me started. It's catchy as hell, with that line, “Hello, you fool, I love you,” which, by the way, is iconic. It's the kind of song that makes you want to throw your arms in the air, shout the lyrics at the top of your lungs, and just revel in the sheer exuberance of life. It sets the tone for the whole album—upbeat, infectious, and unapologetically fun.
The Tracks That Crush It
Then, just when you think you’ve got this album pegged, it throws "Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)" at you. And let me tell you, this track is a gut punch of emotion wrapped in a perfect pop shell. Marie's vocals soar with the kind of raw power that makes you feel every damn word. You think you've heard heartbreak before? Think again. She belts out, “Every time you leave the room I feel I’m fading like a flower,” and you’re left clutching your chest because, damn, it hits that hard.
And of course, there's "Spending My Time," a melancholic masterpiece. It's the song that plays when you're staring out a rainy window, lost in thought, wondering where the hell it all went wrong. The lyrics are pure poetry: “I’m spending my time, watching the days go by, feeling so small, I stare at the wall, hoping that you think of me too.” It's a slow burn that takes you to the depths of heartache but does it with such grace and melodic beauty that you can't help but be entranced.
Genre-Bending Brilliance
What makes "Joyride" stand out from the sea of pop albums is its diversity. This isn’t some cookie-cutter crap churned out on a conveyor belt of mediocrity. It jumps genres like a manic kangaroo—rock, pop, ballads, even a hint of blues. "The Big L." hits you with a rock edge that’s infectious as hell. It’s got this swagger, this confidence that’s just so damn compelling. It’s a song that struts, and it makes you want to strut right along with it.
And then you’ve got "Church of Your Heart," a damn near spiritual experience that takes pop to new heights. It's a song that swells and crescendos like a wave crashing over you, leaving you soaked in its brilliance. Gessle’s songwriting shines here, creating a sense of longing and devotion that's almost palpable. It's pop with substance, depth, and a hell of a lot of heart.
No Filler, All Killer
You know how most albums have those filler tracks that you just skip over? Well, not here. Not on "Joyride." Every single track on this album has a purpose, a reason for being. "Knockin' on Every Door"? That’s your anthem for not taking any crap from anyone, a straight-up banger that gets your blood pumping and your middle finger in the air. "Watercolours in the Rain"? It’s hauntingly beautiful, with a vibe that pulls you into a melancholic trance. "Perfect Day" wraps things up with a stripped-back, almost acoustic feel, ending the album on a note that feels both tender and complete.
The 10/10 Verdict
Now, let’s not beat around the bush here: "Joyride" is a goddamn triumph. It's an album that encapsulates everything pop music should be—catchy, emotional, diverse, and unapologetically bold. Roxette didn’t just make a pop album; they made the pop album, one that stands the test of time and smacks the taste out of your mouth with its sheer brilliance.
So, you want to know why this album is a 10 out of 10? It’s because it’s a flawless, fucking fantastic joyride from start to finish. It’s because it captures every damn emotion you can feel in just over an hour of listening. It’s because Roxette crafted an album that’s not just good; it’s perfect. And if you don’t get that, then you’re either deaf, dumb, or have the musical taste of a brick. Now go listen to the damn thing and thank me later.