Scandinavian Vibes

The Scandinavia is the term used to describe the nordic or northern countries of Europe. It comprises countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finnland, Iceland, etc. The region is typically unique for its glacial activities, temperate and alpinic weather, collectivism and social progressiveness. Perhaps an instructive lesson for the west and western-influenced industrialized and capitalist nations is the Scandinavian’s penchant for detribalization, communal over individual mindset, respect for nature, compatriots and strangers alike, and the pursuit and value of life’s simple pleasures.

They are known as the world’s happiest nations with Finnland ranked first, followed by Denmark, Iceland and Sweden respectively. Finnland has held the spot for eight consecutive years. With its communal propensity, the Scandinavia has shared a portion of its happiness with the world through music. However, Sweden is the biggest contributor to world music, pop and electronic music from the nordic region. In other words, Scandinavian music is mostly the music made in Sweden.

ABBA

Ace of Base

ABBA is Sweden’s best musical gift to the world and one of the finest pop quartet assembled in popular music history. From winning the Eurovision Song contest in 1974, the group would proceed to thrill the world with viral back-to-back hits till 1981, when the group disintegrated. Sweden’s family values is reflected in the all-sibling quartet group Ace of Base. Another dynamic pop group to have emerged in the 1990s.

Is it the raucous and explosiveness of Europe’s “Final Countdown”, the most profound and memorable rock hit from the 1980s? Or Roxette’s catchy “It Must Have Been Love” which was a featured soundtrack in the early 1990’s epic romantic comedy Pretty Woman with Julia Robert and Robert Gere? One thing must be said, anyone who overlooks Sweden’s valued musical contributions, does himself a great disservice. In this post, I share a playlist of Sweden’s best and memorable voices.

1. ABBA (Sweden). “Knowing Me, Knowing You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpsn_mgEJ_w Arrival (1976).

2. Ace of Base (Sweden). “All That She Wants” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpkawF5GWMI Happy Nation (1992).

3. Aqua (Denmark). “Barbie Girl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77zog6Up_Yg Aquarium (1997).

4. Avicii (Sweden). “Hey Brother” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un6s1R-4Ud8 True (2013).

5. Dr Alban (Sweden). “It’s My Life” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvErUgBtUyA One Love (1992).

6. Europe (Sweden). “The Final Countdown” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNiTxUEnmKI The Final Countdown (1986).

7. Neneh Cherry (Sweden). “7 Seconds, feat Youssou N’ Dour” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w4NBtjKwgQ Man (1996).

8. Roxette (Sweden). “It Must Have Been Love” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnl9U-hHp1I Tourism (1992).

9. Zara Larsson (Sweden). “Memory Lane” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yxQKiU9Siw Honor The Light (2023).