Let's get this out of the way immediately: If you are a music buff or if you are deeply ingrained in Swedish culture, this is not a list for you. Rather, it's a list for your friends. Your family. Your enemies, even.
Take yourself back to 1994. Remember that smash hit, Cotton Eye Joe? Of course you do, you couldn't escape it. It was number one in eight countries, and stayed top of the charts in Norway for 15 weeks. 15 weeks! Poor Norway. Trivia: In 2007, the Swedish band tried to sell itself on eBay.
2. Icona Pop – I Love It
We don't care… that you didn't know they were Swedish. We love it. Best buds Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo may be based these days in the US, but they grew up in Stockholm.
Today folks call them Icona Pop. Their break-out hit I Love It reached number 1 on UK charts, number 7 in the US, and number 2 back home in Sweden.
3. The Final Countdown
Almost 80 million YouTube viewers can't be wrong – this is an amazing anthem. Have a listen to that intro. BUT, did you know that the lads from Europe are actually from the town of Upplands Väsby, making The Final Countdown the most interesting thing to come out of Upplands Väsby. Note, the lead guitarist is Norwegian.
4. Peter, Björn and John – Young Folks
Tokyo girl? No sir. The Sign, which spent six weeks at number one on US billboards, was written by Swedish siblings Linn, Jenny, and Jonas- aka Ace of Base.
The family hails from Gothenburg, and stirred up the charts with their other single Don’t Turn Around – said to be the inspiration for Lady Gaga’s Alejandro.
6. The Hives – Hate to Say I Told You So
7. The Cardigans – Love Fool
Persson wrote the lyrics while sitting at an airport waiting for a flight. The pop rock-disco-funk song became The Cardigans' first international hit.
The Stockholm-native began her career by voicing an animated Swedish film, but has now moved on to Grammy nominations. Good for her.
Member comments