Earlier this year she returned to Melodifestivalen with her gripping — albeit divisive — pop anthem “Statements“. And although Loreen didn’t win the ticket to Kyiv, she definitely left fans craving more of her artistic, sometimes off-the-wall music.

And now the wait is, if not over, then at least cut shorter. On Friday the Eurovision 2012 winner released Nude, a three-track extended play, as a short preview of her forthcoming studio album, which is set for release in November.

In an interview with wiwibloggs earlier this year, Loreen spoke about her new album:

The sound on this album is going to be a bit different. It became that somehow. It’s very Woodstock inspired, very low-fi. Why? Because of the whole situation in the world. It will be a completely new chapter, with a very specific focus on the human, the human values, what I feel is important today. I didn’t plan it to be this way, it became that.

Nude comes with a similar message. It’s the singer’s statement about not caring about commercial success, but rather about expressing feelings and sending a message. It’s about what really matters once you strip everything away.

This EP wasn’t for the critics or the media, it was for you, my fans. It’s been an incredible journey so far, but for 2017 I wanted to take control and ensure that the vision for the future was one I could stand behind 100%. Your love, patience, and loyalty have made this possible.

‘Nude’ is my gift to you, a small token of my appreciation before I show you my next album. I’ve made you wait a while, but that album will be out before the end of the year. Until then, the ‘Nude’ EP is a long overdue thank you note to all of you.

Loreen — “Body”

Nude opens up with — fittingly — “Body“, which was released in July. Magical, mystical, hypnotic — the number stays true to Loreen’s other-worldly sound, which is at once electronic and somehow spiritual. As we wrote in our review:

Beginning with electro percussion, Loreen draws you into a trance with her breathy vocals that move from deep and mellow to piercing and soaring.

The song describes the magnetism she feels with a special someone, whose body speaks a language she most definitely understands.

The second number, “Jungle“, saw the light of day about two weeks ago. A collaboration with Swedish rapper Elliphant, “Jungle” features strong reggae influences and is reminiscent of M.I.A.‘s early works. Loreen has a tendency to mumble, but Elephant most definitely enunciates.

Nude closes with “Ocean Away“, the only previously unreleased track on this EP. Mixing midtempo electronic music with reggae, and in a way blending the sounds of its two predecessors, it is a haunting song that deals with the fragile emotions one feels after a break-up.

“Fly away, fly away, an ocean away, where I won’t let you hurt me again,” Loreen sings. “How I try, how I stumble, how I fall along the way.”

Although she is still hurting, the singer knows it will all heal eventually and makes an empowering statement: “I am a soldier.”

What do you think? Do you like Nude? Or does it leave you feeling not-so euphoric? Tell us in the comments section bellow!

Loreen — “Ocean Away”

Listen to Nude on Spotify

Buy Nude EP on iTunes here

Read our reviews of new music here

Follow our Sweden Eurovision news here

10 Comments
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The Anders
The Anders
6 years ago

I really like the song, but I fail to hear what it has to do with Woodstock. Electronic beats have very little in common with guitar rock á la Jimi Hendrix or The Who. It sounds a bit like a smart way of promoting the EP, but it’s a fine song in any case

David
David
6 years ago

Well, since she split with warner and signed with BMG she had to drop the “woodstock inspired material” since everything that was being written while signed to warner is their property (which sucks big time). This is why Nude sounds so different from statements. I really like the EP, my only criticism is that loreen seems to hold back on her vocals, especially in jungle and that the choruses aren’t as vocally centered as we’re used to from Loreen. It’s nice to see her experiment with different sounds but i really hope the album will rather be in the spirit… Read more »

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

While I’m leaving ‘Body’ aside, other two tracks go just well. EP sounds smooth and low-key, a bit less commercial which I believe fits her artistry and image. I wouldn’t mind tho to have something fun-striking from Loreen once more. Yet since it looks like she’ll keep blend her vocals with various stuff from electronic genres, to have her vocals on, for example, luquid dnb would be just awesome.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

wow this new track is quite good!

William Lee Adams
Admin
6 years ago

“Paperlight” remains my favourite Loreen track ever. The Melfest live performance was just sooo good.

gav
gav
6 years ago

Agreed. I so wanted paperlight to get so much more recognition.

DR
DR
6 years ago

Which Paperlight. The Mello version starts with Paperlight (higher) and then when she’s joined by Kazaky she starts singing the other version Paperlight Revisited.

That’s my second favourite, but mine top is We Got The Power.

mad-professor
mad-professor
6 years ago

Paper Light, I’m In It With You, Statements – all fantastic songs and so woefully underrated.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago

She should have entered “Paper Light” (the original, NOT the Revisited Remix) 2 years ago. She would have given Måns major headaches on the scoreboard at MF.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

I have it on Deezer, and I quite like it. And it’s nice to see story behind it(it’s not for commercial success, rather for fans). 🙂