It's a mystery why The Glass Child is not huge
For the last two years we have been raving about an up and coming singer songwriter from Sweden, Charlotte Eriksson and now, on the back of two impressive EP's in The Glass Child and This Is How Ghosts Are Made, she has finally released her debut album - and what a bumper LP it is too, with a mammoth 17 tracks. Released under her pseudonym (or possibly alter ego), The Glass Child, I'd Like To Remain A Mystery showcases to any young inspiring songwriter how to write poetic and heartfelt songs about real life and with a passion that hits you hard.
Clocking in at over 65 minutes long and costing less than buying a couple of pints in London, getting value for money is never in doubt but the most impressive thing with an album this long - not once does it become boring, Charlotte Eriksson draws you in with her lyrics and mixture of sensual and powerful vocals. The majority of the tracks are new but there are a few towards the end, which those who are already fans will recognise, although some of them have been updated a little.
There are far too many stand out tracks to list but special mention has to go I Will Lead You Home, a track that was originally written for a Swedish Cancer Charity and is one that pulls so hard on the heart strings it literally rips your heart out. There are plenty of rockier tracks too but all in all this is about listening to lyrics and letting them take you away.
There are surprises on the album, even for those who have followed Charlotte for the last few years, none more so on the track Lover I Don't Have To Love where Ms Eriksson throws away her sweet innocent persona in one swift go. "Your hands on me, pressing hard against your jeans, your tongue in my mouth, trying to keep the words from coming out, didn't care to know, who else may have been here before".
Backed up by a highly talented crew, including the impressive Niels Bakx, I'd Like To Remain A Mystery is one fantastic mammoth debut album, let's hope that more follow soon.