Given the huge success of
Lena Philipsson's 2004 comeback album
Det Gör Ont En Stund På Natten Men Inget På Dan, she can hardly be blamed for sticking close to the formula for the follow-up record.
Jag Ångrar Ingenting is, like its predecessor, a slick, assured collection of mature power pop. Lead single "Unga Pojkar & Äldre Män" does add a Middle Eastern flavor to the mix, and created mild controversy with its sexually suggestive lyrics which hint at bisexuality, and "Någon Annanstans" is one of the most aggressive songs she's ever recorded. On the whole, though, the album strikes a balance between the driving power pop and sincere balladry which made the previous album so successful. At ten tracks and less than 45 minutes running time it never outstays its welcome, and highlights such as the driving, self-assured title track and the irresistible "Jag Sover Hellre Ensam" stand up alongside her best work. It does drift towards midtempo blandness on occasion, particularly on the chintzy "Det Ringer På Min Dörr," which throws in references to
Barry White and Coca Cola Light in a slightly irritating manner, but it's a minor blemish on an otherwise very strong album. More of the same then, but enjoyably so. She'd be wise to update her sound a little on future recordings, but when your last album was one of the best pop records of the decade, a little consolidation is by no means a bad thing ~ John Lucas