“Sparks” by Royksopp

Pleasure and melancholy are not often used in the same sentence.  With this song, Royksopp is able to establish a positive relationship between the two.  While the lyrics are born out of a painful situation (the loss of a loved one), the music itself is so exquisite that you have no choice but to find pleasure the song’s melancholy.  It’s a case of celebrating past good times, instead of grieving the painful reality of the present.

I could probably write a thousand words about how amazing the production of this song is, but for now, I’ll just point to the amazing drum breaks and gorgeous pads that drive the song.  The drums are “dusty”, understated and even tentative, but they pull you into the song and the melodies from the pads keep you trapped.

The vocals on “Sparks” come courtesy of Norwegian singer and actress Anneli Drecker who blesses the song with her poetry…

Title: Sparks / Artist: Royksopp / Album: Melody AM (2002)