BRIEFLY SHAKING

Jan's daughter had a good career on her own. She detonated onto the scene with her debut album Velkommen Inn and got the Madonna label stamped on her forehead. More like Kate Bush in my view, but the Norwegian media went for the Madonna label instead.

Anja was a sharp cookie on her four albums and she did it her way. I hope she still does, btw. Briefly Shaking is her fourth and so far last album.

Being the daughter of the musical giant Jan, she soon staked out her own course far away from her father. Her music is in the sophisticated pop music genre. Briefly Shaking is both sophisticated and catchy at the same time. The music can be labelled a more electronic version of what Rasputina does. Comparissons with Kate Bush is also in order. Madonna ? Not much.

Anja's voice is the main instrument here, supported by a wide variety of other instruments. Her voice is very good so the sound suits her perfectly. The best songs here are those more pastoral songs. The catchy songs are very commercial, but not that good.

Overall, this is a good album. Some really great songs (like on her debut album) are sorely missed though. But it is still a good quirky pop album which may appeal to those of you into female driven pop music. Check it out.

3 stars