Robyn: From Pop Puppet to Independent Icon

[@TrashTheory]

If you like this video and the rest of my content, please consider kicking a buck or two over to me on Patreon. Benefits include specific video-curated Spotify playlists. The Robyn one features all the pop classics and her influences mentioned in the video. Check it out and many other playlists now for as little as $1 per month! Link below: www.patreon.com/posts/playlist-july-q-28133966

[@newsrapper]

Thank you for covering one one the best artist of all times

[@itzsxmuel3597]

Please release more videos about Robyn and Max martin legacy

[@luxeford547]

That used to annoy me extremely, but it wasn't his intention. He made his version to deal with *his* personal problems, which were real. And Robyn and Patrik are the ones getting the royalties.

[@robertmatheus8004]

Robyn is the leader of my favorite type of music: songs that mix joy and sadness, making you dance and cry with the same intensity. I don't even know if that have a name

[@PHlophe]

to me its the music genre you can cry to and nobody would notice. its public privacy

[@moralcoach717]

it does have a name: confusion

[@edunoeduno4980]

ya it's called being a hormonal bipolar whiney snowflake basic bitch

[@houstonwheeler9030]

This is my favorite too! I think Carly Rae Jepsen (tonight I’m getting over you) and Lorde (Green light) also do this type of music

[@duartejorge3133]

Mark Ronson defined his new album has a collection of ‘Sad Bangers’ which give that sort of melancholic dance tunes vibes too

[@scifikoala]

"To quote pop historian Todd in the Shadows..." is how I'm going to start all conversations now

[@optiquemusic6204]

At least you gave him the credit you deserve. Meanwhile, Simon Fuller tried what Max Martin did and took it in a completely different direction.

[@n.c.6378]

Robyn and Royksopp together are one of the best things that happened to music.

[@jameskendall74]

That mini album they did might be the best stuff they both every did (apart from Dancing On My Own, of course). Massively underrated.

[@tnshndnt327]

Agreed

[@ZsaZsasMug]

"Do It Again" is hands down the best dance club song of this decade.

[@ShellstaTube]

Monument is epic! Do It Again is a thumper! A pity the vid didn't cover the Royksopp colab.

[@yosmelaraujo3470]

YES!

[@proctologistbarbie]

"It's not surprising that both Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift both have songs that sound like diet Robyn" THE SHAAAADE 😂😂😂

[@diamond-mi7kj]

Wait idk how u saw that as a read its just saying that ari and Taylor gay inspiration from robyn

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

My feeling on most Top 40 today is that it sounds like filler on albums that you bought in like 2008 because you loved one song, and then realized the rest was totally generic. I'm not anti-Pop or Top 40, but I think it's a shame that it's a genre where you can do pretty wildly different things, yet everything sounds the same.

[@fancyhitchpin8675]

Diet, more like anorexic.

[@MarinaAndTheDevil]

I never knew Robyn was such an impactful artist for this long! Thanks for this video 🙏

[@wpbn5613]

god you like all the artists i like you have such a perfect taste in music

[@pauld761]

Marina and The Devil kween

[@pauld761]

Marina and The Devil now stream “love & fear” so Marina can eat tonight

[@Alicia-vq8jg]

I totally didn't realize it was the same woman from the 90s it's so amazing...I'm shocked in a good way.

[@MrMiguelForster]

she's not really .. im so tired of this shit, there is literally nothing special about robyn, she did practically nothing for pop music. Its pretty much all max martin

[@najtrows]

As a Swede I feel so happy to have Robyn and to have had her music growing up and changing into something amazing.

[@millerhxc]

Robyn, many of the other "edgy" pop acts of that era and the more recent resurgence of that sort of sound are the reason that I can never be one of those people who simply says "pop sucks". If you actually like "music", there is no denying when a song is well written and executed. And I totally relate to the whole mix of sadness and happiness. A sad song doesn't need to be slow and dull.

[@millerhxc]

@Erik Lerström You'd think that but there are people in this world, lets say some punk and metal fans, who wouldn't even open their ears to anything vaguely "poppy"/in the charts and have a preconception of any artist who isn't in the genres they like. People like us can see the difference between what Robyn does and the general pop of the 90s but there are people today who wouldn't even give the time of day to acts like HAIM, Sigrid, Janelle Monet and a lot of these modern more alternative pop acts. There's a lot of hip hop/mumble rap in the mainstream nowadays which is probably the "pop" that people are hating on but there is still some amazing pop/alt pop that people ignore.

[@tanyabeacom9050]

I used to be one of those people but lately pop music has been sounding new and fun. Artists Like Tove Styrke, Alma, Troye Sivan, lauv, Carley Rae Jepsen, Hayley Kiyoko and so many more have really caught my ear.

[@OphiuchiChannel]

I find its simply electro/clash/italo being recycled by pop.

[@zitronentee]

@Erik Lerström I think pop is a very broad term. Did you mean 'bubblegum/teen pop' when talking about early BSB, Britney, etc.?

[@andreja9425]

@millerhxc there is also great mumble rap, hip hop, punk, metal, alternative, electronic music, etc too in and out of the charts. Most people regardless of their taste are guilty of undervaluing and under-appreciating artists outside of their typical wheelhouse

[@aryahharrison4535]

Oh my you made me cry watching this. Robyn rarely ever gets the credit she is due. She has shaped the sound of music on her own since 05 and still going at it along with giving people the feels we didn't know were needed to feel. Its magnificent!

[@t2stu]

I had no idea she had such a varied back catalogue of work and ideas. Thanks for this. Your work is appreciated.

[@hetziie]

This validates my love for Robyn’s dancing on my own. My friends never got it, the emotional connection.... she’s amazing.

[@F1rstWorldNomaD]

I really dont get why that is her most popular song. Especially not for fans. Casual teen radio audiences I can understand to some extent. Its a good song, dont get me worng. But since she went independant, its easily one of her most basic, mainstream sounding songs. (which is still alot more unique than the average pop star) I like Robin cuz in general she is NOT those things. She breaks the mold, makes these crazy things that no one else does or she does colabs that most wouldnt dare try or even think of and she nails it every single time. Her "outside the box" personality is her greatest strenght. But someone he least outside the box song is everyones favorite?

[@coolio1197]

This is my favorite video of all time, I've watched it 10+ times. When you play the first notes of Dancing on my own, I get chills.

[@dancingonhisown7799]

Yep! I rewatch it at least once a week.

[@Jaawsshhh]

I wish this got mentioned....kind of ironic that Robyn was a co-writer and sang background on Britney's "Piece of Me".

[@beatnikrn2945]

I was going to say the exact same thing!! But it’s ironic that the narrator says “People like Britney Spears, .... have fallen away.”

[@coffee593]

Its funny, robyn writing about her copycats and one of them is going to sing it.

[@Cammy2123]

Omg I didn’t even know that. I love that song

[@Jaawsshhh]

Also this just leaked of Robyn’s demo for the song kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16aiqN6hLSbgKc

[@jo_mesquita]

Oh my! I didn't know that!

[@joseph2832]

almost made me cry with this video thank you so much

[@tbfarhan2015]

She is an underatted legend😩 WE LOVE U ROBYN

[@ChadSlampiece]

Monument is one of the most beautiful tracks I've ever heard.

[@iCrazy13]

Pete R I love the music video too!!

[@JasonSum1979]

Great video: I’d go as far as saying Robyn was ground zero for everything that hit mid/late 90’s (Robyn is here a debut album is truly outstanding considering a young kid recorded the tracks, She evolved and grew a lot (Her non North American follow up albums are very good) Once she went on her own she changed what musicians can be) The Body Talk Trilogy is the best kept secret in the last 15yrs) music insiders understand how important those albums are the mainstream public not so much But, Robyn deserves so much more respect and love (Fans understand how brilliant she is) 👍👍👍👍👍

[@otisnight6034]

In my opinion, Robin is underrated, so it is nice to see this Robin getting the credit she's due!!!

[@dibs0equiped]

Robyn and Röyksopp - Do It Again top 5 song of this decade.

[@MaleTears]

Wow, Robyn has her fingers in way more pies than I thought. She's kinda been there in the pop background forever now, huh?

[@MiguelSantos-ze5qj]

yes!!! you can also hear her as a background singer in 'Piece of me' by Britney Spears

[@kristavaillancourt6313]

Since 95. Forever, no.

[@RyanStorey1231]

When you think about it, Robyn and Carly Rae Jepson are very similar artists in that they're both one-hit wonders who reinvented their sound and became indie darlings with a cult following of gays. After listening to Carly Rae's new album "Dedicated", I can already see that she's turning into Robyn.

[@MrRazorblade999]

Robyn is not a one hit wonder

[@RyanStorey1231]

D'Ascoyne - In the United States, she is.

[@MrRazorblade999]

@@RyanStorey1231 She's had at least 2 top 10 hits in US

[@TheCivildecay]

So you are telling me I'm gay for liking Robyn? :)

[@Taeerom]

@@MrRazorblade999 She was. Then went away from the US musical attention for awhile, then reemerged as what she is today.

[@Eebelina]

just saw her at Flow, a Helsinki based music festival, and it was something spiritual.. She's a force on stage. And as seen in this clip here, what you get is all her fans just pouring their hearts out by singing along to all the songs. Truly felt like you were reliving those privet vulnerable moments when you'd turn to her music but somehow magically it was now shared with thousands and thousands of people feeling the same things and also Robyn was there cheering you on and lifting you up. She's a legend!

[@knownunknowns589]

The only song I really know by Robyn is 'With Every Heartbeat', which I love so much, but I really had no idea how instrumental she was in shaping the pop landscape. This video was awesome!

[@susannalunden6743]

That was the most beautiful description of Robyn Ive ever experienced. You NAILED it!! ❤

[@bridgidigital]

She's the most perfectly peculiar artist to ever grace the world of music. I adore her. Great video.

[@austintrousdale2397]

Awesome that you stan Robyn, but "the most perfectly peculiar artist" would better describe Grimes IMO.

[@bridgidigital]

Nothing perfectly peculiar about one who collabs with the likes of Poopy or Azalea Banks.

[@hoderharris]

This is just an extraordinary mini documentary on Robyn. Excellent job.

[@Thekrisavalon]

Thank you for creating this video. Robyn is the rare pop star who is doing it on her own terms without the major labels having control of her music and her career. People like Ariana and Taylor can copy her all they want, but they will never capture her emotional spirit. Robyn moves her fans to tears because she puts her soul out there on the stage every night when she performs, and conveys the same energy on her songs. Robyn is one of a kind. I absolutely love her

[@doll_boii]

I'm so hyped someone finally made a video on Robyn

[@spacechampi0n]

Robyn: "Show me love." Robin: "Let's go to the mall!"

[@alexanderescobar6891]

How could you skip over “With Every Heartbeat?” That was one of her breakthrough songs that made people pay attention again! Otherwise wonderful documentary of one of my favorite singers!!👏🏽🙌🏽

[@guksack]

It's the best!

[@Cammy2123]

God I love that song

[@AsboDolche]

i was thinking that is definetly her most well known song in UK for sure

[@Nick-vu9yu]

Her biggest song in the UK so very important.

[@dannyrivera2733]

I heard it in GTA and that’s what got me into Robyn

[@kristenluu5248]

It blew my mind to know that Britney, BSB was created because Robyn rejected to become a product of Mainstream Pop. It's very true that when the narrator said: Robyn's always dancing on her own, cos nobody can be like her and does what she does 🙌🏽

[@CatLives9]

I loved Robyn's first two hits "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)" when I was a kid back in the 90's, but I never knew her full story until this video. Thank you!

[@denisenova7494]

Feline Fatale: Same! Knew these songs but I never knew who sang them. They were just radio hits. I only got to know Robyn hits later. „You never will be mine“ etc...

[@ruth9087]

I'm so glad this documentary exists I've been trying to explain Robyn to my friends so much and no one even knows her and it really hurts that she in the shadows, thank you for this like seriously

[@ZacharyAghaizu]

SO interesting to her how the drum rhythm was very similar across many songs

[@Terry_Bell]

This video was such a wild ride of emotions. That Xenomania shout out made me scream, Robyn's journey and made me cry. This channel is like a rose growing on a swamp. Thanks for creating such an amazing content

[@splatalie746]

Teddybears and The Knife are two of my all time favorite groups and I've always struggled to find music that captured that same addictive 'so happy I could die' melancholic feeling. Im so happy to know where that sound went and how to find more!

[@jewfierros5800]

Trash Theory is by far my favorite music channel on KZbin, constantly making quality content that nearly brings a tear to my eye! Good stuff my dude.

[@junkyfanfan]

I love Robyn! Sad music I can dance to is definitely my favorite! I wish everyone knew her work, she one of the greatest, and keeps doing great music.

[@michaelstiller2282]

I can't get through a week without hearing Robyn's entire music collection. I didn't even learn about her music until 2018. "You should know better," gets you pumped like the beastie boys, sabotaged. Robyn will probably never have a best of Robyn album, because every song is great.

[@millerhxc]

Thanks for bringing Annie's Chewing Gum back to my attention. Had pretty much forgotten about her/that song but I used to be obsessed it among the punk and hardcore I used to listen to at the time.

[@rustyesmus]

I think this was a really good installment for your channel. I love the commentary on how pop/hip hop is treated critically vs. rock. In the late 00s whenever someone brought up Robyn, I would respond “you mean like 90s Show-Me-Love Robyn??” I have enjoyed seeing her grow as an artist and I think you did a great job at highlighting and explaining the context of her career/influence.

[@andresmunoz2378]

I discover Robyn with "Call your girlfriend" I knew instantly that a pop star dancing the whole shot and making THAT historic move upping her butt in her 30's just had to be a strong capable woman. I watch that video growing in views over years with joy

[@whizzardblizzard5696]

Wow I didn’t know Britney Spears was the product of Robyn’s rejection. It worked though, though I wish Britney had showcased her live vocals more

[@danielacano1322]

whizzard blizzard she wasn’t, Jive wanted a white Janet Jackson when they were pitching her (Britney) up

[@Zoza15]

I'd argue that the pop artists of today still copy her success.. As she made it very obvious in the lyrics text of Don't Stop The Music..

[@welfare_king]

@@danielacano1322 no? Lmao. There were dozens of teen pop stars who did dancy music besides janet jackson.

[@fancyhitchpin8675]

whizzard blizzard good one.

[@jonasthemovie]

@@danielacano1322 It is well known they wanted Robyn, but settled for Britney.

[@theScourgeOfStoneMeadows]

You can see the enthusiasm every time she performs so none of this should be surprising.....She obviously loves her job.

[@GatesOfElysia]

I know this is about Robyn, but the legendary icon status of some of these pop songs featured in this video is undeniable

[@mshkolazmarz]

i am 20 now, found robyn in 2011 when i was playing music channel on the tv and call your girlfriend came out. One of the best things i've ever done and encountered in my entire existence so far.

[@ohhiitsjustme3445]

That was awesome!!! Thank you for making this! Robyn is one of my all time faves, and Dancing On My Own is one of the greatest pop songs of all time. Period.

[@yorickcool4219]

I come from a rock and metal background. In my maturity (:-D) I have branched out to a lot of different genres including pop. So when I come across a channel that gives Hüsker Dü the love they deserve but also informs me of the most interesting phenomena in the pop world, I am lovestruck. Thanks for your illuminating and well researched videos, they are a joy for music lovers.

[@sea-goatbr7588]

Same here. Music has no boundary!

[@sexugly303]

That was beautiful! Thank you. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Robyn.

[@Droggelbecher]

I don't have a clue,why KZbin suddenly pushed this video into my feed. I guess it's because I've been watching Todd in the Shadow's content a lot not too long ago? Anyway, thank you for this concise picture of the state of pop you painted by telling Robyn's story and showing us how she found her place in the world. Looking forward to your other videos!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

This is my favorite channel right now

[@OnsceneDC]

THANK YOU for this piece! I have always loved Robyn and saw her live a few years back, and thought she was outstanding. Better understanding the influences of her amazing sound, and some of her incredible collaborators makes me appreciate her even more.

[@bwshn]

This video basically tells what I liked in Robyn without me knowing all the references about her and her music career. I had always defined her aesthetic as "a lot of emotions to be in a pop music" and I have found her unique in every work of her. She is definitely a great artist and thanks for the video, it really deepened my perspective about Robyn and I will pay attention to her art more.

[@lilililililililililililililily]

love the tegan and sara mention, their poppy album Heartthrob makes me feel a nostalgia like no other

[@iomartinez4143]

I love that The Knife had a hand in pushing Robyn to the sky.

[@GravityGrave]

It makes sooo much sense

[@rygy82]

This was quite possibly the best review I've ever seen. Thank you so much for this mind-blowing video!

[@insertyourquarters]

This mini documentary really shook me. Seeing chronologically where she came from to where she has gone is simply amazing. I can see why her home country are so proud of her.

[@Fye1995]

This was beautiful, thank you very much for the focus on Robyn, she deserves them

[@runpandarun09]

This gave me chills. Thank you for doing Robyn. Definitely going to subscribe

[@mariomartz1116]

This is a great video!!! you really put together everything we needed to know about queen robyn

[@dh5988]

Thanks for putting this out. I enjoyed the retrospective. She deserves way more credit than she’s been given. Always look forward to her releases. Get it, Robyn!

[@adeleadeje18cheesecake]

This is the only video on KZbin that I would have gladly watched adverts for. Insightful, well written, great sources. Impressive work. Thank you.

[@Picnicl]

I know that many people say this about what's most current but Robyn's most recent album, Honey, is surely her best work, aside from With Every Heartbeat. e.g. Ever Again and Beach2k20.

[@AndrewLoganJameson]

Body talk changed my life and shifted the way I listened and looked at pop music from that day fwd. Completely brilliant.

[@Moveplaylift]

As a guy who is essentially a metal listener i must admit that whole Body Talk series blew me away... never realised those early hits were her either! Great informative vid.

[@sarahwilson976]

I am so proud of her, always ahead of her time. And the fact Karin and Olof were a big part of her change makes it even better since I’m a huge fan of their work.

[@Gopher286]

How have I never heard of Robyn? I never even heard the name growing up. She's so amazing, predating trends and being so critical to future sounds. Someone should have dropped the name, at least once. I would have listened to that.

[@fka_josh9548]

OMG thank you for this video!!! I love Robyn, the leader of pop revolution! 💞💞💞

[@MistarZtv]

Thank you so much for doing this. This was emotional to watch having been following her music for all the better part of the last two decades.

[@YodaMan-420]

glad i clicked on this. i remember her music from years ago. a lot of people take pop music for granted. sure a lot of it can be cookie-cutter, boring even. but the pop music industry can be abusive controlling and damaging to the artists lives too.

[@parkker6176]

This is such a great overview of Robyn’s trajectory - thanks so much for making it

[@octaviahallett3990]

This was long awaited and much needed for her people just dont know, They WILL NOW !!!!!

[@k_drive]

dude i love how much dignity you give pop music and its artists!!

[@locacharliewong]

Keep your spirit, Robyn! And shine it to all over the world! Here's a little fan from Hong Kong!

[@hedwigkiesler]

thanks for acknowledging Xenomania and Richard X. Along with Robyn, they really were responsible for almost all good pop tunes of the 2000s.

[@xdoriandanger]

Thank you for doing this. I have loved Robyn since the minute her music came to America, and I’ve never stopped. Really enjoyed this video

[@Karl_Marksman]

I dunno why, I'm a grown ass man and Robyn always makes me cry. Absolutely hated the "Do you really want me" stuff, I'm glad she got to be the artist she should be. Robyn, The Knife, Fever Ray. Sweden is killing it with this cold electronic

[@MK-ih6wp]

Ace of Base came from Sweden, one of my fucking all time favorites

[@LLlap]

You should`ve mentioned her great collaborations with Lykke li, Royksopp and the like. They`re monumental pieces of music deserving their own videos.

[@dusthymn8187]

Thank you for doing this! I think the simple storyline of a pop song can be overlooked but Dancing On My Own puts you in the scene every time you hear it. Honey is equally enjoyable, each song makes me think about a relationship I never went through

[@cherrytropico5775]

I had no idea The KNIFE was involved in her music , thats so COOL! Robyn is such an underrated superstar, she deserved so much more recognition here in the US...but I also kinda loved the that she was still a bit underground and loved being able to share her music with others as a super yummy pop treat! 💝 Her music was addicting for me and its some of the best pop out there you will ever hear , hands down! And not to mention how insanely awesome she is LIVE omg! So proud of Robyn 🤍

[@jocefjose6004]

I absolutely love this presentation.. my heart pounded and got teary eyed at that point when her audience sang in unison. Of course Robyn loves her people by creating songs in her own liking ♡♡♡ Edit: im subbing as a token of thanks for featuring our artful lady ♡

[@kaptenteo]

Robyn's music is amazing. I'm especially fond of the EP "Do It Again" that she did together with Röyksopp.

[@iJay2000]

this video is spot on. Robyn is pure perfection, even without consecutive number ones.

[@davidwest.]

robyn for me, is more than an icon, she’s like my mother, sister and friend who always is there when i need her, she has such a big spot in my heart

[@blAckg0D]

Thank you that was super interesting. I love Robyn and I'm so happy that she made it and is still making it.

[@tonydelat2322]

Amazing video, Robyn is an amazing artist! I came to know about her from her 2003 album and her music sounds fresh every time she releases something ever since.

[@deliciator855]

I saw Robyn live when she first burst on the scene way back in 97 at the Radio 1 road show, along with a pre- famous All Saints

[@ThildasBeinhaus]

just a few months ago before Honey was released I looked back at her bodytalk album which opened up a new world for me as a young queer in 2010 and I gotta say she was SO much ahead of her time with everything she does. Even when you look at the aesthetic of the Be Mine video everything from the setup, the colour palette and especially the fashion is still so relevant right now in 2019. Like every cool kid in Berlin still dresses like this. One can just imagine how much further we would push art in the pop industry if more indie Artists had the luck to be heared in such a way. And I don't know a single queer misfit who doesnt dance their heart out everytime they hear Dancing on my own. Robyn is such a treasure to this world.

[@squeallymaniac]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ love to see Robyn get the credit she deserves. This was a great history on her. Honey deserves a Grammy so much

[@jmiglg]

That ending gave me the chills. Awesome research about an awesome popstar icon. Great video!

[@kaicanyonellis]

I discovered so much amazing music through this video. Bless you.

[@davemac609]

I can only imagine how much research has to go into videos like these. Really loving your content man, keep it up!!

[@ginofcourse9230]

I always loved Robyn and this sealed the deal for me. I knew all these pop music today were stealing from actual good artists.

[@theresistance3818]

Robyn, is one of the most talented artists, both vocally and visually, of all time.

[@amoreitaliano]

I’m so glad I found this , cose it just prove the Robyn was way a head of her time.. she is a legend. ❤️

[@CamillaDrakenborg]

For many Swedes she isnt just a "few hit wonders" but the 12 year old that sang the theme song to Lilla Sportspegeln & that we grew up with :) She will always be our nr 1 pop queen

[@thelionqueen12]

I love Robyn and met her, and got her autograph when i was like 14 yrs old. Saw her in town, Stockholm, Sweden. She was so sweet! 🥰❤️

[@DegrassiInstantStar]

This video is fantastic, and better than most professional docu-topic videos that most verified channels or even television make!

[@MartyMcTube]

Thanks for filling in the gaps for me. I stumbled onto "Dancing on My Own" on the radio and was instantly intrigued. My first thought was this was a Kate Bush song I hadn't heard before, but the sound was so modern. I concluded this was someone else who was definitely influenced by Kate, and I knew it was a great song regardless. Now I know something about the artist and am glad to have learned her story.

[@yosmelaraujo3470]

I freaking love her. She just knows how to engage in crafting pop songs.