The title of Sweden's Queen of Soul might not seem one of modern music's most coveted crowns but, in Sweden itself, there is little doubt that Titiyo not only merits all the acclaim lavished by her homeland, but that international acclaim has already demolished borders across much of Europe too. Hidden is her fifth studio album and the follow-up to 2001s chart-topping Come Along LP. It is a record that sounds distinctly farremoved from Swedens customary jaunty, upbeat indie-pop and navigates an alluringly darker sound. Following the huge success of Come Along, Titiyos backing group disbanded and headed back to their day-jobs as assorted members of The Cardigans and Kent. Titiyo bought herself a home studio equipment that was in every sense intentionally cheap - a very rudimentary Casio synth and a Portacorder. She spent a winter in her Stockholm apartment and tried out her new pop visions. It reminded her of the endless hours spent discovering her talent alongside her sister Neneh Cherry and brother Eagle Eye Cherry. Hidden lies somewhere between soul-flavoured pop and daring, provocative electronica. One early inspiration was the Thom Yorke album Eraser. But through the project also ambient music, mature trip-hop and German krautrock (especially Can) were obvious sources for inspiration. One key song is the first single in Sweden, Stumble To Fall. Another is the hypnotic krautsoul saga named Drunken Gnome. Two songs - Awakening and Longing For Lullabies - are collaborations with producer/artist Andreas Kleerup of Robyn/Kleerup With Every Heartbeat fame. Hidden was met with overwhelming reviews when released in Sweden. The first rave review presented the headline: The most beautiful sadness ever heard. Titiyo may be a fresh name on North American soil, but the subtleties and seamless beauty of Hidden is a fascinating introduction.
