Swedish pop icon Robyn is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her landmark self-titled album with a special edition, 2-LP vinyl reissue of Robyn, pressed on a coke bottle-clear vinyl. The new edition will arrive on September 12 via UMR/Island Records.
Released via her own Konichiwa Records label in 2005, Robyn marked a defining moment in modern pop by breaking away from the traditional mold with its electronic production, incisive songwriting, and emotional depth. The album produced standout singles like “Be Mine!,” “Handle Me,” and the UK No.1 “With Every Heartbeat.”
Garnering extensive critical acclaim, the record highlighted Robyn’s fearlessness and paved the way for a wave of independent, genre-blending pop; its influence is still felt two decades later.
This milestone reissue follows Robyn teaming with Charli XCX on her remix of “360” with Yung Lean; her collaboration with Jamie xx on “Life”; and a live performance on Saturday Night Live 50 with David Byrne.
Upon its release, Robyn spoke with MTV Asia about her perspective in making the album. She said: “I don’t see this as a comeback, I really don’t. I see it as a mix. I’m not a debut artist but I’m not a known artist either. I’m a little bit of both, I guess. I think it’s a good situation though. I have all this experience but I have no expectations on me.”
In a 2010 interview with Pitchfork, she also reflected on her status in the pop industry with an insight that rings true 20 years on from the release of Robyn. She explained, “It’s definitely a contradiction because I make pop music, but, at the same time, I’m maybe not so anxious to be a successful pop artist. Of course I want people to like my music, but I know what the price of success can be, too. Basically, I’m happy as long as I can keep my freedom, so I’m so happy with the way things are at the moment. I get to be hands-on with details in every aspect of what I’m doing, but I also get to perform for a big audience.”
Order Robyn on vinyl now.