Hymns for the Haunted

Hymns for the Haunted
Studio album by
Amanda Jenssen
Released14 November 2012 (2012-11-14)
Genrepop, rock, soul
Length42:38
LabelEpic Records/Sony Music Entertainment
ProducerPär Wiksten, Björn Yttling
Amanda Jenssen chronology
Happyland
(2009) 		Hymns for the Haunted
(2012) 		Sånger från ön
(2015)
Singles from Hymns for the Haunted
  1. "Ghost / Illusionist"
    Released: October 16, 2012
  2. "Dry My Soul"
    Released: February 14, 2012
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Aftonbladet[1]

Hymns for the Haunted is the third studio album by Swedish recording artist Amanda Jenssen.[2] The song "The Carnival" was used on American Horror Story: Freak Show. Jenssen described the album as both “Voodoo Jazz” and “Jungle Jazz”.

Background and production

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After a three-year hiatus since her last album, “Happyland” (2009), Jenssen returns with a fresh perspective. “Happyland” received widespread acclaim, earning her two Swedish Grammis Awards for “Female Artist of the Year” and “Best Composer.”[3] With Hymns for the Haunted, she continues to push artistic boundaries.

Jenssen’s album takes a departure from her previous releases, leaning heavily into a film score aesthetic. “This album sounds much more like a film score,” she explains. “It’s theatrical, weird, surreal, and dangerous.” The cinematic quality of her music has resonated with audiences, drawing comparisons to legendary composers like Ennio Morricone and John Barry.

Jenssen playfully dubs her music as both “Voodoo Jazz” and “Jungle Jazz”. The album seamlessly blends these elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound. “There is no denying the ‘voodoo’ or the ‘jungle’,” Jenssen asserts. “And the ‘jazz’ reference is, without a doubt, also viable.” Her palette includes a wide range of instruments—horns, strings, rock guitars, and even castanets—all harmonizing in a symphony of creativity.

When asked about genre labels, Jenssen challenges conventions. “If you are forced to pigeonhole me into one genre,” she says, “it can only be ‘pop’.” However, her pop defies radio formats and embraces freedom from limitations. Jenssen’s music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners into a world where creativity knows no bounds.

For Hymns for the Haunted, Amanda Jenssen has teamed up with two accomplished songwriters. The album features a blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing Jenssen’s growth as an artist.

Pär Wiksten, known for his work with the alternative rock band The Wannadies, has been a longtime collaborator with Jenssen. Together, they crafted a significant portion of the album’s tracks. Their synergy brings a mix of horns, strings, piano, bass, drums, and delicate guitar touches to the music.

However, what truly sets this album apart is Jenssen’s newfound partnership with Björn Yttling. Yttling, acclaimed for his work with Peter Bjorn and John and Lykke Li, adds his signature touch to several songs. His fresh perspective injects a unique energy into Jenssen’s sound.[4]

When asked about the album’s evolution, Jenssen shared, “My new album sounds different, but it’s not something I planned. I really needed the time after I stopped touring with ‘Happyland’ to reflect. If I had tried to hasten the process, it would have been like picking unripe fruit. I realized I had to wait until the fruit was ripe. Then I picked it.”[5]

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ghost"
4:15
2."Boom"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Pär Wiksten
4:25
3."Volcano Swing"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Björn Yttling
  • Pär Wiksten
3:35
4."Light and Easy"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Pär Wiksten
2:49
5."Dry My Soul"
  • Amanda Jenssen
3:07
6."Lay Down"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Platten
2:08
7."Open the Lid"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Björn Yttling
3:23
8."Illusionist"
  • Amanda Jenssen
4:33
9."Leon"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Pär Wiksten
3:37
10."Thunderful Jolene"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Björn Yttling
3:12
11."Michael's Garden"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Björn Yttling
3:51
12."The Carnival"
  • Amanda Jenssen
  • Pär Wiksten
3:47

Charts

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References

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  1. ^ ["Jenssen holds international class" (in Swedish). Håkan Steen. 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2023. Aftonbladet Musikrecensioner]
  2. ^ "Hymns for the Haunted" (in Swedish). Svensk mediedatabas. 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  3. ^ "Biography".
  4. ^ "Jenssen håller internationell klass".
  5. ^ "Biography".
  6. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Amanda Jenssen – Hymns for the Haunted". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Årslista Album – År 2012" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  8. ^ "Årslista Album – År 2013" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 13 July 2020.

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