Suffice to say (and unfortunately), the singles from Dirt Femme not called 'Grapefruit' or 'How Long' are the worst songs on the album. 'No One Dies From Love' is a mediocre song and even worse lead single despite good lyrics, while 'True Romance' is amazing vocally but is experimental at the cost of memorability. My first impressions weren’t positive.
However, it turns out that she’s made the best songs the album tracks. Now an independent artist, she’s free to explore different sounds and themes, which she does in the countrified 'Cute & Cruel' that features her gorgeously harmonising with First Aid Kit. 'I’m To Blame' marries guitars with synths to make for an interesting twist on the folk-rock ballad. The second-last track, 'Kick In The Head', marries a 2000s RnB beat with an annoyingly catchy humming hook.
My first impressions weren't positive
Lyrically, there’s also some new directions, as Tove sings about body image (Grapefruit) and the pressure to conform to the traditional married lifestyle (Suburbia). While Pineapple Slice revisits the sex-positivity that’s made her past albums memorable, Dirty Femme refreshingly explores previously unexplored sides of her womanhood.
The album closes with 'How Long', which jumps from the Euphoria soundtrack in an obvious attempt to boost streams. However, it’s still an album standout, as it has a disco tint not seen since the first half of Blue Lips. While the ending of the track is too abrupt to be an album closer, it’s still nice to see 'How Long' find a home on a proper album.
It’s the worst album of her career with her worst single choices yet, but the album tracks are refreshing and a logical progression for her. It gets a 7/10 and a recommendation for fans of Tove Lo.
Highlights: How Long, Cute & Cruel, Grapefruit
