Vibeke "The World Famous Hat Trick"

Okay so you take Debbie Harry of Blondie and you make her the lead singer for The Knack. That’s it — you’ve basically got Vibeke. That’s pronounced Vee-Becca. Vibeke Saugestad, is a veteran of several bands, originally part of EMI-signed Weld, she hopped around and landed in the Norwegian group, The Yum Yums playing keyboard. In her new solo album, she brings smart classic pop with a sultry strong vocal and an angelic sigh, starting with the bouncy “He’s Peculiar.” The next song “Keep on Dreaming” marries the skinny tie guitar styles to Vibeke’s multi-tracked vocals. The songs then take a soulful journey – “Close The Door” is an excellent ballad with a hint of Chrissie Hynde here. Most of the tracks have a great accompanying guitar riff and drum beat, and like in “Meant To Be With You” it sounds like a great lost Rubinoos song. After a few listens, it’s not hard to get caught up with those choruses running in your head. More standouts here are “Know You Now” and the magical chord changes of  “Until the Sun Comes Out.” This last one is my favorite on the album here and on my ipod’s playlist. And the ballads, though not as memorable, are beautifully executed here. Even the albums closer “You Don’t Go Away” resemble an Aimee Mann song. And next to Mrs. Michael Penn, Vibeke has the best female pop vocal I’ve heard all year.

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Listen to “He’s Peculiar”