Samae Koskinen: Kuuluuko, kuuntelen (KHY Suomen Musiikki, 2011)

I’m totally in love with this album. I know I just got this eight days ago, but I think I already know all the songs by heart. This album instantly became a friend that entertains me, comforts me and takes care of me. Isn’t that what good friends are supposed to do.  Like all the regular readers know, I’m a shy guy with a lot of insecurities and huge self esteem issues and this album (especially with the songs Tarinoita and Nuorelle miehelle) finds the way to deal with those subjects so beautifully and therapeutically that real-life Crane brothers would struggle to come up with a better way to make one feel better about himself/herself . There’s no pity, judgement or cynicism. Just open-hearted warmness and straightforward emotions. My life is good and even during the miserable days I’ve always had a strong belief that even the longest nights lead to daylight and things will eventually work out well. However, I know that on some level I will battle with low self esteem all my life and therefore it’s good to have Samae around ready to tell me that I’m beautiful. That’s a voice that I will hear. I’m listening.

Kuuluuko, kuuntelen is a delightful pop album. This album is a whole lot of fun and full of pure excitement just as much as it is moving and influential. Samae shows that you can leave a mark and handle difficult subjects without cutting your heart in two with the wrong side of a knife. The album is insanely catchy and melodic and the arrangements are gorgeous throughout the record. Even though I’ve kind of focused into those songs that deal with insecurities and lack of self belief, that’s only one side of this thoughtfully crafted story. Actually, the key track for me, and by far the greatest song of the year so far, is Hän, jolla on kaikki. A perfect song about getting married. It’s so beautiful. Just like Samae. Maybe just like me.

Samae Koskinen Website

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77lUfZ3S2Ug]