Värmlands Folkblad 101119
By: BJÖRN STEFANSSON
HELEN SJÖHOLM
Euforia – Helen Sjöholm sings Billy Joel
(Sonet/Universal)
Rating: 4
Well, I remember the time when the laughter was rough for Billy Joel, the man with monster hits like Uptown Girl and Just the way you are. They are not included here, but Helen Sjöholm has found eleven other Joel songs of equally high quality, which is perfect for a singer of her caliber.
Tomas Andersson Wij has made the nice, singable lyrics that move weightless between translation and interpretation. And then of course Sjöholm has the perfect musicians for their mission; guitarist George Wadenius which gives the music features of Steely Dan – where he does have a past – and Martin Östergren, piano, who even on weekdays accompanies Helen, and who knows exactly what she needs, or do without.
The end result is a small party, which perhaps is too paltry to call for pop, but still have the music style’s light touch and unfailing sense of great melodies.
But can you be indifferent to the Swedish version of songs such as New York State of Mind, Dont ask me why, or Leila, you should obviously look the other way, do it, while we lean back and enjoy the timeless quality that is in these songs, as Helen Sjöholm sings as if they were written just for her.