Ironically, Krista’s oh-so subtle-hint to her boyfriend didn’t result in the proposal she’d longed for, as far as we know. Instead, Krista and her team ding dong spread merriment wherever they went in Malmö. Can Krista make the leap from novelty act to bona fide pop artist with her debut release Ding Dong!?
More Is More, apparently Krista’s personal mantra, is something of a confusing album opener. It has sound effects aplenty, a decidely clubbier feel. A bizarre "eins, zwei, drei, vier" launches into the chorus, which admittedly is catchy enough, but you somehow are left with the feeling that Krista is dumbing down unneccessarily. Fine, if you take the track at face value; an airy piece of bubblegum pop which many teens will no doubt identify with, but with rap that just sounds so outdated, it gets repetitive already after the first listen. Marry Me is up next, nestling nicely somewhere in between Katy Perry and S.O.A.P. in terms of musical genre. This could well become Krista’s signature tune, as it packs quite a punch, with an irresistible chorus sweeter than the icing on a wedding cake. The text is ingenious, so tongue in cheek that, dare it be said, it wasn’t done justice on the Eurovision stage.
Money sees Ms Siegfrids serve up a much sassier piece of rap, which combines well with a slick chorus that doesn’t mess around. Sounding like a squeakier Gwen Stefani, Money is a force to be reckoned with and it’s triumphant tune and feelgood vibe will hopefully have dancefloors packed when played. You’re defiant if you’re able to resist the charms of this one. AMEN!, Krista’s newest single, is all about rebirth after revenge and again, relies heavily on a teenlike rap and a tune that is a hair’s breadth away from being anaemic and is repeated an indecent number of times to the point where it becomes tedious. Passable as album filler, but this should never have been released as a single.
Can You See Me is a pleasant surprise and a welcome break from all of the uptempo material, adding a bit of variety to the album. Clearly leaning on her theatre experience, Krista pulls out all the stops to deliver a touching, simple ballad, with just the right sound of waif does melancholy. One of the highlights of the album. Seventeen is another great addition to the album, with its joyfully youthful sweeter than candy chorus and slightly breathy vocals aimed at a particular audience. This has vague echoes of Stevie Winwood’s Valerie, with a drive that draws you in and will have you dancing around the living room reliving your teenage years in no time.
Your Boyfriend sees Krista sings of seducing another girl’s man, paired with bizarre shouty backing "vocals". It’s a strange concoction of ingredients, a monotonous guitar riff and again heavily featuring rap before launching into an aggressive chorus that saves the track. Under My Skin sees Krista trying the rock chic hat on, which she actually pulls off very well. A fantastic slice of calorie laden, sweet pop rock which would make even Kelly Clarkson envious. Irresistible lyrics of addiction and the natural high being in love gives are the cherry on the cake here.
For the ninth track, Lipstick It, Krista keeps up the same frenetic pace as she sings her own personal ode to girl power. The tune is not one of the more memorable ones, her vocals similarly so, but the chorus yet again turns out to be the saving grace. For the penultimate track, Stupid Love, Krista has evidently been inspired by elements of David Lindgren’s Skyline.To it, she’s added a rather annoying whistling riff in the background coupled with a solid dose of Euro trance for a solid dance number to round off the album. Ding Dong! comes to a close proper with the instrumental version of Marry Me, for all those who want to practice their karaoke number in front of the mirror before unleashing it on the general public.
All in all, a solid debut album. If Krista dropped the unconvincing rap in parts – she doesn’t need the street cred – and instead concentrated on more of the power choruses that are on display here, the album would perhaps gain a broader appeal. Some of the rap makes for a nice change and gives the album spice in parts, but comes off as overdone in others. Not a bad effort for the first attempt, Krista – you have so much energy, you should teach classes. Am still under your spell, and have no intention of asking for a divorce! With this debut, Krista Siegfrids has more than proven herself as an artist capable of having a sustainable career rather than a novelty act clutching a one way ticket bound for oblivion.
