Bikini Daze
{{Infobox album
| name = Bikini Daze
| type = ep
| artist = MØ
| cover = MØ - Bikini Daze.png
| border = yes
| released = {{Start date|2013|10|18|df=yes}}
| recorded =
| genre =
| length = {{Duration|m=15|s=27}}
| label =
- Chess Club
- RCA Victor
| producer =
| next_title = No Mythologies to Follow
| next_year = 2014
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Bikini Daze
| type = EP
| single1 = XXX 88
| single1date = 20 October 2013
}}
}}
Bikini Daze is the debut extended play by Danish singer and songwriter MØ. It was released for digital download on 18 October 2013 by Chess Club Records and RCA Victor, and officially released on 20 October 2013. The EP was made available as a digital download and as a limited-edition 10-inch vinyl.
Background
MØ released her debut extended play Bikini Daze on October 20 through Chess Club and RCA Victor. Leading up to the release, she shared the Diplo-produced track "XXX 88" in September,{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2013 |title=House Playlist: Karen O, Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys, Frankie Rose, & MØ featuring Diplo |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/house-playlist-karen-o-paul-mccartney-arctic-monkeys-frankie-rose-mo-featuring-diplo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205201503/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/house-playlist-karen-o-paul-mccartney-arctic-monkeys-frankie-rose-mo-featuring-diplo/ |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Slant}} followed by "Never Wanna Know" as a preview.{{Cite web |last=Geslani |first=Michelle |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Listen to MØ’s sweeping new pop song, “Never Wanna Know” |url=https://consequence.net/2013/09/listen-to-mos-sweeping-new-pop-song-never-wanna-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205201449/https://consequence.net/2013/09/listen-to-mos-sweeping-new-pop-song-never-wanna-know/ |archive-date=December 5, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Consequence}}
Critical reception
{{Album ratings
| MC = 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/bikini-daze-ep/m |title=Reviews for Bikini Daze by MØ |publisher=Metacritic |accessdate=18 July 2015}}
| rev1 = DIY
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Stanley |first=Sean |url=https://diymag.com/archive/mo-bikini-daze |title=MØ – Bikini Daze |work=DIY |date=14 October 2013 |accessdate=2 November 2017}}
| rev2 = The Line of Best Fit
| rev3 = NME
| rev3Score = 8/10{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/m%C3%B8/14890 |title=MØ – 'Bikini Daze' EP |work=NME |date=8 October 2013 |accessdate=2 November 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104205209/http://www.nme.com/reviews/m%C3%B8/14890 |archivedate=4 November 2013}}
}}
Bikini Daze received generally favorable reviews from critics. DIY magazine described the EP as presenting "a tale of two sides," with its sequencing emphasizing contrast while showcasing MØ's willingness to challenge pop conventions. The review noted that the project reflects a well-formed artistic identity, suggesting that MØ has defined her creative direction while leaving room for future exploration.
The Line of Best Fit observed that the second half of the EP leans into more experimental balladry, drawing comparisons to the style of Lana Del Rey. Tracks like "Never Wanna Know" and "Freedom (#1)" were noted for their retro influences, including doo-wop backing vocals, gospel keys, and soulful arrangements. The review praised Ørsted's vocal delivery and emotional intensity, calling the EP "an excellent portfolio" that highlights the breadth of her musical capabilities.
Track listing
All lyrics written by Karen Marie Ørsted. All music composed by Ronni Vindahl and Ørsted, except "XXX 88" by Diplo, Vindahl and Ørsted. All tracks produced by Vindahl, except "XXX 88" by Diplo and Vindahl.
{{Track listing
| headline = Bikini Daze track listing
| total_length = 15:26
| title1 = XXX 88
| note1 = featuring Diplo
| length1 = 3:41
| title2 = Never Wanna Know
| length2 = 4:13
| title3 = Dark Night
| length3 = 3:22
| title4 = Freedom (#1)
| length4 = 4:09
}}
Charts
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+Chart performance for Bikini Daze ! scope="col"| Chart (2014) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| US Top Heatseekers Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/mo/chart-history/tln/ |title=MØ – Chart history: Heatseekers Albums |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=2 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130175305/https://www.billboard.com/artist/mo/chart-history/tln/ |archive-date=2024-11-30 }}
| 11 |
|---|
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for Bikini Daze ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="row"| Various
| 18 October 2013 | {{hlist|Chess Club|RCA Victor}} | align="center"| {{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/dk/album/bikini-daze-ep/703307057 |title=Bikini Daze – EP by MØ |website=iTunes Store |date=18 October 2013 |location=Denmark |access-date=7 May 2014}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| United Kingdom
| 21 October 2013 | Chess Club |