Hymns for the Haunted

After a three-year hiatus since her last album, “Happyland” (2009), Jenssen returns with a fresh perspective. “Happyland” received widespread acclaim, earning her two Swedish Grammis Awards for “Female Artist of the Year” and “Best Composer.”{{cite web|url=https://amandajenssenmusic.com/biography|title=Biography}} With Hymns for the Haunted, she continues to push artistic boundaries.

Jenssen’s album takes a departure from her previous releases, leaning heavily into a film score aesthetic. “This album sounds much more like a film score,” she explains. “It’s theatrical, weird, surreal, and dangerous.” The cinematic quality of her music has resonated with audiences, drawing comparisons to legendary composers like Ennio Morricone and John Barry.

Jenssen playfully dubs her music as both “Voodoo Jazz” and “Jungle Jazz”. The album seamlessly blends these elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound. “There is no denying the ‘voodoo’ or the ‘jungle’,” Jenssen asserts. “And the ‘jazz’ reference is, without a doubt, also viable.” Her palette includes a wide range of instruments—horns, strings, rock guitars, and even castanets—all harmonizing in a symphony of creativity.

When asked about genre labels, Jenssen challenges conventions. “If you are forced to pigeonhole me into one genre,” she says, “it can only be ‘pop’.” However, her pop defies radio formats and embraces freedom from limitations. Jenssen’s music transcends boundaries, inviting listeners into a world where creativity knows no bounds.

For Hymns for the Haunted, Amanda Jenssen has teamed up with two accomplished songwriters. The album features a blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing Jenssen’s growth as an artist.

Pär Wiksten, known for his work with the alternative rock band The Wannadies, has been a longtime collaborator with Jenssen. Together, they crafted a significant portion of the album’s tracks. Their synergy brings a mix of horns, strings, piano, bass, drums, and delicate guitar touches to the music.

However, what truly sets this album apart is Jenssen’s newfound partnership with Björn Yttling. Yttling, acclaimed for his work with Peter Bjorn and John and Lykke Li, adds his signature touch to several songs. His fresh perspective injects a unique energy into Jenssen’s sound.{{cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/oR9K57/jenssen-haller-internationell-klass|title=Jenssen håller internationell klass}}

When asked about the album’s evolution, Jenssen shared, “My new album sounds different, but it’s not something I planned. I really needed the time after I stopped touring with ‘Happyland’ to reflect. If I had tried to hasten the process, it would have been like picking unripe fruit. I realized I had to wait until the fruit was ripe. Then I picked it.”{{cite web|url=https://amandajenssenmusic.com/biography|title=Biography}}

{{Track listing

| title1 = Ghost

| writer1 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Björn Yttling}}

| length1 = 4:15

| title2 = Boom

| writer2 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Pär Wiksten}}

| length2 = 4:25

| title3 = Volcano Swing

| writer3 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Björn Yttling|Pär Wiksten}}

| length3 = 3:35

| title4 = Light and Easy

| writer4 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Pär Wiksten}}

| length4 = 2:49

| title5 = Dry My Soul

| writer5 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen}}

| length5 = 3:07

| title6 = Lay Down

| writer6 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Platten}}

| length6 = 2:08

| title7 = Open the Lid

| writer7 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Björn Yttling}}

| length7 = 3:23

| title8 = Illusionist

| writer8 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen}}

| length8 = 4:33

| title9 = Leon

| writer9 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Pär Wiksten}}

| length9 = 3:37

| title10 = Thunderful Jolene

| writer10 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Björn Yttling}}

| length10 = 3:12

| title11 = Michael's Garden

| writer11 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Björn Yttling}}

| length11 = 3:51

| title12 = The Carnival

| writer12 = {{hlist|Amanda Jenssen|Pär Wiksten}}

| length12 = 3:47

}}

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class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !Chart (2012–2013) !Peak position

{{album chart|Sweden|2|artist=Amanda Jenssen|album=Hymns for the Haunted|rowheader=true|accessdate=19 May 2020}}

{{col-2}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !Chart (2012) !Position
scope="row"|Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/83?dspy=2012&dspp=1|title=Årslista Album – År 2012|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|language=Swedish|accessdate=13 July 2020}} |24
Chart (2013) !Position
scope="row"|Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/83?dspy=2013&dspp=1|title=Årslista Album – År 2013|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|language=Swedish|accessdate=13 July 2020}} |86

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{{Reflist}}

[https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/dry-my-soul/503707071]

[http://amandajenssenmusic.com/biography]

{{Amanda Jenssen}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2012 albums

Category:Amanda Jenssen albums