“n° 2” by the enigmatic Swedish duo jj was released in 2009. Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander created an album that clocks in at a concise 27 minutes. You don’t get albums of this length often now. Within that brief runtime, the album creates an immersive dream-pop experience that feels rich and emotionally expansive. The album transcends traditional indie pop. It weaves chill pop, ambient, and hip-hop beats. A certain Swedish melancholy adds to the dreamy yet melancholic atmosphere.
Setting the Mood
Each song on “n° 2” feels meticulously crafted with layers of lush reverb, soft beats, and delicate melodies that create the impression of floating or drifting (even when sampling (stealing?) Lil Wayne, like on a track such as Ecstasy, which doesn’t hesitate to use his Lolipop as its lead!).
From the opening track, Things Will Never Be the Same Again, we discover jj’s minimalist approach to production. This approach isn’t afraid to let silence and simplicity speak volumes. The track opens with Elin Kastlander’s vocals floating over stripped-down Balearic beats, creating a sparse yet captivating spirit. Her voice is soft, almost whisper-like. Yet, her delivery has an underlying strength. This adds to its overall feel of melancholic resilience.
The next track – and I think one of the standout tracks – is From Africa to Málaga. The song starts with a gentle, almost tropical beat that reminds listeners of a sunny, exotic location. Kastlander’s voice becomes the anchor as the track builds, guiding listeners through emotional landscapes with cryptic yet evocative lyrics. The way jj blends the rhythms of global music with dreamy pop undercurrents is captivating. This blend gives the album a cosmopolitan feel without ever being ostentatious. It starts with the lyric: “It’s too easy to cry. When everything eventually dies. If not today then maybe tomorrow.”
Have I mentioned it’s dreamy yet?
Hip-Hop Influences in Dream Pop
The album “n° 2” combines hip-hop elements with ambient and pop styles, which is one of its fascinating aspects. Hip-hop beats, and undertones emerge subtly throughout the album, often functioning as a rhythmic backbone. Tracks like Ecstasy adopt a pronounced approach. These tracks integrate a sense of groove and beat, which contrasts with the softness of Kastlander’s vocals.
In this sense, jj has created something genre-defying on “n° 2.” It feels familiar and strange, as if these familiar genres and styles have been blurred and filtered. They become abstract interpretations rather than straightforward reproductions. The result is music that hints at hip-hop, pop, and even reggae. It does not fully embrace these genres, leaving listeners with uncertainty and intrigue.
Lyrical Ambiguity and Emotional Resonance
Another hallmark of “n° 2” is its lyrical ambiguity. Kastlander’s lyrics aren’t overtly revealing or autobiographical; instead, they hint at emotions and scenarios without fully committing to concrete details. Each song feels highly personal, even if the exact meaning remains elusive. Songs like Are You Still in Vallda? have a poetic quality. Phrases and words are carefully chosen. They are selected not for their narrative clarity but for their ability to evoke a sense of mood and place.
It ends: “Someday I know we’ll meet again. But I said that every summer. And every summer is the summer. Closer further away from you.”
The Minimalistic Aesthetic and Production Choices
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of “n° 2” is its minimalism. jj never overwhelms listeners with too many sounds or layers, allowing each musical element to breathe and resonate. The production is sparse, yet it doesn’t feel incomplete. Instead, jj has mastered the art of restraint, recognizing that sometimes, less is more. They let silence and space be an integral part of the music. These pauses create an organic and reflective listening experience.
In tracks like Intermezzo, jj demonstrate their ability to create a moment of fun. The track is short. It is more of a vignette than a fully developed song. It features delicate layers of sound that evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. There is no complex instrumentation – Intermezzo bridges the first five tracks and the final three. It offers a transitional moment that feels restless and uncertain. Yet, it is undeniably compelling. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t always need words or elaborate arrangements to leave a lasting impact. Simplicity alone is enough to evoke powerful emotions.
Masterplan is a standout moment on “n° 2”. Kastlander’s vocals glide effortlessly over the track. Musically, Masterplan combines soft, echoing synths with a steady, unhurried beat, creating a meditative tone. The production has an intimacy that draws listeners in. It feels as if they are being let in on a private reflection. Kastlander’s vocal performance is delicate yet confident. (“And now when I’m so free. Take a chance on me.”)It embodies the balance between vulnerability and strength seen throughout the album.
The final track, Me & Dean, serves as an evocative conclusion to “n° 2”. It encapsulates the album’s themes of longing and introspection in a poignant, reflective manner. The song begins with a small, endearing touch. Kastlander gives a soft cough at the beginning. This unpolished moment makes the track feel spontaneous and intimate. It’s just her and an acoustic guitar, and that raw simplicity makes Me & Dean so memorable.
The acoustic strumming provides a gentle and consistent rhythm. Kastlander’s vocals are at their most haunting. They start with: “Someday, I know we’ll meet again. Without knowing exactly when. And until then take care of yourself, my friend.” The lyrics are characteristically ambiguous, switching to “If you tell it to my heart. Where would you start? With a truth, we shared. Or the lies that drove us apart.” The production is purposefully sparse. This allows the emotional rawness of Kastlander’s voice and the guitar to shine through without distraction.
As Me & Dean fades out, it leaves listeners with a satisfying sense of closure. The ending is slightly open-ended, much like the rest of the album. It evokes emotions without being overly explicit. In just under three minutes, Me & Dean captures the essence of jj’s artistry—simple yet deeply evocative, intimate yet expansive.
An Album of Escapism and Longing
The album “n° 2” may not have been created with a specific storyline. However, it evokes themes of escapism, nostalgia, and longing. Each track feels like a snapshot of a moment. It offers a glimpse into an emotional landscape that’s transient and hard to pin down. This gives “n° 2” a timeless quality. It feels rooted in the moment it was created. It is utterly detached from any particular era. A wistfulness runs throughout. There is a sense of longing for places, people, and feelings that are out of reach. These elements are deeply yearned for.
This might be one of the reasons “n° 2” has resonated with so many listeners over the years. In a world where everything is fast-paced and instant, jj’s music invites you to slow down. It encourages you to sit with your thoughts. You can indulge in beautiful and slightly sad daydreams. My daughter was born about a year before this album was released. I’ll never forget listening to it with her (although she won’t remember!)
Final Thoughts
I should mention that Pitchfork gave this album 8.6 / 10 and Best New Music designation in 2009. That alone says a lot.
“n° 2” is an album that defies easy categorization. It’s pop, but not in any conventional sense. It has hip-hop influences in the most delicate way possible. It’s ambient, yet it doesn’t fully commit to the genre. This ability to blend and bend genres gives jj a unique place in the indie music scene. They created something on “n° 2” that feels deeply original. For anyone willing to embrace the beauty of jj’s world, “n° 2” offers an unforgettable listening experience. It is an escape that feels intimate, haunting, and profoundly resonant.
And I think we all need a bit of that now, even fifteen years after its release.
8.8/10
Chris Garrod, November 16, 2024
PS: I want to know where they are now!!
