Björn Yttling & Joakim Åhlund Come Together As Smile; Share New Single “Call My Name” Featuring Robyn
Smile – the pet project of Björn Yttling (Peter Bjorn and John) and Joakim Åhlund (Teddybears, Caesars) – have shared their new single “Call My Name” featuring Swedish pop icon Robyn. Serving as the fifth single to drop ahead of their upcoming full-length Phantom Island, out November 19th, the song is a result of the trio’s longtime friendship and working relationship. Joakim wrote and produced songs for Robyn’s 2005 self-titled release and her 2010 record Body Talk, and Björn and Joakim have worked together in the past as well as being musical friends.
When asked about adding Robyn to the track Joakim says, “We’ve had the song knocking about for quite some time, but when Robyn sang it, she really lifted it to another level, her vocal is just packed with so much emotion.”
“‘Call My Name’ is a quite simple song about unconditional love, and the will to try and protect the one you love from a chaotic and threatening outside world,” adds Bjorn. “Yes, I think in mine and Björn’s case, when we wrote the song we were both directing the words to a child, but I suppose one can imagine it being sung to a lover as well, or any person you feel strongly about.”
The upbeat track’s synth-heavy riffs create a shimmering backdrop for Robyn’s unforgettable vocal style to shine, leading into an almost gospel-like climax for the song’s finale.
Listen below:
