Most people around the world are familiar with American pop, with the U.S. having the biggest music market worldwide. Japanese pop, or J-pop, and Korean pop, or K-pop, are growing in popularity and influence thanks to its widespread coverage on the internet.
Many people though are unfamiliar with the pop coming out of Sweden; arguably, the birthplace of pop music itself.
Remember, ABBA, the 4-member co-ed group? Yes, they’re from Sweden, and gained worldwide recognition with hits, such as song-turned-musical “Mamma Mia” among their long string of hits in the 60’s and 70’s.
The fame attained by ABBA paved the way for other Swedish artists like Roxette (“It Must Have Been Love”), Ace of Base (“The Sign”), Robyn (“Do You Really Want Me”, and more recently “Call Your Girlfriend”), and the A*Teens (“Upside Down”) which started as an ABBA tribute group.
Now that I’ve given a crash course on Swedish pop, let me focus on their male pop artists.
1. Eric Saade
The Swedish representative to 2011’s Eurovision, and finishing 3rd place, Eric Saade has already been popular in his homeland. With his participation in the Eurovision he has made his name known across Europe. He has even made a single with Dev, U.S. rapper and often collaborator to The Cataracs and Far East Movement.
Pronunciation note: His surname is pronounced /Sa·a·de/.