I have always liked Roxette. But the funny thing is I didn’t find out that they were Swedish until 4 years ago. I was in Norway and was chatting with the guy from the record store and that’s how I learned. I had always thought they were American. It is a sound thing, I guess. But I consider Norway to be my second home and Sweden is a close 3rd. So I like the fact that this popular band of the 80s and 90s (I am not too big a fan of their new songs) is Swedish.

Roxette consists of Per Gessle (I had been suspicious of his name to be honest-I had never heard of such a name-but than again I haven’t met anyone named Per in Scandinavia either…) and Marie Fredriksson. They share the vocals and Per also acts as the lead guitarist. Other instruments are played by others who are not officially a part of the band.

They have done so many songs that I loved. I am not a fan of their romantic songs in particular- but  I just love the lively,rock n’roll songs. To name a few Dressed for Success, Joyride, The Look, Sleeping in my car…

Then Roxette did what most bands do as they get older: they turned more and more into pop, combined more electronic elements into it- which is shame because Per’s voice has that husky & fun rock n’roll vibe to it.It’s of course not just Roxette. Bon Jovi added too much pop into some later albums, so did Def Leppard. But I guess the difference is those bands started with hard-rock and/or glam rock so even when they soften the sound, it is still rock-mostly.

Oh well…I’ll just keep listening to that lovely old songs and dance to them. They have written wonderful stuff about love, dreams, sex and relationships. They are also great motivators. I can’t help but singing Dressed for Success:

I’m gonna get dressed for success- shaping me up for the big time, baby-get dressed for success- shaping me up for your love…for your love-yeah yeah yeah!!!

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