7/10

On her latest LP 'So Many Things', Norwegian artist Kristin Dahl steps fully into her own light, delivering a lush and deeply intimate record that pulses with warmth and honesty. This Oslo-based singer-songwriter has woven together threads of soul, retro grooves, and modern R&B touches to create a vibrant tapestry of sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

From the moment 'So Many Things' opens with 'Overthinker', Dahl invites us into her inner world. With its snappy horn sections and playful funk undertones, the track captures the push-pull dance of anxiety and release, a theme she confesses resonates deeply with her. It’s a standout example of her gift for blending introspection with irresistible grooves, encouraging us to let go and move our bodies even as our minds race.

The album’s palette remains rich and dynamic throughout. Collaborating with producer Ruben Dalen and her tight-knit band, Dahl has shaped each song with meticulous care. Tracks like 'I Really Don’t Mind It' reveal a more experimental side, incorporating spacey, almost psychedelic elements that highlight her willingness to explore beyond traditional soul frameworks. Meanwhile, her duet with Makeda on 'People' radiates joy and community, underlining Dahl’s core belief in music as a force for connection and healing.

The record’s title feels fitting: 'So Many Things' is an exploration of life’s tangled threads, such as heartbreak, freedom, belonging, and the joy of reclaiming one’s self. Dahl’s journey from the suffocating confines of a past relationship to the creative bloom she now inhabits is palpable in every note.

'So Many Things' is a love letter to growth, community, and the messy, beautiful process of becoming whole again. For anyone craving music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, Kristin Dahl has crafted a collection that hits right at the heart, and begs to be played loud, windows down, soul open.