Norwegian pop artist Annie has announced she will be releasing her first new album in 11 years, titled Dark Hearts, for October 16. Along with the announcement, she dropped the album’s first single, “American Cars.”

Dark Hearts will be Annie’s third studio album and the follow up to 2009’s Don’t Stop. “American Cars” includes ‘80s synths similar to a slasher film soundtrack. Her high, flowing soprano weaves through the synths, whispering the chorus while various verses echo. The video released alongside “American Cars” blue-colored television static, bringing to life the ‘80s synth feeling. 

“American Cars” has Annie singing about taking a drive at night, highlighting feelings of falling in love and crashing. Her lyrics create imagery of a late-night drive, the synths matching to bring her world to life. Annie drew inspiration from the song from David Cronenberg’s film Crash.

Annie first gained popularity after her first single, “Greatest Hit,” was released in 1999. She released the single alongside producer Tore Kroknes, with Kroknes passing away in 2001 due to congenital heart failure, preventing the two from being able to release an album together. Her debut album, Anniemal, came out in 2004. During the first half of the 2010s, Annie released two EP’s, 2013’s The A&R EP and 2015’s Endless Vacation. In 2014, she released song “Russian Kiss,” a protest against Russia’s anti-gay laws. Since Annie’s last release, she has had two children.

Dark Hearts tracklist:

1. “In Heaven”
2. “The Streets Where I Belong”
3. “Dark Hearts”
4. “Miracle Mile”
5. “Corridors of Time”
6. “Forever ‘92”
7. “American Cars”
8. “Mermaid Dreams”
9. “Stay Tomorrow”

Photo credit: Raymond Flotat