Album Review: Tove Lo – Dirt Femme

Enticing, neon and chic

Dirt Femme is Tove Lo’s fifth studio album released on October 14, 2022. The album was teased throughout that year, with its first single, “How Long”, releasing in January. After almost a 10-month wait, the album has a synth pop feel while sticking true to Tove Lo’s iconic sounds for a party. The sounds of the ‘80s are quite present with electronic drums, synth, bells and so much more to support the tasteful vocal performances on each song. The album even transitions into songs using guitars allowing it to create some sonic diversity, and having a more alternative feel than other synth pop albums on the market. 

The first track, “No One Dies From Love”, opens up the album with an ‘80s feel very simply with light instrumentals. The vocals are at the forefront, and the backup vocals can be heard with a vocoder, creating a robotic feel. This song feels like an emotional version of a Daft Punk song in the best way possible and is an incredible opener to the album. 

The next track, “Suburbia”, has a syncopated swing rhythm, which is atypical for a pop song, but is done tastefully with this track. The melodies align with these rhythms and create a different listening experience for the listener. 

“2 Die 4” has a synth pop and house feel. The electric synth bells are cute and the vocal performance are extremely beautiful. “True Romance” also proves how powerful Tove Lo’s vocals are through their strength and energy. The entire song is quite stripped back compared to the rest of the songs which allows that vocal power and energy to be present and at the forefront. 

“Cute & Cruel”, featuring First Aid Kit, switches to a guitar feel and sonically shifts, becoming more toned down and calmer. The outro of the song reinforces the ‘80s synth pop sound to prepare for the following tracks. 

“Attention Whore”, featuring Channel Tres, has a sexier and seductive feel to it. The prominent ‘80s synth bass intertwines beautifully with sultry vocals. 

The last track “How Long” finishes the album in a softer way, while still maintaining the same theme. It reinforces the synth pop sound and energy, bringing a proper sense of closure to the album.