Complete List Of The Sounds Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

This Complete List Of The Sounds Albums And Songs presents the full discography of The Sounds studio albums. The band was first formed in 1968. The group hails from the area of Helsingborg, Sweden. If you’re a fan of bands like Blondie or the Divinyls, The Sounds fit somewhere in between with a very fresh modern sound of their own. All these spectacular albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Sounds album as well as all original album covers. Every album by The Sounds listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

Living in America – The Sounds

Released 2002

Living in America, the debut album by Swedish new wave revivalists The Sounds, burst onto the scene on October 11, 2002, blending retro synth-pop and energetic rock with undeniable charm. Recorded at Studio Gröndahl and Polar Studios in Stockholm, the album was produced by Adel Dahdal and Jimmy Monell, who captured the band’s vibrant, youthful energy. Its infectious sound draws comparisons to ’80s new wave icons like Blondie and The Cars while maintaining a fresh, modern edge.

The Sounds’ lineup for Living in America includes Maja Ivarsson on lead vocals, Felix Rodriguez on guitar, Jesper Anderberg on keyboards and synthesizers, Johan Bengtsson on bass, and Fredrik Nilsson on drums. Ivarsson’s commanding presence and distinctive voice take center stage, while Anderberg’s synth work adds a pulsing backdrop to the album’s high-octane vibe. Tracks like “Seven Days a Week” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll” showcase the band’s knack for catchy hooks and danceable beats, while the title track, “Living in America,” became an anthem that propelled the band to international fame.

The album achieved critical and commercial success, reaching number four on the Swedish Albums Chart and earning a Grammy nomination in Sweden for Best Newcomer. Its title track became a standout single, with its high-energy chorus resonating with fans across Europe and the United States. Critics praised the album for its infectious energy, tight production, and nostalgic nods to the new wave era, solidifying The Sounds as one of the most exciting bands of the early 2000s.

CD Tracklisting

“Seven Days a Week” 3:04
“Dance with Me” 3:30
“Living in America” 3:28
“Black Jeans” 3:14
“Rock ‘n’ Roll” 3:54
“Like a Lady” 2:44
“Reggie” 4:28
“Fire” 3:46
“Hope You’re Happy Now” 3:46
“Riot” 3:38

Dying to Say This to You – The Sounds

Released 2006

Dying to Say This to You, the second album by Swedish band The Sounds, solidified their status as one of the most exciting acts of the mid-2000s indie and new wave revival. Released on March 15, 2006, the album was recorded in late 2005 at Studio 880 in Oakland, California, with producer Jeff Saltzman, who is best known for his work with The Killers. The result is a confident and electrifying record that blends synth-driven melodies with punk rock energy and infectious pop hooks.

The album features Maja Ivarsson’s commanding and charismatic vocals, supported by Felix Rodriguez on guitar, Jesper Anderberg on keyboards and synthesizers, Johan Bengtsson on bass, and Fredrik Nilsson on drums. Tracks like “Song with a Mission” and “Painted by Numbers” showcase the band’s knack for crafting high-energy anthems, while songs such as “Night After Night” reveal a more introspective and melodic side. The title suggests an urgency and vulnerability that resonate throughout the record.

Commercially, Dying to Say This to You performed well, reaching the top ten on the Swedish Albums Chart and making an impact internationally. The album’s hit single “Painted by Numbers” became a fan favorite, and the band’s relentless touring schedule, including opening slots for bands like Panic! At the Disco, helped them gain a devoted following. Critics praised the album for its blend of nostalgia and modern sensibilities, comparing The Sounds to new wave icons like Blondie and Talking Heads while recognizing their unique voice in the indie rock scene.

CD Tracklisting

“Song with a Mission” 2:59
“Queen of Apology” 3:05
“Tony the Beat (Push It)” 3:09
“24 Hours” 3:38
“Painted by Numbers” 3:17
“Night After Night” 3:04
“Ego” 3:11
“Hurt You” 3:20
“Much Too Long Now” 3:03
“Running Out of Turbo” 4:20

Crossing the Rubicon – The Sounds

Released 2009

Crossing the Rubicon, the third studio album by The Sounds, marked an ambitious step forward for the Swedish band, combining their signature new wave-inspired energy with a more expansive and introspective sound. Released on June 2, 2009, the album was recorded at Studio Kingside in Sweden and Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles. The album was produced by the band in collaboration with Jeff Bhasker, Mark Saunders, and Adam Schlesinger, who brought their diverse expertise to the project.

Maja Ivarsson’s magnetic vocal performances shine throughout the album, supported by Felix Rodriguez’s sharp guitar work, Jesper Anderberg’s layered synths and keyboards, Johan Bengtsson’s pulsing basslines, and Fredrik Nilsson’s driving drums. Tracks like “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake” and “Beatbox” exude the high-energy anthems fans had come to expect, while songs such as “Crossing the Rubicon” and “Home Is Where Your Heart Is” showcase a more introspective and cinematic approach.

Critically, Crossing the Rubicon was praised for its evolution in sound, with many noting its blend of energetic dance-rock and thoughtful lyrics. The album achieved moderate commercial success, charting in Sweden and gaining attention internationally, particularly in the United States. The single “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake” became a standout track, with its soaring chorus and electrifying production.

CD Tracklisting

“No One Sleeps When I’m Awake” 4:00
“DJ” 3:37
“Beatbox” 3:40
“My Lover” 3:38
“Dorchester Hotel” 4:19
“Midnight Sun” 3:37
“Lost in Love” 4:15
“The Only Ones” 3:40
“Home Is Where Your Heart Is” 3:43
“Crossing the Rubicon” 5:10
“Underground” 4:37
“Goodnight Freddy” 2:45

Something to Die For – The Sounds

Something To Die For by The Sounds (2011) Audio CD

Released 2011

Something to Die For, released on March 29, 2011, marks a bold departure for The Sounds as they embrace a more electronic and synth-driven sound while retaining their high-energy rock essence. Recorded in the band’s native Sweden at their own studio, the album was self-produced by The Sounds, showcasing their confidence and artistic independence. The record features pulsating beats, lush synth arrangements, and anthemic choruses that reflect the band’s evolution while maintaining their distinctive edge.

The Sounds’ lineup remains strong with Maja Ivarsson’s commanding vocals, Felix Rodriguez’s sharp guitar work, Jesper Anderberg’s dynamic synth and keyboard textures, Johan Bengtsson’s grooving basslines, and Fredrik Nilsson’s tight drumming. Tracks like “Better Off Dead” and the title track, “Something to Die For,” exemplify the band’s venture into darker, cinematic territories, while “Dance with the Devil” and “Yeah Yeah Yeah” deliver infectious energy that harks back to their earlier work.

Critically, Something to Die For received a mixed reception, with praise for its bold experimentation and energetic delivery but some criticism for its heavier reliance on electronic elements. The album charted modestly in Sweden, peaking in the top 20, and garnered international attention, bolstered by the inclusion of “Something to Die For” and “Yeah Yeah Yeah” in the Scream 4 soundtrack, which introduced the band to a broader audience.

CD Tracklisting

“It’s So Easy” 2:48
“Dance with the Devil” 3:45
“The No No Song” 3:29
“Better Off Dead” 3:35
“Diana” 3:50
“Something to Die For” 3:40
“Yeah Yeah Yeah” 3:09
“Won’t Let Them Tear Us Apart” 4:24
“The Best of Me” 3:10
“Wish You Were Here” 5:27

Weekend – The Sounds

Released 2013

Weekend, the fifth studio album by The Sounds, captures the band’s signature energy while exploring a more introspective and mature sound. Released on October 29, 2013, the album was recorded at Svenska Grammofonstudion in Gothenburg, Sweden, and produced by Alex Newport, known for his work with artists such as Bloc Party and Death Cab for Cutie. The album reflects a band that has evolved without losing the spirited essence that made them a staple in the indie rock and new wave revival scene.

The album features Maja Ivarsson’s charismatic vocals, Felix Rodriguez’s dynamic guitar work, Jesper Anderberg’s layered keyboards and synths, Johan Bengtsson’s steady basslines, and Fredrik Nilsson’s propulsive drumming. Tracks like “Shake Shake Shake” and “Outlaw” highlight the band’s knack for crafting infectious hooks and driving rhythms, while songs such as “Hurt the Ones I Love” and the title track “Weekend” reveal a more reflective and emotional side.

Critically, Weekend was praised for its polished production and the band’s ability to balance high-energy anthems with moments of introspection. The album resonated with fans, particularly in Sweden, where it charted within the top 40, further solidifying The Sounds’ reputation for delivering vibrant, crowd-pleasing music.

CD Tracklisting

“Shake Shake Shake” 4:04
“Take It the Wrong Way” 3:19
“Hurt the Ones I Love” 3:37
“Weekend” 3:20
“Great Day” 3:22
“Outlaw” 4:09
“Too Young to Die” 3:38
“Panic” 3:24
“Animal” 3:23
“Emperor” 3:56

Things We Do for Love – The Sounds

Released 2020

Things We Do for Love, the sixth studio album by The Sounds, arrived on June 12, 2020, as a reminder of the band’s ability to blend high-energy anthems with heartfelt introspection. Recorded in Sweden at various studios, the album was self-produced by The Sounds, showcasing their DIY ethos and a deep commitment to their craft. Released in the midst of global uncertainty, the album resonated as a message of resilience and connection through music.

The lineup remains unchanged, featuring Maja Ivarsson’s electrifying vocals, Felix Rodriguez’s punchy guitar riffs, Jesper Anderberg’s lush synth and keyboard work, Johan Bengtsson’s rhythmic bass, and Fredrik Nilsson’s dynamic drumming. Tracks like the title song “Things We Do for Love” and “Safe and Sound” encapsulate the band’s knack for crafting infectious hooks, while “Dim the Lights” and “Stay Free” reveal a softer, more contemplative side.

Critically, Things We Do for Love was praised for its polished production and balance between nostalgia and fresh energy. The album performed well in Sweden and garnered international attention for its ability to stay true to The Sounds’ signature style while exploring new emotional depths. Fans particularly embraced tracks like “Bonnie and Clyde,” which pairs narrative storytelling with driving rhythms, and “Home,” a track filled with yearning and warmth.