Hey music lovers, have you ever heard a song that feels like it’s staring straight into the messy parts of your heart and refusing to look away? That’s exactly what hits you with Ellen Benediktson’s “Only Lovers.”
This Swedish alt pop artist just dropped her sophomore EP WID4L on May 15th via Icons Creating Evil Art, and the lead track “Only Lovers” is the perfect introduction to her bolder, sharper sound. If you’re craving music that embraces emotional chaos instead of polishing it up, this one’s for you.
From the very first listen, “Only Lovers” pulls you into a world of intense feelings. The verses stay tightly coiled and tense, building that close, almost uncomfortable intimacy. Then the chorus explodes into something euphoric, turning the pain into this weirdly addictive rush. Benediktson sings about chasing a love that’s probably too intense to survive—and deciding the destruction might actually be the point. It’s raw, it’s dramatic, and it feels honest in a way a lot of pop music avoids these days.
The production sits right in that alt pop sweet spot—indie roots mixed with electro elements, but with something unsettled running underneath. It’s a clear evolution from her 2022 debut Good Girl. Gone is any lingering Eurovision-finalist sheen. This feels teethier, more volatile, and way more personal. You can hear the influence of bold, character-driven artists like Lady Gaga, Hayley Williams, and Miley Cyrus in how fearlessly she leans into imperfection and instinct.
Visually, the whole WID4L project matches the sonic intensity. Red dominates everything—not as a cute aesthetic choice, but as something physical and messy. Benediktson described the cover art idea as basically smearing herself in red goo to represent emotions spilling out in a way you can’t wash off. High-fashion, slightly gothic, and a little creepy in the best possible way. It’s the perfect visual for music that refuses to analyze emotions and instead just lives inside them.
The EP as a whole circles states that “rarely sit still”—obsession, jealousy, self-deception, and that specific self-awareness that knows better but does it anyway. “Only Lovers” sits right at the center of that emotional storm. Benediktson has said she’s romanticized falling apart for love, and you feel every bit of that in this song.
Swedish alt pop has been delivering some of the most interesting music lately, and Ellen Benediktson is carving out a lane that feels entirely her own. After multiple Eurovision runs starting at just 18 (including the final with “Songbird”), she stepped back to find something more authentic. WID4L feels like the payoff—fearless, unapologetic, and deeply human.
If you’re into artists who turn emotional impulsivity into art, add this to your rotation immediately. Stream “Only Lovers” on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube and let it wreck you in the best way.
What do you think of this artist’s sound? Does the messy, intense side of love speak to you, or do you prefer your pop a bit more polished? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re feeling.
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Keep discovering new sounds, friends. This alt pop wave is only getting more interesting.
