Music helps Swedish singer heal, rediscover happiness

stark realization of “Missing U” and moving through life’s rebuilding stages, Robyn eventually reaches the slinky, hopeful “Ever Again,” in which she sings, “Never gonna be brokenhearted ever again, only going to sing about love ever again.”

Most pop acts would launch their albums with “Ever Again,” whose soothing synths and funky bass line conjure up memories of Prince in the “When U Were Mine” era.

Robyn says she was listening to Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” demos for inspiration, but “Honey” often has the feel of Janet Jackson’s “janet” album, especially in the gorgeous “Because It’s in the Music,” which shimmers in its disco-inspired string flourishes and thumping bass line.

Yet Robyn is too crafty to do anything that straightforward.

The bubbly yet chill “Beach2k20,” produced by Mr. Tophat, is like a deconstructed house anthem, mixed with echoes of her breakthrough hit “Show Me Love.” On the plaintive “Baby Forgive Me,” she teams her breathy voice with a mechanically processed harmony that makes it sound as if she’s being haunted by the lyrics as she sings them.

The mood of “Honey” pivots in the title track, as if it’s the moment when Robyn allows herself to be happy again. That’s only fitting considering how much joy “Honey” will bring to the world as one of the year’s best albums.