When it comes to pop music—and let’s be real, when does it ever not come to pop music?—there’s this inherent contradiction at play. The genre promises instant gratification, yet we constantly hunger for something deeper beneath the sparkle.

But occasionally, someone emerges with enough substance to bridge that paradox, catching lightning in a bottle with melodies sharp enough to cut through our collective cynicism. Stockholm’s rising voice Gabi Goldman might just be that someone.

photo by Martina Broman

Before anything else—before dissecting the genre tags, the sonic reference points, or the strategic choices baked into the mix—let’s just call this what it is: an entrance. A real one. For Myself, the debut EP, arrives as a fully formed, emotionally intelligent, sonically rich statement from an artist already standing among the most compelling voices in contemporary pop and R&B.

In five songs, Goldman accomplishes what many spend years pursuing: she builds a world. Her songs pulse with the kind of emotional openness that can only come from late-night conversations, personal diary entries scribbled hastily at 2 AM, and perhaps a healthy amount of heartbreak and introspection. Yes, these might be tropes we’ve heard a million times, but what Goldman does differently is deliver them without irony, without calculation—just pure-hearted sincerity served with velvety smooth R&B pop.

This debut EP feels very much like the gentle waves of a midsummer afternoon, effortlessly cool and comforting yet subtly imbued with undercurrents of melancholy. Goldman isn’t afraid of confronting messy emotions head-on: the anxiety, the longing, the confusion inherent in navigating love, self-awareness, and mental health in a world obsessed with appearances. In fact, the very title For Myself speaks volumes about her approach. It’s personal without feeling self-indulgent; introspective without succumbing to overly philosophical pretense.

And speaking of soundbites, let’s briefly acknowledge the sheer catchiness woven into each moment of this five-track journey. Goldman knows exactly how to shape a hook—crafting melodies as if they were destined for top-tier radio playlists, yet always retaining her integrity as a storyteller first and foremost. It feels intentional, sure, but never manipulative. The commercial potential here arises through Goldman’s instinctual understanding of what makes a melody stick in the listener’s subconscious, rather than any trace of cynical calculation.

On her opening track, ‘Body Heat,’ Gabi Goldman opens the door to a night draped in amber hues and velvet intimacy. It’s a track dripping with honeyed melodies and sensual R&B rhythms, Goldman’s voice moving effortlessly from note to note, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste that lingers. Her vocals have that unmistakable quality—warmth, charisma, and immediacy, each line delivered like a whispered secret between close friends, or perhaps, lovers.

photo by Elis Lindsten

From there, the EP shifts smoothly into the more introspective, subtly commanding tones of ‘Few Good Friends.‘ Goldman’s performance here changes in subtle but meaningful ways—her voice adopts a gentler confidence, guiding listeners into deeper emotional waters. It’s captivating, as Goldman’s presence becomes increasingly potent, authoritative yet soft, holding the listener’s hand and guiding them toward the hidden corners of her personal universe.

And just when you think you’ve understood the landscape Goldman has mapped, in comes ‘2 Hard 2’—an absolute surprise and the hidden gem of this EP. Built on a rhythm that sways with an addictive swing, the song sets a groove that instantly commands movement. Goldman seamlessly intertwines a slick, rhythmic rap segment that raises the stakes, lifts the energy, and sparks a dynamic contrast that genuinely dazzles. The chorus takes another unexpected turn—textures expanding, melodies slowing, the sonic palette shifting effortlessly into something dreamy yet confidently grounded.

Then comes the EP’s centerpiece, the title track ‘For Myself.’ The feeling here is one of gentle exhilaration, a tender cocktail of airy rhythms and shimmering pop melodies that unfold like whispers in a summer breeze. Goldman creates something special—an atmosphere full of blossoming romance and quiet longing, like the secret conversations held under starlit skies, the kind you only share when you’re completely unguarded.

Closing the EP is ‘Nostalgia,’ a track so immediately memorable that it practically demands repeated listens. Goldman taps into universal themes of past love and lingering emotional connections, set against an irresistibly accessible R&B-pop backdrop. It’s the type of song that confidently reaches toward global charts, full of effortless hooks, relatable emotions, and a sunny, addictive charm. Yet even with its commercial ambition evident, Goldman never feels calculated—rather, she infuses the song with genuine emotion, sincerity radiating from every carefully placed note.

Of course, I’ve reviewed countless pop records over the years. They come and go, rise and fall, leaving varying impressions in their wake. And while it’s tempting to fall back into comparisons and cynicism, artists like Goldman remind me why I love doing this in the first place: discovering genuine humanity beneath layers of polish. For Myself is a humble but compelling statement, one that quietly insists we pause amid our frantic digital scrolling to consider the simple truths that guide our inner lives—truths often hidden beneath our daily distractions and self-conscious facades.

Gabi Goldman might be making her official debut, but there’s a confidence and polish here that suggests she’s been in the game far longer than her discography lets on. With the intimacy of her lyricism, the elegant fluidity of her vocal phrasing, and her impeccable knack for creating summer-ready melodies, she sets herself apart by showing that what resonates most is heartfelt sincerity over constant reinvention.

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