Magnus Bergman - Do You Know Where to Go

Magnus Bergman

Do You Know Where to Go
​self-released; 2020

3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Magnus Bergman is a Swedish musician, songwriter and music producer, producing his own and other’s projects for the last quarter of a century. He recently released Do You Know Where to Go which is a ten-song album. He mentions, “the album is influenced by a lot of music I grew up with - The Beatles, George Harrison, Robert Plant, Pink Floyd but also bands from the ‘90s such as Supergrass and a lot more.”

I would say that should give you a pretty good idea of the album you will encounter but the production and recording quality did sound contemporary. There is a pleasant mix of style and color but I would say a lot of it feels like positive energy.

The album starts with “Do You Know Where To Go” and still really had the energy of U2 and Primal Scream. It's a certified rock song with a huge sounding chorus. As much as I liked the first song I absolutely loved “7890.” This song is lush and a little bit more in Radiohead type territory. The horns really stood out to me. I thought the approach was really unique.

“Higher” really can’t get much higher. This song has a spiritual revival type of quality that veered towards Spiritualized. The move to simmer down next with the relaxing and tranquil “Don’t Hand Down” was a good call.

We started to ride a wave again with “Let Go” which felt very inspirational and motivational. “Keep On” which has similar motivational qualities and a similar message was another one I really liked and it felt cathartic.

There is some Americana infusion on “Always in the Way'' which has a memorable chorus while the warm ballad “She’s the One” is a fairly straightforward love ballad. The sax was put to good use here making it seem very sensual. “Shine” is borderline gospel in its approach and delivery. My only critique was I thought “Shine” should have been the closer. “Rising” sounds like an arpeggiated moog synth and just didn’t seem like it belonged with the other tracks for a number of reasons.

​I thought this was a great album. Bergman is an exceptional producer and musician. Take a listen.

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