Friday’s Five Tunes with Margaret Berger

Photo: Desiree Mathsson

Always wondered what pop stars themselves listen to whenever they are not on stage or writing new music? It’s time to find out! Every week, A Bit of Pop Music will bring you Friday’s Five, a selection of five favourite songs by a current pop artist. During Eurovision week we have the honour to present you the jams of the one and only Margaret Berger.

Margaret has been on the radar of the Norwegian music industry ever since 2004 when she participated in her country’s version of Pop Idol. She recorded two albums, disappeared from the spotlights for a while and came back swinging at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 where she finished fourth overall with the outstanding electronic pop piece ‘I Feed You My Love’. She released a few more singles, but decided to take matters in her own hands and go independent at the end of last year. In January she brought us the highly personal and emotional single ‘Apologize‘. Now she tells us all about her musical favourites!

New Order – Love Will Tear Us Apart
“‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ by New Order is my absolute favourite song! It is all in his voice, that intro and most of all the sad and so true message about human nature.”

Prince – I Would Die 4 U
“‘I Would Die 4 U’ by Prince is a great example of why you don’t need a complex melody if you deliver your message right.”

Rihanna – Diamonds
“‘Diamonds’ is just a perfect pop song, I wouldn’t change a single thing. It’s both simple and big at the same time. Sia + Rihanna = 4 ever.”

Major Lazer – Get Free
“I loved this one from the first time I heard it. It’s hippie, melancholic, summery, political, beautiful, vulnerable and so easy to dance to all at the same time. Genious!”

The Smashing Pumpkins – Disarm
“My teenage heart breaks everytime I hear the intro of this track. I adore the contrast of Billy Corgans ugly yet beautiful voice with one of the best string arrangements I’ve ever heard.”

A diverse, but oh so good list by Margaret Berger! She has been digging deep in her soul and her past when creating the heartfelt and moving single and video ‘Apologize’. Outstanding!