Enjoyed all of these--they're comforting but have substantial emotional depth (except the Cardigans number, which has depth but is more rousing than comforting). I definitely agree with you about the wall of sound nonsense on "Like I Used to Be"--it almost ruins the song.
Here are two story-songs from Sweden that should be better known.
"Long Lost Penpal" isn't the most complex of Hello Saferide / Sakert!'s work, but it's got enough richness and irony to be a hit beyond an audience of Swede Pop fans.
"Surprised"--a duet by Montt Mardie and Andreas Mattsson--is one of the wittiest songs I know. It's about two friends who prepare for a visit from an old crush who's back in town. Their rivalry becomes evident:
"Yeah, I need someone to talk to."
"Well it won't be with me."
"I wish you could help me."
"You just want me to leave."
The two prepare to be surprised so as not to give their feelings away when Annabelle shows up, but the real surprise isn't what they had in mind.
