“Mateo” Is The Hidden Gem On Tove Lo’s ‘Sunshine Kitty’

Mike Wass | September 25, 2019 3:08 pm
Tove & Kylie's 'Really Don't Like U' Video
Tove Lo and Kylie Minogue release their sexy 'Really Don't Like U' video.

Tove Lo’s Sunshine Kitty arrived on Friday (September 20) and, as expected, it is one of the best albums of 2019. The Swedish pop star’s 4th LP is brimming with perfect pop songs, which makes it hard to single out highlights. However, I’ve always been up to a challenge and my top three cuts — in no particular order — are “Glad He’s Gone,” “Really Don’t Like U” featuring Kylie Minogue and the deeply felt “Mateo.” The latter finds Tove dealing with the emotional trauma of competing for a guy’s attention.

“Never stood out in the crowd the way you do, wish I could have some more time alone with you,” the 31-year-old laments over The Struts’ ’80s-inspired synths. “But the line is getting longer by the minute… and it’s filled with pretty girls.” That takes us to the instantly hummable chorus (it bares all the trademarks of co-writer Max Martin). “I don’t ever wanna let you go, no,” she sings. “Mateo, Mateo, Mateo, my love.” It turns out that the song was based on personal experience.

“Growing up, I was never the first one to be noticed,” Tove remembers. “I was competing with beautiful girls who wanted the same guy as me that would always get the attention. You ask yourself, ‘How do I get their attention if I have different things to offer?’ It’s always embarrassing to be in love with the one person that everyone also wants.” Listen to “Mateo” below and buy the remarkable Sunshine Kitty here.

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