Continuing a look at notable albums of 1996…

For U.S. listeners, the Swedish alt-rock band The Cardigans are a one-hit wonder. That hit was ‘Lovefool,’ a jaunty battle cry for desperate jilted lovers everywhere.

‘Lovefool’ reached the U.S. charts thanks to its inclusion on the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet and earned critical praise as well as commercial success. But it first appeared on the band’s third album, titled First Band on the Moon.

That album, too, was critically hailed, even if it didn’t break through to American audiences. And I’m glad I spent some time with it to appreciate this band beyond their biggest hit.

Now, I’ll be honest, ‘Lovefool’ is the best track on this album. It’s a classic pop song with enduring appeal and you don’t come across those very often. But the rest of First Band on the Moon is interesting and unexpected.

The songs feature complex arrangements and playfully dark lyrics, delivered by lead singer Nina Persson with sprightly conviction. I was repeatedly surprised by what I heard, and when ‘Lovefool’ kicked in it felt like an old friend but also of a piece with the music around it.

I always like albums that put their biggest hits into a richer context and this one definitely does.