Johnny Vinyl

If someone were to arrive at the center of the universe, what would they encounter there?

Since humans have activated their imaginations, speculation about the universe has been a constant. Some, like Galileo, were labeled heretics and imprisoned.

Swedish songstress Sofia Talvik has a new song about what the universe holds at its core and it’s the title track of her ninth album, “Center of the Universe.”

While American journalists and even her own press materials focus on her “Americana” sound, Talvik identifies more as a singer-songwriter in the same vein as the “Laurel Canyon Ladies” of the early ‘70s — Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Judy Collins.

Sofia said that she’s “very focused on the lyric part of my songs … I only really connect with music that has lyrics that speak to me.”

Released Aug. 14, “Center of the Universe” contains 10 tracks with each having a poignant set of lyrics that makes the listener think about the world around them.

Two of the songs, “Broken” and “Oh, California,” are specifically for Tim Flemming, a fallen friend. The remainder deal with some heavy issues.

“Circle of Destruction” puts the audience at the border as refugees seek asylum — “Standing at the border with a white flag in your hand, will the peace that we dreamed of ever come?”

“Boy Soldier” concerns collateral victims of domestic violence from the perspective of the frightened little children — “Boy soldier Can you keep your mama safe … from the demons in her head.”

Released last year as a single, “Too Many Churches” written in the aftermath of the reversal of Roe v. Wade has charted on national folk charts.

The title track, inspired by a scene at a Texas Walmart, is the most unique perspective of what exists at the center of the universe. And it is that perspective that makes it a song of hope.

The music this time around simply supports the lyrics, sometimes very minimally. Sofia has something to say and does nothing to hinder the communication.

While the subject matter is intense, there is one common thread through each piece — Sofia believes in humanity and that it can improve. “Center of the Universe” is ultimately an album of hope.

Talvik, who has performed around Eastern Oregon, is currently touring the United States with stops on the West Coast and Southwest into October. She heads to Germany in late November. For more information, visit www.sofiatalvik.com or search social media.