Who runs the pop world? Sweden.

In about two weeks, Neneh Cherry will drop Blank Project, her first solo album since 1996's Man. By the sounds of the Robyn-assisted "Out Of The Black," the 18-year wait has been worth it.

Opening with a very Santigold circa "Lights Out" percussive intro, Neneh's new song is a sparse slow-burner. It may stand in stark contrast to the Swedish singer-songwriter's upbeat '80s classic, "Buffalo Stance," but "Out Of The Black" is exactly the kind of pop jam you want to ease you into the harsh reality of Monday morning.

Anticipating listeners' reactions, Neneh explained to Pitchfork: "[The song is] not the one that you would expect that we would have collaborated on. The obvious thing would be for Robyn and I to do a jumping-up-and-down-type song or something a bit more cheeky, but it's quite melancholy."

Vocally, Neneh and Robyn duet seamlessly together, both performers showcasing a more fragile and vulnerable singing style than fans may be used to. No worries, though. When they harmonize, "We just want you to want it too," you'll be shouting "YAAAS I DO! I DO!" right back at your screen. If you know what's good for you.

Neneh Cherry's Blank Project is produced by Four Tet and is set to be released on Feb. 25 -- precisely the date Nostradamus predicted Sweden would rise from the ground to assume its rightful place in pop heaven.

+ Listen to Neneh Cherry's "Out Of The Black" featuring Robyn.

Photo credit: Smalltown Supersound