Medúlla

not boring

interesting arrangements

Feels designed to trigger misophonia but I enjoyed it nontheless

as a recreational music listener it’s not for me but I get the vision

First 2 or 3 songs were 1 star for me but I actually kind of liked how weird and mystical the later songs were? Lots of interesting harmonies, and I'm a sucker for good vocals. Her voice is super weird but not as grating as I expected it to be.

The first Bjork album I listened to, I liked. It was “my kind of weird”. But this one is another level of weird. I don’t hate it, but it’s too much for my taste. I can see why people would appreciate it, but I’ll never go back to this one.

I never was a Björk fan but this list has made me realise how good she actually is. This album is very creative and interesting... it almost crosses over with some vocal/sound oriented contemporary classical music (e.g. Caroline Shaw) which I love. Her unique voice really shines on this layered, atmospheric album. However much I dread "It's oh so quiet", this album is a star. You know what, I'll give it a 5!

interessante

miniatuur Nina Hagen... haar muziek is niet altijd even goed, maar ze is zeker avontuurlijk... mooi album met veel a cappella

3/10 Horrible. Like, really horrible. For all the experimentation and innovation, it's just a painful experience. I will never listen to again and I can now, after three Bjork albums, have confidence in my assertion that I Don't Like her music. Couldn't bring myself to give it one star as it is ART.

Since this project, I have grown to dislike Bjork more and more. Production quality sounds great but that's just lipstick on a pig.

Was skeptical of the a capella but it was very well done. Where Is the Line and Oceania were my favorites on the first listen.

An album I know inside and out - bought the week it was released. Medulla didn’t come out long after Dancer in the Dark - another Bjork album that relied on incidental sounds. I love her approach of relying on vocal instrumentation. Easy 4/5. Deducting one point for some of the tedious moments that come from listening with fresh ears. Core memory unlocked - bought the videoclip for Oceania to watch on my iPod video

Literally music you hear while getting ritualistically sacrificed by a pagan cult.

I had no idea how versatile an artist they are, wow!

Wild shit

Impressive, cool as hell, I didn't really enjoy listening

Ever see an album cover on here and just go "Yeah, that's a 1." Probably like a lot of people, I first heard/saw Bjork on MTV for the video for Human Behavior, which was a cool song and a great video. Can't say I've listened to her since. Actually put on Human Behavior before listening to this album to see if I liked it as much as I remember and it's still great. But this isn't like that. This sucks. And it gets worse as it goes on...the track "Ancestors" is one of the worst things I've heard lately. As an aside, I'm seeing people marvelling that this was done with all vocals, minimal instruments...as if that's some sort of monumental artistic achievement. This isn't new or original, Todd Rundgren did the same thing back in the 80s.

I don't think I've ever listened to Björk before, I'm excited First two were pretty much what I thought I was going to get, but Where Is The Line was SO unexpected. Loving it I want to listen to this while on a beach walk. Would be the perfect vibes I think. Can only imagine how many student interpretative dance pieces have been done to this album. Really liked this. Struggled a lil bit with the vocalisations on Ancestors, but that's okay. 4.5/5. Was going to round down but then I changed my mind. Enjoy your five stars, Björk, you deserve it Songs added to my playlist: - Pleasure Is All Mine - Where Is The Line - Desired Constellation - Oceania - Mouths Cradle

I could live without this one 🙉

If her "Debut" for me is divided into great songs and songs I don't like, this album is dominated by the second kind. Sad to say so, but all the vocal extravagance is too much for me. Nonetheless an unique album with iconic cover artwork. favourite: "Vökuro", "Who Is It" worst: "Ancestors", "Midvikudags" 1,5

I can see why people would enjoy it but it is not for me. Technically probably a good album but for listenability for me very low.

Pretty weird album #2

so everything is done completely with vocals. No instruments. Really interesting methods. and it kinda slaps. dark themes

Nope.

It should be clear that I hate accapela music. This album is almost without instrumentation. That means "Medulla" is occasionally unbearable. However, there are some good songs on it. For example, "Desired Constellations". 3 stars for "Medulla".

Who is it was the standout for me. Beautifully recorded and such awesome, decisive music, even if it’s not an easy background listen.

I really want to like her music... but I just don't.

Bjork is a taste I have not yet fully acquired.

Way too much going on

repetições vocais que me irritaram demais

I'd much prefer a dozen Bjork albums than a dozen Bowie albums on this list. Bjork is always pushing the edge, but always in an enjoyable way.

Gosh - - I tried really did! She is a marvelous and genius, but could not relate.

Constantly rode the line between being a fun experiment and just annoying. Her weird little accent feels kind of forced, but other than that I didn't hate it

I listened to it twice; the first time was too strange, it was difficult to listen to! And, as has been customary in my approach to this project, I was at my workplace. So it wasn't an easy listen. Then, later that night, I listened to it again at home, with proper headphones, and the experience was totally different. What I'm trying to say is that it's a good album, a very good album, but it's not an album for all moments, you know? I'm giving it a 3 for the whole experience, Bjork has many better albums and songs, IMHO, and I'm only not giving this one a higher rating because of its “strangeness.” Anyway, you'll be amazed by Bjork's unique and fantastic vocals, she is undeniably a great singer, a great artist, and a great performer - a 10/10 kind of artist <3

What exactly is this?

I made it through this whole thing. Never once over 1000 albums have I said "oh boy I hope to hear some Bjork today!" Is it weird for weird sake or do I just not get it?

This was the Bjork album where I rather lost interest. It's an album of her usual explorations, experiments, whimsy and inventions. However, there needed to be some controlling hand. What we get is an album devoted to what Bjork enjoys, with no real interest in relating it to other folks. OK, there are many who buy into her interests, but me (and others I know) zoned out. Sad, but c'est la vie.

There's a quality to her voice that appeals to me but I can't quite put my finger on it. On the other hand, I find her sing-shouting kind of off-putting and her singing style starts to sound the same from song to song. This isn't anything I could listen to for enjoyment and I will not ever revisit this.

This is undoubtedly one of Bjorks middle to bottom half albums, but that's not to say it's bad. There's still a ton of good, cool, interesting stuff here. I almost wish she leaned even further into what differentiates it from her most iconic albums. Still a solid offering from one of the most unique voices in pop/rock history and tacks another one on to just an impeccable complete discography

I definitely didn’t get Björk when I was younger, not sure I totally do now. I will say I can appreciate what she does more than I used to.

OK, I didn't realize this is the 1001 albums by Bjork that you have to hear before you die. Is every album of hers on this list? I did not enjoy this album. Her early 90's stuff is the best. Leave it there. 1.5 / 5 (because it's better than Krautrock)

👎

Ya sé que es Bjork y decir que su disco está rarísimo es casi una necedad, pero qué pedo, su disco está rarísimo. No podría decir que lo disfruté especialmente, pero sí me tuvo muy intrigado. Y qué pedo con la canción de Ancestors, me mató del miedo. No recomiendo escucharla caminando de noche por las calles vacías de la ciudad, sí lo pone a uno muy inquietito.

Fun but it’s given “but dad I want to go to fashion school”

Sure. Whatever. Not a fan of electronic anything. And this is some "art" for people who want to be "artist" and their fans wanting to be unique. Do your thing. Fortunately it was only about a 45 minute listen. Bjork is lame as hell IMO and always has been. Try hard shit.

"Who Is it" is a 5/5 amazing song that will add to my future rotation, but the album as a whole is mostly a miss for me, and does not seem to hold up as well to her other albums.

The contrast between an inovative album like something from Björk being criminally rated poorly and the "Art-house-Hipster-Coffee-Shop-Indie-Folk-Rock" carrying a bunch of 5s shows how much personal taste biases. 4/5

Good but not my jam

First keyword associated with this album is “interesting” and that is the long and short of it. Not bad but definitely polarizing for the listener, 2.75/5, I didn’t love it but respect the vision that Björk was going for

Bloody hell This threw me at first but the entire album is incredible Listened to it through headphones to appreciate it fully Bloody genius

There’s a fine line between genius and madness and Björk sits firmly in that space.

Not since Fetch the Bolt Cutters have I been so bored and annoyed by something that is so clearly a work of genius. At least I made it through this one, and there were at least a few enjoyable moments on here for me; Bjork has wonderful pop instincts even at her most willfully abstruse.

My absolute favourite Bjork album. The pleasure is ALL mine.

many calling it "unique", although others deemed it "confusing" is the nicest way of saying this was a tough listen

A whole weird acapella album... Best Songs: Triumph of a Heart Worst Songs: Oll Birtan, Desired Constellation, Ancestors

björk: einzigartig. immer.

Ich bin allergisch auf Björn. Kann man keine Sterne vergeben?

Ah, Icelandic scat music.

Some greatness and some weirdness

"Medúlla" is the fifth studio album by Icelandic recording artist Björk. A capella, avant-garde and experimental are the Wiki-listed genres. For sure. After her electronic-influenced previous album "Vespertine," Björk intended to make an album almost entirely constructed with human vocals. Assisting with Björk on the vocals included guests Tagap (Inuit throat singing), Mike Patton, Robert Wyatt, Rahzel, Siomo, Dokaka, the Icelandic Choir and the London Choir. The album was critically acclaimed for its uniqueness although some deemed it confusing. Commercially, the album reached #9 in the UK and #14 on the US Billboard 200. The album opens with "Pleasure is All Mine." Björk harmonizing with some "Ohhh" background vocals. An interesting, underlying panting from Tagap using Inuit throat singing. The second half has some a cathedral choir. A theme of being a giver being more rewarding. "Where Is the Line" has a lot going on: male pummeling noises carrying a rhythm and sounding like gunshots, whistles and an angel-like choir. A grandiose sound. Björk attacks a younger relative for being greedy and unreliable. Rahzel beatboxing keeps the rhythm going on "Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right)." Björk effectively using vocal echoes. Björk specifically wrote "Oceania" for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Björk's vocals cover a wide range. The London Choir contributes giving this a big sound. The album closer "Triumph of a Heart" is a rather good dance-pop song. Rahzel, Dokaka and Björk create a dance beat with their vocals. The song is overlayed by Björk's lush vocals. A song celebrating the workings of the anatomy. There are very few artists who could successfully carry off an album entirely of vocals. And Björk does that. Not once is this album boring. There's an array of of different vocal styles and approaches: harmonizing, beatboxing, Inuit throat singing, choirs and random human vocals noises. Nothing gimmicky here either. I doubt that you could repetitively record interesting albums using this method but, Björk manages to accomplish this once in a very good and original album.

It’s Björk. It’s weird but pleasant at times, just like you’d expect. I did really enjoy the last track.

Just OK. Really something you need to be in the mood for, but there were a couple of nice songs.

This album is kind of experimental, not that Bjork's other albums aren't experimental. My first thought was where are the beats? Then where is the line started and the beats made me uncomfortable. Bjork's music is very uncomfortable on this and most albums after this one. Appreciate the artistry but not sure I get enjoyment from this mishmash of dark choirs and scary opera.

She’s definitely a mood but I found this beautiful. When she incorporates a more pop song structure to her music (like track 4 or 5 on this) it’s exceptional.

As always with Bjork, I find her music can lack beats, which can be a deterrent for me when it comes to every day listening. But, when the mood strikes me for this kind of moodiness, it works so friggin' well.

I like the songs that focus less on the acapella and more on the beats or whatever.

Fantastic. I need to listen to this again.

I need to say something inflammatory: if you don't like this album, you might be stupid!!!! Calling it "unlistenable" is so lazy and smooth-brained-- Björk doesn't make radio pop, nerd! this is a deeply personal and experimental project, not a top 40 contender. Wish more people would internalize that that before rating her work. "Unlistenable" is also just blatantly untrue!!!! her utilization of the Icelandic choir is so insane, i found myself forgetting this record is acapella. it's obviously nobody's FAVORITE björk album, but the quality and arctic beauty are undeniable.

i've liked some of Björk's stuff in the past, but not that one. not at all.

Turns out that I love Björk and her weird mouth sounds. I can totally see this as being too avant-garde for some.

I don't mind weirdo music but I do struggle with her voice. Imagine a duet between Bjork and Yoko Ono ....... Yikes!

Was like a vocalised freestyle jazz very experimental somtimes making brief glimmers of resplendance in a sea of madness. Gotta take your hat off. A great vocalist.

Admirable innovation but spread too thinly over a whole album. It's a Björk thing.

I have this record, but it is not something I seen out that often. It not particularly catchy, and Björk is very Björky on it; but I love it. I find it beautiful and odd and an inspirational mix of genres. More of this weirdness, please.

As with the other Björk albums, it's not bad, it's just that I can't quite figure out if it's good or more self-indulgent madness... "Björkness" I guess!

Pretty good.

Would not listen again

Not my cup of tea, but I think if you're a Bjork fan, you'd really like it

Couldn’t wait for this to end

Bjork has one of the few voices that could pull off this album.

No offense to Björk, but do we really need multiple Björk albums on here? All her stuff kind of sounds the same.

I’m a huge Bjork fan who has admired her creative and uncompromising approach from her time with the Sugarcubes through her solo career. I consider albums such as “Post” to be absolute classics. I had never heard this album before, and it only takes a few tracks before you becomes aware of the central conceit - this album is composed almost exclusively of vocals. And while a brave and interesting artistic choice, in practice it doesn’t hold together very well for an entire album. There are certainly great songs here - “Pleasure Is All Mine”, “Oceania”, and “Where Is the Line” are examples - but they work best as standalone songs rather than as part of a vocal-only statement. So while I applaud Bjork’s singular vision here, I don’t really jive with the end result.

I love Bjork, I think she’s so unique and creative and smart, but this album, I wouldn’t call it pleasurable listening for me. It’s more like curiosity listening. I’m interested in the ideas, but I need to be in the right sort of mood to listen through the whole thing.

Man, to have your experimental, "gimmicky" album - ehich is not even in your top 5 most well-acclaimed albums - sound *this* good, and contain songs like Oceania and Who Is It... clearly, they've got some kind of magic in the Icelandic water springs. Highly recommended for anyone with curiosity and adventure and in their hearts.

Very unique album, enjoyed the mix of beats and fun feel to each song. I will say it kind of stressed me out alittle bit, but only because I was trying to do other things and listen to the album.

There are parts of this album, like Vökuró, that are simply beautiful. But even the ”worst” tracks here are interesting and grab my attention. An album I must return to. Oh yeah, call me a weirdo, but Ancestors is the coolest thing I’ve heard in quite a while. Björk, Björker, Björkest! 4/5

I can respect it, but that doesn't mean I can sincerely love it. "Triumph of a Heart" is still a banger, though.

One of the stranger albums in the Bjork catalog, this isn't exactly a pop album that you blast and sing along to in the car (but you could). It's an achievement in testing the human voice's limits as an instrument and (I say this pretentiously) a force of nature. Creatively, it's an example of how limiting your tools (to primarily vocals in this instance) can produce profound results. The album is at once unsettling, unique, weird, but it is still grounded and familiar, somehow-- I guess the word here is "primal". Some tracks feel like medieval Latin choral arrangements from another universe (or maybe just Iceland), some like pure pop songs with Bjork's usual electronic twist, some like what you might expect to hear as you march to a seance circle in the woods, or to the gallows, or as Charon picks you up in their boat and you sail through the River Styx. It will make you smile in its quirky choices, make you wonder how they achieved certain sounds, and make you cry in its wailing passion. This is not my favorite album, but truly something to hear before you die.

I like Björk a lot, Post, Debut, Homogenic, Vespertine are all great albums. Medúlla however, is so sparse, that it ends up being something I admired more than something I enjoyed. Triumph of the Heart is good fun, but I don't think there's anything else I'd want to listen to again.

It’s very interesting. Reminds me of choir music

I appreciate this for being interesting, avant-garde and very different from other albums on this list. I don’t know if I like it, but I can acknowledge her artistry

Since it’s a Bjõrk album figured it would be weird and I was not wrong. I liked her music from Sugar Cube days much better than this later avant-garde style

Oof. I see what Bjork was going for, and appreciate the technical skill ot requires to make a complex album a capella. But I just did not like it. Some songs had good moments. But overall it did land for me- a big swing and a big miss. Overall- 1.5/5

one of bjork's most artistically challenging and potentially alienating works, her ambition is enormous and the production here is far ahead of the curve but the icy, sort of jagged world she produces with it all is not entirely to my taste, even if i respect and understand what she is attempting.

This album is fascinating and sort of mesmerizing. I’ve never gotten into Bjork because I haven’t known when the right mood/time is, but now I know this is music for starting a witchy fall drive in a misty rain on the coast of Maine.

This one really Bjorked me. At times great at times impossible to listen to at times Bjork is moaning in my ear and I liked it.

Pretentious and annoying.

I don't even know what I listened to. I have heard of Bjork before but I never listened to a full album by her. I disliked listening to many tracks on this album, it just delved into weird rhythms and nonsensical lyrics. Comparing this to the last album that I reviewed is a such stark contrast which makes this album look way worse. I just couldn't find a single redeeming quality to this album. Going to have to give this a 1-star.

A lot of people absolutely love Bjork, most of them deeply entrenched in the many worlds of music. So entrenched that they've worn out the art form's familiar concepts so significantly that they fall into some sort of delirium that tells them that attempts to shatter those concepts are the same thing as "good" or "listenable." At least that's what I get when I listen to stuff like this album and see a ton of people fawning over it. "An album without instruments" strikes me as some sort of satirical concept from a Spinal Tap-like movie. If someone could sincerely pull it off, then sure, that might be fucking awesome. I don't think Bjork did that here, even though I respect and admire the attempt. When the hell am I supposed to listen to this? It's most certainly not, driving-with-the-windows-down music, and it would almost certainly get your aux privileges indefinitely suspended if you threw it on at 99% of parties not populated by edgelord music nerds. Maybe you listen to it on headphones while you walk through the forest on a gloomy day? If I test that theory, I'd just have to make sure the forest didn't have any sheer cliffs to dive off of.

This was quite a struggle to get through, I really tried to enjoy it. The vocals don't always seem to match up to the rest. Also, the vocals and lyrics are just not pleasant, which is a shame because she's got a great voice.

Even for Björk, this is weird

Somebody call David Lynch

I enjoyed reading the 1 star reviews a lot. Yall are funny 😂 Björk has such a talent to only use vocals as her instruments to set the tone of each track if she isn't using electronic midis. I ended up listening to the album several times throughout my day.

Not gonna be a frequent listen but this is really good at what she intended to do.

It made me feel uncomfortable at times. I am confused. I don't know whether I liked it or not. It was very intriguing.

Interesting. The whole thing is acapella?

It gets better once you get a couple songs in, but really just a strange experience. I liked it but I'm not likely to revisit it.

The beats are interesting and experimental but I honestly can’t understand how people enjoy Bjork’s singing. It’s painful.

Like I'd expect from Björk: weird that sticks, weird that doesn't stick and a bit more normal inbetween. This was the first time I heard the original Who Is It. I used to hear the Kurt Elling cover on a soul & jazz radio station, which I like. I definitely want to listen again. I didn't like it as much, but hope it'll grow on me. Triumph Of A Heart is weirder than I remember. It's also a banger.

Really beautiful. Awesome sounds from start to finish. Very rewarding for a focused headphones listen. Very eclectic and challenging for your ears just because of the volume of interesting stuff coming at you. I might struggle if I tried to listen to it while not really paying attention.

tres sympa

just meh nothing stood out. vocals were solid tho. 3/10

I’ve never heard anything like this before

This was very interesting. I like things in the list that are interesting

You always get weirdness with Bjork, initially sounded like a pagan dark souls soundtrack but then went into some unexpected beatboxing and teenage girl crying. I will always be bemused by Bjork, nevertheless am I glad I listened to it? Yes. Would I listen to it again? Nahhhhh

2.64

Ничего не понял, какой-то авангардный арт-поп. Местами напомнил группу Magma.

★¼

Not my thing but it did make me go back to Army of Me which is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Really didn’t like it!!

Pretty good!

I can't take another Bjork album

Not as good as Vespertine, maybe not as good as Debut, but pretty damn great. The constant need to take risks, in a world where so many artists play it safe, album after album, is so refreshing. Definitely the highest rating an album with Mike Patton is going to get

I just have never been able to get this chicks music

Björk éveillait un peu plus mon intérêt dans les années 90. Elle gagne des points pour être une fière représentante de l'Islande.

J'aime bien l'audace de Björk. Elle a quelque chose de Joni Mitchell dans la façon de mener ses lignes mélodiques à des endroits insoupçonnés. Par contre, une voix pas mal plus cassante qui écorche parfois. Les chansons sont bien construites et assez envoûtantes. J'adore l'utilisation de son folklore Nordique (notamment les chants de gorge dans Ancestors), c'est ce qu'elle fait de mieux. Vokuro est superbe aussi et écrite à la manière d'un madrigal de renaissance, ça me parle beaucoup. Comme nouveau parent, ça me parle beaucoup, un album dédié à sa fille sur les thèmes de tout donner, et aimer inconditionnellement.

Misère à accrocher! Ça m’écorche un peu.

Quite enjoyed Zombie, but not the other songs so much.

Not for me but good for her

It was kind of what I was expecting from a Bjork album. Lost me at times but do appreciate what she’s doing

I just… what?? I did listen all the way through but honestly this just made no sense to me.

I like Björk a lot… and while I don’t always like her albums, I always enjoy listening to them. Medúlla is peak Björk: almost entirely a cappella, full of wailing, beatboxing, and moments that feel more like avant-garde theatre than music. But there’s real passion and raw emotion here (fitting for an album about the human experience and named after the Latin for “marrow) which meant, even when I wasn’t entirely sure what I was listening to, I was still kind of into it.

I am too vanilla for this kind of shit.

It's not bad by any means, but it is shocking that it became relatively mainstream

Very good album.

I’ve always thought that Bjork is on a different plane than us. Humanity doesn’t deserve her. Every time I listen to this very perfect album, I feel like I enter a different, very specific, realm. If this is the purpose of high art, then Bjork is a master artist, perhaps a divinity. In Medulla, we enter the marrow of cosmos. We visit ancestors and ocean deities. And all of this is purely cast forth into the world through voice alone. Seriously, wtf? I’m not surprised, but slightly heartbroken, that the score for this album is so low here. It’s non traditional, yes, but it’s quite a force.

The deep vocals from 'Where is the Line' haunted my sleep last night

While she's consistently great, not every Björk record is going to grab you by your cochleae and immediately pull you into whatever world she's constructed. Medúlla proves that; it is more something you drift through, occasionally noting a constellation of effect or gently bobbing around a blip and slow curl of current. Not my favorite of hers, but I appreciate an entry in her catalogue that's more confounding than common.

I did not check if this was an earlier album, but I feel I can hear the basis developing for the known hits. However, being very familiar with many of the more popular songs this album just didn't do as much for me as I'd expected.

Worse than Coldplay

def an interesting listen, gotta give it at least a 3 for that, not something i would return to often but i can appreciate it

What is it with this chic? I get she’s an artist but her voice isn’t great, her arrangements are not appealing, the songs aren’t even fully fleshed out. She isn’t some unorthodox genius and this album is hell to sit through.

No sabía que esperar del disco. Me parece muy valiente hacer un disco a capela. Un enfoque distinto a lo que estamos acostumbrados normalmente que tiene momentos muy épicos. 4/10

Bjork! Where is the line? She's so cool. Somehow super edgy but purely art. She never comes across as corny. So human. So sensual. So much power. Somehow she makes it ok to listen to ancestors grinding. I've been watching Kill La Kill and she reminds me of Ryuko.

Listening to this album is like walking through a modern art museum. There are lots of interesting pieces that clearly took time and effort to create. There’s a high level of craft on display. But not much hit on an emotional level for me. A lot of these tracks gave me the feeling of walking into a side room exhibit, looking around, and saying, “Wow, that’s really something,” then leaving a few minutes later mostly unmoved. Björk is hit or miss for me like this. When she’s in experimental / avant-garde mode, I feel a wall between me and the music. I don’t have a good entry point into it. I’m not sure how to enjoy it. Her voice is beautiful, and the arrangements are bold and unusual. But I find my mind wandering off, looking for the next piece in the museum. “Ancestors” is a wild track. Gorgeous, overlapping vocals clashing with primal grunting. It’s a good example of the interesting-from-a-distance, art project vibe of the whole thing. The freaky beatboxing on “Triumph of the Heart” was sort of fun though.

I really love Bjork's sound and I wish I would have listened more when I was younger and writing a ton of music. I know it would have been really great for my developing sound & voice. This one has some of her typical inventive songwriting, with a few standout tracks like "Oceania", "Who Is It (Carry My Joy On The Left, Carry My Pain On The Right)", and my favorite from the album: "Where Is The Line". That final one is really intriguing; I love the vocal bass line that runs throughout, and her vocals contrast them and move around so impressively on top of it. This one is a strong 3/5, but it's just a bit short of a 4 for memorability reasons. I'm walking away only holding a single tune in my head. I'm sure this would change with more listens though.

I want to love björk, but I need to speak my truth… it felt like I was listening to the treblemakers half the time

228/1089 - This takes the golden rule of composing: "keep things the same, change some other things" to another level. The timbres are very experimental, consisting of a'capella with various effects but the rhythms are grounded in electronic music and the pitch content is largely tonal. Essentially, certain musical parameters are intensely messed with while others are kept simple giving the album a pleasing balance.

Sounds like having a panic attack in a crowded bus

I feel like I should like Bjork. I was young in the 90's, I love Radiohead and the indie electronic music that came up in the late 90's and 2000's, but there's just something that doesn't hit for me.

Björk can do whatever she wants. Absolutely anything. This isn't more apparent than here. 1 instrument on this album, which is a single gong hit. Otherwise it's all voice. And it is so texturally interesting. I love the guest vocals from Mike Patton and Robert Wyatt. This album also contains quite possibly THE most unplayable song for a party ever put onto a pop record, "Ancestors". And I still don't know if I love or hate that song either. I love Björk. Everything she makes is gold

Je sais vraiment pas trop quoi en penser, c'est tellement bizarre. Des fois ça marche et j'aime bien et elle met en avant des choses intéressantes mais des fois c'est très lourd à écouter, je comprends pas trop la proposition. Par contre les canons qu'elle fait dans plusieurs morceaux sont magnifiques, le beatbox je suis un peu plus sceptique. Dans la globalité c'est sympa il y a peut-être 2-3 morceaux que je réécouterai mais pas l'album en lui-même.

Écoute trop distraite pour construire un avis

Je souligne la technique mais ça m’a pas vraiment touchée plus que ça

Bjork réussit souvent à mélanger des vocaux absolument dingues avec de ambiances et des sons très particuliers. Le problème c'est que avec très peu de vrai instruments et de mélodies, je trouve que ça devient difficile à écouter. 2/5

Half of this album is great. The other half is meh.

Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: ? Initial Reaction: Wow, okay... a third Björk album in less than a month. Let's give it a whirl. ----- I think I liked this the least out of the three albums I've heard, with the other two being Vespertine and Debut. It's very artsy, and I want to like it (I like Grimes and Florence and Lorde), but it's just not clicking for me. The vocals were weird. This album was apparently sort of opposed or opposite Vespertine, since the previous album was heavily electronica, and so being almost entirely created from sampling and splicing together vocals is an interesting concept, but I am not sure it worked. I understand the appeal of a cappalla, but this misses the mark.

It's just... Not for me

Ooff. Impressive that it's all with vocals but a tough listen.

I don't hate it, like I thought I would. Does this represent growth?

Icelandic Sufjan! Incredible talent with niche artistic flair. A fun album to listen to, but not fun enough to put in rotation.

Quite a departure from her previous albums, focusing largely on arranging voices in to songs rather than traditional instrumentation. Some cracking songs, Pleasure Is All Mine, Where Is the Line, Who Is It, Oceania, Mouths Cradle. But the intermissions and Ancestors do bring it down a bit for me and ruin the flow of the album. Would be a 7.

molto molto particolare.....

Pleasure Is All Mine - 8/10 Show Me Forgiveness - 7.5/10 Where Is The Line - 9/10 Vokuro - 8/10 Oll Birtan - 7.5/10 Who is it - 8.5/10 Submarine - 7.5/10 Desired Constallation - 8/10 Oceania - 8/10 Sonnets / Unrealities XI - 7.5/10 Ancestors - 8.5/10 Mouth Cradle - 8/10 Midvikudags - 7/10 Triumph Of A Heart - 8/10 80/100

she's weird, but cool - still, not for me.

Björk is really otherworldly and unique. I respect and admire that.

This is not music. It is torture.

Not my cup of tea at all

Maso

Different in a good way

Weird but good

To say that Björk has forged her own lane is an understatement. To start, she has more than one, as this voice-centric record parades, so different from her previous releases. She also doesn't really seem to be interested in forging anything: her singularity flows too naturally, too inevitably. This particular album tho, I have to admit, is difficult to get into. I managed to get thru the whole thing, and while there are standout moments of real beauty, I found myself thinking too much, feeling too little, ultimately falling in line with Björk's own truth: 'I want to be flexible / I want to go out / Of my way for you / But enough is enough.' I think it's the Gregorian religiosity that doesn't do it for me, not exactly sham, but not a reliable tonic either.

In which the thought of the reaper's scythe turns from a cold abyss to a warm light Each track felt like it constricted my cerebral bloodflow, even the ones that should've felt more digestible (not ancestors) That might just be a "today thing" and maybe I'm dying but if this just happened to be the album I died to then I think a 1/5 is fair play That all being said, this is also my first Bjork album, I respect it, and I'm looking forward to her other works on the list, if I am, infact, not dying

Un álbum increíble. Había tenido la oportunidad de escucharlo anteriormente, pero no recordaba algunos de los temas. Creo que la propuesta de trabajar casi exclusivamente con la voz humana para producir este álbum hace de esto una experiencia única. Parafraseando a Lars Von Trier (con quién irónicamente Björk se ha peleado), las restricciones obligan a usar la creatividad. Cómo hace música cercana a los estilos occidentales tradicionales (con armonía, melodía, bajos y percusión) solo con un instrumento: La voz. Para ello Björk hace uso de diferentes recursos (beatbox, arreglos corales, técnicas extendidas, edición electrónica, superposición de capas de una misma voz, etc.) Lo excelente del álbum es que es experimental, pero también es pop, es folk pero es contemporáneo. Y a pesar de las restricciones de la voz (en comparación con ensambles de múltiples diversos instrumentos) el álbum no se percibe monótono, sino al contrario, es innovador en tema. Entiendo que tal vez no sea una experiencia muy popular y recaiga en una categoría más bien experimental o de nicho. Yo lo considero una obra hermosa.

Acapella. Curious if all her stuff is like this. Definitely unique. It's actually kind of frightening. Like the army of heaven and the evil of hell fighting. Like a cult of witches. It's like if Regina Spektor decided to lose her entire shit. Ancestors is awful. While most musicians have a silly interlude that spans 30 seconds, maybe a minute, Bjork thought it a good idea to listen to her breathing exercises and weird mouth sounds for over 4 minutes. Truly God awful.

I definitely could have died without hearing this. A few good sounds interrupt the dissonance and wailing. Björk, blech!

Started thinking it's a bit too weird. Beatbox? Weird rythm of her quite whiny song. Mixed on top of itself. A lot of sounds and noises. Pop? Indie? I think I ended up more on the potitive side than the negative though.

That was something

Album 873 of 1089 Björk - Medúlla (2004) Rating : 1 / 5 I really wanted to find something here, but honestly, this one just didn’t work for me at all. It felt messy and disjointed, and I couldn’t connect with it in any meaningful way. I hate to be so blunt, but it’s one of the few albums in this project I can say I truly disliked - a mess right down there with Trout Mask Replica. Not one I’ll ever revisit, but I respect that Björk has her own bold style that clearly speaks to others, even if it doesn’t to me.

Did I like it? Sure. Was it revelatory? Not really. Would I pick a different Björk album if I could only have one on the 1001? For sure, and obviously the author agrees with me, as this album is no longer on the list... it was only on the list for a few years, I think. It's pretty good, though. She's quite an artist.

Très chouette au début puis les dernières chansons me déroutent trop.

This album is definitely unique and interesting, but it isn't really something I enjoy or listen to much. High 2/5.

This is definitely a Bjork album. I didn’t hate it, but not fully my thing. She’s quite a genius, though.

This album is everything I dislike about Björk wrapped into one package. Most of it is just her singing a bunch of nonsense, broken up by guttural noises that sound more like a modern-day Yoko Ono performance piece than anything resembling an actual song. I would have given this one star if it weren’t for “Oceania,” which is the only track that shows what she’s capable of when she reins it in. That one was genuinely good. What makes it worse is that Björk actually is talented. She has a unique voice and has proven she can deliver powerful, moving music. Instead, here she chooses to string together random sounds and words like someone dared Lana Del Rey to just start mumbling into a mic for an hour. This is my first Björk album on this list, but sadly not my first encounter with her music. I can only hope this is the last one here, though my gut tells me I won’t be that lucky. Listening to this felt more like a punishment than an experience.

Did not enjoy this

Ehhhhhh

Terrible

Snelle inhaal review #23: Ben nooit echt into Björk gekomen, nooit echt de tijd gegeven ook, dus mijn eigen fout. Ik weet niet of dit het album is wat mij gaat overtuigen, het is zo'n extreem offputting, experimenteel album af en toe en hoewel ik mijzelf als best een liefhebber hiervan zou noemen, heb ik hiervoor denk ik een wat lager instapmodel nodig.

Acapella album is een leuk idee maar ik vind het resultaat niet leuk om naar te luisteren, het is me net iets te experimenteel.

Bjork is een van die artiesten die in een compleet andere wereld muziek maakt.

Even without the vocals this album would be trash!

Total experimental cappella album. Not for me, I could not finish 1/5

418/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

25/1089 I’ve wanted to listen through Björk’s music for a long time, so this’ll be an interesting first album Pretty sure i’m gonna be on the side for whom her music properly clicks, Pleasure Is All Mine is a stunning way to start an album I can really hear where Empress Of takes inspiration from in Where is the Line, that song was such a satisfying listen Vokuro was captivating, i adore the icelandic language a lot and it fits this sound so well. I got pretty absorbed in the project, the techniques she uses and the way she manipulates her voice for the music is so impressive. Oceania and Submarine were some highlights Mouth’s Cradle is magnificent and feels almost like the centrepiece of the project. Mikvikudags and Triumph Of A Heart really feel like an epilogue and a release, thelatter especially just had me grinning what a stylish and addictive song. This was an album that I really wanted to like going into it but i was fully prepared for the possibility i’d hate it, but I didn’t need to worry because i love this 5 stars or 95/100 faves: Triumph of a Heart, Mouth’s Cradle, Submarine least faves: don’t have any

Amazing what can be done with nothing but voice. Nevertheless, just a curiosity that is an mostly unenjoyable listen, especially in comparison to her first 4 full-lengths. Kudos for the left turn but I still don't like the record.

Too atmospheric for me.

I’m sorry, but there is no “Post” or “Homogenic” on this list? And somehow 4 of her albums on it?? Those two are definition of “what you really need to hear before you die”. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, those records is standout moments in pop-music history, that still influence new music 30 years later. I’m sorry, it’s just like a cruel joke, I still can’t believe it. It’s like putting 4 Radiohead albums, without “Ok Computer” and “Kid A”. Or kick out “White Album”/“Abbey Road”, “DSotM”/“WYWH”, etc. It’s stupid. Medulla is great, nothing to say what haven’t said already. I just wanted to vent… PS. Oh, I recall that I already reviewed Sugarcubes album that on this list too. Like, really, wtf??

A strange, beautiful, and intimate record using only vocals. It can be off putting, but it creates a vast world and atmosphere within its narrow confines.

Yeah she's just.... a magical creature. Her music, her voice, it's all so unique. It's all such an experience. It's so good. I have to be in the Bjork mood though. Otherwise this is perfection. I will say, some of her more dramatic songs can get... intense. They can be a lot to handle. Definitely a private listening experience preferred. I feel powerful listening to this album. It's so full, of emotion, of complexity, of newness.

I remember this coming out very clearly. It felt like a measure of your musical superiority to enjoy it beyond a track or two. For that reason, I never listened to it, because I hate when something becomes a perceived barrier to entry - you're not really 'into' music if you don't think this is the greatest album/accomplishment of the 21st century. And that brings me to today. On first listen, it felt like an art installation made out of sound that, while you're curious to look/listen, you'd never hang it on a wall in your house. It can be a little hard to digest. Confusing. On second listen, it starts to grow on you...tracks beyond the more pop-sensible songs start connecting. You start opening up to soundscapes that you aren't used to. On third listen, you think, 'I probably want to come back to this exhibit - but I still don't want to bring any friends - I still need to figure this out for myself.' On fourth listen, it feels complete. You don't quite know why. If you listen too closely, it falls apart. It's a confusing delicacy that you still wouldn't hang in your house, serve at your table, or dare challenge someone else to consume. But you've been through it, and you no longer turn away. On the more practical side - Rahzel on the beats was always my favorite part of this album (even 20 years ago when I didn't want to listen to the whole thing). It's so cool to hear the percussive sounds he provides and know...that's a dude doing THAT. Who Is It, Where is the Line, Desired Constellation, and Triumph of the Heart all stand out to me, but the whole thing is a strange and wonderful journey.

Amazing.

I appreciate the effort and concept, but didn't end up actually enjoying the result. Except "Who Is It", which is the most produced song on the album.

This was bad. Not much to say. I didnt even add a song as "Liked"....sometimes it just feels like noise. The songs never go anywhere either. Bleh. What the FUCK was "Ancestors" ????

liked songs: Pleasure Is All Mine, Where Is the Line, Sonnets / Unrealities XI This was interesting. Some of it was way too out there for me, but I really liked the execution of electronic-y, weird a capella on Pleasure Is All Mine and Where Is the Line. 3.5

classic bjork, high peaks and low valleys, killer vibes.

😭Magnificent. Genius. Masterpiece. This album is a gift.

Umm, ok. This one might get a ton of 5's and a ton of 1's, dunno. Depends on if you 'get it' or not, and I'm not sure I totally got it. Bjork is great, but this concept left me a little cold. That might be the point, maybe? I did like the tracks with the beatboxers, and Who Is It is great! But as a whole, I wasn't sure what to take away from this album. And it seemed like a longish 45 minutes. Decent album, just not for me. Still 3 stars.

Fuck yeah, bjork. Not my favorite album of hers, but I had fun.

Excited to see some bjork on here

https://media1.tenor.com/m/ZpaBJ_L7Ik8AAAAd/get-weird-with-it-danny-devito-iasip.gif

This is the first Bjork album I hated. Listened to it twice upon release and once again now.

Love how she is able to make these sounds.

This album is a masterpiece. Bjork’s artistic vision makes itself evident in her attention to every detail. From the cover to the composition of each song, Medulla explores its namesake throughly. The cover itself tells the listener what is in store: Bjork’s mask made of hair, her near nudity and dead-like pallor, and a necklace made of bones the color of blood, tells us all we need to know: Medulla is about the core grittiness of humanity—the marrow of our very bones—conceived of through soundscapes made nearly entirely of purely human sounds. The beginning track “Pleasure Is All Mine” sets the tone for the album, with the concept of nearly purely vocal tracks shining in the forefront. Bjork’s beautiful and lilting melodies underpinned by choral tones and interspersed with moans that invoke both pleasure and pain. It is a grotesque entry into the album exposing Bjork’s thesis of exploring the range of humanities polar binaries: life and death, pleasure and pain. “Where Is the Line” assaults our senses with a myriad of sounds, and it would be quite easy to mistake them for synthesized notes we are used to hearing in electronic music, but upon closer listening, one finds each sound is made from a human voice. The disturbing dissonance is one that is wholly human though augmented by production techniques. The somber tones of “Vokuro” invoke both sadness and exaltation with Bjork’s dirge like vocals backed by powerful choral notes. Pared down songs like “Desired Constellation” illuminate Bjork’s sheer power as a singer by reprising the line “how am I going to make it right?” with both jubilation and sadness, However, she also disallows our comfort by alienating the listener using that same voice in dissonant and disturbing tracks like “Ancestors”. Bjork does not let us forget who she is, and reminds us of her ability to make poppy and catchy songs by ending with the still sonically interesting but more approachable “Triumph of a Heart”. Truly, the experimental and avant-garde nature of this album would not be echoed for some time. Indie darlings like Modest Mouse and Arcade fire were about to take center stage in 2004, and though they too represented a fairly unrepresented music at their time, it would be years before the fruits of Bjork’s experimentation with Medulla made themselves known with artists like Dirty Projectors, Tune Yards, Alt-J, and others. Medulla is esoteric and hard to approach but ultimately hauntingly beautiful: it is Bjork beckoning us to come closer as she digs through the guts of some dead animal turning entrails into intricate and beautiful designs.

shit's weird as hell in a good way

I haven’t listened to this in a long time, but I was really into Björk for a couple of years around the time this and Vespertine came out. I’m not much of a Björk fan anymore. I don’t dislike her now, but it’s no longer my thing. This listen though… I don’t know if it’s just the Dolby Atmos, but it hits different this time. It’s very atmospheric and immersive. Her voice is still gorgeous to me I guess. I’m also a sucker for weird avant-garde vocal shit (i.e. Dirty Projectors, with whom she did a collab EP a few years back). I wasn’t expecting to give this much more than 2.5 or 3, but it’s a solid 4. I am, however, annoyed that there are 4 of her albums on the list but they didn’t include her actual best album, Post.

Not for me but if it's for you then you need to get ur ears checked

I wont be as scathing as some of you are here. But aside from the complexity that is making music with voice only, there isnt much inspiration in this album. What makes it good to me is the cohesive ability to take an idea and a concept from brain to physical medium is mostly what makes this enjoyable. Im sure bjork has other examples of defying the norms. Its something to change up your listening. Plus there are infinitely worse albums on this list. Dont throw a fit over this. But I do think the attitude aroune bjork's music has always been pompous and considered to be in superior taste but I dont see much here to be ecstatic about.

Well this was something What was up with all the weird panting/sex noises?? Parts of this were enjoyable but I have to rate low due to the weirdness overall. What an incredible voice though!! Also very impressive how they've made this without instruments. Would have been a 5 on skill alone 2 ⭐️

This is quite original and interesting but I really don't like it much. 2 stars or D.

Interesting as a concept album, but nothing I will listen to again.

i'm not surprised the rating for this is so low - it's a strange and challenging album. but i think that's why it's perfect for this list. who else is doing it like bjork? this is a creative triumph, even if i didn't always find it pleasant to listen to.

making an album without using any instruments beyond the human voice is a pretty cool concept. unfortunately, in practice, it's kind of annoying to listen to after a while. i wish there were more sonic variation between these tracks and that they felt less arbitrarily-put-together. i don't hate it, but i've enjoyed bjork's other contributions to this list more. it's a 2.5/5 for me. favorites: where is the line, oceania, triumph of a heart

I can 100% say I can see why, and agree with why, this has been included. Unfortunately it's just not my cup of tea.

Oh Björk. What have you done. I was pleasantly surprised by some of her other albums on this list. So I was keen to see what this one would bring. But, I’ve worked out that playing a Björk album for the first time is a complete lottery. You know it’s going to creative and diverse, some of it is stunningly beautiful, some of it you just don’t understand, some of it is not recognisable as music and some is plain irritating. Unfortunately, this didn’t give me much of the beautiful. She has such an incredible voice but for me it’s showcased so much better on other offerings than this one.

Life is too short for whatever this was. Bjork's voice is like nails on a blackboard at the best of times. This is made far worse when it is being used as the main instrument, then sampled to create layers of silly vocal noises. Then add in some of the most basic and jarring keyboard noises, rendering the whole thing an unlistenable mess. If this was a piece of physical art, it would be in the Tate Modern, sitting comfortably between the painting of the spatchcock lady and the three crows nailed to the wall. 0 stars. But I'll give her 1 as Iceland is such a beautiful country.

I liked the other Björk albums far better. 3/5

Enjoyed, but a bit to out there for me.

Cool

pani bjork nie przestaje nawiedzac listy, drugie objawienie w ciagu tygodnia, tym razem z najbardziej eksperymentalnym brzmieniem jakie do tej pory wylosowala, zarowno zbrzmienie jak i okladka uswiadamia mnie w fakcie, ze byla to lady gaga wczesnych lat 2000, a co jest takiego dziwnego w medulli, a jest to fakt, ze to prawie album acappella, gdzie uzycie instrumentow jest praktycznie nie istniejace z wyjatkiem kilku trakow, natomiast wiekszosc utworow to spiew, jak zwykle artystycznie niewiadomo jaki w wykonaniu pani bjork i dzwieki przerozne chrokow, beatboxerow, plujaczy, jakaczy, zawodzaczy, szczekaczy, wyjcow i wszelakich ludzkich brzmien wydobywanych z przepony, dziwny koncept jak na mainstreamowa artystke popowa, ale jak dla mnie to najlepsze co od niej slyszalem, moze nadal lirycznie nie moje klimaty, ale muzycznie jest tak dziwnie, w niektorych momentach zabawnie, a w innych spooki mudi, ze jestem dzisiaj pozytywnie zaskoczony tak przyjemnymi 45 minutami z pania bjork i jej medulla, nie jest to muzyka puszcza sie na traki, a jedynie jako caly krazek, ale na plejke dodam mouths cradle, bo chyba najlepiej podkresla ten motyw albumu opartego jedynie na ludzkim glosie, ktory w ciekawy sposob laczy tradycje z nowoczesnoscia, bo nie slyszalem wczesniej beatboxowania razem z gardlo spiewem, nie mongolskim, bo od inuitow, no i nie tylko ciekawy koncept, ale tak wyprodukowac taki pomysl to czapki z glow poteznej liscie producencko inzynierskiej ktorzy nad tym siedzieli

To quote Moe Szyslak, "Weird for the sake of being weird." The synth beatboxing is terrible. Where is the Line is more like a collection of sounds than music. Not odd that she'd sing a song in Icelandic, but it is not adding to my enjoyment of this album. I bet David Bowie listened to this right before he made Blackstar. The best things that can be said about this album are that it represents Bjork at her Bjorkiest and that it is unique, literally no one else would make this album. More beatboxing to close out the album on Triumph of a Heart.

What a start !!! I only knew Björk by name, and this is definitely not my type of music (i don’t think I’ll ever listen tl this again…). Now, this is amazing! Although the entire album is made by human voice, every song is unique and explores the concept in a new way. The most experimental ones stop me from giving a higher note, as they make the listening experience a bit tough at times… Favorites: - Where is the line (one of the craziest songs I’ve heard) - Vokuro (the Icelandic language is beatiful here and sublimed by Björk’s voice) - Desired constellation (very hypnotic, and Björk really has a beautiful voice. The introduction of an instrumentation makes the song feel like a break in the album) - Oceania (not the one that touched me the most, but the most impressive one: everything that is feasible with a human voice is done here)

Unique. But not for me.

I enjoyed a couple of tracks but didn't need a whole album

How do you say shit in Swedish

The human voice is the instrument. This album certainly does not fit into standard pop music. But the experimentation with voice is engaging and is creating a new vocabulary.

This is the first Bjork album that I didn’t actively dislike. I’m ok with her stuff in The Sugarcubes, but her solo stuff is just a little too erratic and ethereal for me. This was grounding and really voice based and rhythmic, which was fun.

This, and Vespertine, are (for me) Björk’s sweet spot.

i don't appreciate the weird beatboxing and moaning being subjected to my ears

While Bjork's voice is wonderful, strong, and unique, this album is art solely for the sake of art.

Very odd, never heard anything like it, but I enjoyed it weirdly. It's the same weird pleasure you get from watching car crashes reels on Instagram

Uææh bare ubehagelig å høre på. Blir bare verre og verre jo

If this had been my first exposure to Björk, I would never have experienced her at her best. This is the album that turned me away from a healthy fanboy view of Björk and made me think of the choices she had made in the balance between innovation and pop sensibility. This was Björk’s first album that sacrificed listenability for artistic expression, for better or for worse (and imho, worse). It was interesting and brilliant and had continuity, yet simultaneously irritating and lacking any sense of repeatability: very few of these were songs I would want to listen to multiple times, or in some cases ever again. It was also the last Björk album I purchased or listened to in full. In contrast with her previous albums, this recording lacked the joy (Debut), playfulness (Post), edginess (Homogenic), and — despite the cover — sensuality (Vespertine) of her previous efforts. Despite all of this, there are some standout moments for me here: Vokuro is haunting and beautiful, and Oceania is a masterpiece in complex vocal orchestration with a refreshing melody. I wish the entire album was as captivating and resilient.

this is the weirdest shit i have ever heard… literally wanted it to be over with ngl

Oh my god life changing how have I not listened to this sooner

Way too abstract at points that it just doesn't seem to have any structure or direction. Only good song really was the last one.

I've always thought Bjork was a cool and unique person, but I've never been able to make it through an entire album.

Sounds like church music you'd hear on a planet from the Dune universe. It rules. Bjork rules I respect her unwillingness to stay in one lane for too long. Post (my favorite album of hers) is an all time banger and was critically and commercially very successful. She could have stuck to that sound and released numerous albums that would have sold well and - let's be real - been all timer albums. But she clearly thinks very deeply about music itself, not as simply a vessel to deliver a message or a catchy melody. She creates sounds that are unique and captivating. Love it or hate it, there is no denying that the sound of this album is uniquely this album. If you were to hear it in a vacuum years down the line, you will not mistake it for anything else. And she doesn't sacrifice catchy melodies either. I don't really buy into the idea that this album is some avant-garde inaccessible art piece (despite the myriad of 1 star reviews that seem to think so). It isn't random noise; there is melody. It isn't in some discordant key that makes the ear cringe. I do not know why people are so unaccepting of any time art goes out of the norm (be it film, music, painting), but I am glad artists like Bjork do not let it stop them.

First song is lovely, but didn’t take to this as I’d hoped.

This is interesting but not necessarily stuff I'd want to listen to regularly.

Weird, eclectic, fun

Quite the album, I've never heard anything like it before and I mean that in a mostly good way. I've heard of Bjork but never listened to her. She has a great voice, and the almost completely instrument-less album shows it off. This album has a haunting experimental feel. It kept me engaged mostly, though this wouldn't be an album I'd revisit, or necessarily enjoy as repeat listening. Though we support this queen's experimentation, even if it didn't always hit hard for me. Standouts: Pleasure is All Mine, Where Is the Line, Ancestors (not a fun listen but it get's your attention. Are the ancestors having sex?) Rating: 3/5

sounded very experimental. not my vibe

Kinda weird. But I found one song which I actually liked so it gets 2 stars

This album marks, very precisely, the point where Björk lost me. Everything before this, I truly enjoy. This album and everything that has followed, I don't. I remember all the reviews about how daring she was here, what an achievement this was, and so on. None of which is wrong, strictly speaking. I just found it to be absolutely unlisteneable. And the interveninh 21 years (dear God, TWENTY-ONE YEARS?!) have changed nothing about that.

wowwww voicesssssss

Third Björk record in the last month, really backloading these. This was great and I really enjoyed it.

Weird

Who Is It

Some absolute bangers on here, but it's one of her more inconsistent albums. 7/10

I thought some of this was interesting, can't say I'll be listening again, but it's a 2 star

Not sure how I would pick a track off of this one to one come back too. Sorry Björk, not for me.

I don't mind dissonance as long as it eventually coalesces into something tangible. Chalk that up to my limited engineer brain, I guess. I can only wonder at the mind that conjures this, puts it to tape, and shares it confidently with world. Truly impressive artistic IDGAF, just not something I'm going to find enjoyable, really in any way other than maybe as a joke on friends that I don't want to keep. It makes me happy that the Björks of the world exist, because what a drab world it would be without artists putting out unlistenable art for us to enjoy.

First time I've listened to Björk. I've never heard anything like this album. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful. Very weird and Avant-Garde. Interesting beatboxing and use of vocals in place of instruments.

Way more interesting and listenable than I expected. Still not likely to come back for more

65% Best: Pleasure Is All Mine Must-Hear? Nah

Okay album.

Magnificently weird

I really like the idea of Bjork

I appreciate Björk more than I actually enjoy listening to her music.

I don't know if I'll ever listen to this again, but I'm glad that it exists.

OK, unique, but not necessarily in a good way 😐 I tried to give it a chance but kinda challenging to sing or even hum along to 😏

Weird. Not unlistenable but close.

Some really interesting choices here and cool to listen to something different. I admire the artistry but I'm not sure I actually enjoyed listening to it! Haha

Challenging and super rewarding. Step into the Emotional Thunderdome with Björk!

Never been a huge Bjork fan. This isn't changing my mind.

Very interesting concept, to make a an entire album mostly comprised of vocal sounds. I commend the artistry, while at the same time, admitting that I didn't really enjoy this. I like some Bjork albums, but this one was probably too out there.

An okay album, I liked Oll Birtan and Desired Constellation the most.

Good sounds

Wacky shit

I am a huge Björk fan (one of the five best concerts I’ve ever attended) but this is her least approachable album. I feel like it’s an album meant for musicians because the brilliance is lost on the casual listener. While I find the production brilliant, it’s not a destination album for me. I will never pluck it off the shelf specifically to listen to it. I would pull all of her other albums first.

I have no idea how to rate this album. I get the one star reviews. I get the 5 star reviews, and I've listened to it twice through so far and it's definitely starting to grow on me. Is it something I'm likely to listen to for "fun"? Probably not, but I respect the shit out of it and it was great to listen to something so far out of my comfort zone.

Just bot my Cup of tea

An incredibly brave move with fair but somewhat inconsistent results. Not my favourite of Bjork's albums but it's pretty enjoyable.

Great concept and wonderful performances by all of the vocalists.

I think I could have listened to just one Bjork album before I died. I didn’t need 3.

Previously rated: Vespertine (2/5) Vulnicura (1/5) ******************** I liked her singing in The Sugarcubes, but I wasn't a fan of her solo work before hearing this. And my opinion hasn't changed after hearing it. What a load of crap from one of the biggest enemies of good music. So many unpleasant mouth sounds, spitting into the microphone, moaning, groaning (see Ancestors). Sod off, Björk.

<3

I will give it credit for ambition, but Todd Rundgren has an album where he did the exact same thing back in 1985.

I like bjork but the a cappella and beatboxing was too much

One of those weird albums that is clearly for someone out there, but certainly not me. Brutal listen. Firmly in the 1's.

I applaud this for uniqueness of concept, making heavy use of a capella. And I do think for what it is, it succeeds on many fronts. However, for me this isn't what I'm going in for. The high points are really high -- Where is the Line, Who Is It, Mouths Cradle. But much of this falls into some weird artsy space that, while not necessarily "bad," isn't something I particularly enjoy. Also some of the a capella experimentation is unnerving as shit (e.g., the weird ass grunting on Ancestors). And even when the a capella works, I can't help but feel like its some weird early 2010s Justin Timberlake. Low 3 for me.

Bjork certainly has an interesting and unique sound, I'll give her that. This is close to a 1, but her voice is just good enough at times and I respect the uniqueness enough to give a it a 2.

Holy hell that was freaky. So much breathing and grunting and random ass noises. Some of it was pretty cool at points but my ears and brain were mostly overwhelmed and not having a great time.

Where is the Line? is an insano song. Desired Constellation is a great one. Instrumentals remind me of Radiohead. This is a crazy unique album so far. Not the biggest fan of her groans but sometimes it really does work for the song with the layerings of it. Unfortunately it doesn't work for me on other songs like Ancestors. Bjork is weird af but certainly different.

Sophiticated, upmarket Björk. Some tracks are a bit suicidal.

Pretty terrible

I can appreciate the vision, but the music was just ok.

4.5/5. Medulla oblongata.

i just hated it. idk maybe i’m to less intellectual for that…