Reviews (page 4 of 9)
This might be the worst Non-electronic or Non-Experimental album on the list oh my god. There is no way you guys like this right? You're messing with me? Best Song: Pagan Poetry Rating: 1/10 Stars: 1
It's a beautifully produced album. I like the calmness of of it all. But I want to like her music more than I do. I like experimental albums but Björk's albums are not easy to get into. The songs have no melodies and kind of flow from one to another. I gave a 4 for one of her albums so I will stick to 3 stars.
Hef ekki hlustað oft á þessa, svona er maður lítið þjóðrækinn, en hún er bæði falleg og góð, og verðlaunar mann fyrir endurtekna hlustun.
So this will be difficult one to rate, not because I don't like Bjork, but I am not a huge fan either. She is a difficult artist for me to grasp. This is very interesting, minimal, mellow record. Only listened to half of it, and feels like it deserves 4 stars, maybe even the one to REVISIT in the future? P.S. I see I alredy rated Homogenic a 4.0 on RYM and that is the one which I kind of get, but I can't imagine giving this one 3 either so f**k it - let's say 4.0 both here and on RYM, she deserves it
This was a hard one for me to rate. I have always liked Bjork and there are some very good songs and arrangements on this one. However, I listened to it in the car (on shitty car speakers), not the right environment for really hearing it. Some of the songs seemed to lack focus and floated on aimlessly. This is the quintessential headphone album and I should have listened that way. Even so, songs like "The Hidden Place" and "Its Not Up to You" worked regardless of listening environment. If I listened again on headphones this would rank higher.
I tried listening to this in the car and it wasn't clicking much at all, quickly realised that similarly to Kid A,its the definition of a headphones album. Switched to headphones and the lush, weird arrangements here really sprung to life. Makes it way easier to focus on the strange beauty here, like the choral conclusion to Undo or the folktronica feel of Unison. Pagan Poetry is stunning too. Feel like I need repeat listens to appreciate this fully, but that just speaks to how carefully constructed it is. Bjork is one of a kind
Yeah, I don’t get it.
It really is amazing music. Passionate, effervescent, richly textured...
Heard it before. Not my favourite from Bjork but she's just so special you can't get bored listening to her 3/5
Cold, dreamy sound. I think I'd have to be in the right mood to listen to it. Not a good fit for a grey winter day like today.
Beautiful electronic art. The Typical Björk Synth sound and arrangements. I was hoping that it would hit harder though. maybe 3/5, I like the Synth atmosphere.
This is one of those albums that makes me glad I'm doing this thing. Bjork is not my cup of tea, but I can't deny that this is really good for what it is. I'll never listen to it again as it doesn't intrinsically work for me, but it was beautiful and I'm glad to have heard it once. 3.8
I liked this but I didn’t care much for the production. It’s very lo-fi
This like Tally Hall for cis gays and women who don't like music.
altern. Rock, 2001 -> 2
Occasionally awesome, but occasionally nails on a chalkboard.
Musically interesting, she’s a really good singer
I had never actually listened to Bjork before. Some of these songs were really beautiful instrumental tracks!
Not this twit again. Frickin horrrrrrrible 0.00
Sounds like some fellow Iceland music from Sigur Rós but not as good. It's melodic but a little sleepy and repetitive. Top tracks: "Unison," "Hidden Place," "It's Not up to You"
--Hidden Place...lush --Cocoon...I like the sounds, not much of a song --It's Not Up To You...I appreciate a good harp --Undo...much like "Cocoon", some interesting things happening but it doesn't quite grab me --Pagan Poetry...my elfin queen finally erupts. this is my shit --Frosti...love the opening sounds here. glockenspiel? whatever. sounds like pagan christmas --Aurora...again I like the lush production, but it's more of a sound collage than a song --An Echo, a Stain...same as above. there's a lot to like about this album and a lot I just don't vibe with. I've decided that everything I don't like is Lars von Trier's fault --Sun in My Mouth...can an album be both experimental and constantly plagiarize itself at the same time? --Heirloom...I like the lower end on this one --Harm of Will...great voice, meh song --Unison...sure
It makes me happy to live in a world in which Björk is appreciated and even successful. Touchingly odd music that feels both simple and painstakingly complex.
Picture the scene - you're the best female poet in a generation but you're also a recording artist and you've used all your best tunes on your first couple of albums. What do you do? You do Verspertine. I appreciate the art but lets be honest - if Prince f***ed about like this we'd be giving him a 1. Only sitch i can imagine listening to it again is if i mistakenly go to a Hunter S Thompson party and need something to get me through the afters.....
Some tracks were pretty good, she has got an amazing voice. It felt quite seasonal to be listening to it in December. Other tracks were a bit too avant garde for me. But I'm tempted to give it another listen - could be an album that grows on you! But for now...2 stars
Incredible production on this
I was quite frustrated with this. It was decent ‘sounding’ but it never really felt like music to me. I felt like I listened to that whole record and never felt like I heard a ‘chorus’ or anything I would describe as a ‘groove’ or ‘theme’ as the classical music terminology would say. It’s prob there but the scramble-lyric and anti-melody method did not do it for me here. It’s possible I’m too much of a dummy to understand music like this.
Keech! Pure unadulterated keech!
- Although it’s not my favourite Bjork album - I had it for decades and never reached for it - I listened to it three times today, and it’s definitely growing on me. I can say that I like elements of every song on the album. - I still prefer Debut, Post, and Homogenic (and that remix of Virus from Biophilia!) because the later stuff is a bit more cinematic, ambient, and atmospheric than I gravitate towards.
First song is a banger but I just don't connect with her work
Yawn
Bjork can be hit and miss for me, but such beautiful textures and soundscapes on this one.
I dunno what kinda mood I gotta be in for this, I like the music though Will I listen to again: 60%
Interesting
Psychedelic af Vocals were absolutely wild, how does anyone sound like that!
Like a lost Radiohead album with Björk's amazing vocals soaring overhead. I loved it. Favorite track: Pagan Poetry
I thought that I really like Bjork (casually having not worked my way through her catalogue though loosely familiar with her body of work). This one never really took off for me though. I kind of see the appeal it would have for some, but just not for me.
I grenseland til litt for sært til tider, men syntes det var ålreit å ha på mens jeg jobber.
Ganske nice, chill stemning. Hadde det på mens jeg programmerte. Funket bra. 3/5
Fint, tidvis slitsomt
Probably my fave Bjork album. Nothing too harsh/weird or shrieky. The overall vibe speaks to me. I have the 5.1 surround DVD-Audio from 2001, which sounds great. There is a 7.1 surround mix on Apple Music which is fine, but doesn’t add much to what the 5.1 did.
I have no memory of ever listening to this album, so it was a real delight to open the album page and find I’d previously liked five songs. Now I feel like I’m in for the best possible outcome: an album I like and that I get to “discover” all at once.
This made me want to kms then made me want to love life again because it was just so damn beautiful. *I am only joking I didn’t really want to kms*
Not a fan per se but I did enjoy this one.
Very unique. Maybe a little too unique for my tastes.
Bjööööööööörk
Not for me
Björk is special. She is wholly unique, completely interesting and "weird" and mildly spellbinding. She is a woods nymph but for her sexuality, which she lets out there with no holds barred. Part innocence and part luring siren is her signature. If I was not so fascinated I would be terrified. But fascinated I am and I cannot reduce her music to this song or that album... There are very few people like her on this earth and I am glad to know of her...
It’s honestly like being taken to a mystical world, this is magical
I'm Björkin' it.
I really do not get the reason she has such a following. The only cut on the album that I found even remotely pleasing was "Aurora", and that was still a slog. The dissonance of both her voice and music just do not work for me. As for her lyrics, they read/sound like a forest nymph reading junior high school poetry. So, not even close to a likeable album.
This record was most definitely weird, but very creative. Favourite Track(s): Unison Least Favourite Track(s): Frosti
At least she’s not KD Lang. lol or these other 90s women who all sound the same
I didn't mind this one, but I've liked other works of hers more.
Troisième album solo proposé après 'Vulnicura' et 'Debut' qui m'avaient plutôt déçu (notés 2/5, un cran au dessous de l'album des Sugarcubes qui m'avait plus intéressé). Constat similaire pour cet album : même si j'apprécie toujours la voix de Bjork (+1), je préfère l'approche plus rock des Sugarcubes. L'accompagnement ne me touche pas vraiment. Même si il est assez différent d'un morceau à l'autre (j'ai vraiment eu envie d'aller au bout de l'album), il me lasse rapidement dans chaque morceau. Pas sur d'avoir envie de l'écouter une seconde fois. =>2/5
I remember hearing hype around Bjork when I was a kid. I can't imagine it was for this album though. Too much of an ethereal vibe for me.
fave track: aurora i went into this already knowing i don’t really like björk, because she gives me a headache and her words are always too drawn out. four songs in and im not a big fan of the lofi vibes i’m getting (though i’m sure it was a big deal in 2001). very reminiscent of other scandi artists i’ve listened to but without the otherworldly lyricism i prefer. NEVER KNEW THE INTRO TO PAGAN POETRY WAS WHERE THAT TIKTOK SOUND CAME FROM?!? i do like the low intensity of the whole album but that’s kind of it, besides that not a huge fan.
I think I want to love this but not quite there.
I want to like Bjork. I think she’s good. I just can’t get through her albums.
I used to wonder if Björk was some kind of practical joke the universe was playing on me. As I've grown older, I appreciate her far more.
Kinda monotonous, but was enjoying this for a bit, but at 55 minutes, it overstays its welcome. Cut it down to 45 minutes, and it's a four star album.
3.5 stars
Perfection. As the name implies, this album is best listened to at night (or at least in the dark). Get a nice pair of headphones, no distractions, and let the sound envelop you.
Je savais que Bjork allait sûrement avoir un voire plusieurs albums dans cette liste, et je dois dire que j’ai déjà essayé d’écouter certains de ses morceaux les plus connus pour voir un peu de quoi il en retournait, sans jamais trop accrocher —en grande partie pour cause du timbre de voix (qui, maintenant que je l’écris, semble être un deal-breaker automatique pour moi quand il s’agit de noter subjectivement des albums ou sons). Pour autant, j’apprécie l’énorme travail de production, la recherche derrière les paroles et le fait que ça change un peu de ce que j’ai l’habitude d’écouter (et aussi des albums proposés précédemment). Un truc qui me titille un peu: le projet est présenté comme cherchant un minimalisme sonore en gardant principalement l’électro et la voix, mais il m’est arrivé de le trouver par moments un peu trop saturé. Au premier morceau déjà j’avais l’impression d’entrer dans une écoute sans fin rip. Petit up pour Pagan Poetry. Tout au long de l’écoute, j’étais un peu partagée entre ce truc de savoir que le projet figure dans littéralement tous les classements des meilleurs albums de tous les temps, et en même temps ce sentiment de juste pas rentrer dans le monde musical proposé. Je pense que c’est un peu comme avec des projets style Rosalia (avec qui elle a d’ailleurs collaboré sur le morceau Berghain—une pépite), qui sont très expérimentaux et dans certains cas passent, dans d’autres non. A réécouter quand je serai plus âgée. Un 2,3 arrondi à 2 parce que je peux pas me mentir à moi-même.
Weird but kinda wonderful. Björk has grown on me.
Lowkey textural.
Well....
Based on what I’d heard about Björk in the past I thought this was going to be weirder than it was. I mean I guess for a pop album (is Björk pop?) in 2001 this was not the norm. It has some experimental tendencies, I think the albums sound owes a lot to artists like Aphex Twin and Autechre. To me it sounded like those artists but more tame. Her voice isn’t bad, but I don’t love it either, and the songs were a little too melodramatic for my taste.
Musikaliskt är det riktigt bra. Stämningsfullt. Men sången är fruktansvärd. Tyvärr. Det är så synd. Men det sabbar helheten. Spelade skivan på högtalarna hemma under helgen, reaktionen var "är det dagens skiva? Måste alla lida?" Så illa tycker jag dock inte det är. Men det går inte att sätta höga betyg.
Alltid tänkt att antingen så hatar man eller så älskar man Björk, men nu vetefasiken asså. Jag tycker att hon blandar och ger på den här skivan, både lyckas och misslyckas. Exempelvis en låt som Pagan poetry (singel) tycker jag funkar kanon, medan en låt som Cocoon (också singel) är direkt usel. Mycket handlar det om att hennes sätt att sjunga fungerar på den förstnämnda men inte alls på den sista. På totalen landar det här en trea för mig, vilket är synd för när det är bra så är det riktigt bra.
So unique
Dreamy. The last song, "Unison" was a favorite.
Diferente, mas bom!
Ethereal
I like Bjork. I do, really. Keeping that in mind, I still can only take her weirdness in limited doses. This album is her quintessential sound. Moody and offbeat emo electronica. I guess I like it....in a mildly indifferent and won't think about it much again kind of way.
Wow. This album is basically a masterpiece based on just the sound and production alone, it genuinely sounds like no other album I’ve heard. It’s so ethereal and rich sounding with amazing electronic elements making every single song sound unique and fresh. To top it all off it also has angelic backing vocals to go with the already amazing main vocals from Bjork. I also just love how each song feels so well crafted and weird (in a good way), it’s definitely one of those albums that feels like a piece of art rather than just a bunch of songs put together. To top it off even further, the amount of instruments used in the songs such as the strings, harp (I think) and the the music box sounding parts (which probably are just straight up from a music box) just really develop the ethereal, enchanting sound this album does so well. Favourites: pretty much all. Overall, 9/10 (maybe a 10 but not quite).
Melancholy as fuck I really like Harm of Will
Really not a fan of Bjork's amelodic music.
Pretty and stange. Not my thing.
Oh joy - the Icelandic church that looks like an elf and wears dead swan dresses. Well fuck me, I actually enjoyed this. A lot. She has a hypnotic voice. Extremely unique. I’d listen to this again. I’m shocked. Thank you for including this one. Everyone seems to have heard of her but I don’t know anyone that listens to her.
Her fourth album. Pop / Electronica. I've had this album and Debut (1993) from Bjork come up so far. Both hugely enjoyable. Bjork has an other worldliness and way about her that I cannot help but be drawn to. This album sounds great. The music, the sounds, the vocals. Everything. I can't pick out a single track here. The entire album is a beautiful journey.
Love this one, although it took me a while to come around to. I think Homogenic is a better album overall though, surprised that isn't on here. The style of this is very intimate and cosy, in a wintery sort of way. I never knew until now that Matmos are collaborators on this album, I recognize them now though! Their style is really evident on Aurora and Unison especially. 9/10
One thing to keep in mind with Björk is that her music often isn’t immediately accessible - it tends to reveal its depth over time. When this record first came out, I listened to it but mostly gravitated toward the tracks that clicked right away rather than the whole album. That voice remains absolutely incredible to me, and the production here is gorgeous - from the intricate electronic percussion to the lush choral passages, it’s truly stunning work. Favourite tracks: Hidden Place, It’s Not Up to You, Pagan Poetry, Frosti, Aurora, Unison.
I don’t hate this but I don’t love it. Kinda feel like I respect the music more than I enjoy it, so a difficult one for me to sit through. I think it’s mainly her vocal I don’t get on with, a bit too theatrical
Lets get weird
Too weird not a massive fan 4/10
Peak. She totally found her sound here. Shrouded in mysticism and beauty. Her off-kilter voice doesn’t throw me off as much as it did in Debut, in fact it works very well in a lot of points in this album. I also forgot that tiktok sound was pagan poetry but it’s still a fantastic song
Best: It's not up to you Worst: lowkey too many to count Liked songs: 4/12, 33% High 1 I'm missing something. That's the only real explanation I can think of for my first ever 1/5 review on this site being the album that aoty considers the 8th greatest album of all time. This album to me is if someone tried way too hard for their music to be called "unique" or "beautiful," because there's certainly times the album reaches those points, but it's usually after a LOT of failed attempts to reach those points. Because of that, it's really one of only a couple of albums I've ever listened to where I felt genuine relief when it finished. I'm sure I'll listen to it again and be transformed in body and soul like the other reviews, but until then, it's gotta be a one.
Definitely my favorite of the albums I’ve heard from her so far. Id have to go back and relisten to homogenic, but this kinda takes everything that one does and makes it better. Favorites: Hidden Place, Heirloom, Unison
I'm not a fan of the whole singing in cursive thing She has such a powerful voice when she belts out the high notes, but instead she does that weird whisper quirky voice. Not for me 2 ⭐️
This is not for me. It's objectively well made and very inventive, doing away with earthly things such as genre and song structure. The lack of that makes it a hard album to enjoy. There are nice sounds throughout, but there is no enticing structure to keep it all together. I also just don't enjoy Björk's voice much. It usually feels like more of an instrument here, but I still don't like listening to it. Maybe I'm not smart or nerdy enough for this, IDK.
masterpiece. best album ever. destroy the world
When I was a kid I had a crush on Björk. But every now and then I found her too quirky which (for some strange reason) made me feel embarrassed. Now, that probably says more about me as a teenager than about Björk. But listening to Vespertine after all these years, that’s what’s coming back to me. I get drawn in. Her voice and the way it’s produced makes it feel very up close and personal. Then there’s suddenly a moment where I feel like it’s too much and I snap out of it. I quickly get lured right back in and the process repeats. 4/5
Enjoyed - pleasant sound, distinctive voice, no real standouts, but hangs together as a decent album
it's ok. nothing i would listen to on a daily basis but i can listen to stuff like that every now and then
Absolutely not
I’ll admit, while I respect Björk as an artist and consider her an immense talent, I don’t really consider myself a huge fan of her music. Whenever I listen to her I basically arrive at the conclusion that I get why she’s so highly regarded, but I rarely go back for multiple listens. Vespertine follows this as well, but it’s probably her project that I like the most. It’s almost like Björk songs Radiohead (one of my favorite bands). It’s a stunning record from beginning to end. I still don’t get into it enough to call it a masterpiece, but I wouldn’t argue with anyone about it either.
I like 90’s Bjork better
Boring
I’m just not going to like Björk. It’s not going to happen. Her music always feels like a jumble of sounds and ideas that never come together for me. The only reason this album gets 2 stars is because she actually is a talented singer. Her voice is unique and powerful, and you can tell she has real control and emotion behind it. The problem is everything else surrounding it—the production, the pacing, the weird sound choices—just feels like a mess. I can respect the creativity and experimentation, but Vespertine is one of those albums I was happy to finish and move on from.
Rubbish
Björk is absolutely one of a kind. The soundscapes she creates in this album are so interesting and beautiful… sometimes strange, sometimes warm, sometimes unsettling. And then her voice… oh that instrument. It is wild and passionate and incredibly unique. And I love it.
Is there another album as intimate, as sensual as Björk's Vespertine? Somehow Björk manages to draw real warmth out of what could have been some very cold, emotionless synthesisers. Vespertine is the sound of a long frost thawing, of warm bodies melting ice.
Bjorks 4th in a run of 4 amazing albums!
A little dull. I’d have to be in a certain mood. I might listen again
I am obviously aware of Bjork but this is the first time actually listening to a whole album. I am glad that it was Vespertine as I feel it is an accessible album that blends well the eletronic beats to the orchestra. The melody and instrumental are beautiful, however Bjork voice and interpretation ruin it. I know I know, "you don't get her art", but honestly, she is not a good singer, and although her poems are above average, she still tries shock value to ger her message. It is an ok album, I can see why it's on the list but it is 3/5 . I genuinely think at this time she was maybe ebetter than nowadays which shock value with weird art speaks louder than her own songs.
Another Bjork album. I feel she's over represented on this list. Is she a musical genius? Almost certainly. Do I like her music? Sometimes. She's an aquired taste. Occasionally I'll "get it". But most of the time I don't. It's probably my fault though. Music wise, this feels the same as the others. Pixie vocals, electronic beats. In fact, I'd rather just listen to the instrumentals - they sound so much more interesting. That's Bjork. Best Tracks: Hidden Place; Cocoon; Pagan Poetry
Hard to even rate in the 1001 albums context because of how much it feels like its own magical experience It's a very cold (experience), sort of like a blizzard in the forest, going back and forth between ethereally grandiose when the snow is flooding down and then returning to a lonely coldness when the snowfall dies down and you're left shivering surrounded by dead trees It has a very mystical sort of sensuality to it, it's a listen that feels hard to describe through words in a review alone If I had to guess, I would say it's a 4/5 verging on the border of a 5/5. Is that true? I don't know, did I listen to something? Is this an album? If it were and if I did then I think that's what I'd rate it. I think I've transcended now. Good day, people of Earth
Awful
Day 89 Classic album, one of my favs by Bjork! The instrumental is etheral and her voice is enchanting, love this album
Once you've heard one of her albums you've heard them all. If it was AC/DC thats a plus but if you didn't love the first one your not going to love the second.
Oh good. ASMR Björk. Just what the world needed.
Woah nice keep it up
Album was ok.
Love her. I need to dive deep into this and Sugarcubes
So beautiful. Every song has a truly striking moment. Is it possible for music to sound both warm and frozen at the same time? FOUR STARS
ok, here we are, you won, five stars
First Listen: May 03 2023 3 5/5s back to back, this album treating me right. literally have this vinyl in my dorm imma spin this rq 3.17 on this site, i want hurt the people on this site sometimes (im jokinggggg). this is such an otherworldly project, i really can't think of anything else like it. its for sure bjorks best work. love this album and her stupid ass swan dress
Nice beats and grooves. Still working to warm myself up to the lyrics.
I like how weird she is. So many minor notes where you wouldn’t expect them. Odd, but awesome. The orchestral music adds the the vibe
VA VA VESPERTINE ICELAND’s WEIRDEST SOMETHING QUEEN. That’s my interpolation of “Rasputin” by “Boney M.” Probably not my favourite Boney M track. I’m really into the deep cuts. When I’m not frantically writing bulletin updates in the Boney M fan club online forum (BonerPatrol420 - PM me), I am listening to albums recommended to me by this website. A widget on my phone that has inspired Pavlovian wincing upon each opening. Now I see the second Bjork album in two days, and I’m intrigued. We’ve crested Pearl Jam mountain and survived at least 4 David Bowie records. I feel unstoppable. Give me a soundtrack to that feeling ya artistic weirdo. Hidden Place - I live in a hidden place. It’s a cave loaded to the gills with uncooked meats and Xbox games. For those who say, “why would you bring perishable foods and how are you getting electricity?” When you ask those questions, I know that, like Bjork, I am AT LEAST 7 steps ahead of you. Pretty cool soundscapes here. Cocoon - Jesus. It’s so god damn LUSH. The sounds are making me feel like I don’t have bones. In a good way. Not in a pile of oozing flesh way. I don’t have to explain myself to the likes of you. Good day sir/madam/individual It’s Not Up to You - Who is it up to? Is there an all powerful deity, or are we in charge of our own path? Is the overwhelming knowledge that you alone are responsible for your direction through the concept known as life a completely overwhelming weight that renders you inert? The abdication of responsibility to a manufactured deity can ease that discomfort. You know what else helps? Copious amounts of food. Undo - We’re back in the insane Scandinavian gentle blender. It whirls you around slowly amongst lilacs and choral vocal passage until you firmly believe that you have died and while it’s not heaven you’ve ended up in, it’s some amalgamation of the afterlife descriptions you’ve heard from various theologians. I know you’re out here comparing afterlife notes of notable theologians. You intellectual rascal. Pagan Poetry - This sounds like a horrific nursery rhyme. That is a good thing in my books The passion is palpable, and this is somehow comforting and unsettling at the same time. Very impressive. Frosti - Hello Wendy’s, I would like one frosti. What you guys aren’t doing the Bigtime Bjork Blowout™️this year? What? I dreamed that??? I’ve been making an asshole out of myself at Wendy’s locations across the provinces. Man, I really shouldn’t have stood on the counter at the South Fredericton location and demanded the Bjorker with extra Sun sauce. At least I have some time to prepare for my court date. All just protests meet resistance. Aurora - You ever seen the northern lights? Before everything went nuts last year and you could see them in fucking Oklahoma or whatever, they were a special treat that I felt filled me with as close to a spiritual feeling as I can muster. I don’t believe in spirits, but my word are they powerful. This song has a lot of that vibe. An Echo a Stain - I love the little key stabs here. So dreamlike. If you don’t dream exclusively in terror like your dear author. Sun in My Mouth - Bjork, I thought I told you to stop eating celestial bodies. LOOK OUT RIGEL, BJORK IS HUNGRY. Heirloom - I don’t know how I feel about the recurring dream track. Wait your mother is turn of the century Edmonton Oilers forward Anson Carter? Yeah I know. That was a stretch. I’m running out of my 2025 attention span here. If you’re not careful, I might self-diagnose ADHD, and buy a vape with a screen. Harm of Will - More dreamy B-Jork tunes. Couldn’t hold a candle to the B-Boy stylings of B squared (late career Bull Buchanan). Unison - I too thrive “hermit style” with a beard and a pipe. Greatest lyrical moment so far. This is music by and for butterflies. There is a distinct insect vibe given off by Bjork and this album would go off HARD at the little sugar water dropper. Me and my butterfly bros and our Kate bloomer caterpillar friend would be consuming our daily calorie and just tweaking out bug style to the musical stylings of human adjacent Björk. This record is immense. Beautiful soundscapes, endless creativity and a truly unique experience. Am I going to listen to this regularly? No. But it was enlightening and has increased my appreciation for this enigmatic figure exponentially. It’s the creativity and dedication to experimentation that made this such an excellent experience. Not exactly my cup of tea, but when in Rome, you drink the uhh weird Icelandic tea. Or however that phrase goes. Great wjork, Bjork. 4 HIGHLIGHTS: Cocoon, Pagan Poetry, An Echo a Stain, Unison
Its Bjork what more do I need to say than that its not fun time at all.
So lush. I’ve heard a few Björk albums before but this one instantly jumped out as my favorite. 4.5/5
Oficialmente, a fin de mes. Y qué mejor que cerrar con esta artista hermosa y este trabajo monumental. Álbum íntimo, bellamente personalista, ayuda a que uno baje un cambio (o varios) y quede en un estado de mayor tranquilidad, ya sea guiado por la nostalgia o melancolía, ya sea por la paz de la felicidad compartida. Claramente, marida con un clima frío y nublado y una situación de intimidad. Muchas gracias y hasta mañana, ya octubre.
Great
01) Hidden Place - 9,0 02) Cocoon - 8,0 03) It's Not Up to You - 8,5 04) Undo - 7,5 05) Pagan Poetry - 8,5 06) Frosti - 7,5 07) Aurora - 8,0 08) An Echo, a Stain - 7,5 09) Sun in My Mouth - 7,5 10) Heirloom - 8,0 11) Harm of Will - 7,0 12) Unison - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,88 (79/100) Current ranking: 228/684
A few songs I liked and a few that were alright so not a 5 but I do like bjork My favorite: I love her I love her I love her
It's very relaxing And cool to listen to
Going with 5 on this because while I understand how polarizing Björk is, this one deserves better than a 3.17 average.
Hidden Places might be the best album opener I’ve heard since Stinkfist from Tool. Some great tracks sprinkled throughout but some not memorable tracks bring it down a bit
She's phenomenally creative. And the production is amazing. But for 25 years I've had a hard time getting all of the way through it. I just get bored about 20 minutes in, and there's no rebound.
I can't help but feel like I am being sucked into a nordic worship ritual where the high priestess beautifully sings about her problems and dilemmas until I don't feel like worshipping any more. Great voice, though. Great voice.
Not my thing
Maybe I’ve grown or maybe it’s just that the world is an even weirder place than it was back when I first listened to Björk, but I remember thinking this was too far out there for me back in the day. I’m grateful for an excuse to give it another spin because it’s great!
-here it is. my favorite album of all time. to me, it’s the absolute best on this list and it genuinely changed my life and how i listened to music when i first found it years ago. crazy to finally get to it -i just fucking adore the themes and concept behind the whole album. hits soooo much harder now that there is someone i am devastatingly attracted to and getting to know. Björk is the coolest woman ever -Favorites are Hidden Place, Cocoon, Pagan Poetry, Aurora, and Unison
Woah, I've been looking forward to this one. Didn't disappoint. Super lush & atmospheric.
𝘝𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 is, to me, the björkiest album that could possibly exist. Every detail — icy microbeats, whispered vocals, harp arpeggios, and ethereal choirs — feels intimate and otherworldly, as if Björk had built a fragile winter palace out of sound. The swan imagery on the cover matches perfectly: elegant, strange, and unforgettable. I’ll admit I have a positive bias toward Björk, but even so, this album remains one of the most delicate and singular works in modern music.
New music
Interesting lyrics backed by a totally unique sound, but a bit too experimental for my tastes.
Björk told me I fell off, ooh, I needed that
When it comes to Björk’s more experimental albums, they can be hit or miss, but this is definitely one of her better ones. It’s clearly art pop, but leans more toward the ambient, folktronica side. The production is strong, and while she maintains her experimental edge, she also strikes a good balance by keeping the music enjoyable and grounded.
Her singing and composition are so unique. I Homogenic was always my go to Bjork and never really listened to this one. It’s really cool texturally with the music box’s, harp, glitchy beats and choir. Interesting how it shifts and simultaneously can be really beautiful and kinda disturbing sometimes. Favorite tracks: Unity, Cocoon, Hidden Place, Heirloom
Super cool. Maybe not something id listen to super often but he songwriting and production was really unique and interesting. Really enjoyed it
I liked this much more than the other one. Favorite was heirloom
The music is good The vocals not so much. There’s just too much broken English which makes it sound half done. I know, I know, it’s Bjork, what did you expect? Not this but I’m not surprised either. I find no enjoyment in this Choice cut: Pagan Poetry
The album is full of those sultry electronic bass lines upon which Bjork has built a lot of her career. That's never unwelcome. Bjork's vocals are always going to be divisive, but that's to be expected when you have one of the most singular voices in modern music. The album itself builds and crafts a wonderful atmosphere, edging on the surreal and ethereal. Just a fantastic sonic experience.
The top review at time of writing says "She tries too hard to be weird for the sake of being weird", which I take issue with for two reasons: " This is not "weird for the sake of it" - I think Björk just does whatever she feels is interesting. * It's not even that weird. This is pretty accessible stuff as far as Björk goes. Anyway five stars from me.
Interesting, yet weirdly soothing. Never heard songs from Björk before, but will listen to more. Amazing voice!
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Todeslangweilig.
#699. As weird as you like. Maybe even a bit weirder. I don't think anyone could pull off the witchy forest nymph vibes better than her. 3/5: good
Nothing against Björk, but I’ve never really gotten into her music. Unsure if the the tone/vibe of her voice that putts me off. Gives me European female streets. Beat/ production is very whisky/ ethereal
Loved this! Can listen to Björk for days on end!
Solid, solid sound. A bit weird, but I mean that in the best way possible.
Fuck yeah. Good and Björky. Straight Björkin it. 9/10 7/09/25
Capital E experimental but it works so well, it also has way higher replay ability than one would expect
first few were hooky and good but it lowkey just got buns
Very cool and unique. Probably like a 3.75
Don’t care for this
I don’t get it.
Not for me
It's a lush, glitchy ode to deeply falling in love (and Bjork's first album leveraging IDM production styles in a similar vein to Radiohead's Kid A and Madonna's Ray of Light). Inspired by her Matthew Barney honeymoon period and one bookend to her eventual breakup album Vulnicura, one would think with my tastes this would be my favorite Bjork record, but it really isn't, unfortunately. It felt like some of the sharp, powerful edges of Post and Homogenic were sanded down, and the gentle, delicate textures and amorous vocals, while gorgeous, lack the passion I crave from Bjork in her best songs. Still an amazing album, with some gorgeous, expressive songs, but not her pinnacle work.
Bjork being bjork.
I love the pristine production, everything sounded so clean and defined. Bjork has been a stand out talent for decades. No one comes close to what she does vocally.
Another overrated album from lizardqueen
muh
It's interesting -- I was into some other artists/bands around this time that were Björk-like, but never really got into her. I like this!
couldn't get through it, although I suspect that if I kept listening it would grow on me a lot
i tried. not for me
I really like Björk. She has one of the most unique voices in popular music. But this one doesn't do much for me. A little too spacey and unfocused. Maybe another listen will go me. 3/5 #171
Bork's masterpiece. This became my favorite of her albums from awhile ago and is probably one of the best albums from the 21st Century. Homogenic belongs in the book!!!
If you think Björk is trying too hard to be weird you haven't heard some of the crap knock offs on this list. She's been an artist I've found consistently rewarding for giving the time to understand and settle with. The emotion and craft in her earlier works is amazing. It's such a good demonstration of what I've moaned about in so many of my reviews here - I'm able to get all the emotional context without really taking in the lyrics.
I think there will be better Bjork to come.
Noise
Beautiful music exploring the themes and feelings associated with love
Really enjoyed this!
Rating: 8/10 best songs: hidden place its not up to you undo unison
While this won’t be a frequent reach, this is above average for ambient chill music.
I tend to shy away from Björk songs. But this was actually a nice surprise. Yes there are moments featuring her love it-or-hate it vocal delivery, but overall compared to other albums of hers…it was a really interesting listen that I will for sure re-visit. The use of natural sounds in the real world to create beats and ambience was also very cool.
So I got through a couple songs and then had to go somewhere with my wife. We jump in the car and CarPlay picks it up and continues with the album. 30 seconds in my wife goes “I can’t fucking listen to bjork right now” and cuts the volume. I think that about sums it up. I’m glad people like bjork exist and are trying new things and pushing creativity. I’m sure there are people that connect with this and then take it to other interesting places. And yes, there are some moments that are good. But for me it doesn’t sustain and really tough to do a full album of this. 2.0
Björk is hit or miss for me. Thought this was actually quite beautiful. May revisit. 3.5/5
Bjork Chops.
Just an incredible tapestry of sounds happening here. I kinda wish Björk would release an instrumental version of this.
11/10 Religious experience
Not my style exactly but made nice background music
Muy bueno
An impossibly beautiful album. I finally found a space quiet enough to listen in full and it was worth the reward. Low 5
Expansive sound world and vocals that are strong and vulnerable at the same time. Especially good from Aurora onwards
Bjork has a consistently surprising voice which is hard to describe. I keep wanting to say “fragile” but it’s actually pretty robust. Weirdly, it’s both. Part of the surprise comes from the way she chooses which notes to sing. Usually once you’ve heard someone sing a verse of a song, you can more or less guess the melody they will sing on the next verse, even with variations. But Bjork will sing one note, then shoot off to another which, while perfectly complimentary (not erratic or kooky) could never have been guessed. Another surprising thing is hearing how she has influenced other artists that I love. On Pagen Poetry, one of my favourite tracks, I can hear bits of Four Tet’s 2003 and Iglooghost’s 2017 records. Both sides of the album are excellent but my favourite is the elaborate, abstract pop songs of the first half. It’s Not Up to You is absolutely essential. It’s quite a journey in the second half riding through the even more abstract and ambient tracks which are then punctuated nicely by Unison at the end.
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
Really good album. It too me back to the 80’s.
very ambient, reminds me of some of the less appreciated radiohead stuff
eu odeio bjork papo reto
outro dela pior que eu acho a arte dessa capa muito bonita. eh bonito né, bem minimalista e claminho. parece bastante que a bjork é uma dríade, a voz dela é bonita até. ainda acho que ela força pra ser esquisitinha, mas to começando a aceitar que ela pode!
Good ol weird bjork
i could not care less.
I cradle this joy within my heart's cocoon. Her whispers cascade through the stars, painting echoes for the beloved Knife. The melodies skitter like moonlit shadows, sending shivers through my very essence. It dances in the dusk, mysterious and enchanting, a tapestry woven with threads of marvel. oh, this joy swirls like stardust! 3 shimmering glacier twilight moments out of 5.
I want to listen to everything by her by now
A much better Bjork album than our last. We enjoyed this one a lot: all the songs are quite similar, but enjoyable and the album feels cohesive and atmospheric.
1/5
Listens: 4 Standout Tracks: It's Not Up To You, Frosti I think this album was fine, but I probably listened too it one too many times. By the end of the day, on the last listen, I was basically really for the album to end about 20 minutes in. Its pretty long, clocking in a 55 minutes for 12 songs. No prior experience with Björk, so don't really have anything to compare per se. Closest artist for me would be someone like Imogen Heap maybe? Grimes comes to mind, with the vocal layering and electronic beats and whatnot but that's basically it. I really liked the track Frosti. Instrumental and short and sweet.
It was ok
Fricken weird. Electronic, experimental sounds, some cool mellow groves. Her voice is, uh, unique. Lots of harp? Sounds like she's having too much enjoyment in a few spots.
Eh. Couldn't get past the first song, didn't catch my interest.
Some of the background sounds, sounded like static on my speakers. It wasn't but it was weird.
So weird. So good.
Oh, Björk. It has been too long! This is my last Björk album of the album project. I got the other 3 pretty early on, with Björk even being the first artist to give me a third album back in March... of last year. I've waited about 16 months or so for this final album and have gotten 4 artists up to 5 albums in the time since. So, is Vespertine a good album to get as my final Björk album of the 1001 albums project? Well, it might just be the best. This is, without a doubt, my favorite album of hers that I've listened to thus far. I enjoyed all of the other Björk albums well enough, but Vespertine is a straight up masterpiece. The thing that really makes this album work so well for me is the instrumentation and production. Vespertine has this very unique style to it that's deeply intimate and captivating to the senses. The wonderful opener "Hidden Place" sets this up perfectly. The electronic sounds are equal parts pleasing and chilling. I love it. The writing is also a key part of Vespertine's appeal. If I had to describe the album in one word, it would be "intimate." This is partially due to the sound, but also due to the sensual nature of the lyrics. Lyrics that focus on sex don't always work for me (I'm looking at you Neil Hannon), but the writing on Vespertine is great. They're clearly sensual, but also vague enough to feel more emotional rather than animistic. It helps that the songs are great. "Pagan Poetry" is easily the highlight for me. God I love this song. I'm going to be relistening to this song frequently. The rest are all great. There's not a bad song on the album. Of course, Björk's singing is as Björk-y as it's ever been, with her unconventional nature making the songs feel as unique as always. I could go on and on if I wanted to. I've always liked what I've heard of Björk, but this is probably the first time that I've felt a sense of adoration for one of her albums. An album like Debut is great and all, but Vespertine is on a whole other level. This might just be one of the most enchanting, beautiful, and engaging albums I've ever heard. I love it. 5/5.
This is probably the prettiest Bjork album I've hears so far. It is great but a lot of the songs do sort of start to sound the same by the end. They are great but there isn't much sonic variation. Low 5.
a simply spectacular experimental album.
Бьорк считают либо гением, либо ебанько. Я за второй вариант
This is hard music to understand as sometimes. Björk demands a listen, and an active listen at that. But if you are willing, you are rewarded with little moments of beauty, pain and joy that can be overwhelming.
She's so bad I have NO IDEA how she ever became popular. Her voice is dreadful, the music is just noise and clicking (set the table for late Radiohead nonsense) and there are no hooks. It's like someone drunk as hell just babbling over boring choppy music. Not a hit on it, no radio songs, no longevity, no watercooler talk ("what ever happened to that kick ass Bjork gal?"), no nothing. Zero payoff for me. I saw the Sugarcubes open for U2 ages ago and knew right then and there that I was not a fan. 1 star for fooling the world for a few years. I couldn't finish a single song. Pure shit.
I respect Bjork a lot but her music just doesn’t move me. This is just a dirge I can’t abide by.
Today my daughter went to some fancy hair salon that was playing weird music ... this sounds like that music.
3.5/5 Best songs: It’s Not Up To You, Frosti Least favourite: An Echo A Stain
6/10
Not sure how I missed this album. Selma's songs was the last album I listened to by Bjork, was a big fan of her previous 3 albums. I was even listening to Matmos at the time. Anyway this is a fantastic album, flows really well, maybe lacks a peak, but great beats and lyrics, and her voice of course! 4 Heard before? Not really Owned: No. 1/1001, 1/9 (11%) Will I get? Yes (1/9) Recommend: Sure
this album is astonishing, it’s sonically beautiful, the production is amazing, my favourite björk record i’ve heard so far, amazing
Bjork's talking, sing-songy, swelling to near shouting style/approach to singing gets to sounding the same after a while. I'm more of a melodic music listener so this kind of free style/out music doesn't really work for me but I kind of get it.
Et par fine låter.spennende lydkulisser.
Good start with Hidden Place. Cocoon has some Kid A vibes. Pretty solid. Will need a re-listen.
I was digging it at first but it kind of lost me halfway through.
Nice enough. One or two tracks at a time is okay. More than that gets a bit tedious.
Nope. 1.5
I love this album, It's very atmospherically and transfer into another world 3/5
I'll have to revisit it, there's no way I'll listen to this only once
Great mix of spectral and ethereal sounds and orchestral grandeur. This album succeeds in every way in it's uniqueness. It's loose, slippery, and feels weird to listen to. It's a magical experience that is unlike much else. My favorite Bjork project.
This was pretty good, very Bjork as expected, but maybe not as good as some of her other albums. I like aggressive and mad Bjork, but thoughtful and more ethereal Bjork is a good listen as well. Her voice is polarizing, and you'll get that on every album of hers so if you don't like one you're not going to like her other stuff. This album is a continuation of 90's and 2000's trip-hop while sort of bringing it in to modernity and closing out the genre. Her beats aren't nearly as repetitive as some of that genre, and they are different enough to make her stand out even if her voice wasn't already the interesting part. She chose good collaborators on this album, even if I've never heard of any of them by name. I liked this, I'd listen to it again in solitude.
I only know Bjork by reputation, and this is a lot less weird than I imagined. The layered ethereal sounds put this a little in left field but there is an orchestral, bigger than pop feel to this.
When it comes to Björk’s more experimental albums, they can be hit or miss, but this is definitely one of her better ones. It’s clearly art pop, but leans more toward the ambient, folktronica side. The production is strong, and while she maintains her experimental edge, she also strikes a good balance by keeping the music enjoyable and grounded.
Good, starts boring it gets better
This album is really a remarkable up from her first. Her voice really works well here WITH the music imo. It doesn't quite hit as hard after the first 5 songs, but even then it's really good stuff. Could've been a 5 for me if it kept going that way, but what's there isn't bad.
I still don't get Bjork but this was not nearly as bad as her debut and I found myself liking bits and pieces of it. I really do appreciate her whole schtick even if I can recognize it's not for me.
I already know the haters are crowding in, so let it be said: Fuck the haters. This is masterful stuff - cold, glitchy, sensual art pop from one of the most unique voices in music. My personal favourite of her albums that I've heard thus far is Homogenic, but this one is nearly there.
The second Bjork album that’s been forced upon me on this album challenge so far. Weirdly I actually enjoyed a lot of the musical arrangements and can tell there’s some beautiful stuff going on. Pagan Poetry, for example, sounded damn near ethereal. AND THEN BJORK DID HER WEIRD SINGING AND RUINED IT LIKE SHE HAS DONE FOR NEARLY EVERY SONG SHE’S ON. There are songs where she sings halfway normally and it sounds fine, so I know the weird singing style on certain songs is on purpose! And it ruins everything! How can people listen to this and want more?! How do they not rip out their headphones in disgust?!
I have nothing nice to say about this album. Here goes a low-effort joke instead: The Horse of Shock and Astonishment when Pagan Poetry comes on : 😳🐴
I think this is a really good album and strikes a good balance of her unique voice while also giving the backing instrumental some time to shine. It would be a 4 but I think it is about two or three songs too long and could use more variety. An interesting journey. EDIT: Nah, after putting my headphones on this was a magical ride through the spirit realm. It's a 4.
Amazing voice.
I'm torn between giving this a high rating for the undeniable creativity and great production, and giving this a low rating for being something I didn't enjoy at all due to molasses pacing and what seemed like intentionally aggravating vocals. 2.5/5.0: Mixed
excellent composition, frustrating vocal delivery. she has a beautiful voice but on this album she sounds strained in a way that doesn’t serve the music. the album is also quite long, and it’s incredibly slow pacing only serves to make it feel even longer. there were also a few production choices that puzzled me. in particular the crackling effect on one of the songs made me think my headphones were going out. if you gave me 30 minutes of this it’s an easy 5, even with my complaints. by the time an hour rolls around the wonderful compositions start to blur together and listening has become quite arduous. im looking forward to her other albums and hoping i enjoy them more
Bjork makes music for Bjork but this was interesting enough but didn’t make me want to revisit
kolejny popowy albumik, pani bjork juz byla na liscie ze swoim debiutem, a teraz przyszedl czas na wieczorowy albumik, jak wczoraj bylo granie popowe z przepieknym bajduzeniem opowiesciowym, tak dzisiaj jest spiewanie artystycznie, nie potrafie niczego wyciagnac z piosenki, jesli jest ona tak ladnie i wrecz egzotycznie zaspiewana, a kontent liryczny zdaje sie nie istniec, a jedynie jest brzmienie, ktore jest mocno elektroniczne eksperymentalne, sa tez i harmoniczne chorki, album jest bogaty w dziwne brzmienie, ale jakos do mnie nie przemawia, na plejke dodam trak numer siedem aurora
Björk, spörk.
good one if you like some icelandic melodies
Things I knew about Bjork prior to this: 1. She’s from Iceland 2. She performed that song with Eminem 3. She wore a swan to an awards show I expected the album to be quite a bit more straightforward pop than this Radioheadesque pop. I was interested to start but that waned as the album wore on.
2.5 Bjork is not for me,
the best.
love it. so so so good
Never have liked her music enough to listen to a full album. But this one surprised me! Still not a top album for me personally but I would listen again for sure. Maybe earn one more star on a second listen
I listened to the whole album hoping I could find one song that caught my attention. I do like the music but her singing does nothing for me.
The music has moments where its good, but then she opens her mouth and I want to scream. I struggled to make it through this one.
Y'know, I think I've had a pretty good track record with Björk records so far. Between VULNICURA, MEDÚLLA and DEBUT, the only one I can say I couldn't feel was MEDÚLLA — just wasn't 100 on its experimentation. Other than that, I felt like VULNIURA was a beautiful album, and DEBUT oddly ended up being my favorite for not being too much more than a good-ass dance album. Thusly, I think it's only fitting, then, that my group's last Björk album should end up a combo of the two. I will tell you first, it did take me a second to get used to this thing off the top. I'm actually pretty familiar with the album opener "Hidden Place" thanks to this mashup with Jimi Hendrix's take on "Born Under A Bad Sign", and as a result, it just sounded... Odd to me, in its original trip hop context. Following that, "Cocoon" didn't do me many favors either. I've seen this thing's beat described as "fingers tapping across skin," which, y'know, is a weird way to describe a beat to begin with, but I'unno.... To me it sounded way more like a CD skipping and I was not that huge on it. I was starting to wonder, and maybe worry a little, if this was too "artsy electronica" for my tastes. Luckily, things quickly turned up on "It's Not Up To You", and from then on things were just fine. Like... Goodness me, the strings on this thing. Not since VULNICURA have I listened to an album and thought, "Damn, those are some pretty-ass strings." Combine that with the choir vocals and music box stuff that show up... Oh, it is so darn wonderful. With the occasional light beat under it, it can be even better. Highlighting some songs... Well, there's "It's Not Up To You" as I mentioned, but where that mostly just clued me in, "Undo" is where things were confirmed for me. I also like how it ends, dissolving into digital mess. Then you've got "Aurora", which sounds like you're taking a walk in the snow under the Northern Lights — honestly... And "Sun In My Mouth" sounds like Björk's resting on the floor, singin' next to a music box as a string section plays behind her. In fact, speaking of Björk's voice, I wanna bring up "Pagan Poetry" real brief for helping me to finally get a grip on her style of singing. For the most part before now, I was... Fine with it. Not 100% of the time; it's all warbly and wavery, in this cutesy, twee way that can kinda grate if you're in the wrong mood... But for the most part, I accepted it for what it was. Though, at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder if that was the only trick in her toolbox... And nope! Once I heard her put some force behind her voice on "Pagan Poetry", it became clear to me just how much control she's putting on that thing. It does not sound like it if you're paying attention on a surface level, but dig a little deep... Yeah, goodness. Honestly, if there's anything on this album I can say I don't really like... It's probably the more electro-leaning songs? This excludes "Hidden Place" since it's more wack-o trip hop than straight electro, but tracks like "An Echo A Stain" and "Heirloom"... Not my jam, to put it in short. I mean, with the strings and choir absent, it just doesn't hit in the same way. They're kind of boring, honestly... Besides those small songs I just don't jive with, however, this is truly a wonderfully pretty album. In fact, take DEBUT down a spot, this is my new favorite. And ain't it nice the randomizer saved the best for last, huh? Subtract the electro, it's near 50 minutes of gorgeous strings, chilly music boxes, and amazing choir vocals. The gooooood stuff... And neat swan dress y'got there, by the way. I wonder if other people liked it? Eh, they probably did...
Shame this is the last Bjork album my group is getting, cause once again, she delivers a hauntingly beautiful album. Solid 5 Stars.
I think I’m at a 10. Perhaps it’s the slight tear welling up in my eye after finishing out on “Unison” talking, but I adored that. Oddly, I have a comparison that might not fit at first glance, but I think it works here: “The Downward Spiral” by Nine Inch Nails. That album is about the carnal feelings of depression & the inner pain that slowly builds up to a breaking point of suicide. It uses sound design brilliantly to portray that pain, and it all comes to a head with screechingly violent guitar tones, an utterly shattered vocal performance, and a beautiful kind of honesty that succeeds at making you *feel* it, once the album is all said and done. This album is about the carnal feelings of love & the inner happiness that slowly builds up to a blossoming point of marriage. It uses sound design brilliantly to portray that happiness, and it all comes to a head with beautifully gliding orchestration, an optimistically strong vocal performance, and a beautiful kind of honesty that succeeds at making you *feel* it, once the album is all said and done. I’ve quite literally spelled it out, but to my ears, this album is to love exactly what “The Downward Spiral” is to that sense of pain. Bjork portrays it with some of the most sensational lyricism I can remember – obviously, a lot of it is about sex & lust, but the language she uses brings out something deeper. It’s not like she’s hiding what any of these songs are about, but she still manages to “disguise” it while still being absolutely implicit about it, and portraying a sort of primal beauty to it. It feels like poetry. I could also just be really easily impressed by flowery language being used in this sense, but regardless, I adored this album’s writing. The lyricism wouldn’t mean a damn thing if Bjork couldn’t sing them well enough, and her vocals truly shine here – if you’ve heard the album, then you know. Whether she’s belting or going softer, her vocals match the mood the instrumentation brings every time. I especially love the moments that sound like errors, as clearly intentional as they are – things like the vocal hesitations on “It’s Not Up to You” & “Undo” are perfectly done, and give the album an air of authenticity. For as much as those vocals shine though… it’s all in the instrumentation & sound design here. We are so far ahead of schedule for 2001 that it’s honestly ridiculous. Even now, for 2025, this album still feels like it’s doing stuff that nobody wants to touch in a modern musical landscape. The orchestration is beautiful throughout this whole thing. I wish I had deeper notes on it, but when you’re in the moment, the last thing you want to do is ruin the serenity of those moments washing over you. When this album isn’t giving off world peace-inducing orchestration, it’s going for a softer, more intimate form of electronica, marked by rather small but present beats. It’s extremely effective, and anchors every track in a way that melts downward, back into her vocals, and back into the lyricism, all working together in harmony. Overall, the production is remarkable here, full of nuances that I’m sure will reveal themselves further to me on any subsequent listens, and layered beyond belief for something that came out 24 years ago. As a whole, I wish I had enough of the words to dive deeper into the whole thing, but much like “The Downward Spiral”, I’m blown away. It is as good as advertised, and for the last Bjork album we’ll be getting on the list, it’s a wonderful way to go out. Bjork has proven her versatility is a superpower, and the order in which we got her albums is probably perfect. Consider me a fan. As far as this goes, to borrow from what I wrote about “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”, it’s a seminal album for 2001, and probably the whole decade. It’s a 10.
I like a bit of Bjork, always different.
The last Björk album I truly enjoy. Hadn't listened to this in ages, but it still holds up quite well, even though the production does place it into a specific point in time. Not unpelasantly so, though.
Some pleasant minimal electronica absolutely ruined by Björk's vocals
I dislike her voice and do not enjoy her music.
I dont think I'm gonna be a Bjork fan but this was ok (got a little samey towards the end).
Was not what I expected but was good
Not my jam
First listen, loved that!
Bjork is different, we all know this and we understand that she is performance pieceish not straight up listening. I think the hardest piece for me is that her voice is so drawn out and breathy that sometimes I have a hard time to listen to the lyrics. If I could just listen to her music in an empty room with some art installations moving around me I think I could appreciate it much more, but its just hard for me to hear it. Also they are all slightly longer, making it drawn out a little. This one is a little more 'consumer friendly' so I did like some of them like It's Not up to You or Pagan Poetry. Some are just really lost on me because they are so drawn out and so dramatic, focusing so much on a vibe instead of a song.
This is all fine and very Bjorkish. But it doesn't especially grab me.
I love what Bjork is going for on Vespertine…sparse, icy yet warm emotion, but I find that I almost never come back to this album. There is just not enough pull to make it long term worthy. Hidden Place is a lovely opener and has a hook, Unison ends the album on a whimsical note, Cocoon is sparse and sublime, and I’ve always loved the mystery of Aurora and An Echo, A Stain, but otherwise the songs get lost in their atmosphere, which is why so many people seem to adore this album. She’s done better overall.
It's Not Up To You kinda blew my mind, what a beautifully dreamy song, and I really loved the lyrics. I love her writing throughout the album too, and she creates such an ethereal yet deeply emotional atmosphere that it feels like you've landed on some magical Bjork moon. This was pretty special.
It’s a beautiful album, but I’m not a Bjork fan to appreciate it fully.
2/5
Not my thing. Slow and hard to understand her words. Decently cool sounds in the music, but nothing upbeat, uplifting, or fun to listen to.
This is a very good album from Bjork, but not the one that should be on this list. "Debut", "Post", and "Life's Too Good" (from her earlier band, The Sugarcubes) are better examples of her "eccentric but oddly danceable" style. My personal favorite is the "Post" remix collection, "Telegram". This album is too accessible and sterile to be considered her "must listen". Add a half-star because this album was released in America on my 30th birthday. For some extra Bjork-y fun, check out Helmet's thundering cover of "Army of Me."
Every girl I knew in college loved Bjork
I have a few Bjork songs that I absolutely cannot get enough of. Others I can't stand. This album doesn't do it for me.
Album totally knocks my socks off — love the Aphex Twin-esque glitch-pop instrumentals beneath each track, and Björk’s incredible vocal presence is almost too iconic at this point to even need mention. Hadn’t heard this one before but will be coming back to it!
Didn’t listen
3 5/5 albums in a row! I haven’t heard this album in a while and forgot just how amazing it is. It sounds so alien yet so natural at the same time and Björk’s voice is unreal as usual.
that was wank
I just don’t like Bjork all that much, sue me. Still interesting and creative enough to warrant a medium grade.
Garbage
Starts out engaging but then slumps into something that feels like it is more about Bjork than music and loses grasp of me as a listener
I thoroughly enjoyed discovering her solo debut album. When this came up I was pretty excited to listen. Unfortunately for me, it’s just not as interesting an album as the previous one. The music and vibe is very same-y, aside from a couple of songs. My favorite is “It’s Not Up to You” just because it broke that mold to an extent.
Lush soundscapes, incredibly produced with an ethereal voice over the top … but overall a bit shit. 2/5 - would get smashed in the face by a tiny Icelandic woman wearing a swan again.
Didn’t like it.
Listened in the truck via YouTube music. This is more reminiscent of the orchestra concert we saw of hers at the Arscht Center. Very light sounds. Enjoyable for a Sunday morning or a rainy evening.
4 саундтрека для фильма из 5
high-quality, meditating, still too abstract for my poppy taste - but nb
Such a gentle and beautiful record. Bjork has defined herself as such a distinct and unique musician. This album only further proves that as she whimsically takes us on this journey with her with her siren sound and free-flowing electronic production. Love me some Bjork.
Alright I enjoyed this, even more than the last Bjork album I got, but also am aware that maybe we don’t need 4 different Bjork albums on this list!!! Variety fucking please!!
This did nothing for me. I like her voice when it growls. High pitched singing can be an irritant, such as much of this album.
Sorry
This a great reminder that I should listen to more Björk lol. It’s such a beautiful & brilliant album. Curious and sensual songs realized by romantic electro production with wonderful recurring hallmarks: fizzy beats, luxuriant keyboards, baby-cooing synths, ghostly kids choir, and Bjork’s magnificent swooping, crackling vocals tying it all together.
Not for me, alot happening that is too noisy without purpose. Which is fine sometimes but it really didn't click with me this time. Though in some parts I can see why people like it
Nah
Björk, oh Björk... You learn to get familiar with her throughout this list of albums. This is the third album of hers that I've gotten (fourth if we count her former band The Sugarcubes). Despite everything though, I've never been...disappointed after listening to any of her works. They're always interesting. This might be Björk's best work (that I've heard so far). It's more cohesive, intimate and ethereal, especially due to the production and recording. Björk's unique voice quite literally speaks for itself, but arrangements here include the harp, strings, music boxes, and various "microbeats" such as the sound of shuffling cards and footsteps in the snow. It all makes for a simultaneously unsettling, yet tranquil chamber of sound.
Better than I was expecting, really chill
Björk's most palatable album I've listened to so far.
Un disco alucinante. La producción es excelente. Los suficientemente experimental y pop al mismo tiempo. La voz de Bjork es increíble. Los arreglos para orquesta son hermosos. Un nuevo favorito para mí
I see we’re gradually inching back in time towards the best Björk albums, but we’re not quite there yet. Vespertine’s got plenty of pretty moments and creates a unique sonic atmosphere that’s both icy and cosy, like being tucked up in bed inside a centrally heated igloo. However, like ice sculptures melting (probably due to the central heating), some of the songs are guilty of lapsing into a formless mush, especially during the less memorable second half of the record. 3.5
kinda have a weird view of Björk, on one hand she’s great, and has a lot of excellent work, but on the other, some of her music gets plain weird, not always in a good way. This album starts out kinda weird I wasn’t super into the first two songs but “It’s Not Up To You” was excellent. “Undo”, “Pagan Poetry”, and “Aurora” were also very good. Honestly I enjoyed the vast majority outside the first two tracks, though it’s not my favorite of Björk’s work.
3/5
Experimental pop (I think) it's quirky, full of interesting sounds and vocals, Bjork is cool af, cool album.
Artsy but doesn’t invoke emotions or memories as I like music to do.
What a masterpiece. This album is so out there and yet so so enthralling. This album has nothing but bangers and yet "Pagan Poetry" stands out in a huge way, even when it's surrounded by all time great songs. This isn't even my favorite Björk album, she's just so talented and musically adventurous that she deserves all the praise in the world. I love Björk