Reviews (page 3 of 15)
I enjoyed this one. Human Behaviour is such an awesome song. Not even sure what instruments are being played. Love how it builds and the vocals are amazing. I also searched for the video and got a Beavis and butthead clip and that put me in a good mood. 3.75
Björk can be a challenging listen but there’s something undeniably captivating about her. This album could have been released today and still sound unique. Pretty timeless and creative stuff here. 3.75/5
not my vibe at all rip
I love Björk and I recognise the overwhelming success of this material. I was and am into this style of dance music too and I know this album was innovative within that genre. Here’s the BUT that was obviously coming. I never really LOVED the songs on ‘Debut’ like I love songs on her subsequent albums. Also these songs were everywhere (for what seemed like forever) at the time which compounded my doubts. I don’t deny the album it’s place in the 1001 at all, but on personal grounds I can only give it a disappointing rating.
앨범 자켓 넘 커여움 이런 앨범으로 등장했으면 정말 센세이셔널했겠네요
Someone commented "people like this for clout." Couldn't agree more
Unique style
What a set up from the Sugarcubes, the voice and singing is still very expressive and incredible. But what makes this album stand out is that she embraced the trip hop wave that has been getting traction and she made it hers. But it's not the only genre she made hers : it's indeniably pop and also dance music. A really groundbreaking album. And of course there is this long list of flawless tubes. Favorite Songs: Human Behaviour ; Venus as A Boy ; Like Someone in Love ; One Day ; Violently Happy ; Play Dead
Wow. What a surprise! I’ve listen to homogenic and Vespertine which I wasn’t a fan of and my hopes were not high for more Björk. This is great. Her vocals are amazing with some rock music instrumentation which again surprised me. Didn’t love everything here and thought the second half dragged on a little
She had her own voice from the beginning. Eclectic and beautiful. 3.7/5.
First or last, not for me
I was dreading listening to another Bjork album but this one really was enjoyable to listen to. Gets weird in spots but forgivable.
Björing
naja
Hmm, I can kinda see why people might like this? But I wasn't vibing and it seems a little overrated. I have heard of Bjork's name. and if nothing else, this journey has gotten me to know more pop culture references.
I have always liked the idea of Bjork… but never dived into her discography. And maybe that’s for the better. Don’t get me wrong, I like avant-garde pop as much as the next guy… but found myself wanting to skip early and often. 2.1
Completely new to this album, and Bjork (beyond knowing her name). This was pretty great! She has a beautiful voice, and the album is pretty unique (to my ear). Some decent beats, too! 8/10 Most Excellent
no Björkki on Björkki eikä muuksi muutu. En tykkää mutta moni tykkää, on tämä hyvin tuotettu levy.
I like how she carves out a musical space for her voice. Listenable and singular style.
I didn’t realize I’d like this album so much. I’m gonna give it a few more listens.
I love her voice- it’s so weird. I wasn’t considerably impressed with the album though. I don’t see myself ever wanting to listen to this again.
This is in my music collection. Half of the songs are great.
Not as experimental as her later stuff..but still 100 per cent Bjork..bouncing from club sounds to torch songs.
A terrific solo, uh, debut from Björk. Fun, interesting, daring, engaging, art-pop that’s still danceable. She took her sound to outer space from here, but still great to be reminded of the building blocks.
While none of these will end up on my regular playlist, I do appreciate the uniqueness and was interested the whole listen.
Certainly avant-garde and a bit weird, but not bad
nanan
I never gave bjork a chance back in the '90s, too interested in jam band music at the time to give much else a shot. But this stuff is lovely, engaging, unique and enjoyable.
alright
I love Bjork. I think she's still finding her voice here - literally, I mean, in terms of how she can sing with that Mother Nature-esque volcanic quality that she develops in the middle of her career - but production-wise it's already got that unique hyperpop bombasticisty that she's known and iconic for. Fav tracks: Venus As A Boy, Big Time Sensuality, Aeroplane
Talented but not my thing
I listened to it a few times and unfortunately I feel like I was missing something. It never really clicked for me.
No puedo con su voz lo siento
Didn’t listen to the whole thing. Not bad feels very experimental
I’ve always felt I should have naturally loved Björk, but her vocal style makes me feel faintly sick and she is unbearably pretentious! Some of this album began to grow on me after a couple of listens, especially the first tracks.
I only know Bjork's "hits" so going back to her roots was pretty interesting. I know she may be over represented on this list but she's one of the more provoking and experimental artists of the late 20th/21st century. Plus I'm heading to iceland for a couple of weeks in July so it was fun to hear in that regard too. Good times
Ergens tussen 4 en 5 sterren in; net aan afgeronde 5
Waanzinnig hoe Björk al als jonge artiest van halverwege de 20 aan de wereld wist te bewijzen dat ze een eindeloze bron van creativiteit en experimentatie is. Debut is zo gezellig, zo dansbaar en zo onwijs muzikaal. Björk gaat in de jaren hierna nog veel betere platen maken, maar fuck it, gewoon een verdiende 5 sterren.
There are four Björk albums on this list. So far, this is my third one. I will continue to make the argument that Vulnicura, or maybe even Vespertine, should have been swapped out for Post. But this one. This one definitely belongs. Electronic, drum and bass, jazz, pop - the influences are all there and weave so seamlessly in and out of the songs. And while Human Behavior , Venus as a Boy, and Big Time Sensuality I've heard before, it was There's More to Life Than This that really cemented it for me. What a song, what an album.
Nah sorry but wtf
I am always happy to have an excuse to listen to this. An brilliant album.
Been a long time since last listened to this but was great to revisit
The "hits" are very familiar to be but were great to revisit. The album tracks were new to me - maybe slightly dated in places but overall a very strong album. Teetering on a 4 but I think it's more like a strong 3
😍😍😍 This was a great album in 1993 and it’s still remains a great album. The strong songs are super strong, all together now… 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 “It takes courage to enjoy it” 3 very bright stars. Tom.
This album was so magical I felt like I was ascending. I havn't felt like this since I discovered Tokio Hotel for the first time
Very impressive debut album.
5 stars
First Listen; 3.5; Interesting, discordant album. Somehow blends together a bunch of wierd sounds, including the vocals, into something interesting and catchy. Also a good diversity of musical styles and instrumentation, from club/eurobeat to pianos. Favorite Track: Come to Me
This could go of two ways love or hate. Listening to the first track and its oddly hypnotic. Dont like the last song its all a bit jazzy.
THIS IS MY FIRST GIG …. IN IRELAND……. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
yea this album is peak
Heard it before. Once again formed some telepathic connection with the generator because just the other day I was thinking about what a great song Big Time Sensuality is. Love how electronic inspired this album is, pop but make it house music. So much variety, so many interesting tracks 3/5
A classic album that has aged much better than I expected. I was actually not a big fan when it came out, but it grew on me over the years, and I thoroughly enjoyed it this time over. For some reason, I really like the (relative) simplicity of her early works, before she went full space alien. There's at least half a dozen beautiful songs here that I could absolutely come back to. "Experimental pop" has never been my cup of tea, but Björk's charisma, enthusiasm and outlandish voice are enough for me to overlook a lot of imperfections. This album managed to capture a very specific part of the 90s zeitgeist, but also brought a ton of interesting experiments to the table. It's an amazing mix of styles and genres, from EDM to pop, jazz, early trip-hop and traditional roots, glued together by a unique personality. The production is also extremely good for a first solo album. Not my favorite Björk record, but one I definitely have a soft spot for. 7/10
Beyond the importance of this album on trip hop, despite the facts beaucse I head it so many times with its hits, I 'll just give it a 3 and miss the Sugar Cubes.
Ce n’est qu’un début … mais quel démarrage !!! Au delà de l’innovation de faire de l’électro pop il y a la créativité, la mélodie, la beauté et la belle voix de Björk !
Obviously, it’s the first one, so it still carries some very obvious traces of ‘80s dance music, and it’s not as good as the albums that followed. Still, the occasionally dark themes, that unmistakable voice, and Björk’s unique touch of madness made it a little alternative gem back then. Honestly though, apart from Human Behaviour, The Anchor Song, and Play Dead (from the The Young Americans soundtrack with Harvey Keitel), not much of it really sticks with me. Too much of the album is still tied to the sounds of the previous decade. I assume Homogenic is somewhere on this list, so I’ll hold off on a too high score.
This is a remarkable album by any stretch of the imagination. Up to this point Björk was best known for the indie rock of the Sugar Cubes, but she effectively reinvented herself when she moved to London in the early 90s carrying a demo tape of songs that she had been working on since she was a teenager. She found a natural home in the club culture of the time and teamed up with producer Nelee Hooper from Massive Attack, finally finding someone who understood what she wanted to do. This album combines dance floor beats with quirky musical sketches and improvised ideas set to string arrangements including a harp and tabla played by Talvin Singh. On top of this Björk’s unique vocals are probably the most divisive element, ranging from from ethereal pixie girl to unexpected yelps and growls over a huge range. Personally, I absolutely adore this style, your mileage may vary. Lyrically it’s as strange and lovely as you could wish for, with a struggle to find love and acceptance in a confusing world being a constant theme. One of the tracks There’s More To Life Than This was recorded live in a nightclub toilet and perfectly captures the feeling of wanting to steal a small boat and sail away to a small island like some sort of Moomin. Little-My-tastic!
i think Bjork is a talented musician, i understand why she has a devoted fanbase and has such acclaim, but this just isn't for me
Eh
I was quite skeptical going into this, but I've got to say I enjoyed this quite a bit, her voice is really powerful and the music is certainly unique, though having said that, this isn't something I can see myself listening to as part of my regular rotation, I'd have to be in the mood to listen to this again, I'll give it a 4/5
Didn't like or dislike.
Excellent
I’ve heard about björk before but never listened to a full album. Wow, this was amazing. Such a beautiful and unique album. I’ll definitely be coming back to this one. Favorite track(s) Crying Come to Me The Anchor Song
After already getting her newer albums first on Herr I wasn't looking forward to this, but it was actually quite nice
Phenomenal, she loved ecstasy so much she moved to Manchester to feast on the divine nectar of dance electronica
Weirdly surprising. Not expecting dance music, but its pretty good. Mixed up with weird instrumentation. The music itself is good. I can't decide if I like Björk's vocals on it, but they are very distinctive. Sometimes it works sometimes not. I prefer when she has more edge and grit to it. The dance tracks are great, the ballads less so. 3 stars
Most of the time, when I don’t like a piece of music, I can see what other people do—it’s just that it isn’t effective on me personally. This album is one of those rare albums where I don’t understand at all, and simply assume that people who like it must be smarter than me to see something that I don’t. Boring, odd without being compelling, overstays its welcome. Rating: 1.5
Puts the art in art pop. Really enjoy the choice of 90s synths throughout. Will be giving this repeat listens soon. 8.5/10.
9/10 This album is Björk at her most dancey. She was so ahead of her time when it came to making experimental pop music, and it's wild to think this was her solo debut.
3 - decent
Weird and wonderful
It was alright. I didn't mind it, but I also won't be adding any of the songs to my playlist. I can appreciate the music, but I'm not going back for it. I also appreciate that the songs don't all sound the same. 5/10.
I for one (and once) enjoyed a Björk album!! Huzzahh!! Really awesome debut. While the whole of American was going through musical puberty and lashing out against the world. Björk dropped a delightful little debut project ripe with pop and electronica influence. Exploring the beauty of the city, nightlife, falling in love and other areas of the human condition. Warm vocal melodies and unique icelandic dialect enhance this and make is sound oh so much more unique. I think if you wanna listen to björk more start here and work chronologically. Reverse chronological can make you despise her.
only listened to part, but not really for me
Not my cup of tea 😩
I like the way she sings
Good music, just wish her voice didn't irritate me
I knew a few of her songs, first time listening to a full album. I liked it, it was nice. Good that I got the first album first also!
4.5
Human Behavior is cool but pass on the rest
This is not for me. Felt like 90s experimental 90s jazz, but not in a good way
I wasn’t too big on it. The first half was really bad 🤮 and the second half was really good 👍. Overall, I think I’m gonna give it a 2.8/5! 🥀😭✌️🫡🍃.
I want to like this, but I cannot stand early 90s overproduced noise
This album is way better than expected, love so much of it.
love her vibe, especially the psychedelic sounds
buckle up its bjork just as weird as what comes after overall more poppy and more enjoyable tho 💥human behaviour 💥crying 💥there's more to life than this 💥violently happy
3.5
yeah right on totally
really liked it! expanded my taste <3
I just am not the audience for bjork it's just not my cup of tea and never had been and won't be, it was just not good!
I used to find this album slightly annoying, didn't like the slow 'nightclub crooner' numbers or her yelping singing style. But listening again today after 30 years I absolutely loved it. Such a singular creative vision!
There is such an edgy quality to this album that makes it unbelievably interesting to listen to. The production is varied & nuanced, yet remains consistently Björk throughout - never once does it feel disconnected or jarring, despite the quirkiness it undoubtedly has. It also feels relatively haunting at points, with the vocals beautifully delivered throughout. Ultimately it feels utterly unique, as if nobody else could have created it, and I love that in an artist/album.
Alternative dance, art pop, electropop, house.
var musik...
Excellent
Wasn't sure what to expect out of this one as Bjork has been all over thr place. There's moments that feel like early 90s pop but overall its a dreamy adventure. Her voice really hooks you into the songs.
im a simp
lowkey good
Fine listen.
quiero mucho a mi novio y lo extraño entonces me gustó mucho este álbum y su diferencia de sonido entre canción y canción. ya veo por qué björk es la madre de todas las indie girls
I really enjoyed this album. I can honestly hear a lot of modern pop inspiration here. She was ahead of her time.
She's a little weird, but she's cool
my first listen by her. i really enjoyed this album and it really reminded me of janelle monae who no doubly took inspiration from bjork
I didn't think I would enjoy this much because from previous experience, I've found Björk's voice quite shrill and weird but I really liked this. I don't know if I wasn't in the mood or it was just the particular songs I heard, but I really like her voice on this I also like the house and trip hop elements, they build these great ethereal soundscapes which, combined with her voice, create a unique sound 4.5 and could maybe go up to a 5 Highlights: Big Time Sensuality, One Day, Crying
Björk such an interesting critter. One of the best voices of all time but she uses it to be a quirked up white girl. Good album, couple boring songs but most of them were bangers.
Very restricted compared to her current self. 3/5
Wow I hated this. Would leave the room if it was playing.
A vivid and captivating debut album. I found it perhaps a bit meandering at times in the middle, but hell, it's way better than I could do lol. A fun ride and an iconic voice.
2.5
Solid debut for Björk, but nowhere near as interesting or out there as her later stuff, which I far prefer to this album. I think Björk's vocal chops, songwriting, and eye for strange fusions and off-kilter mixing choices are all here. But this album I find is steeped in the sounds of trip-hop, EDM, and house music that was so popular at this time; I find it sort of ends up aging this thing's sound on songs like 'Big Time Sensuality' and especially 'Crying' with that clunky piano loop. Still, Björk manages to squeeze a lot of personality out of these more generic instrumentals; it's just the way she is, nothing here is awful, and the songs themselves are pretty decent at the end of the day. I just tend to gravitate to the more adventurous songs on this album overall. The opener 'Human Behavior' is iconic and maybe the most outwardly trip-hop song here. It's such an all-over-the-place banger in all the best ways and a perfect tone setter for Björk's career in general, lyrically and instrumentally. I love the eastern influence on the strings of 'Venus as a Boy', it's maybe the song that sounds the most like "otherworldly" Björk on here. It contains the angelic edge of her later records, perfectly capturing the grandeur and elegance of the boy presented in the lyrics. It's an incredible song. The sparse harp-driven 'Like Someone In Love' is also pretty great, for similar reasons, a song that strips away much of the noise and clunk to really let Björk's vocals shine. 'Come to Me' has that cavernous reverb feel to it over this slick drum loop; it's another song that really captures the beyond-life feel that I love so much about Björk's music - her depictions of love over this awe-inspiring instrumental are enough to bring a tear to my eye. Also, I've always found 'There's More To Life Than This' hilarious, just with that super upbeat '80s pop type chorus and the live-recording getting shut behind a door alone with Björk for some reason mid performance. So yeah, far from my favorite Björk. But definitely not awful, and a select few songs here remain absolute '90s classics. It's just that her later stuff is so much more polished and unique, but for any other artist, this could have very well been a peak.
Weird like only Bjork can be
Un álbum muy versátil, un poco más dance pero a veces va más chill Que voz más profunda, es un gusto ver a los límites a los que se expandió con este debut más allá de lo que había hecho en su banda anterior The Sugarcubes Habla de amor de diferentes formas y ese es un mensaje que transmitió a su manera lo cual es de reconocer Big Time Sensuality y There's More to Life than This se sienten muy bien, y uno puede creer que es el peak del álbum, pero después viene otra canción como Violently Happy de penúltima y te recuerda que esto no ha terminado En resumen es un enfoque del tecno muy interesante, su voz es el elemento clave, pero musicalmente hablando tiene un respaldo increíble y hace que estas canciones se sientan adelantadas a su época y atemporales a la vez Tengo la sensación de que escuchar esto en vivo debió ser de lo más memorable, envidio a esas almas de los 90s que tuvieron ese privilegio Buen cierre con The Anchor Song, no sé porqué pero se siente a que te invita a algo más, que viene más de ella, y rompe totalmente con todo lo que Debut traía hasta entonces Gran viaje, recomendado y va creciendo más y más conforme el tiempo
Sounded like generic 90s dance music with Bjork on vocals. Thus worse than generic 90s music
Previously known. The hits hit, the others are ok.
I’m going to debut a bullet to my skull if I have to listen to another Bjork album. This is low key the best one so far though. 9/10
E muti
I love this album. I don't know about her later stuff, but this one is really enjoyable. Elements of jazz, interesting songs, lots of variety but always distinctly Her.
3.5
She can’t write a lyric. Her vocals are a humanitarian crisis. But if you ignore her on her own songs, the songs themselves are pretty good.
Overall: 4.09 (rounded to 4) Consistency: 4.36 Originality: 4 Enjoyment: 4 Virtuosity: 4 1. Human Behavior - 5 2. Crying - 5 3. Venus as a Boy - 5 4. There's More to Life Than This - 3 5. Like Someone in Love - 4 6. Big Time Sensuality - 4 7. One Day - 4 8. Aeroplane - 4 9. Come to Me - 5 10. Violently Happy - 5 11. The Anchor Song - 4
Kinda dancey but I'm not complaining
When I first listened to this album I thought it was for sure going to be a two. But when I gave it another listen I found that it had grown on me, especially certain songs became very enjoyable. Maybe in the future I will like this even more. Fav song: Anchor Least fav: Venus as a boy
Pretty good but not enough for 5 stars. Knew a couple of the songs on here and those are great but I also quite liked some that I’ve never heard or even seen the titles mentioned before.
A lot too unpack with this album (and Björk herself too ofcourse). The vocals is something that needs to grow on you (it sometimes sounds childlike?). All the different genres from jazz to hiphop beats make it so you can't expect what you hear in the next song. Overall though it isn't the easiest listen, it's something I can appreciate. 1. Like Someone In Love 2. Venus As A Boy 3. The Anchor Song
I love Bjork’s voice. I think the music is great and creative. I do not think the two combined well. This album seems experimental, like someone finding their niche.
Perfektný album. Bjork som mal rád ešte od čias Sugarcubes. Podarilo sa mi zažiť ju naživo, bola čarovná.
Icelandic alt rocker discovers the British rave scene and drops an all time great record. Just an endless pleasure, so full of infectious joy and weirdness, while still eminently danceable.
No está mal
Maybe she’s bjork with it
Bekend album. Vaak geluisterd. Björk blijft echter lastig voor mij.
I liked this. A lot of dance music influence which I enjoyed. Experimental without being too avant garde. Björk has a good voice and a unique singing style.
Сначала средне потом понял что фигня
A magically enchanted electronic album fuses folk and jazz.
Heard Before? Yes. Notes: - in my memory this was the "dance-pop Bjork", but there's certainly variety here, and very little of either of those things. - I've listened to her whole catalog, and the critics are correct: she can't write a vocal melody. but for the most part the idiosyncratic vocals work for me. - the lyrics are well-considered if you want to pay attention. i mostly don't. - songs are adequately constructed, enough to make the fantastic arrangements shine. - so why do I love Bjork? her ears, mostly. album after album she successfully explores a wide range of interesting ideas, with an ever fascinating and expanding range of sounds. - horns, harp, vibraphone, piano, hand drums, synths, drum machines and so much more. all these get used in ways that pushed the envelope for the time and still capture my interest. Verdict: I think it fails as pop or dance music, and it's too demanding to play in the background. But this sound world is still worth some deep listening. Listen Again? Entirely possible. I haven't given up on Bjork yet. I would put Homogenic on this list instead.
Good album and eccentric. I don't know why Bjork gets such a bad wrap.
Clever, innovative, different. Some great songs, well produced and created.
I'm aware of this album, and recognize a few tracks by title. But I've never listened to this album start-to-finish. I wouldn't call myself a fan of Bjork, but I do respect what she does. I enjoy the non-dance-y songs more than the dance-y ones.
4*
I appreciate Björks unmatched ecclecticism and creative vision. She transcends music to truly be a multimedia artist. But I am a bit baffled how so many of these songs charted so well at the time.
Love!
Not a bad album. Enjoyed it more than the last Bjork album I was assigned here. Kind of jazz, pop, electro mix. Several good tracks actually, most are good.
Snodig, følte ankje heilt
Nice Album
Made for a very enjoyable morning drive
I always thought of Bjork as kind of a joke to describe some yoko ono avant garde stuff, but I was wrong- she’s a serious artist with a great voice. I use the term varied a lot when describing some of these albums, but this is a truly eclectic mix. Everything from pop you’d hear on the radio to Disney theater type songs to polka to sparse avant garde live performances- truly a weird album.
weird, saved by pop elements
Ok here we go, going in with an open heart and mind. Ok, super awesome, so dancy and fun. So much more approachable than I expected. Think I'm basing too much of my Bjork take on "oh so quiet". This album was not screechy and manic like I expected. 4+, 5? Such awesome and original sound even for today, loved it
Bjork must have the most unique voice, right? It’s like a child’s but is also massive! And who knows what genre she is, she’s in a league of her own. Some times can be a hard listen, you have to be in the right mood, but when you are, oh boy is she good.
Kinda think its great. Shes in a league of her own aint she. Human behaviour is otherworldy
Weird and wonderful! Cant catgorize her Very unique 👌 I liked the more tender softer songs rather then the dance songs but still a solid 4 great debut 👏
I like Bjork, Got this album. Great start to the album, first 3 songs, The remix of Bigtime Sensuality is a way better version than one on here. Play Dead at end stands out too If you dont like her voice u understand it could get grating, mind.
Weird int she bjork but I did enjoy this album
After listening to and liking songs here and there of Björk since the early/mid 90's, this is the first time I've ever listened to a whole album. On my review of Superunknown by Soundgarden I said something along the lines of "I've always enjoyed when one of their songs came on but never felt the need to listen to a whole album. Now having done so, I feel validated in that belief". Soundgarden are a band I like in small doses but in larger doses they aren't as engaging. I always thought Björk was the same. Ah well, I can't be right all the time and sometimes being wrong is nice. Very solid album, much enjoyed, will listen again, and looking forward to more from her.
Rating: 4.7/5 Short Review: Playful, intimate, and emotionally fearless. It moves between club music and vulnerability so naturally it barely feels constrained by genre. Feels curious about being alive. Favorite Track: “Hyperballad.” One of the greatest “functional sadness” songs ever made. Beautiful, anxious, and strangely comforting at the same time.
Human Behaviour was on the radio when I was a junior in Hs. I thought it wasn’t great then and it hasn’t gotten any better. She whines through the entire album. How does this shit make the list?
no notes
So very innovative and using electronic music in a unique way, especially during the early 90s
Such an idiosyncratic weirdo - so glad we have them - and this record reflects Bjork's peculiar vibe. I can't say I like it much - but strange, complicated, dramatic dance baroque experiments I respect
Perhaps not quite as fully realized as later albums, but many of the essential Bjork elements are in place here, with lots of genres represented, unexpected melodic turns and instrumentation, and of course, her unpredictable but always compelling vocals.
insufferable, someone please shoot me in the face with a gun
In my mind, Bjork is a selkie
impressive gall to release this album of general midi demo tracks
Feels like she was not convinced her style was going to work and layered in some eurobeats to hedge her bets
I'd argue that this is the most accessible Björk album, as it only gets weirder from here. This is more dance/house based at points, but also takes time and slows down with some dreamier sequences. Björk's odd voice has always been strangely enchanting, and it shines even on her debut here. Both her pleas for love and cries of pain are equally convincing. Start here if you're even slightly interested in Björk's catalogue, and stay for the inspired genre fusions that use an electronic foundation.
5/10 Pretty enjoyable even if not my favorite type of music
My mom loves Björk
I listened to this album while driving around on my lunch break, reflecting on my city council's recent vote to expel one of its members. I came into Debut expecting the grander and more organic compositions and orchestrations of Björk's later career, so I was completely caught off-guard by just how energetic this album was. Bjork's distinctive breathy and deep voice was still immediately recognizable in her gorgeous and expressive vocal deliveries, but the driving drums and electronic house beats were a welcome surprise. I was also treated to one of the most interesting and ear-catching production tricks I've ever heard on There's More to Life Than This (Live Version) when the song seemingly cuts out as our narrator moves between rooms. As the album continued, I only grew more surprised by just how much dance and house music was here, all balanced incredibly well with gentle guitar ballads. The ocean sounds which rest underneath these more natural tracks were yet another example of one of countless production flourishes which breathes life into this album. I was also impressed by the incredibly smooth song transitions, even between completely opposite sounds; some of the songs even reminded me of my melodic dubstep Monstercat days. Seeing such a wide array of sounds and instruments melding together seamlessly will always impress me, and this album has made me even more excited to hear more projects from Björk later on in this list. Highlights: Human Behaviour, Crying, There's More to Life Than This (Live Version), Like Someone in Love, Big Time Sensuality, Come to Me, The Anchor Song
Try as I might, and believe me I have tried, I just can’t get into Bjork.
Björk should be marmite, but for some reason I float in the middle, torn between musical genius & not a fan of the singing style
I didn't really enjoy Bjork too much when this was released, but appreciate it a lot more now
It's such a shame they put in such uninspired stock music. It completely compromises her special voice. The way she sings three different songs that only exist in her head while the original background music is playing a totally different melody and rhythm is really interesting.
Björk is undeniably Björk. The voice is one of those things that exists in a category of its own — not quite like anything else, not quite what you'd call conventionally beautiful, but completely unmistakable. I don't know if I like it exactly. I know I'd recognise it anywhere. Debut is her most accessible album, apparently. Electronic pop, some jazz, some dance music, all filtered through that voice. A few songs landed — the rest passed through pleasantly without leaving a mark. 3/5 — distinctive, occasionally wonderful, not quite mine.
I have to give this album credit for going to some weird places and creating unique atmospheres, especially using Björk's special vocal abilities. But unfortunately, for me it's not all hit, but some miss too. Surely a grower album, as on the first listening, I liked much less of it. "Human Behavior" is really cool. All in all, 3/5 - solid
I actually quite liked this. There are some catchy tunes (Human Behaviour stands out) and it is quirky.
Absolutely have never heard of Bjork before, not even a clue as to the genre this will be going in. 1 song in, and I can't explain why but its kind of a vibe, kinda fun to listen to. The vocal range is impressive that's for certain. I had a lot of fun listening to this album, which is strange becuase this is definitely not the type of genre I gravitate towards. I may honestly seek out more music by this artist.
Always feel like I should like Björk's music more than I do.
Siempre he recibido opiniones positivas acerca de Björk, ¿y para qué negarlo?, es muy buena. Logra un sonido nuevo, a partir del House y el Jazz, que, a pesar de no otorgar una idea original, sí ofrece auténtico gusto por la buena música. Es, en sí, el sonido de Björk. Poco más que decir. Hay dos canciones que me vencieron: Like Someone In Lova, por la voz desnuda de ella que cautiva hasta al más duro, y Aeroplane, que me aterró. Sí criticaría el uso desmedido de lo alternativo, lo experimental, que, no obstante usado con tino, por momentos distrae y hace perder el hilo al oyente. Obviamente, sólo he escrito floro. Ja, ja. Pero, en serio, me gustó; espero escuchar más de ella. Y, aunque por momentos me pareció un 4.5/5, en otros fue un 3.5.
Love love love Björk!
An enjoyable debut featuring eclectic and trippy stylings
Not 1-star bad but I struggled to keep it playing. Particularly the latter half. Definitely a no from me
Merde
My third solo album from Björk and by far my favourite so far. While I’ve enjoyed some of the other ones, this is the first of hers that I can see myself going back to. Top Track - Play Dead
Am I a Bjork fan? That might be going too far but this was far more approachable and enjoyable than expected.
What a fabulous debut album. Weird, beautiful, innovative.
What an interesting album! I loved it. I loved how Bjork played with space and depth. I love the creative meta of it all. I love how tactile the album is. It feels like you're in the room with her.
Wonderful!
A modern Yoko Ono. Instrumentals are cool but not a fan of the vocals in some sections.
I really wish this system operated on an out-of-ten spectrum rather than an out-of-five one, because more than any album I’ve listened to so far this one really straddles the line between scores. 3 is too high, 2 is too low. I’ll side with the more generous 3 and assume good intent, but this is really a 5/10, not a 3/5. My knowledge on Björk is very limited, I knew vaguely of the genre and the artist’s reputation outside of their music; they seem to be a lovely person. But artist is not art, and Björk’s stuff isn’t particularly for me. A smattering of songs were enjoyable, and generally if any one song from this album came on the radio I wouldn’t change station, but I also wouldn’t return to this album or any song from it without a reason I’m yet to be given, because this album on its own is inadequate reason. Björk is a fascinating vocalist; she doesn’t really sing, she doesn’t really talk, it’s somewhere in the middle, and I’m not fully convinced it works. That’s not to say to be a good vocalist you need to be a conventionally good singer, looking at Nick Drake or Mark Knopfler neither are conventional vocalists but their music is structured to lean into that and the results are fantastic. Here I feel the two sides are much more disconnected and exist independently, and Björk’s music are stronger than the vocals lagging behind. Also one live album injected at the half-way point of a studio album is a bizarre choice I cannot say I liked. If you’re more into your pop you might get something more out of this, but this album did little for me. Consider this a 2.5.
It's better than Saltine or whatever. Almost a 3 but her voice
When I was a kid, oh so quiet was very popular in my country. I hated the song immensely and for a very long time swerved bjork as much as I could. Then one time she was a co headliner for a festival I was at and I did a complete 180 and got into some of her music. I hadn’t heard this album though, tbh was a bit underwhelmed. And so continues my tumultuous relationship with Bjork’s music
wow i love it when music is fun and weird
it's a good album, once again just not really in my style !
Love this.
Right from the start, the first thing I noticed was how raw and passionate the vocals are on this album. They're really beautiful. I think that the opening track is perfect for this album, because it shows off both the vocals and the weirdness of her sound. I really, actually don't have much to say about this album other than I enjoyed it. I found some of it quite strange, but it was all really lovely at the same time. I've never listened to this artist before, so I suppose her debut was the perfect place to start, and I feel I may listen to some more stuff by this artist later on. Favourites: There's More To Life Than This One Day Human Behaviour Crying
SHUT THE FUCK UP
She is such a unique performer, but some of the instrumentals feel a bit of that era, excited to get vespertine one of these days
I only recently got into Bjork’s music. I was that guy. The one who thought, how good could that swan chick’s music be? Yes. I am an idiot. Bjork is simply one of the greatest artists of the last 30 years, and continues to make excellent music. This is her post Sugarcubes solo debut, and a much poppier and dancier affair than any of her other work. It's easily one of the best albums of the 90s and would eventually (along with the two albums that followed) inspire (at least in part) Radiohead’s reinvention of themselves
Sounds videogamey at parta, but I might just be saying that because I know this inspiried a lot of video game musicians. Pretty fun beginning, but kinda dwindles in the latter half for me
From her rep I was expecting much weirder. Loved it!
9/10
Bjork certainly is never at a loss for creativity. I'll admit that on this particular album, I grew to find her breathy whisper-singing grating, so Debut loses some points there. But when this album shines (usually in its instrumentation), it is spectacular. The saxophones on the final track, "The Anchor Song," were inspired.
Weird vibe, a lot of noises, disturbing sounds. Some music are okay but not my type
Straight up Björking it Incredible album, full of bangers. Makes it very hard to pick a favourite. Leaning towards the more boppy ones on this listen so will be one of them Still can’t unhear “Krampus I need you” at the chorus in ‘Crying’
Superb album. Musically diverse and experimental.
This album was a surprise with the breath of various musical sounds with jazz influence. I was aware of Bjork as a personality but never knew her music. Glad I did listen
Very unique, the albums songs sounded in disarray with no straight direction. Enjoyed the song violently happy and here and there songs but not collectively
Haven't played this in years. Adventurous but still accessible. Some really nice tunes mixed with some tracks that miss the mark.
Escuchable!
Bit of a mixed bag , not sure I'd listen again . The good bits are very good but the rest is a bit pretentious .
8/10
I ❤️ BJÖRK!! She has the most uniquely beautiful and alluring voice of anyone I’ve listened to. There is no problem on this album at all with songs blending together - she somehow manages to create so many amazingly different but addicting sounds while also having them sound cohesive. Fav songs: Venus as a boy, big time sensuality, come to me
10/10
no llegueee
Although I am not a particular fan of this type of music, Björk is a name that deserves respect in the music industry, by solely being authntic and oneself 😎🙌
A masterliece
Wow! Wonderfully innovative sounds!! Artistic!!
About 100 albums in, this is my third Bjork album. I was familiar with the hit songs that featured in MTV’s rotation back in the day. Good times. The rest of the record mostly didn’t disappoint either. I am a bit sorry I never gave Bjork a chance before
I had a hard time wrapping my head around this record. It has some reallllly interesting moments. I really loved the last song on the record. There’s some dancy songs that very 90s that I didn’t connect with. But there’s something interesting. I also adore Bjork’s later single “unravel” soooo much.
Not my most listened to Bjork album, which would be homogenic (Somehow not on this list despite their being 4 Bjork albums). But still enjoyable.
Weird pick to put this on the list and not Homogenic or Post. But still…. Even an average Bjork album is better than most music not by Bjork.
Wonderful soundscape. Which means great production. No real standout tunes though. Solid background music, hard to get excited about listening to it again anytime soon.
PERFECT EARGASM
Que album tan hermoso, que formas tan únicas tiene Björk de expresarse y presentarse ante el mundo haciendo como primer proyecto un album que se hizo un clásico de forma instantánea. Cada vez que lo reescucho encuentro una cancion nueva con la que obsesionarme 10/10
Interesting. Didn't expect this kind of music. I liked many songs. 3,75/5.
Jamais écouté avant. Je suis toujours passé à côté de Björk, sans doute intimidé par son aura d'artiste culte, à la fois excentrique et intello. Je dois bien admettre que cet album me donne tort. En dehors des beats de forain kitschissimes sur certains morceaux (on dira que c'est l'époque...), et l'impression, parfois, qu'elle cherche encore sa voie, Debut est un voyage atmosphérique d'une beauté étrange, porté par la voix envoûtante de son interprète. Une très bonne surprise. Top : Venus As a Boy Flop : The Anchor Song
I heard while walking through the Prado, great expirience :)
Ah Bjork. Always a question with Bjork. Let’s see how I feel today… So Bjork reminds me of Bowie. Seriously. Both are undeniably creative and the production value of their respective projects is often second to none, both are admittedly very influential, and I always feel listening to their albums is somehow “required” of any “true” music lover. But IRL - I skip. Both. Almost invariably. Actually Bowie is better. Some Bowie is listenable- but Bjork- I just… don’t… feel her. This album should be a 4. But it was painful to listen to. So 3. Boolean rating: yes, I suppose I should hear Bjork before I die. I know I’m going to have to hear a lot more. Sugar Cubes and is Homogenic on this list? Well…
Ddddefinitely not for me. Maybe if she sang more in tune?
I've listened to Bjork's newer stuff and I was curious to hear her older stuff. I was disappointed by the apparent lack of musical evolution. I am definitely not a fan
ethereal динамично слышно что она отлично владеет голосом. и тембр приятный. и музыка классная. но че то не торкнуло, оставило ощущение, что я как будто лишена точки, на которую эти звуки должны воздействовать для получения удовольствия от прослушивания. хотя возможно удовольствие от прослушивания не главное в музыке. отчетливо слышу звучание 1990-х. Like someone in love - темный ловелас female version мой пинтерест если бы был альбомом шикарный опыт, открыло мне какую-то новую грань в музыке, пусть я и не до конца могу её воспринять
i hate bjork
7 - GOOD
Incredible voice. There are 3 different genres of music here, showing her range.
Сложно
I'll give it some points for some neat experimenation and instrumentals, but the songs just feel too all over the place, and her voice is just too out there for me personally to actually enjoy it. 2/5
Geil wenn mer siis erste Album Debut nennt und weiss, dass mer damit berühmt wird. Love Björk! Nöd nur will sie heisst wie en 14 Jahr alte Bulldog vomne 75 jährige, dicke nazi-isländer, sondern vor allem will sie krassi musig macht und e krassi stimm het. Git vjör pjöntos vom Gjörki Gjörkson
Hed mir weniger gfalle als ich nach bar sekunde erwarted han. Aber gid na 3 standard chäbel fürs debut album
I did not like this
Very monotonous, not my jam
👎
Bjork is a genius but the general feeling I get when I listen to her is anxiety, and we're all good on that over here, thx.
Almost atonal house music? Undecided Favourite track: Like Someone in Love
Don’t know why the fuss
This slaps! You can already see a lot of the framework for what Björk will become. Every song is good, and some are bangers, but it's hard not to compare it to Vespertine, which claps in every way. Standout Tracks: Human Behaviour, Crying, One Day, Aeroplane, Come To Me 3.4
Loooove. It’s fun and exciting but also pretty weird and you can see the hints at how much more experimental her work will get. I love the ending of the album honoring her heritage and leaving off on that experimental note — a cliffhanger to see what she’ll do next!!
Reminds me of a little kid trying to sing.
i loved this, already on my fave album
I like other Bjork records more, but this one is so fresh, so exciting, and such a triumph after the Sugarcubes era... that it deserves a five.
4/5
One of my favorite Björk albums, though it's hard to pick out a clear favorite.
Rate: 10/10. Mística, ídola, genia, crack, una leyenda Björk.
Taking inspiration from the dance music that was coming out at the time, Bjork's debut record sounds like nothing that came out before it, even if it is reasonably accessible. Some of the more dance leaning songs such as 'Big Time Sensuality' almost feel dated due to their beat, but they are saved by Bjork 's voice keeping them interesting. Her voice is unmistakably her and she channels so much emotion when she vocalises. The blending of electronic music with Indian music is the key to how Bjork got such a unique sound on here, but I'd argue that the highlight of this entire record is Bjork's take on jazz standard 'Like Someone In Love'. Her rendition is so powerful, even if it is largely carried by her gorgeous voice and the whimsical plucking of a harp. I know Bjork wasn't a newcomer to music when she popped out her debut solo record, but this is an exceptional record to introduce the world to her solo offerings.
I was a weird, arty girl in high school in the early- to mid-90s. I'm incapable of objectivity when it comes to this album.
Ground breaking album still sounds fresh today. Varied and original
it's 3.5
This definitely meets the bar of " it's an album" rather than just a collection of songs. Reading a bit about the production and listening to the Sugarcubes album yesterday gave me that best chance of appreciating this album giving all the prep I had done. I'm very glad I got the opportunity to learn more about Björk beyond just when I heard about her when I was growing up.
I was kind of obsessed with this album when it came out. Unique, bizarre, emotional, vulnerable. Well, Björk.
Liked it more than I thought I would. Kind of positively surprised after I didn’t like the sugarcubes much.
I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that. I am pleasantly surprised and honestly this is a great album. Her voice is so weird and interesting that it actually benefits the house music in the background. Genuinely glad I got served this today, this is such a cool listen. 8/10 "Bjork" is the sound my dog makes when she sees a cat in the back yard.
More fun than most of the euro-pop of the time, clearly an distinct artistic voice, weird that songs about sensuality are so unsensual
Whimsical and mysterious but not sinister and originating from the shadows- more created and elongated by a wonderfully weird art student that’s about to fine tune her work.
really not the kind of music i like and very experimental but speaking of theory and harmonies the album is very interesting i enjoyed « like someone in love » which seems like a jazz standard
A stunning debut by an artist who had been recording and performing for years in Iceland. Only this time, it's the adult Bjork announcing herself. And this album really made it auspicious. Such a unique voice, a unique style, a one of a kind artist. She picks up where David Bowie left off with pop experimentation, only it's simultaneously more personal and danceable. I have never heard this one before. But I do own CDs of Post and Vespertine, which I think are superior. But there's no denying that for a first album, Debut set the pace for all musicians of her stripe to come forth, from Lorde to Lady Gaga. 1993 was a good year, after all.
3 for human behaviour and violent my happy
Not into Bjork and this reminds me why. Not my thing at all.
I loved this and was a bit surprised that the critics reviews are the tune weren't super glowing. Bjork blends styles so seamlessly and mostly leans into electronic dance/trip hop in a really cool way, but I liked the slight change of pace of Like Someone to Love. This seems like an album that has aged spectacularly and sounded incredibly fresh to me
Trip-Hop, House, Jazz und Pop verschmelzen zu einer eigenwilligen Klangwelt. Die Ideen sind spannend, aber ihre Stimme kippt oft ins Schrille, was den Nervfaktor erhöht. Zudem fehlt ein wirklich herausragender Topsong, der das Album trägt. Kreativ und wichtig, aber nicht durchgehend überzeugend.
Favourite Songs: Human Behaviour Big Time Sensuality Come To Me Violently Happy
Best wel vibe 7.5/10
Quite imaginative while still being pretty grounded most of the time. Not a fan of the sparser tracks since Bjork's voice can't sustain a song on its own.
Ambiance agréable assez spéciale
It was pretty strange at times, but not entirely unwelcome.
Amazing, her voice probably wouldn’t work with everything but she knows how to nail it with her music
Not really that keen
Sensational album that reads like a love poem to someone. Electronica is not my cup of tea but this is the best of what this journey I have experienced has come my way.
4/5 I'm always surprised at how good the music is, not justbher fun weirdness.
I really like her voice. I could pretty much completely do without the synth-pop sound and style and... everything. It's the very definition of "it's not bad". I didn't dislike listening to this, but I'll probably never revisit it.
Far better than I was expecting. 4.2/5.
Still sounds as great today as it did when released. Got to be her best. Unique. 5/5.
Discazo
Friends don't make friends listen to Bjork. I am not a fan of Bjork and listening to this is like my version of hell.
I kinda hate this at the time but over the years my opinions have softened. Weird eclectic witch women were never my thing but now I’m kind of drawn to them. I like the avant-garde music but her voice is somewhat grating. Oh well she’s cool
I get why she’s popular with the rave/edm crowd—good production and good beats, very danceable. Her voice can be grating, but when she reins it in, it’s powerful and beautiful.
This is a super nostalgic album from my college years. My roommate was a Sugarcubes fanatic- I loved their song ‘birthday’— but when Bjork went solo, I immediately felt she was too cool for me. Some blend of avant-garde and techno that I didn’t like. The latter would ultimately divide me from most of my crew at the time. Raves/techno were never for me.
The moment I played the first song, björk just pulled me into this new world I had never seen before. This music was very new to me and I really liked it.
Didn’t like Bjork then. Don’t like her now.
A new sound. Welcome. The Swan dress.
Niente da dire, è perfetto
Not exactly a debut, having fronted The Sugarcubes and her own Gling-Glo, but probably the first time the mass public got to hear her amazing voice. At the time it was totally unique in the pop charts and still sounds fresh today. Better came later with Post, Homogenic and Vespertine, but a great opener for a truly unique artistic talent. 4
Difficult to rate honestly, I enjoyed it but it will need time to grow on me after one listen
I remember how horrible I found Björk in my younger days. She was that crazy lady on MTV and other stations who seemed to be unnecessarily complicated with her music. Now, many years later, I can appreciate her music a lot more, but I can't get over what I disliked about her back in the days. That includes her voice and performances.
It's really fun just not for me
I do like me some Bjork. She's never boring. Venus As A Boy is an all-timer. Loads of great ideas very well executed on here. Love her voice and general attitude.
Boo
A legend starts her trek post-trend setting band
Not liking Björk is my generation’s version of men not liking Yoko Ono…so it gives me great pain to admit I don’t really enjoy her vocals. I’m so sorry Björk your outfits are always fire though
Some songs I loved, some… not so much
Super debüüt Björki poolt. Väga palju lahedaid kõlasid ning avant-garde mõtlemist ning helidega mängimist. Tuleb välja, et mulle meeldib selline kiiksuga muusika. 4.3/5
I thought this was a cool and interesting album
Powerful notes. I felt as if I were in an Indian dream filled with exotic tones and brushstrokes. It felt somewhat dark in the middle, but intriguing enough to finish.