Reviews (page 8 of 14)
Sja Bjork.. 2x een 1 gegeven tot nu toe, dus dat beloofd niet veel. Echter het eerste nummer van dit album is wel oke. Lekker basslijn. Alleen die stem.. Zo schel, ik weet niet of ik daaraan kan gaan wennen. Nouja, miss dat dit album het dan toch wordt. Het is een beetje funky met een bass die zeer aanwezig is. Loop eigenlijk wel een beetje mee te swingen. Oprecht, voor een bjork album dikke prima. Was zelfs even aan een 4 aan het denken, maar mijn aandacht vloeide toch wat weg naarmate het album vorderde. Zit weinig verandering in. Maar, album is erg Funky met leuke basslijnen! Ik geef het daarom 3 reten.
Bjork is Bjork
Not my preferred music, but not bad. I think there is an attempt to convey some interesting emotions, but it's not being transmitted on my wavelength.
'twas good, some bits felt a little weird and I don't listen to much trip-hop or house music. Tentative saves. Nevertheless, saved 4, shelved 3 of 12.
Fun album, honestly not as weird as I expected based on reactions to Bjork. I was halfway expecting poppier Residents. Was fun experimental pop though.
First song is one of my favs ever! Rest is a bit average. Some good sounds/ atmos. But boring though!!
I procrastinated on Björk for a long time, and i just don't fully get it. There are some really great moments: "There's More To Life Than This" really clicked on me, loved the toilet part, but i don't get the rest. Most of the songs are about a girl who just loves a man a lot and they've got such a "simp" vibe that i can't help but not get over with, maybe i'm just not fucking gay enough, i don't even know. Anyway this is basically feminine Alex Turner making alt-pop/electronic music in my eyes.
Really fun record
I really enjoyed my first foray into Bjork - I can see needing a couple passes to fully get it but I thought track 2 was exceptional and the vocals overall were A+
Expectation: -> Bjork. Know the name and, I think, the general style. After listening: -> Interesting, different, not unpleasant. Some of this quite lovely. Some of it a bit too repetitive. At times it seemed that her vocals were poorly matched with the instrumental sounds/rhythms. Not going to call myself a fan. Track ranking: Venus Come One Happy Crying Anchor Human Aeroplane Sensuality Love Life
Divertido, mas nada demais.
Not bad not badddd
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.
Unique style
I was dreading listening to another Bjork album but this one really was enjoyable to listen to. Gets weird in spots but forgivable.
This is in my music collection. Half of the songs are great.
Certainly avant-garde and a bit weird, but not bad
alright
Talented but not my thing
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
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.
Very impressive debut album.
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 IS MY FIRST GIG …. IN IRELAND……. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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
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.
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.
Didn't like or dislike.
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
3 - decent
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.
only listened to part, but not really for me
Good music, just wish her voice didn't irritate me
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! 🥀😭✌️🫡🍃.
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
Fine listen.
Very restricted compared to her current self. 3/5
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
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.
3.5
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
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.
Bekend album. Vaak geluisterd. Björk blijft echter lastig voor mij.
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.
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.
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.
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
Weird int she bjork but I did enjoy this album
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
Feels like she was not convinced her style was going to work and layered in some eurobeats to hedge her bets
5/10 Pretty enjoyable even if not my favorite type of music
Björk should be marmite, but for some reason I float in the middle, torn between musical genius & not a fan of the singing style
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
Am I a Bjork fan? That might be going too far but this was far more approachable and enjoyable than expected.
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 a good album, once again just not really in my style !
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
Escuchable!
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 😎🙌
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.
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.
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…
Сложно
Hed mir weniger gfalle als ich nach bar sekunde erwarted han. Aber gid na 3 standard chäbel fürs debut album
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
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
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.
More fun than most of the euro-pop of the time, clearly an distinct artistic voice, weird that songs about sensuality are so unsensual
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
3 for human behaviour and violent my happy
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.
It was pretty strange at times, but not entirely unwelcome.
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.
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.
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.
Difficult to rate honestly, I enjoyed it but it will need time to grow on me after one listen
Some songs I loved, some… not so much
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.
Kept me enagaged, but its out there. Probably need a few more listens... Rating: 6/10 Favorite Song: The Anchor Song
All the tracks are so relaxing but with a good dance vibes i like this album, it sounds like all 90s, I can think it left a really important print in 90s music the arrangements are a mix of jazz ambient, house, a bit of dance Venus Is A Boy I think is my favourite, also I really loved The Anchor Song and Play Dead, bass line in this last one is amazing
Don’t get the hype
5/10
このデビューアルバムは現在のパブリックイメージである革新的な音楽性を全く感じることができないから、そこまで好きではない。
Like one song not terrible
I was ready to dislike this like I had with all previous Björk albums, but I actually kind of like this? Björks voice and this cliche 90's House beat mix surprisingly well with each other. It sounds a bit goofy, but it's Björk that doesn't sound like it's taking itself so seriously. Still had some wack moments, the last song would've been better off not existing. Outside of that I just liked the beats though. Not all that bad.
Like someone in love in the anchor song are great and spoke most to me. They showed off the fact that Björk can really sing best, and the deep feeling in the mood to me. Venus has a boy with sweltering. Human behavior, and many of the others had fantastic lyrics, but I found the arrangement a bit less interesting.
I had only a passing and cursory understanding of Bjork’s persona through cultural osmosis which means I had no idea that she’s got an amazing voice. Wow!
I really liked some songs on here, for example the opening track (Human Behaviour). Some songs I was much less keen on. Stylistically it is a very eclectic album. I think a bit of variety can be a good thing, sometimes even necessary, but there comes a point where the unity of the work starts to break apart and I think this album was just on the wrong side of that line.
6/10
A classic bjork album that i love!! Definitely not my favourite but way better than some of this other crap. “Albums to listen to before i die” - i’d rather die than listen to jump by Van Halen again. Anyway, Björk’s most unpolished album but very intriguing and NOT boring at any moment
Yeah this is crazy for 1993
Cool and interesting
I kind of get it, its funny how many other types of music from the 90s this sounds like that I can't place quite well. Obviously Bjork has a major influence on a lot of pop, this album both seems so familiar and unique all at once. Its cool, but I don't think I am a fan.
bueno hace bastante que queria escucharla
I'm not entirely sure what I just listened to, but I think it was enjoyable! I enjoyed the techno song.
A couple of songs were good. "Come to Me" is one of my longtime favorites. Most of the other songs were tough especially the off-key saxophone. I have trouble listening to purposeful dissonance. I get this is a very creative on her part and she will have great success.
Very innovative music with lots going on. But I'd have to be in the right mood to want to listen to this album too much. Kudos to Bjork for naming her debut solo album "Debut".
It wasn't as screechy and annoying as previous Björk records I've heard here. Human Behviour is a great song. Altogether a passable effort.
5/10
Ein paar herausstechende Songs, insgesamt zu experimentell für mich
I was surprised with this one. Never really listen to a whole lot of Bjork. I actually like most of this album. Highlights: Venus As A Boy, Human Behavior, Big Time Sensuality and Come To Me. 3.3
Not my taste in music - but okay.
the problem is I actually found the instrumentals kind of interesting. but my god, I cannot stand the tone of her voice and the weird melodies she chooses
Great debut from the Icelandic maestro
I used to own this album. Whilst owning it I used to think there were some excellent tracks on it, but there was a decent amount of filler. My opinion hasn’t changed.
its good. björk
Listening to this I realized that There's More To Life Than This was on a mixtape I had received in high school. So that nostalgia was fun. My favorite song was The Anchor Song. All in all, not super exciting for me. I appreciate Bjork as an artist but not my cup o' tea. Human Behavior is a cool song though.
Obviously talented artistry and range on display here, and I love the production on this album. Her voice is very unique and iconic as well. Perhaps not what I would choose to listen to all the time but I think it belongs on this list for creativity alone.
So I had had little to no experience with Björk before this album, but I quite enjoyed this. This feels like a weird place to start with her though as I’ve read this was kind of like a reset for her. I like the club energy that this album has, and maybe starting with the less weird stuff might have been the move. Her voice is so strange but can be really captivating with its sudden emotional changes, and her almost theatrical tone. Yeah this was pretty good
Quirky. As expected.
3/5 Interesting, but it has some flaws to it.
It was a pretty good album, I thought most of the songs had good instruments.
Iceland’s finest. Quirky and unique.
Some good stuff, also partly annoying. Not the biggest fan of her voice.
Ah yes, weirdo music. Thank you. Creative, fun, kinda' bonkers - I had a compilation CD with a lot of her stuff on it back in the day. Nothing about this is changing my life but I kinda' like it.
Really try to like it, but cannot go higher than 3/5 Like: Human Behaviour (White Rabbit vibe), There's More To Life Than This, Violently Happy, The Anchor Song
*69 Jeg har aldrig været den store Björk-fan og det er jeg fortsat ikke. Det lyder lidt for meget som musik til et museum. Har dog aldrig været i tvivl om hendes talent og evne til nytænkning. Der er også banger sange på.
Jeg synes det er svært at rate. Jeg er ikke Björk-fan, men når jeg hører det får jeg lyst til at være vild med det. Enorm splittelse.
Some of the songs were a little too out there for me, but I totally get the hype behind her. Absolutely has bangers I would listen to again. I have know about Bjork my entire life, but this is the first time I have listened to an entire album by her.
Ok, actually. Bit too much trip hop for me, but "Venus As A Boy" is a joyful 90's throwback.
Kinda liked it. Some of the songs were actually decent
beautiful voice but weird songs...kind of?
Zone out a lil bit. Can see the song violently happy as club music in movies.
Very interesting. Some songs made me want to give it a 4, but then others only a 2, so we'll just go in the middle
Quite enjoyed some of the songs, but had to skip a few others
Bjork is bizarreness personified. Weird, artsy, strange, and at times quirky, but an overall enjoyable listen. Not my favorite, but 90’s ‘music seldomly disappoints.
Definitely more dancey than I expected Bjork to be, but then 'It's Oh So Quiet' sort of sets out a precedent for her. Granted this album came before that but it's surprising that she's not better known for this style when it's very of the 90s?
It was cool when it came out - but I never really liked it. It's innovative and that but I wouldn't choose to listen to this again.
Music was good. Vocals not so much. Was a little shrieky for my taste
Overall Rating - 2.82/5 (5.64/10). Not quite as out there as Vulnicura, but definitely weird, Euro-Pop. Not necessarily *bad,* but definitely weird.
Although good clean music and a unique voice and range. I dont like pop. Bjork is a hybrid that writes pop songs that have a reason to be written.
Will grow on me
3.5
I don’t get Björk, but I don’t think Björk needs me to get her.
She remains very interesting and I realized that my exposure to her was almost exclusively music video-based, which might be my preferred Björk delivery method. Didn't get through the whole thing.
I like Bjork but this is not the album. "Human Behavior" gives you a glimse of what's to come, but the rest of the album doesn't hold up. The tracks re undeveloped and Bjork hasn't quite found her thing. top track: Human Behavior
It was okay
Wildly uneven.
This is exactly what I thought an album by Björk would sound like
I sat through almost the whole album (except the last song bc I needed a break, I'll listen to it this week) and its soooooo 90s coded and emotional in its own way. its pretty good, not the best but good. my fav mightve been human behavior or big time sensuality.
Need to be in the right mood but pretty decent, quite viby
I had much higher expectations for this. I really thought I was going to like this, but it never impressed me.
wth sure! a true experience
Idk, not as good as her later ones (listened to Vespertine for the first time recently and really enjoyed that), but a strangely good 90s dance album at times which isn't what you'd expect. I swear Big Time Sensuality is one of the best dance tracks of the 90s, and Venus as a Boy is really good
Her first music since finishing with the Sugarcanes. I recall this being a very fashionable album at the time of my first year of teaching. Big time sensuality, Venus as a boy and Violently happy were popular on radio. I can't help think it was a bit overrated looking back and lacking big tunes compared to atmosphere and feel. Nevertheless a distinctive voice.
I have never listen to Bjork before, and all I can hear is Kristen Wiig's impersonation. T2- is this the "spooky" programmed beat on a casio from 1992? T3 - this production is so weird. not in a bad way, but not what I would expect from 1993. Alright, I can see this trend continues. This sounds like someone watched a lot of direct to cable movies in the early 90s and thought to themselves, "MAN, this instrumental soundtrack slaps! We gotta sing over this!"
beeeem melhor do que o outro que eu já tinha pegado, sendo assim, triste saber que ela teve um downgrade......
warm, playful, has a feel of childlike adventurousness // i like that the house and jazz influences give it a soft, almost hazy club glow // beautiful voice-work as is expected of björk // feels intimate even at its most danceable // exploratory without being overwhelming // iconic for a reason, even if she would go on to outdo it
Bjork is cool, but it's hard to get into the music
Weird. Hip hop style bass lines, African drum beats yet with Nordic singing
pas trop accroché, c'est pas nul non plus
Orginal ct sympa
Pas mal
It was weird, not as weird as I expected given it's Bjork. I didn't like it much, but it's at least an interesting album.
I can never tell whether I vibe with bjork or whether she annoys me. I really liked One Day and in general the album, but since I literally never choose to listen to her, i gotta give it a 3/5
I didnt much care for it then and I still don't. It's close to a 2 for me but I think there is something just unique enough about this for a 3
Chronically have not enjoyed bjork but something changed this time
Artistiek en experimenteel. Origineel maar soms wat lastig om te luisteren. Niet ontspannend
So…I don’t hate it. Human Behaviour reminded me of that song Alaska by Maggie Rogers.
Some good songs some meh
Jettoblaster music
Very interesting from a conceptual point of view, but I probably won’t listen to it again.
Seems like my memory of this album is a little clouded by some great singles (and music videos). On the whole it left me feeling a little meh....
The way I feel about Bjork humorously reminds me of Hansel's quote in Zoolander: "Sting would be another person who's a hero. The music he's created over the years, I don't really listen to it, but the fact that he's making it, I respect that." I have a very vivid memory of the first time I was exposed to Bjork, though I didn't know it at the time. When I was a freshman in high school, a new girl invited me and a friend to a party thrown by kids from her old school and it was my first time around a large group of what would later be called "alternative kids." I heard a lot of new (to me) music that night but one song that really stuck out was the Sugarcubes' "Birthday." I would later see it on 120 Minutes regularly but I guess it was still somewhat new on that night in the fall of 1988. It sounded mysterious and hearing it for the first time stands out in my memory as a formative moment. "So THIS is what these cool people listen to?" Fast-forward 19 years and my wife and I won tickets through the NBC lottery to see Saturday Night Live and the musical guest turned out to be Bjork doing two songs off the soon-to-be-released Volta album. I would probably not describe myself as a Bjork "fan" and do not listen to her music very often, but I have loved some of it and I was very happy that she was the musical guest that night because I enjoyed seeing her live but probably never would have bought tickets and traveled to see her on an actual tour. The album of hers I have listened to the most is Post, but I also liked a lot of this one. "Human Behavior" and "Bit Time Sensuality" were both on MTV a lot and I really like those tracks. This gets 3.9 stars from me. I really like it but it's just not quite a 4-star-level album for me, when I look back at what I have given 4 stars to. And while at other star levels I would round up (like 2.5 to 3), 4 stars and 5 stars are thresholds it doesn't feel right to round up to. So that is my explanation for giving this 3 stars.
Almost boring/a slog for me to get through. Wonderful vocals and understand the range displayed, but much more favored the singer/songwriter tracks over any house/dance. Especially loved Anchor Song!
Funky and weird, liked it.
3/5
★★★½
Solid. Due to my previous 4flation I am going to rate this one a 3. I will be reserving 4s for better albums but this one wasn't bad
It is different enough to think it might be good. 3 stars or C+.
Never been a fan of this but listening again it actually sounds a bit dull. Maybe is been influential, but if so it's been done better and there's really no need for this
Solid solo debut by one of the most unique voices in music. It’s not what I would want to listen to on a daily basis, but I’m never upset to hear a Björk album.
Very quirky and entertaining. I feel like you have to "get" Bjork, and I think I *almost* get Bjork, just probably need a little more exposure to her work.
Nice music. Good introduction to artist but tracks were similar.
Going in blind thinking ive only heard OF Bjork but never heard her music....and cant decide if im intrigued or not. The pure dance hits are bangers - the avante garde stuff is pretty brutal.
Mich of Björk's sounds are already solidified in this first album -- though I don't quite think the mix of electronic instruments and her voice are done as consistently well as her later albums.
Unexpectedly enjoyed this. 👍Human Behavior
It's interesting, but a bit forgettable? I think it's melodic (even when it's not) and I can see it being very influential. But nothing really stood out to me. It felt like she would not be capable of singing the same song the same way twice.
this was funky, not my usual reach glad i listened, think it would need to grow on me, but i liked the bones def think by the end i was more into it, it was a slow grab for me 3.5
I've always had the feeling that Bjork would be like David Bowie for me - I like the idea of them rather than the reality. Like Bowie, I've loved her movie performances, less so her music. I can get behind the idiosyncrasies and the uniqueness of the music, but I can't say I've loved any of her songs. That said, I've only heard a handful of singles and never a complete album till now. I remember more of this than I was expecting, but it is mostly a collection of interesting sounds. Interesting does not equal good, but this has some good.
Björk has such a unique voice. Favourite Songs: Human Behaviour, Crying, Venus As a Boy, Come to Me. Least Favourite Songs: There's More to Life Than This (Live Version), Aeroplane, Violently Happy.
It’s like the instrumental and the lyrics feel like two different projects that were mashed together.
direi diviso in due, una più party l’altra più “”sad””, ho preferito quella party che a volte sembrava addirittura house canzone prefe: there’s more life than this
A lot of praise for this , from the opener human behaviour it sets a tone of the album blending techno , trip hop dance into the fold , love Venus was a boy with Indian instruments the little hand cymbals , Very happy , dancey an amazing genre bending mix of songs , Bjorks voice is sensational with some great little passing notes and accidentals that make her singing what it is the uniqueness is great A good listen , I’m sure there is more experimentation on future albums but for her breakthrough a winner
If Bjork leaned more towards rock/indie rock I could see her being one of my favourite artists ever. But it’s just to dance for me. Respect the creativity though 6.2/10
Took a min to get into it.
Interesting melodies and bjork's voice is phenomenal. BUT. The lyrics are very "baby's very first writing" and they detracted a lot from the songs. And there are songs I outright didn't like.
idk
B: Bloody hell this is pretty good J: Just kidding this is not for me O: Oh actually I'm loving this R: Right this is driving me insane K: kinda questioning everything
Can't even think of a funny pun this album was just fine
Wasn’t really feeling this until Like Someone In Love. Could be into the rest as background music while doing other stuff, but I didn’t really connect with it.
Unusual vocals that are raw and full of emotion. You definitely have to be in the right headspace to go through the whole release or it will be a tough listen. Björk is the definition of an artist who can "comfort the disturbed and disturb those in comfort". Favourite song: Aeroplane
A mixed bag. I really enjoyed five of the six first songs, especially ‘Human Behaviour’ and ‘Big Time Sensuality’. The exception was the harp-based cover of ‘Like Someone in Love’, which seemed really out of place, and I didn’t think her vocals were that great on it either, which is a shame as on most of the other tracks she sounded great. The second half wasn’t as strong; I don’t think any track was as good as any from the first half, and I actively disliked ‘Aeroplane’ and the album closer. Still, there’s easily enough quality here for 3 stars.
she is different!
Some fun stuff and some not so fun. The tone was really all over the place
RYM 3.0
listened to it while out on a run. it was alright, not my favourite style and voice but didn’t hate it. nothing else to say I think… -favourite tracks: THE ANCHOR SONG and LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE
Bjork has made much better but this still has some really good tracks.
I like Bjork in chunks and this album has quite a few decent chunks on it. Don't get me wrong, it's got some stinkers on it (Atlantic, The Anchor Song), but I like Bjork when she's electronic, dance, pop, not so much the cabaret version. It's a good debut album and I appreciate it. 3.23 / 5 stars
How in the fuck do you manage to forge a solo career from this?
lwk good and is very honey and fun. personally not my type of music but a lot of fun and good party songs
It was fine in small doses. Björk’s vocals are interesting but, I don’t think I can sit down and listen to them for a whole 45 minutes.
Interesting album, but didnt love it. Standout songs: Crying Big time sensuality Violently Happy
Sempre quis ouvir algo da Björk, mas a gente acaba as vezes sempre procastinando coisas simples da vida, e com essa minha meta consegui ouvir pela primeira vez um álbum completo da artitas, foi um bom álbum, mas acho que não me pegou tanto, destaco a música Venus as a Boy, gostei bastante da sonoridade.
I liked this, but something feels very rough around the edges about it. Everything from the instrumentals to her uncharacteristically uncontrolled vocals are just very debut album. Shes definitely done better since. Favorites: Venus As A Boy, There’s More to Life Than This, The Anchor Song
3/5
Catchy
Really weird album. Didn't like the beginning but parts grew on me. Specifically the harp piece. The changing point was when she sang and it sounded like she was in a house party, very intriguing stylistic choice!
0/13 bekannt 6/10 Beste Songs: human behavior, big time sensuality, crying
Fun album with a standout voice. She would only get more interesting with each follow up.
She is funky and I get why people like her, just not for me
Fun, different, liked the DJ vibe and the vibe of the last song
This was fun, funky, and very unique! 3.5
Edgy
I liked the beats but I simply cannot get over Björk's voice. I can't take her seriously, unfortunately. Favorite Track: Big Time Sensuality
Likes: Human Behavior, Big Time Sensuality First time Bjork listener. I was expecting it to be more weird. I liked it for rhe most part, will revisit!
From soft ballads to industrial influences, jazz, and dance tunes, this album covers a lot of ground! Björk’s voice is all her own and these compositions are pretty weird and whimsical (in a good way). It’s like the pop music you might invent for a futuristic sci-fi movie, except it actually happened here on earth in the early 90s. What a time to be alive! If anything, I think the dance songs have aged the worst - “Big Time Sensuality” the worst and “Violently Happy” slightly less bad. Both still enjoyable, but they definitely stand out. This is a solid 3.5, but missing that extra something that gets it to 4 star “save this record for later” status. For now.
The instrumentals are very fun. I feel like this is an album that I will grow to appreciate each listen.
Kinda weird lol some are definitely misses but some are alright to listen to. 3
Not her best work, but still some bangers
Actually bought “Human Behaviour” single when it came out (& I prefer the single remix to the album version). I do find a whole album of Bjork a hard listen.
A groovy electric funk with a side of hooting and hollering. There was some good moments within most of the songs. I appreciated the creativity, against the grain feel to Björk but I don't really feel strongly for any of the songs on here. Saved (2/11) - Crying - Venus as a Boy (Already knew and had saved) HM: (Both have some parts I really loved but don't care for the full song) - There's more to Life Than This - Live Version - Like Someone in Love
This album is far less experimental than Vulnicura (which I listened to and rated two days ago), though she has always been willing to take creative risks. Her song writing is excellent at portraying relatable emotions and experiences. Just not my favorite. I want to sing along with the music. I do have to give this album credit for being unique and interesting. I really appreciated the harp in Like Someone in Love. I have to admit- listening to two Bjork albums in a row has given me a greater appreciation for her work.
Eh, it was okay.
Bjork Bjork's voice feels light yet firm in their declarations. I can't really describe their sound except that it feels like a whole bunch of emotions infused into singular entities. As you listen to each song, you'll discover that there feels like a million sounds making up one cohesive piece. I enjoyed consuming this as an artistic, singular experience. Songs transitioned from feeling like a futuristic dance party to feeling like we were smack gob in the middle of a fairy tale to feeling like we were at a nude music festival (all of which I've never experienced). On a less sophisticated note, they have to be the founder of the cursive singing movement because the Lorde and Halsey flashbacks I got listening were insane.
Estic molt contenta q m'hagi sortit aquest àlbum pq porto temps volent escoltar la Björk, però mai m'hi he posat enserio, aixi q ara es la oportunitat perfecta. De fet, el tenim en cd a casa, això és genial. A la meva jo de fa quatre anys li hagués encantat aquest àlbum, em dona vibes d mitski una micona.
6/10 Best songs: Human Behaviour, Crying, Violently Happy, Play Dead Another album I listened to before! It's such a breath of fresh air, both compared to contemporary albums and music released today. That being said, I don't think I actually like it that much - the slower songs drag and although Bjork treats her voice like an instrument no different from a drum or a guitar, sometimes it just doesn't work.
Okay
Heard of Björk, heard a couple of songs maybe but this is a first album listen for me. I actually really dig it
much more accessible than I was anticipating. And kind of good?
Thoughts before listening: I had a major crush on Bjork at this time in her career. Cute little pixie Icelandic girl with a good voice making cool music....whats not to love. I never actually really listened to her outside of what was on MTV or radio though. I have found her albums on this project to be a bit of a mixed bag although I think so far I have mostly gotten later career albums. I was pleasantly surprised by the Sugarcubes album. I am glad to have a reason to listen to this. Review: "Human Behavior" is a such a cool, weirdo hit song for its era, and I am glad that its kicking off this album. It has a bit of an industrial vibe to the sound but with a lot more organic almost tribal percussion and of course Bjork's always interesting vocals as the star of the show. In general this mix of industrial/techno beats with more organic elements is a common theme throughout this album. My review for the Sugarcubes mentioned that I never generally connected with Bjork's music, and I would say that remains true. While there are certain songs and moments I enjoy, this just isn't the type of music that I gravitate to. Its also a lot more poppy than I was expecting, with the main draw being Bjork's vocals which are at different times playful, whimsical, and ethereal. I respect Bjork as a singular artist producing experimental pop music, but its just not really for me. 3-stars
This album is, actually, good. I've liked listening to it, but I don't know how to feel about it. The overall is not as impressive as how it starts. It kicks off with great songs and a great production, so full of different sounds and... It's something that is all over the album, but at some point I got bored of it. Some songs are very repetitive, others are quite nice. Some had really interesting sounds, others are just not that interesting, for sure. So, I find myself stuck in the middle, with no clear opinion. So, I like it, but not at the extent to really think I would listen to it again in the next few months. Maybe in a year I will have a clearer opinion... or not!
Not my type
Her voice took some getting used to, but by the end I was on board. I enjoyed the songwriting but was mostly a fan of the more upbeat songs with more dance elements
not her best
Surprisingly uninventive. Do not listen to this after Homogenic, Post and Vespertine.
Mixed feelings, didn’t like the beginning much but started vibing the farther in I got
Theres more to life than this ist cool, weil in einer Bar und Toilette aufgenommen, das hört man gut. Sonst teils gut, teils für mich zu jazzig/unryhtmisch.
I like the theatricality of Björk
I was a little worried this would be weird and esoteric, but was surprisingly enjoyable. Bork’s weird singing over some pretty standard 90s rave dance music was enjoyable in the moment. I’m not sure I’d rush back, but if it was on I also wouldn’t mind.
Lil hippy dippy existential. Some songs have more of a beat and melody that I enjoy.
Fun trying to figure bjork out, interesting music.
- Hard to really pin down a genre or style from one song to the next. Which is fun and experimental, but it does make for a strange listening experience. - A lot of the beats and production feel quite dated and don't really appeal to my taste - It's good to have listened to four(!) Björk albums on the list (including the Sugarcubes) but I've taken what I need from them now. Also a bit surprised that there's no 'Post'.
It's an interesting album, definitely, though in the end, mostly it's not for me. Excluding a few tracks that are really good, it mostly sounds the same from track to track. I respect the idea of this album and Bjork as an artist, but in the end, this is a 3/5 for me.
Interesting, nice grooves 3.5
It was okay, not the biggest fan bjørk but it was better than i remembered. 2.9/5
Not what I was expecting at all. Enjoyed the early 90’s pop
I've listened to this a few times before; I really enjoy bjork, but only when i'm in the mood for the oddness.
J’étais persuadée que c’était comme yoko ono, enfin perchée de la même manière… je crois que c’est parce que j’avais du voir des images farfelues de ses clips. Très expérimental, des sonorités interessantes / la voix est vraiment chouette par moment. Mais il y a des morceaux qui me touchent pas du tout, et d’autres je comprends la vibe !
More of a 3 1/2 - Got a fright during 'there's more to life than this - live at the milk bar toilets' thought Bjork was in my flat
I liked it. 3 stars
Feels too unfocused to score more than a 3 - but enjoyable
This was good, and would almost certainly score higher is given more time. Not an album to judge on a single listen.
I don’t get the appeal. But then again, I’m not a pissed off, mid-20’s white lesbian.
Exceptional singing, but the songwriting and instrumentation haven't quite caught up.
Quirky and odd just like Bjork!
I’d never listened to this all the way through before. Bjork’s voice is, let’s say, an acquired taste, and isn’t really for me, but I love how varied the songs are stylistically.
Björk is one of those artists I kept hearing about long before I ever really listened—almost a rite of passage in music-nerd spaces. For years it felt like critics reflexively praised her simply because she was avant-garde, the subtext being: it’s unconventional, therefore it’s genius, and if you don’t get it, that’s on you. Coming into her catalog from that angle creates tension: sometimes her work genuinely lands, sometimes it veers into “artsy for art’s sake,” where the aesthetic experimentation feels more performative than organic. Debut sits right in the middle of that push and pull. What is meaningful here—beyond the music itself—is that the album really is a debut in the truest sense. It’s her first fully self-composed solo statement after years of being part of other projects and scenes in Iceland, punk bands, jazz collectives, the Sugarcubes, etc. You can hear someone stepping out with complete agency for the first time, trying on ideas, mixing club music with chamber-pop instincts, and shaping the foundation of the eccentric, fearless career she’d build afterward. Some of it hits squarely for me; some of it feels like she’s pushing the “I’m different” lever a bit too hard. But overall, I enjoy Björk. Even when I’m not fully on board, I’m always interested. She’s one of those artists where I’ll never turn off a track—because even the experiments that don’t land still feel like they come from a place of genuine curiosity.
Habe mich vorher noch gar nicht mit ihr auseinander gesetzt. Tolle Stimme und sehr kreativ. Beim zweiten Mal durchhören hat das Album aber nicht ganz so gezündet, wie ich es erwartet habe.
objectively great, just not my personal taste! 7/10
Fun listen, cool instrumentation.
For a lot of this I was reminded of old Sega genesis video game soundtracks
Very exploratory definitely needs 2 listens. Really love tje vocals some times and feel like theyre too much at others. But the production is very good and you can tell it is all with intent and not just experiementing with nonsense. Need to listen to other bjork i reckon
Bjorn is wierd but I like her vibe.
The pros of this album is that Bjork does have a great voice that she can wield very well with the instrumentals given to her. I don't like some of the instrumentals in this, she likes adding a lot of dissonance in these instrumentals and some DO NOT work unfortunately. I did like the harp track and Come To Me is a fantastic song, but the tracks that didn't work really dampened my mood on this album. 6/10
I just can’t get into her.
7/10 Favourite: Big Time Sensuality Least Favourite: There's More to Life Than This
Previse ekspreimentalno za mene
not even her debut, why is she lying?
she's so magical ✨️
I really like her voice and some of it is quite fun but it’s just not really my thing. Didn’t mind it as a background listen but on a more focused listen there was just a bit too much I didn’t vibe with. Fav song: The Anchor Song Least fav: Violently Happy
would listen to on a walk in nature or long sunny car drive during summer
Slipper nipples
Haven't listened to this in probably 30 years. Like before, it still has some absolute bangers and some stuff I don't really wanna listen to.
On this record Björk and producer Nellee Hooper cook up some decent dance grooves throughout but the many of songs themselves are oddly constructed, seeing as they place complex, detailed vocal melodies against fairly simple and somewhat repetitive chords, with inconsistent results. "Come To Me", "One Day" and "Human Behaviour" do perhaps the best job of getting the balance right, but the further Björk's melodies edge towards the abstract, the less impact the songs have. (The bizarre production choices in the inexplicably recorded-on-location experiment "There Is More To Life Than This" also ruin what could been a winner.)
Another one…
Björk is weird.. but I’m not mad at it… it was like a fun game of what genre is coming next! There’s something about her voice that just makes it work.
It's good.
haunting chill angry vibe. songs kinda long and dont really develop much. 3.5/5
Not bad, not amazing
A big nostalgia hit. I listened a lot when first came out but not really returned since. Big Time Sensuality remains a banger but the singles do not really do much for me anymore . The anchor song is great.
It’s alright, but there is still soo much that isn’t for me. Better than some other of her albums, though.
Human Behaviour - It's okay? I don't mind it. Reminiscent of Gorillaz's debut. 6/10 Crying - Now this I dislike. Very odd sounding, eerie almost. But I just can't get behind the piano or her vocals. 4/10 Venus As A Boy - Ew... 1/10 There's More to Life Than This (Live at the Milk Bar Toilets) - Why is it live? Also, why is there just... no substance... 2/10 Someone In Love - I like the harp I guess? 5/10 Big Time Sensuality - Almost hilariously bad. 1/10 One Day - MID 3/10 Aeroplane - ??? 1/10 Come To Me - I like this one actually. 6/10 Violently Happy - Unironically? I give up. 2/10 The Anchor Song 0/10
I really like Human Behavior. Not real big on the rest, although it does have its charm. Another album where I wish I could give half stars. It’s definitely not deserving of 4, but I could see my way to give 3.5.
I adore Björk but this album is definitely showing its age these days. She’s at her best when she drops the house production and focuses on the electronic torch songs, with “Like Someone in Love” or “The Anchor Song”. It’s good but not great, and given what she would do on Post and Homogenic, it feels odd to put this one at the top of the list.