Reviews (page 4 of 8)
If you’ve heard one Björk song, you’ve pretty much heard them all. Vulnicura is no different. It’s full of the same scattered beats, string-heavy arrangements, and her trademark “is this singing or is she just making sounds” delivery. I’ll give her credit for being consistent, and she’s clearly talented, but man, this album is tough to get through. It’s like listening to Yoko Ono but with less warbling and slightly better production. The emotion’s there, but it’s buried under layers of weirdness.
This is the type of crap that makes me want to abandon this project. I mean seriously, there are some great artists with only one, or no albums in this list, and this stupid tart has 2 (so far). A third album by this loser is strike three.
An audio masterpiece. The production is perfect. The whole album feels terribly claustrophobic. Björk sings as if every note is her last breath. It's truly mezmorizing. I love the beats combined with the strings. Björk has a special way of always sounding incredibly unique and one upping her previous albums weirdness. GOAT artist
I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would/wanted to. It wasn’t really my cup of tea though. 2.5 but rounding up because I feel like bjork gets a bad rap.
I find it really difficult to rate Björk's “Vulnicura.” On the one hand, there is a certain intensity in the lyrics and vocals, and I've always liked her experimental approach to music-making. On the other hand, I find most of Björk's songs difficult to access because they contain hardly any recognizable hooks or melodies. That's why, even after listening to the entire album twice, I still don't really understand it. I'm really sorry to say this, but for me it doesn't make sense to transform lyrics into music in this way.
Like floating on an electric cloud
I don’t get Bjork. Not my thing
I can't even...
Fairly inaccessible music but was kinda ok. Not in a rush to relisten
I just don't like her voice, but I like her style
i tried. i really did
It's Bjork, what else can I really say. She has a very distinct way of making any lyric fit into the song with the addition of runs and adding extra syllables. Not bad but by this time in her career I am kind of tired of it. This album doesn't really bring anything new for me.
A very weird and very sad album, about as crushing of a breakup album as you’ll hear. I have no desire to listen to this again, but I come away respectful as ever of Bjork’s unique talents.
Typically I can only take Björk in small doses but something about this album really worked for me. Very pleasantly surprised.
A very very odd album. It does seem very personal, and Björk does really seem heartbroken. Not a terrible album, but maybe its just a bit too artsy for my taste. Did not really enjoy the album, but it was an interesting listem.
This one is a bit out there for me personally
Late era Bjork that I quite enjoyed, although I wonder how readily I'll go back. It created a great sense of atmosphere, and of course her voice was a key part of that. It felt a little bit like it lacked variety though, and felt a bit more of a single piece really. That's sort of fine, and was actually quite nice to have in the background, but makes it harder to really justify or remember it.
I don't know how anyone could sit down and listen to this.
I don’t love Björk, and I don’t love this album, but this album makes real choices and forms a cohesive whole. It doesn’t feel deliberately obtuse, but is complicated and challenging, just like life I suppose.
I don't think I'll ever "get" Bjork. Just not for me, I guess.
Deep songs, good musical arrangement. I enjoyed it
Meh, just meh
A work of heartbreaking genius. The juxtaposition of those absolutely beautiful orchestral strings with fragmented and booming electronic beats is such a well considered and fantastic artistic choice. The randomness of the harsh beats breaking apart the softness of the strings is startling, and paints a musical picture of the emotional turmoil that is the subject of this album. "Black Lake" does it best. Those gorgeous strings are somehow some of the saddest things your ears might experience, mixed with long drawn out moments of almost silence, before the booming electronic beats come in, fragmented and disjointed. It's an absolute masterpiece of a song, and emotionally draining. That's the only problem with the album at times. It's operating on another level, and requires a lot of mental effort to listen through properly. Sometimes a bit inaccessible and often emotionally draining. I guess the album cover does the best job of describing the feeling of this album. Björk standing with open arms, surrounded by softness in a layer of feathers, with an open wound in her chest exposing her heart to the world. 4.5 stars.
do not wake me in the middle of the night Björk
It’s bjork
I liked the overall sound of this album. Some stood out slightly (Stonemilker, Black Lake), while some bordered on being annoying (Mouth Mantra) but overall I think it was good.
It's been hard for me to quantify my feelings about this album, but the almost eerie quality of Björk's vocals works well. Even if the songs feel a little disjointed, it's an enchanting and even romantic sonic experience. Favorite tracks: "Atom Dance," "History of Touches"
Too lyrically repetitious to be enjoyable for me on this listen. Not feeling the teenager-y dichotomy of “love is bleak/all consuming” today. But she is an undeniable force so we’re going middle of the road here
It had a really interesting vibe. I didn't dislike it but I'd have to be in a very specific mood to reach for it.
Amelodic and atonal.
More interesting than Coldplay
3 - Lo siento, pero si música no me dados nada
I wouldn’t say this is her best album some of her early work probably stays higher for me. But I still do really like all her work and especially the electronic, experimental style. I do love the combination of the electronic sounds, classical instruments, and her voice. 4 stars
TBH I did not realize Bjork was making music of any relevancy in the 2010s. Even more surprised to see that her most recent release was in 2022. Listened to it once in the background and didn't feel a whole lot. Going back for another tour. As has become typical of Bjork entries on this list, the production is beautiful -- in this case a lovely blending of electronica with traditional orchestral elements and plenty of vocal distortion/layering. But despite the beautiful production I can't motivate myself to pay attention. I think this is more likely a personal failing or attention issue given what I'm working on at the moment, but I can't say that much here really reached out and grabbed me. I think instead a lot of the songs here feel deliberately art-forward / avante garde. By that I mean they lack traditional structures, are highly dynamic, and feel more like something that require focus than encourage enjoyment. While this isn't a bad thing per se, it makes it hard to review in the margins while I'm working... Black Lake takes its time getting going, but is fairly rewarding in its unfolding epic. I'll say that Family introduces some very unsettling moods. Atom Dance is the most intriguing song on here to me. Beautiful sweeping orchestral elements with interesting vocal layering/3rd party support and electronic elements that become more _demented_ and dominant as the song evolves. While I can understand why critics would probably be all about this for pushing boundaries and making a "challenging" album, I am grading this on a level of personal enjoyment and likeliness that I would want to listen to this again. With those latter two principles in mind, this scores low. Sure it has moments of beautiful and it is genre bending in its own right, but I struggle with this for the same reason I often struggle to get into the likes of Arca and other similar acts. Ultimately, a lot of this feels like masturbatorial indulgence. With that, I'm falling in at a 2 here.
Ctrl C + Ctrl V my other Bjork reviews. This one might have been my favorite of hers. Not a high bar, but the production is super cool
Another album of Bjork making the weirdest noises with her voices. Wish that the backing instrumentals could be paired with something different because they are awesome. An hour of hearing Bjork in my ears doing whatever it is that she was doing on this album got quite old
Bjork is weird af. I can get into the instrumentals I think they're really beautiful most of the time, but her voice just doesn't work for me.
Rolling her Rs, singing in Icelandish, trippy modern art sounds, halting phrases, a pervasive sense of sorrow and loneliness and loss... yep! Typical Bjork!
I like Björk. She is super unique and I really dig two of her albums. And then there are all the rest, like 6 more, which are fine… but I probably could take my favorite 10 off those and make one more record I really like.
I hate this. This stressed me out. I've always prided myself in being very open to genres but this just did not hit. I appreciate the experimentation and creativity so ill give a 2. This was quite unpleasant to listen to.
Really depressing singing All sounds very similar to each other
Įdomus pasiklausymas, manau reikėtų tekstą tiesiog perskaityti, nes jame esmė, o man autobuse sunku klausytis.
- Der Anfang hat mir besser gefallen als das Ende - Zu Beginn hatte es eher so feen vibes und zum Ende war es mir dann zu abgespaced - Aber es ist ein interessanter Sound den ich so noch nie gehört habe Topsong: Lionsong
?? Out-of-the-box? Yes. Worth anything? NO
I do not like Björk. Have never liked Björk. Did once ph a bunch of money to ruin the night of a bar by playing Björk excessively on the jukebox. Picked the two shortest songs for the playlist. Didn’t really like anything about this album. Not my style.
Björk is one of those avant garde artists that manages to make strange music listenable. Stonemilker is a stunning opener but I wish the electronic elements weren't there although I can see why some would like it. For me, these songs work best when they are minimalist in their composition. Lionsong might be my favorite and you can hear Arca's, the producer, fingerprints. Notget is another highlight, disturbing and evocative of the bleakness present in Iceland's volcanic landscapes. I much prefer the orchestral release of this album.
Nah
Best Song: Atom Dance. The inclusion of a second voice to contrast Bjork was welcome. Worst Song: Family. This song felt like the first time where I could begin to understand some of the criticism people levy against Bjork. Some of her vocal phrasing has this repetitive, stuttering quality to it that makes you wish that she would just sing the line outright. Overall: Experimental and weird. Bjork remains a cool and unique artist, even if sometimes the experiments don't always pan out into the most listenable experiences. I liked it, but less than I liked her other albums on this list.
Late era Bjork is kind of a slog. Not my jam at all. 1.5/5
This is fucking awesome.
This album didn't do much for me. I get that she's unique and is extremely creative but this just isn't my style, unfortunately.
oh no no no. no thank you. just dreadful.
Great for late nights
First half of the album was frankly boring for me. I appreciate the ambient quality of it, but overall I found it musically uninteresting. I like Notget and from that point of the album on I found it all much more interesting. But overall the album was a bit of a navel gaze for me.
# Album Name: Vulnicura # Artist: Bjork # Rating: 2/5 # Comments: Interesting pick for album number 500. I loved Bjorks Debut so i was really intrigued by this selection. Theres no doubting Bjork's talent and vocals. However, this album just didnt do it for me on a first listen. Theres some great bits of music scattered here and there. But it just feels incoherent. A bit all over the place. A mess. Nothing connected for me. Shame. I may give this another crack at a later stage. Lets see. # Top Tunes: None. # Would I listen to it again? Maybe.
Beautiful
STOP GIVING ME BJORK ALBUMS please.
Stonemilker 2.6 Lionsong 2.2 History of Touches 2.3 Black Lake 2 Family 0.4 Notget 0.5 Atom Dance 1.4 Mouth Mantra 0.6 Quicksand 0.3 Score: 1.366666667
Look, this is just very Björk. Nothing against Björk. But Björk sounds likes Björk. Which makes sense, given that Björk is Björk. Just all kinda sounds the same to me.
Odd and off-putting at times but deeply emotional and interesting music.
Interesting, but not my favorite Björk. Probably wouldn’t revisit, but not bad as background Björk.
First Bjork album I've listened to in full. Some great, atmospheric stuff here. Black Lake is a highlight.
Después de los 3 discazos de los 90 fui perdiendo el interés por Björk. He escuchado otro de ella reciente y no me aportó mucho. Repetitivo, me he guardado la última "Quicksand" al menos tiene ritmo. [le he dado una segunda escucha y reedito para añadir: Family y Atom dance, y subirlo a 3 estrellas]
If someone can sing in cursive, Bjork can sing in Calligraphy
There were some interesting sounds and parts of this, but Bjork is hit and miss with me. 2.5/5
Understanding that this album was written in response to and surrounding a break-up she was going through helped the listening process. The album seems to define the arc of a failed relationship very nicely with early songs being more calm, mellow and airy in tone…only to gradually build in tension, anxiety and eventual chaos at the end. A good example of art depicting real life. I’m not sure if I can say I liked this, but I can definitely appreciate it.
Quite the different approach to a breakup album than T Swift 🤣 Really tough for me to get into Bjork. Hilarious looking at the lyrics while listening. Her and Eddie Vedder have this amazing way of bending weirds to fit their melody. And for listeners to have no idea what they are saying. The lyrics are good/interesting. Maybe this should’ve been a poem book and not a musical album?
Hell hath no fury like a Björk scorned… although, I probably wouldn't have known this is a breakup album had I not read about it. I dig all the strings and a fun contrast to Tay Tay and Leonard Cohen we got this week. I THINK I like this a tad less than Vespertine, so I am going to notch down a little but still enjoyed and may revisit. 3.25/5
I just cannot enjoy Björk's music. I respect her as an artist but to me her music sounds like scratching a fork on a plate. Light 2
Okay, fine.
Weird in a way I usually enjoy, but this one just felt monotone. Beautiful strings and all, but I found myself zoning out instead of being drawn in. Respect it, but I won’t revisit. I loved reading the reviews about how this had an impact on people so I added a star.
Didn’t make it through 5 songs, it was all too familiar and samey. I enjoyed that it was atmospheric.
I just don’t get Bjork, and I never will. It’s just…aimless noises to me? I can’t even see the merit in it at all.
Very strong 4
I like Bjork's lyrics and music, but I can't get into her voice. I think I'd rather listen to covers of Bjork's songs than the artist herself
I'm slowly starting to understand
Hmm, the first three tracks I love and then it all gets a bit much. To me this is more of a performance piece. I imagine listening as part of the 360 exhibit with the films would be a better and more immersive experience. I do appreciate it but not something I would choose to listen to on its own
Right off the bat, I gotta give credit where credit is due, Björk continues to create wildly original and creative music that sounds completely unique to her. Specifically I really adore “Debut” and “Post”. Which leads me to the actual review, I have to say the first several times I listened to it, I didn’t “get” it. I still might not get it. But I will say the first two songs really grew on me and I ended up saving both of those. But that’s the problem with this album for me. It’s alittle too slow and orchestral for me. Like everything after those first two tracks didn’t really do a lot for me. I can appreciate how crystal clear the production is, and I actually really liked the music in “mouth mantra” even though I didn’t love the song as a whole. I do think this is an essential album to listen to if you are gunna try and get into Björk, I just won’t be able to relate if you fall in love with this one.
I've been reading a book about the ways that other species perceive sensory input in unique ways compared to our reliance on the visual and tactile senses. When a zebra finch sings, we get a pretty good idea of what is being sent out into the world, as there is a nice overlap between the hearing ranges of humans and songbirds. Still, there is something present in the sound that Ed Yong refers to in the book as a fine structure; these are very minute changes in pitch that we cannot hear. Their music is beautiful, and yet there are dimensions to it we cannot even comprehend. I think that we can comprehend Björk's sounds and messages quite easily, because she is not a bird, but I like to imagine that the confusing complexity present here might be the closest human equivalent to what those secret bird noises are.
1001albumsgenerator project: Album 8 - Vulnicura by Bjork
Ok
Accidentally listened to this on shuffle without realizing it. Doubt that really shaped the experience. This just isn't my thing. I'm sure she's mighty talented and all, but I did not enjoy this.
11/10 no notes perfect album. amazing vocals, amazing production, this is her best album ever i love this a lot!
Björk can fo björk right off. Not enjoyable.
This is a really interesting listen. For the most part is arhythmic. The voices and strings are very dissonant. Then there's Bjork's vocals. She is adept at manipulating whatever words she's written into whatever melody she's dreamed up. I rrally like how she sings. Overall, this is not an easy album to listen to, but I appreciate the originality of it.
Solid. Not Debut but will give another listen.
Her vocals just aren't for me. Also these songs felt too long to me, multiple songs above 8 minutes?
Amazing, however I felt like some songs were longer than they needed to be. 4/5
had no idea Björk was in a relationship with Matthew Barney, and this album is about the breakup; funny timing considering I just started the Cremaster series on a whim (the first movie I’ve ever seen by him) anyway, obviously 10/10 for me
Thank god this is over. This one got boring really fast. The orchestra is beautiful and I don't really mind Björks voice, but there is absolutely nothing happening on this album. 9 long songs that all barely change throughout their lengthy runtime. I'm sure Björk can do and has done better than this snoozefest. Words can't describe how much I disliked listening to this, but numbers can, 1/5.
A Bjork cruza a vida dos europeus com muita frequência e sempre a achei muito especial, com uma vibe incrível. No entanto, não acho que este álbum funcione assim tão bem para mim, não lhe tirando o mérito e sempre tento em conta que ela é uma artista inacreditável!
Креативне поєднання нетривіальної поп-музики з глітч електронікою та ембієнт шматками. Іноді це починає звучати як музика під якийсь перфоманс ніж музичний альбом. Поважаю такий підхід, але слухати це не завжди хочеться. За один раз альбом було важко послухати, бо дуже здався таким, що перевантажує увагу
Все що Бйорк випускала після дебюту мені йде важко. Дуже поважаю її як артистку, але саме музично важко. З Vulnicura теж було так, але дві пісні прям сподобались - Lionsong та Atom Dance.
емоціонально чесна та відкрита, бйорк робить музику про самі складні почуття, які в тобі є, які навіть описати не вдається, які ти сам в собі не розумієш. вона ніби як твій голос в голові, тому і тексти її такі ж розпливчаті та розмовні, але дуже акуратні та правдиві. дуже унікальна музика, тому що відчувається як частина особистості самій бйорк. ну і плюс я дуже люблю електроніку, особисто для мене мої почуття може дійсно виразити тільки електронна музика... жорсткий репітативний саунд, синтезовані тягучі інструменти...
Not the most engaging Bjork album for me, but I still liked it
Oh dear. Björk, what happened, chica? This was absolutely excruciating. 10 minute song followed by an 8 minute song, another 2? 8 minute songs…. Of. Noise. What happened to the angelic voice that sang “Regina”? Even mushy banana Velvet Underground was more tolerable than this. Never thought I’d give Björk a 1 ever, but here I go. “Notget” was most tolerable.
1 - just not my kind of alt
Would have been better if every song wasn’t reminiscent of the ending track to a Monty Python movie, meandering with no end in sight.
2.5
Made me not want to listen to music again
oh no not again
How do you even listen to this? It's so specific and so broad at the same time, I went through it twice (once will at a slow jog, once at my desk) and neither was quite right. I kept feeling this alien sensation of something very close to me being evaluated in new light. I kept trying to pin what else this album was reminded me of, in an instant it was there and then it was gone. This thing is one of a kind, and better for it. Here comes the but! I didn't pierce my heart he way I felt it should. Cowardly criticism? Maybe. But there's so much being swirled around in here I feel like it should personally affect me more in a way that it just didn't. Great, great album, worth listening to, but I don't think I can in good conscience give it a 5 for some reason as alien as this album feels.
it was ALRIGHT
Love the music but Bjork's vocals despite her beautiful voice are so tedious and some times even laughable
Toujours cool et intéressant à écouter celle-ci. Pas dans mes albums préférés par contre
Très intéressant et créatif mais un peu trop weird à mon gout. Ma note pourrait potentiellement monter dans le futur après l'écoute du reste de ses albums.
Beaucoup trop space pour moi
Not my cup of tea
Not horrible but very redundant and boring by the end.
Björk is obviously very talented but fucking hell I hated this album
Really interesting and enjoyable, I was a Björk fan in the 90s and early 2000's but haven't revisited any of her more recent albums. Definitely liked this, at 4 stars. My favorite was Post in '95
I love Björk. I love her weird stuff. I love her more accessible stuff. I'm not sure this is her best, but it's still very, very good. 4 stars.
Best of bjork!
There's something really comforting about Björk's voice. She can do weird things with her music, but her vocals are the grounding that will always make things feel safe. I don't think I'd listen to this again but I didn't mind listening to it once
Little weird for me, but listen worthy
Very unique
Okay opening song on the album - I genuinely thought she was singing in Swedish… I then questioned was I having a stroke. The music was enjoyable. But the style is so unique - spoken word mixed with warbling mixed with crazy violin mixes with vocals. The album is an auditory mismatch - I honestly didn’t know what the hell I was going to listen to any second of the album. Felt I was back in a 4am tent in Budapest listening to “black Lake” and the blasted with more violin. Also was not a fan of the heavy rolling of the Rs… niche complaint. But the whole album was a bit bloody niche
Áfram Ísland áfram Björk. Mjög gott sound.
Björk er einstakur listamaður. Mjög flott plata.
Before I review, I have to say this: This is the third time I've mentioned an artist the day before, and said artist popped up on this generator the next day. Second of all, this is the second Bjork album I've had in this generator in the past six days(lord, pray for me). Finally, after three consecutive days of getting an album OVER an hour long, I finally get an album UNDER an hour long(plot twist: It's 58 minutes long). Anyway, I've now listened to three Bjork albums, and I can't take it anymore. Somehow, this one is even worse than her 1990s albums. It's, oh, so boring, and has the 2010s bland Pop Music sound blended in. God help me. Favorite Track: "Stonemilker"(partially because of the unique music video).
Definitely futuristic - too much for me, but the vocals, tracks and everything were interesting
Bjork has never been my thing. I'm sure this album is great if your from Iceland or really into Bjork, but for me it was decent background music at best.
Mid, all the way through
I didn’t mind the backing tracks. But this was a hard listen.
Anyone who says they are a big fan of Björk…. I would love to see their record collection. I don’t see how anyone can get into this. This album in particular lost my interest quickly. Songs that drone on and on and appear to end and then come back but usually the same as before they left. Was there no one around to edit this? Was the motto, “play until you have played too long and then play a little longer”? Or “Let’s take a few good ideas and drag them out until no one likes them anymore”? I can’t imagine playing this in the car or working out to it or cleaning the house to it or putting it on at a party or falling asleep to it or ever wanting to hear this. It is confused, angry music for someone who feels like no one understands them and they can put this on and draw angry spirals on their notebooks while wearing all black and hating the world. I can see pouty, goth, teenage girls listening to this while plotting revenge. That’s about the only use there is for this. And even for those girls, I think they would get out of their funk and never go back to listen to this again. Just unpleasant.
I’d rather read Bjorks lyrics as a work of poetry than have to listen to the this mishmash of noise and whining cosplaying as music
This must be what it feels like to have been walking through the desert alone and starving and then coming across a pristine river surrounded by trees bursting with fresh fruit. What a beautiful, emotionally resonant, fully realized piece of art this album is. I could cry. Admittedly as big a Bjork fan as I am, I fell off after Vespertine. I guess in my mind I figured that album was perfect and couldn't be surpassed. My exposure to Vulnicura was very limited. Kicking myself now because this is so gorgeous to immerse yourself in. Heaven. These songs are lush and hopeful and full of love, if you will. There's a song 'Atom Dance' feat. ANOHNI that just builds and works it's way into your brain. The strings on this album! Bjork's arrangements have always been faultless. This is her 8th album. Stonemilker is a killer opening track. I'm already playing the album again.
Арт-поп и авангард, исландское тоскливое мечтательство, струнные и электроника, фолк. Интересно.
Mid mid mid
Ох, увива като кучка на месечина :(
Björk is amazing. Late era/late stage Björk is a revelation.
I respect Bjork's ambition and willingness to take risks. However, this didn't work for me. Too many strings which overpowers the sound to the point of annoyance. I give her credit for pushing the boundaries but this one pushed too far.
Pretty good
More accessible than I would expect from bjork
I got Midsommar'd to this album
Very unusual but there's nothing that really grabs the attention or would require a re-listen
As with most things Björk this is weird and (mostly) wonderful. Actally own the album Debut which I don't listen to very frequently. I really must explore her music much more.
Stonemilker //
Pretty decent, a bit long and draggy for my taste but overall good
Yeah... it's Bjork.
note: it's pronounced vul-nee-CYU-ra anyways, this album is absolutely beautiful. It sucks that artists' best work is always brought out of horrible grief and trauma, but it really does create some of the most unique works I've ever heard, even from artists who already have an incredibly unique sound, like Björk. I love the mix of strings with electronic production, and her really freeform vocal style fits perfectly above it, all with some of her best lyricism of her whole career. Not to mention those vocal harmonies, absolutely otherworldly. Sometimes it's uncomfortable, sometimes it's upsetting, and there are a few points in the album that are nothing but devastating, but at the end of the day that's what a divorce is, or a loss of any kind. Absolutely incredible in every way an album like this could be.
Down-tempo electro + strings. Think trap with a string quartet and bjork's trademark vocals. On paper I should hate it but it's so well done it's okay. Kinda like a movie soundtrack Best track - History of Touches, Atom Dance, Quicksand (at least it's short) 3 stars
All her music sounds the same to me. I just really dont care for it.
Not my comfort-zone, not much impressed, I'm not seeing a relisten in near future... but it's me.
Incredible instrumentation and vocal performances.
Wailing more than singing, I just didn't get into it.
3/5. Bjork is definitely taking her time and with the very pressing electronics of Arca, it's a constant push and pull of power, like two mighty forces battling it out in every song. It's like resting at the breast of someone safe while giants and monsters break down the shelter we hide in, but you also don't know if the person you are with is safe either. As far as the lyrics go, I have no clue, I was kind of listening off of vibe, which seems to most of my Bjork experiences. The main issue is that there is not much diversity here despite the many opportunities to take that path. I think I just wanted a little more from the vocals here; they can remain sparse and chilling, as that is the main highlight here, but a more unique delivery between songs would have made this a much better listen. An EP would portray the same feelings, an LP overstays its welcome. Best Song: Lionsong, Black Lake, Quicksand, NotGet
stonemilker hani recht nervig gfunde und lionsong no meh. ha nöd gern wie sie singt. history of touches heavy. every single fuck we had.. aber d musig isch nüüüt ich cha null öpis demit afange. oke s album goht um ihri trennig und isch in drittel iteilt. so beziehig - trennig - verarbeitig? ok wie sie s "R" rollt isch schono cool. aber echt d musig etz uf black lake mit de strings und de aggressive drums chani eeeecht nöd bruche. die songs sind eeeewig mann. bin etz bi atom dance und es isch irgendwie sooo repetitiv. aber au grating. DIE SONGS SIND EWIG. okay bin bim letste und wird soooo froh sii wenn de scheiss fertig isch. fuck. glaub da isch es 1. so unglaublich unagnehm zum lose findi. es isch es verarbeitigsalbum und meeega mega persönlich und intim drum. aber bröööder so langi songs ohni au nur ei hook und afoch au streng zum lose.
BJÖRKKKK ohh es breakup album stonemilker typisch björk, vool aber nöd meh de schluss mite striicher isch huere schön! lionsong hani nöd so gern gha black lake findi reeeecht cool, es zieht sich und alles aber de komisch triibend bass macht vill uus würkli die bäss hahaha ich liebs poaahh und jz de mehrstimmig part bi fily findi megaaa megamegaaa schön wow jaa jz woni sochli dinne bin findis wieder reeecht geil hahahaha ES ISCH SO KOOOMISCH ICH LIEBS OMG ANOHNI????? han denkt d stimm chunntmer bekannt vor jaa s album hetmer megaa spass gmacht, typisch björk aber immer wieder hets sache geh wo supeeer gsi sind aber halt au soooo weird hahaha
First impression pre listen: I usually like Björk so this will probably be at least fine. Her more modern stuff can get a bit weird, but it's at least something different. Never heard this particular album. Expecting something fairly unique. Individual track notes: Stonemilker Somber and open atmosphere. The strings are nice. Strange lyrics, the language used here is very Björk. The instrumental outro is lush and powerful, a really striking ending. Good. 4/5 Lionsong Interesting vocal layering. I like when the violin follows the vocal melody. The bargaining and confusion in the lyrics is pretty interesting. I like how the themes resolve. Cool electronics. Good. 4/5 History Of Touches A strange choice in synths, kinda works I suppose. It creates a hectic and confusing atmosphere. Captures a very specific moments. A bit confusing. Fine. 3/5 Black Lake Really depressing and dark. Haunting and personal. She sounds vulnerable and hurt. Love the quiet moments with the distant rumbling strings. The instrumental is dynamic and intense. Love the percussion. Really like the descriptive language used in the lyrics. Fantastic. 5/5 Family Very ominous, very depressing. Love the vocal layering. The temple themes are pretty interesting. Great switchup. Fantastic instrumental. Beautiful outro. Great. 4.5/5 Notget Weird and chaotic instrumental. Haunted carnival vibes. Love how this motif evolves throughout the track. Interesting lyrics. Love the dark themes. Great. 4.5/5 Atom Dance Cute premise. Fitting instrumental. Sounds soothing, and genuinely like she's healing. Love how layered the song sounds with all these clashing elements coming together. Great feature, love the additional dynamism provided to the track by the additional voice. Explosive and large. Fantastic. 5/5 Mouth Mantra Deep electronic bass. Love the dark strings. Very emotional vocal performance. Disturbing imagery. Strange choice of language at times. Good. 4/5 Quicksand Very electronic. Love the return of the mother imagery, feels like throughline between many of her albums. Love the positive sense of purpose to end this otherwise depressing album with. Great. 4.5/5 Final review: This is quite the departure from other Björk projects when it comes to tone. It's dark and quite depressing in its presentation. She visits themes of loss, grief and heartbreak; emotions that I've never associated with her music before. Delving deeply into these negative emotions you discover this thin and fragile version of this woman who details the harrowing state in which she finds herself in. This is a very personal and layered journey where she finally in the end manages to heal and continue on with a new sense of purpose. It's bleak, it's haunting and it's also quite beautiful. Accompanied by familiar grandiose strings and cold pulsating electronics she twists her usual productions style into these bleak soundscapes where her unique vocal delivery floats gently on top. It's mesmerizing, odd and a bit overwhelming, but still a solid effort providing a new perspective and a fresh sound. 4.5/5 rounded down to a 4/5
heard this before in the past. this is likely to get a high rating because it's Bjork. the fact that this has received lower than 3 stars average here is criminal tbh, but i suppose some folks just have different "tastes" Stonemilker - 5/5 Lionsong - 5/5 History of Touches - 3/5 Black Lake - 5/5 Family - 5/5 Notget - 4/5 Atom Dance - 5/5 Mouth Mantra - 5/5 Quicksand - 4/5 Average score: 4.6/5 (rounding up) very creative and authentic album about her breakup. this isn't as catchy as her earlier work, nor is it as experimental as some other albums in her discography (in my opinion), but it's still accessible and masterfully crafted nonetheless
I really enjoy a lot of Bjork's earlier work, but I've never gotten round to listening to her later stuff. While I like this, I don't love it like I loved Debut or post. Perhaps it's one of those albums that take more listens. It's definitely interesting enough to make me want to give it another few goes.
I like Björk but haven't really kept up with her music so much. This feels like more of a return to the style of Debut. It feels a little overwhelming at times, and the length of some of the songs can be a bit much but overall, I enjoyed it. 4/5 because I wanted that variation in pace that we see in earlier albums
3.4 stars rounded down. A sibling to Björk’s Homogenic album only this is a break up album. “Notget” is the standout track. Arcs does great production work here.
Still can’t get on board with her voice.
8/10 Björk is one of those musicians who does everything on her own terms, and this album is in some way testament to that. Going through a breakup with her husband and seeing the collapse of her family, her first port of call is to use those emotions as inspiration for an album. As she says in Stonemilker; “Moments of clarity are so rare, I better document this”. While this could be considered a bit of a tough listen for some, I feel that the quality of this album is in the journey of it. There are moments of dissonance and harshness, amidst others of beauty and sorrow, but all of that flows together to paint an overall picture of what she was experiencing at the time of writing. There are some obvious standout moments for me, as well as some bits that drag just that little bit, but even on the longer tracks, there’s often so many sections, developments and modulations that things are rarely too static. Personally, I feel that Black Lake is an absolute masterpiece that completely justifies a ten minute runtime. There are certainly some more avant garde choices that she makes, particularly during the later part of the album, but it’s all so expressive, and really sells what she’s trying to convey, at least to my ears. When compared to some of her other albums, and certainly specific songs, it isn’t quite Björk at the absolute peak of her powers, but when considering the ‘album as art’, I think this is a fine example indeed. Stonemilker - I feel like there are echoes in the strings here of tracks from Vespertine, which was the album she wrote at the start of her relationship with Matthew Barney. This is a really beautiful song. The strings just drift and flow over everything, alternating between hope and despair and the little shuffling beats also have a dark and bassy edge that add a momentum and grounding to the track. Lionsong - This has such a brooding tone. It’s a little more disjointed, which makes it a little harder to follow, but there are some really interesting ideas and I think the disjointed nature of it is thematically appropriate. That beat that comes in about 3:20 is so good. It’s not quite as satisfying a whole as the previous track, but some of the component parts are so, so good. History Of Touches - This is almost an interstitial track for Björk. Only three minutes long and with a fairly static theme, it’s interesting but doesn’t really grip in the same way as some of her more fully formed ideas. Listening to the lyrics, that does feel very intentional, and the wash of sound is sonically quite pleasing. Black Lake - A heartbreaking song. The sections come and go with pauses where a single chord or note just drones on. Emotion builds in many forms throughout, but each time drift back to bereft sadness. There’s fury in the beat that kicks in half way through as the strings build. This, to me, is one of the most visceral musical interpretations of grief, and the pulsing emotions that surround its underlying sadness that I’ve ever heard. How pretentious of me. Family - This one ebbs and flows. There’s anger and wavering tension, but it’s not quite got the emotional heft or consistency of the previous track. There are real shining moments and the song is a journey through unresolved tension and uncertainty, but it’s definitely not as easy a listen. As a soundscape, though, it’s all encompassing. Notget - If you’re not into the more avant garde end of the spectrum, you won’t engage with this. It’s harmonically non-traditional which can make it sound jarring. Definitely not one for a casual listen. Again, there are some really nice elements here. Some of the beats are so crunchy and squelchy, but the overall journey is a little all over the place. Atom Dance - This is like the start of a build out of the darkness. The little scuttering beats give it an immediacy, and some of the little string flourishes start to build us back to a more major tonality. That’s all mixed in with a note of confusion, particularly with the delivery of Anohni’s vocal parts. I really like the mix of this one too. Spatially, it’s very interesting. Mouth Mantra - This continues the more avant garde approach to things, with parts jarring against one another. When it gets moving, it’s got a great pulsing rhythm and the way the different parts overlap and flow in and out of focus can be quite overwhelming. That bass synth part that comes in about half way through is so meaty. Quicksand - So much meat and drive to the start of this one. That beat is great and gives this so much momentum. There’s stuttering sections, washes of synths and strings and Björk’s vocals which occasionally soar over everything. A quality end to the album.
I think enjoyed it, it was different. Unlike the previous album on this list, it had instruments and lyrics, but it was just as weird and avant garde. I would like to listen again, although I don't think it will become a favourite longer term.
Bjork is definitely a one-of-a-kind performer. This album is certainly eclectic, perhaps a bit too much. Similar to free-form jazz, it plays in the background with a rhythm apart from the vocal track. I did not enjoy this record as much as "Debut", which is also in the list.
Sounds like a soundtrack to a movie that would be right up my alley. This is definitely not an album for casual listening but it was never meant to be. Strong, weird and amazing. Björk rarely ever fails to amaze me.
I think this is the fourth Björk album I've gotten. This isn't one of my preferred genres of music but her talent and vocal ability are undeniable. One of these days I'm going to make it to Iceland and sit in a hot springs and watch the Northern lights. Bjõrk is going to be my soundtrack.
As disorienting as an actual breakup, but not as compelling.
M'n derde keer Björk. Het is wat flauw om te zeggen, maar het nieuwe is er dan wel wat vanaf. Tenzij ze echt opeens heel anders uit de hoek komt (spoiler: komt ze niet) is het tijdens het luisteren dan eigenlijk vooral nog wachten welke kant het op valt: de goede of de slechte. Ik merk al snel dat ik bar weinig zin heb in het eindeloze gemeander van tante Björk. Die vage beat en Noisiaesque basgeluiden bij 'Lionsong' vind ik wel tof gedaan. Er zijn wat meer van dat soort momentjes ('Black Lake' bijvoorbeeld), maar het is en blijft toch vooral de stem die de meeste aandacht opeist. En die stem, daar moet je tegen kunnen. Een hele dikke productie verstopt onder een laag kattengejank om het maar even oneerbiedig plat te slaan. Elke track klinkt nogal urgent en dat is na een tijdje wat vermoeiend. Het is zo'n typische muziek dat het lastig is om een moment te kunnen voorstellen waarop ik dit ooit nog eens zou aanzetten. Ik vind de productie verrassend leuk maar na track 4 was ik er helemaal klaar mee eigenlijk. Met moeite afgeluisterd. 2 sterren.
Not bad
Björk is oftenly described and depicted as one of music's biggest geniuses, especially when it comes to electronic music. Well, I don't know if I should feel dumb for not getting it or great for not falling into this pretentious cult that has been formed around her figure. I do have to say that I'm not really much of an electronic music myself, but I do appreciate my Aphex Twin, my Avalanches or even my Brian Eno every once in a while. But I just CAN'T stand this woman. I tried with her, I really did. I wanna listen to her music and feel the so oftenly mentioned genius of Björk. But I just can't. Her music feels pretentious at best, extremely annoying most of the time, and anxiety-provoking at its worst. I feel like she is one of the most overrated artists of all time, at least when it comes to this genre. I'm only almost 200 albums in and I've gotten 3 albums from her, which is so annoying given how many artists I'm missing from a list like this.
Had it's moments but nowhere near as good as debut
Tää levy ei päästä mua sisälle. Hyvin käytetty aikansa trendikolinoita kyllä.
Bjork is pretty damn awesome Its very very good. Its not as good as vespertine, but what is
It’s like she’s reading a Werner Herzog script while doing a Dutch Yoko Ono impression. The backing music is decent, almost Sigur Ros like. But no, she’s awful.
i hate bjork and i hated this beyond belief..... all the songs being between 5 and 10 minutes felt like a crime. this was by far the WORST thing i've had to endure on this list considering i couldn't even get through an entire song 0 stars is the only acceptable rating
This was a Bjork album. Homogenic was a favorite in high school and I still put it on every once in while and it feels raw and fresh nearly 30 years on. On one listen (maybe not enough), Vulnicura feels like a retread. Lush and beautiful, but no real new territory explored sonically. Postscript: Joanna Newsom's "Baby Birch" auto-played after this album. And with Bjork and Newsom sharing a similar space (unique voice with lush orchestration), I'm struck with how incredible "Baby Birch", compared to anything on the Bjork album I just listened to. My rating: 3/5
1. ztone - 2 2. lion - 2 3. touchez - 2 4. lake - 2.5 5. family - 1.5 6. notget - 2 7. atom - 1.5 8. mouth - 1.5 9. zand - 1.5
I don’t like it not for me
This was really, really good. It’s fascinating how tortured Björk sounds at points on this album. Stonemilker was probably my favourite and it opens the album so strongly. Loved this one!
Pretty good for Bjork
That was a strange album, not bad but strange.
Un poc raro, no m'agrada és seu accent pero tema producció molt molt interessant. 2/5
dsl mais pas mon truc... peut-être qu'un jour je comprendrai mais en attendant toutes les chansons sonnaient pareil à mes oreilles et c'était pas particulièrement plaisant à écouter...............................
I was only familiar with bjorks first 3 releases. This album still has her charm and artistry that I enjoy but in a much more dream like state.
I just can’t bjork
Without question it is unique-expecting anything less from Bjork would be silly. But I just couldn’t get into it. There were parts I enjoyed but as a whole it didn’t pull me into it even once.
Some really innovative music here. Also some nonsense. Does not riser to get best work.
Very Bjorky
I just love Björk's annunciation, her phrasing, her accent, her tone. I could listen to Björk sing the phone book. This is my second Björk album after Debut and I found it a bit less accessible and a little less trippy. But the production and sound is great. Definitely headphone music though, and something that needs proper listening to. For Björk though, I'll do it.
Not the best Bjork I’ve heard but still carried the experience of putting on a Bjork I’ve never heard, and having a good time with it.
7/14/25. I enjoy Bjork but couldn't get into this album much. I always enjoy the experimentation and straying away from pop cliches, but wasn't as engaging for some reason. Might need to listen a few more times.
Nice. A late one though - this isn't from the era of hypermusic etc. Curious to see what she was doing. The first track is EXCELLENT. Such beautiful sounds and arranged so skillfully. Feels a little like a follow up to kid a. Can't think of a more exciting description from me.
Very quirky and atmospheric, impressive that she can go outside the box so much and succeed. 4.1
I’d like to begin this by saying that this is only my second Björk album that I got. My first was Debut, which I surprisingly really liked. I remember saying in the review for that album, that it was different from what I expected and that I was looking forward to more from Björk. This album right here, however, was exactly what I feared a Björk album would be. Look, I knew Vulnicura would be leagues different than Debut. The circumstances around Björk were not as happy, so obviously there wasn’t going to be as much trip hop electronic this time around. But I feel as a result, she became a little more…grating? I’m trying not to dismiss this album because it’s weird. Weird usually can mean fun, but here it just… bored me. I think Björk has some beautiful vocals, but the runtime of the tracks here make her wear out her welcome really fast. It’s one of those albums where I would look to see how long a song was going for and the progress bar wouldn’t even be halfway. Maybe this album came at the wrong time. The distance between this and Debut is quite a bit, and I never really got to grasp how Björk’s sound progressed. But I just couldn’t get into this one. But it’s okay. Apparently, there still plenty more Björk left for me here. Hope this is the exception and not the rule. Favorite track: Quicksand (not because it’s the last track. I really liked it the most) Other hits: History of Touches, Notget, Mouth Mantra
Beautiful
Although super different and creative I just disnt like as I did before. Too tragic and songs are never ending. Yes they are beautifuly arranged and unique but at least today was not the day for me for this album.
Great headphone album. Soundscapes are inventive and unpredictable. Bjork seems very vulnerable here. (Divorce album?)
Never really liked, or understood Björk.
Meget følsomt elektronisk pop, masser af stryger og synth, tilpas mærkeligt
Weird, I like it, I don’t like it, I want to like it more. Probably too many oooOOOooos for 58 minutes
Bjork
Smooth Bjork sounds
Another Björk record. For whatever reason I wasn't feeling this as much as the previous records, maybe because it's slightly newer. Good and enjoyable regardless.
I’m not a huge fan of music that kind of dwells on itself in a morose state. Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Bjork…they all kind of fall into that same mold to me. …and I understand that art is therapeutic for the artist and an album like this might be more them than it is for me. I don’t have any issue with that at all. I just can’t spend a lot of time in that depressive frame of mind, it’s not appealing to me.
M'ha sorprès, però cap a malament. Pensava que era un altre rollo. Un poc cursi, massa melodia enrevessada. Crec que no ho he entès. Segurament si me pilla en un altre moment i l'escolt amb mes antenció hi trob més interès de lo que he trobat de primeres. Alguna cançó se salva.
One of the most creative and unique albums I've had the pleasure to discover, Vulnicura, by the praised icelandic singer Björk, is bold and full of mixed feelings that are deeply relatable, even if we've never been in the same situation she is describing throughout this work. This is art. Authentical, real, from the heart and one that expresses a worldview that is, mostly, pretty correct. Even if it's an album about the ending of a marriage, her concerns are very virtuous and comprehensible. I am very glad I got to know this work. -- Um dos álbuns mais criativos e únicos que tive o prazer de descobrir, Vulnicura, da aclamada cantora islandesa Björk, é ousado e repleto de sentimentos mistos com os quais nos identificamos profundamente, mesmo que nunca tenhamos passado pela mesma situação que ela descreve ao longo desta obra. Isto é arte. Autêntica, real, vinda do coração e que expressa uma visão de mundo que é, em grande parte, bastante correta. Mesmo sendo um álbum sobre o fim de um casamento, as preocupações dela são muito virtuosas e compreensíveis. Estou muito feliz por ter conhecido esta obra. 9,5/10
There’s a point where Bjork sounds so discordant that it’s very difficult Outside of that point there is requisite beauty here
I absorbed this album into me whilst running on a North Devon beach in the sunshine and it washed over me brilliantly. Loved it. 'Post' must be on the list as well surely?
I really loved this album when it dropped. I'm not sure it has held up for me as much as I hoped it would.
Score 8/10 Favorite Song: Stonemilker Vulnicura is an emotionally raw and immersive album that finds Björk at her most vulnerable. It’s a breakup record in the most literal sense, documenting the slow unraveling of a relationship and the aftermath with chilling honesty. The string arrangements, often sweeping and sorrowful, are paired with ghostly electronic production (much of it courtesy of Arca), creating a soundscape that feels like it’s collapsing in on itself. Björk’s vocals cut deep here — not just lyrically, but in delivery — like on “Black Lake,” where her pain feels infinite, or “Lionsong,” which sounds like she’s still holding out a desperate hope despite everything. What makes Vulnicura so compelling is how unfiltered it is. There’s not much polish or metaphor to hide behind, which can make the album heavy and, at times, difficult to return to. But that’s also its strength. It doesn’t try to make heartbreak sound pretty. Instead, it offers space for grief, anger, and finally healing, all paced through long, slowly building tracks that give each emotion its due. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s a powerful one, and a standout in Björk’s discography for just how fearless and human it is.
This album is very melodic and because It’s Bjork, the lyrics are super creative and unique. But it’s a break-up sung mostly in her native Icelandic language.
Well that was a slog. I legit thought Black Lake was about to end like eight times, but then it just kept on going.
I didn’t even know Björk had dropped an album in 2015, as I was certainly not paying much attention to anything outside of K-Pop at the time. This was an enjoyable listen that was the soundtrack to my morning grocery shopping and other errands.
It was good but I didn't love it tbh, it's surely a unique sound tho, got a bit boring sometimes. I don't mind the weirdness at all and I'm really into experimental, having listened to other records that combine electronic music and classical and I loved them but I think this was just not it
Interesting fusion of orchestral and electronic music. Some parts of the album were very layered and beautiful which I'm really into. Other parts were a bit slower than what I like. I'm sure if you sat down with the lyrics and were feeling a bit sad, this album would be pretty emotional and beautiful. One of my issues with Bjork is that sometimes the vocals feel pretty disconnected from the instrumentals. I like when the vocals almost feel like an instrument blended in more with the actual instruments.
From the I first heard Bjork as a junior in High School, I've never been able to get into a full album. Bjork kind of feels like Terrance Mallik film, where I have to be in the exact mood, watching it in theaters and probably never visiting it again. The art rock, psych elements, electronic orchestration, sad vocals. Its all cool. I get it. I respect the artistry. I get why people like it. It's probably just not for me. To sum it up, here is my most honest and fair review of this album: every song on this record sounds like the one song on every Arcade Fire album that you skip. She sounds like the worst part of one of my favorite bands.
This is a very Bjork-y album. If you like Bjork, this should be sufficiently Bjork-ish. Definitely has Bjork-like qualities. Plus gives one the opportunity to say Bjork repeatedly. Which is quite fun. Bjork Bjork Bjork. Otherwise, not a huge fan. Ok, but I only like a little Bjork. Human Behavior is plenty for me.
not for me
An entirely forgettable album
Cinematic score meets forest fairy witch. I've been on an Aurora kick lately who is inspired by Bjork so this was cool
I wasn’t getting with it
I haven't listened to a lot of Bjork but I know she's weird and I generally like weird. The album started off pretty slow, wasn't sure if I was feelin it at first. Then it started to find it's groove, I was in the zone. It continued to ramp up til the end. Last song reminded me a bit of her collab with Death Grips on The Powers That B as well. Overall really enjoyed it. Would maybe have done a 3.5/5 if I could.
I like Björk but the songs on this album were a little hit or miss for me. I don’t recommend listening to the first 1/4 of the album while sitting in traffic
Haven't björked one in a while. The front half was pretty at times but I think it really opened up in the back half for me. Inconsistent but I really like the parts I like
I’ve never listened to bjork, I can for sure see what she’s going for and really liked some of the songs, maybe if this wasn’t my intro to her music I’d like it better, but just wasn’t super into it
I really thought I would be into this. And I think I would be if it weren't a work day and I was tripping or something instead. As with all other Bjork, her accent is tough for me to follow lyrics at times so relying only on beat/melodies, it just wasn't doing it for me. I liked Atom Dance, not much else, but I did add a few other songs to my "weird and wonderful" playlist, which I rarely listen to, but love it for when I'm in a specific mood. For this, it gets 2 instead of 1.
I don't get bjork, I want to, but I can't. Maybe one day I'll go through a psychedelic experience and understand her.
not my cup of tea, but was not bad to listen to
7.5/10 Homogenic is in my top 5 albums ever, and this might be the best album Bjork has released since then? It dials up the strings and down the jagged beats, keeps the great songwriting and voice, goes darker and more mature. The beats are often my favourite part of her songs, so I did gravitate toward those songs more. Black Lake is up there with the best Bjork songs. Best: Black Lake
Solemn strings, deep electronic percussion and of course beautiful vocals
Pretty strings, forgettable songs, best listen to in headphones but won’t listen again.
Even though it's been some time since I listened to this album (after the breakup of a long term relationship no less), it still hits thematically and sonically. Just ugh, what a crushingly heartbreaking album
Another wonderful record from Björk. This one more intimate and personal than the others I’ve heard.
I like it when artists take big risks, even if there is a chance that it won't come off, so I enjoyed her electro/ string arrangements and instrumentally creative choices she made. But, on the other hand, I've never been much of a fan of Bjork because I don't enjoy the sound of her singing voice, so that seemed like an album that was a lot longer than 58 minutes. I am frustrated often by the way she phrases the syllables of her lyrics. It is so disjointing that it often takes me right out of the groove of the song. I respect what she does for the tastes of others, but her music is a certain kind of specific that I struggle to find a place for it in my life. "Human Behavior" from her first album DEBUT continues to be the only song I enjoy enough to keep in my collection.
Björk has been my favorite female artist since the '90s, so of course I like this album. It's not a personal favorite, but that's okay. I'll still give it 4 stars on here.
Not my favorite Björk album, but definitely not bad.
I'm a fan of Björk's, and as always there are some fine moments on Vulnicura (the palpable tension that runs through Lionsong is exquisite, and the super-raw soul-baring in the lyrics is powerful too). However, like much of her post-90s output, the admirable pursuit of weird, genuinely innovative melodies/song structures/production mean this is often a challenging listen - and not just emotionally.
Wow…this album is terrible.
Particularly enjoyed the instrumentals on this. Struggled with the vocal phrasing, which made listening to it all the way through a bit challenging for me, but I can appreciate the musicianship and can understand why she’s highly rated for her unique style.
Very emotional. The abrupt end fit with the theme of a breakup.
Admittedly, this is my third Bjork album this month and I’m getting tad weary of it. She has the ability to create importance in her work. It’s almost theatrical and I love the string arrangements. The trouble is, aside from concentrated listening, I can’t think of the right use case for this music.
OMG BJORK Im a big Bjork fan, and this is in the upper echelon of her discography. Thank you to the person who introduce Bjork to Arca. They are a match made in heaven and make this one of the most interesting to listen albums ive had on this site. I'm not sure if it's a ten but its close enough to give it that on this site. 9/10
I gave high ratings to Vespertine and Debut, but even after playing it through a couple of times, I could not engage with this album in the same way. It's a two-star effort from my perspective.
I didn't like this as much as the other Bjork album I listened to, but it was still interesting and unique.
Sounds like Bjork
Intricate and uniquely Bjork, something I more respect than will come back to listen to. I think this is the last Bjork on the list and surprised Post is not on here. Only have her albums after Medulla still left to listen to minus this one Rating: 3.8
Not her best work but y'know... it's still Björk.
Three oblique analogies will serve. Our friends Howard, Matt and Matt saw “Dancer in the Dark” with me on release, a very enjoyable time as the film infuriated the Matts to an audible extent, and they ranted beautifully afterwards, goaded by my mild praise. An afternoon of improvised interpretative dance workshop in Paris for the love of a fiancée, harrowing for one unschooled in dance and primitive in French, left me with respect for the form and the relief of knowing I’d played my lifetime role in it. A few months later, breaking up with me on the walk down from a weekend monasterial retreat (also for love, silent aside from prayers and Bible chat, French), my ex-fiancée asked me to stop using analogies as I tried to talk our way out of it.
I fucking hated this. Aimless string vomit and purposeless techno farts frame pretentious mispronunciation. I thought I despised Bjork beforehand but this takes it to an unimaginable new level. Who likes this shit, honestly?
I'm both unsurprised and surprised the average rating is so low. I thought it was great - experimental but still emotional.
I like some stuff by Bjork, Army Of Me is a banger, and I want to like more, but I didn't find it on this record.
This album really is something. Björk if nothing else is certainly an ephemeral transcriber of difficult, raw, and indescribable emotions on this soul-searing existential breakup album. I think her goal was to essentially turn herself inside out and let the art do the work of working through and healing the real. This album says a lot about identity and grief, and you may not be who you thought you were without that same loving relationship you've had for years. You might not be a person, but a frightening creature now. The sounds on this thing range anywhere from graceful, somewhat gentle and somber, to absolute stress, terror and emotional urgency. Horrifying leads and phrases. Absolutely otherworldly and intense, how could It not be? Beyond raw, beyond real, in the rarely explored territory of hyper-real analysis of emotion and intention.
There is very little redeeming here for me. Can’t even appreciate the vocals because of how whiney it all is. I’m sure divorce is tough but this sounds to me like a teenage fanfiction on divorce. Sorry.
The musical equivalent of answering the doorbell and stepping in the flaming bag of dogshit the neighbor kids left on your stoop. Bjork has a way of phrasing words in the most annoying fucking way possible. de-vvvvvvvOOOOO-SSSShhhhiooonnnnnn
These are terrible, inconsistent soundscapes with slam poetry vocals sprinkled in. I stopped listening and had to come back because it was such a frustrating and tedious experience. Hard pass.
I didn't find this to be a bit boring to be honest.
Challenging but very affecting. I won’t listen regularly but glad I did at least once.
Very stereotypically Björk-y.
I'll chalk this one up to the 1000 albums I should die before I hear. Bjork is just not enjoyable. Not only is it not enjoyable but I have to suffer through 8-11 min songs. Jebus. It's beyond me that there are people who buy her albums. In what mood does one have to be to want to listen to this? I hope I'm never in that mood.
boring
Beautiful, hypnotic. Loved it.
Too intellectual, but not heady. I feel there is some comparison to Bowie's more esoteric albums but Bjork's music is unapologetically rough around the edges and unsettling. I can see how that's a major part of the appeal. For me, it feels like art designed to be unraveled and examined, which I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not being into, but it's managing to not scratch a single musical itch for me. Overall it's not for me, but I'm glad her art and it's audience found each other.
I like Björk’s hits. I don’t really wanna listen to a whole album by her.
Not my cup o tea but I can see the appeal
2/10 I don't like Bjorn. I recognise the need for unique voices, and I salute her for having one. It's just I really dislike it. The staccato, broken delivery does my nut in. Maybe slightly harsh on this album, but it took a big effort to make it through
Cool but not my style
Not Bjork's best work. The orchestration is fantastic. I'm not certain what key the songs are in, but it sounds modal, which is unique these days. The problem is that she seems to sing the same four notes for about an hour; that is, there wasn't enough variance between songs.
Can't get used to newer Bjork
Intanto shoutout alla copertina di questo album, a mio parere una delle più belle che Bjork abbia mai creato. Anche il nome…stupendo. E l’album in sé è fantasticamente struggente, specie quando lo ascolti con in mente l’amore e l’affetto che traspaiono da Vespertine, album a cui è gemellato. Black Lake, Family e Notget sono eccezionali, l’album sebbene lungo e denso secondo me scorre bene (a parte Lionsong che detesto). Non voglio dilungarmi troppo, si sappia che mi piace molto
Good singer, interesting, but I just can't get into it.
Не самый, эмм, в веселом смысле впечатляющий её альбом, но, наверное, наиболее чувственный. Воспринимается мной сейчас будто бы с гораздо большей теплотой, чем на релизе. Не уверен, что это говорит обо мне, но это всегда приятно, находить что-то в музыке, которая когда-то прошла мимо. Лучшая песня - Black Lake.
Go off girl but this is not my cup of tea at all. There is no denying Bjork's talent and artistry - if you're into her stuff than good for you, but I could never imagine myself listening to this voluntarily. Maybe I'm just a cretin. Who knows.
There’s really no reason Vulnicura should be this list, she’s delivered far more inventive and lasting work elsewhere. That said, it’s a nice, emotional listen. The string arrangements are beautiful, and the vulnerability in her voice is hard to miss. But after multiple listens, nothing truly rises above the surface to leave a lasting impression. It’s thoughtful and well-crafted, just not especially memorable.
I've never been fucked sideways with a lunchbox and it's not difficult to imagine how very painful that must be, but I flat out can't imagine it being more painful than this HOUR-LONG fever dreaming bastard of an album.
I just couldn’t enjoy this album. The strings were decent but an hour of sad strings over murmurs of death, love and sadness doesn’t make a good listen. Even if there is some variation on that every song drags on so long that it just becomes tired and boring. Like I said on my review of debut I think that bjork works better with upbeat songs and not sad 10 minute snoozefests. 1 star
Well at least it was unique. This was the first album where I couldn't make it completely through
4/5
Yep, pretty much what we expect from Bjork at this point! The weirdness doesn't do as much for me this deep in her career, as it did when it was fresh and new. Strikingly abnormal just doesn't strike that many times. At this point what would surprise me is swooping through a more normal genre. Like what if Bjork wrote a country album?
I think I would like each song individually but the album as a whole doesn't have enough melody for me to enjoy it
I can't deny some kind of artistic value for this. It is just not art that I would appreciate. Not the worst album here but definitely not must have on the list.
Björk has such a unique sound, and I could never truly place her, or her work, into any specific genre. She has her own genre entirely. Her voice and sound is strange (in a fantastic way) and can range from haunting to ethereal from song to song. Family was my personal favorite on the album. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really did enjoy this album. It grew on me more and more with each song, and it has me excited to hear more from her.
Not a fan
I seriously will never understand the appeal of Björk. I believe that she’s talented, but only because I hear it from people over and over again. I can’t tell any song apart from another. There’s no range. No emotion. No fun. The vocals are unlistenable. Production is a one trick pony. What am I supposed to be listening for? 2/5
My ongoing struggle to make it through another Bjork album continues with, Vulnicura. As with most of her records on this list, I'm clearly not in her target audience or fan base, it's hard to get past her voice and artsy compositions. I must say though, this album was less annoying and her vocals and songs expressed more emotion and compassion, than her usual weirdo ideas. To say I like this more than her other records isn't saying much, rather it says either it was more understated and mature or I've become acclimated to Bjork's music. Probably the latter.
NO.... Favorite songs: Stonemilker.....I guess?!? Least favorite songs: Family, Black Lake, Lionsong, History of Touches, Mouth Mantra, Atom Dance, Quicksand 1/5
Love Bjork but some of her music is an acquired taste.
Interesting and trippy
I really have tried to enjoy Bjork. And I do enjoy and appreciate many of her songs. But her albums as a whole exhaust me. Brilliant, innovative, but I can't keep them playing. 4.5 for originality. 2.5 for my enjoyment.
> The Beatles Björk rules
Nicht so meins, trotzdem zwei Sterne weil ich vielleicht einfach nicht in der Stimmung war.
Sorry Bjork, but the last half was unbearable. 4.7/10
2.11
didn’t get to listen to it yesterday, since I was working with Cramer. But got to it today. It was beautiful. But long. And probably not what I should have listened to on the exercise bike. The songs were all very pretty. She has a wonderful voice. I’ll never listen to it again. Post and Debut should be on here over this.
As someone who has always admired Björk from a distance but never listened to much of her music I read all these comments calling this a pretentious mess and thought "Ha! I bet they just don't understand REAL art. I'm sure I'll appreciate this!" But yeah, no, sorry, I think it's just pretentious. Personally I blame Arca, the production is just a total casino of noise, at times unbearably so. Sorry Björk, I want to love you but not like this... Not like this.
This is clearly a deeply personal, brilliant work of musical genius - but probably NOT an easy casual listen for most (while sober, at least..). It feels droning and meandering, and Björk's vocals can feel disjointed and agonizing (no surprise given the circumstances of her life at the time she wrote/recorded it). Next time I'll try copious amounts of drugs and see if anything 'clicks' (?)
I've always thought of this as one of my least favourite Björk albums, but having listened to it again, it's beautiful. It's still so grand and emotional with the synths and strings blended seamlessly.
50/1001 The world is definitely a better place for having Björk, of that there can be no doubt. Here, her voice is very upfront and in-your-face and, while that voice is unique and interesting as ever, the music seems to be little more than an afterthought that doesn't really marry up with the vocals in a satisfactory way. Some trippy beats here, some lush orchestration there - but never providing anything more than a simplistic backdrop for Guðmundsdóttir to vent (it's a breakup album, it would appear). It's all a bit self-indulgent and bleak, and is certainly a million miles away from her biggest hits two decades prior. An amazing talent who has definitely forged her own unique path through music (and beyond), I can't help that feel that this path strayed from the brilliance of her 90s output a long time ago. Kudos to her for always pushing the envelope and trying new things, but, while I did enjoy moments of this album, I can't help but hold it up against the likes of Play Dead, Human Behaviour and Army Of Me, and I know which I'd rather be listening to.
This is a very intimate and sad album, where Björk shows herself at her most vulnerable moments, specially in the first half of the album, being the track 'Black Lake' the most emotional one. Now that I've described this album, I have to give some of my personal takes. First, I'm really glad that I discovered Björk before this album and list, because this is not an easy listen, as it took me several days to form an opinion. Second, I love the weirdness and experimentaion of Björk's music. She always surprise me with her strange melodies and way of singing. For example, a track that really stand out to me for these things is 'Notget'. In summary, as I said, in this album, Björk exposes her most vulnerable side withouth sacrificing the traits that define her previous works, specially in the first half, which is way stronger than the last tracks.
è Björk, ma non è inascoltabile
Vähän turhan taiteellista alkaa olla. Poppi-björk on parempi. Kuuntelee silti! 3/5
Björkillä ollut kyllä kova ura, eikä vauhti hidastunut edes 2010-luvulla! Hyvää taidepoppia 4/5
Not as good as her 90s output but still beautiful and heartbreaking
2.5
Surprisingly OK
Bjork just doesn't do it for me. I'm not sure I NEEDED to hear this album before I died.
my god this was difficult to get through