Ágætis Byrjun

Immediately I'm intrigued. It sounds experimental, yet warm. What a wonderful first song to set the mood - Intro is just such a nice start. The calm, soft synth notes. Instantly, the world around doesn't matter - i'm so curious what's next. Not sure what language is this, but the tone matches the song well. It's incredibly immersive, captivating even. I wish I knew what they were singing, but it feels like wrapping me in a blanket of chords. I think the theme may be conception, given the muffled sounds, long chords, or heartbeat-like rhythms. And the album cover, of course. It may feel a bit too much... self-loving? I mean, the music feels even a bit TOO heavenly and serene, like it wants to be the sounds of Heaven itself. But frankly? I don't care. It's such a relaxing vibe. I really want to listen to it again after all that. All the flutes, saxes, violins, guitars... it's a spiritual experience of an album. I know I wouldn't be able to listen to it everyday, but darn. It's great.

No need to listen. Know this one really well. 4.5 just because they have better albums

I rarely hear people talk about the bass on this album. It’s basically always doing the same ostinato line the whole song and eventually drops out for a bit. But a song like Ny Batteri would be nothing without it.

Wonderfully depressing

I discovered Sigur Rós during my covid lockdown musical revival and I have listened to this album countless times since. Sigur Rós create a soundscape through which the album floats, sweeps and soars. It's sometimes pleasantly ambient but then there are moments, like the string section in "Starálfur" that demand attention. The Icelandic (or "Hopelandic") vocals remove the clutter of specific meaning and forces the non-speaker to make their own interpretation. Although referring to specific tracks seems inappropriate because the whole album flows so congruently I can barely bring myself to listen to any part in isolation. Musically, they often get referred to with the catch-all of "Post Rock", but this has never felt suitable. There are obvious rock music structures but in long, prog-rockesque tracks that have classical orchestral accompaniment, jazz horns, and even some occasional blues harmonica. This is a great album to just put on some headphones and melt into.

Hollllyyy shit this is mb the best album ive been introduced to from this project. Makes other albums in adjacent genres sound worse. Makes me miss Iceland. Maybe theyre so happy because theyre somber and accept it? I’ll take my Ls even though it’s not fun… FIVE. (All u did was write the book on garbage ass rollies - Aubrey)

Phenomenal! Felt like a mix of classical and ethereal space rock, haven’t heard anything else like it before.

<3

Я бы мог расписать отзыв к этому альбом на несколько страниц, и я скорее всего сделаю это попозже. Но вкратце: этот альбом поменял мою жизнь на до и после, каждый обязан послушать его взахлëб до смерти

I've been sleeping on Icelanders. I didn't understand a word, but enjoyed every second of this album

a beautiful epic that combines sigur ros hopelandic lyrics with soaring and emotional post rock that soars and flies into emotional spaces you didn't know you could feel.

This album is the closest thing I can think of to being wrapped up in a cozy blanket on a cold winter night in audio form. The swells and ambient world building completely melt away your consciousness and open up your third eye to see a more beautiful and majestic reality. This is one of those bands that stand in their own category on their own pedestal. I’ve never listened to this album all the way through what a fucking treat.

Beautiful epic ethereal A bit long but I'll make an exception

As another reviewer said, this is the kind of album I was hoping to discover in the course of the project—completely new to me, and perfectly itself. Apart from the coda to one track that sounds like an orchestra tuning up, and the suspicion that the lyrics would put me off if I could understand them, it’s a 5.

Sigur Ros are one of my all time favourite bands. Their albums whilst always experimental never fail to move me. As a live band there is no better. Always an experience rather than a gig which always leaves me emotionally drained. As a fan I obviously have all their albums which I play regularly so this album needs no introduction. If I were to rank their albums, which is hard because each one has unique features to set them apart and love equally, I wouldn’t quite put this at the top of my list. Takk contains most of their well known tunes and () is sublimely beautiful and surprises me every play. Both these I would rank ahead of this one but only just and on another day might change my view. The best thing on this album is that Jonsi’s trademark guitar playing with a stringed bow is really to the fore. What a wonderful sound he makes guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your head stand up. They also achieve something Pink Floyd on Echoes manage. An immediately recognisable one note start to Svefn G Englar. What a wonderful happy tune Olsen Olsen is. Can it ever fail to put a smile on your face and make you want to skip along to that penny whistle tune? The title track is Jonsi singing and playing at his best in a style as if he’s right In front of you singing for you. Note the guitar string sounds recording his movements along the fret which make it so personal. The effect he achieves here is replicatated and improved upon on the live album Harv/Heim which really must also be sought out. This album is no doubt in my top five of those so far served up to me and I cannot recommend it enough. Pity and a travesty that this seems to be the only Sigur Ros album on the list. For that reason make the most of it because music does not get a lot better than what’s on this album. 5/5 25/5/25

A new favorite

moving, beautiful, absolute cinema wonderful - 10/10 these last few days have been the generators apology for the miserable spell it put me through before that

Yes, I tried to learn icelandic because of my obsession with Sigur Rós when I was a teenager. What can I say, I was a weird teenager. Maybe not the most "palatable" album, but so good.

Great great great

Purchased the CD.

Wow I don’t think I was listening properly at first listen, as this is way better than I remember. The synths are incredible and also the piano parts. Everything is so glued together - parts feel quite lo-fi but still very high production value. I just wish I could understand the vocals as I think that would be an extra layer of enjoyment, but even so, they are incredible and also- and fit in with the instrumentals so well. Not understanding the words makes me see them as more of an instrument in themselves. I think that makes this incredibly unique - even from other ‘post-rock’. It’s just quite beautiful and haunting at times which is somewhat a perfect combination. Favourite songs: all of them - absolute favourites may be the first one (including the intro I suppose) and Olsen Olsen. Overall around 9/10

5/5

I love Sigur Ros, no idea what they’re talking about or what anyone’s name really is but they’re so good at the unique sound the produce.

Banger. They weave musical dreamscapes. Not understanding the language really helps in appreciating the music more abstractly. 5/5

An amazing album. A classic probably? It really feels outer worldly although vocals that are not in my language help with that. It feels like one of the best examples however of how transcendent music can make you feel regardless of your contextual understanding of the lyrics.

Two new-to-me five star albums in a row? LOVE it when that happens! This is the type of discovery that makes trudging through all the mediocre albums worth it. I’ve heard of Sigur Ros before but didn’t know what type of music they made, so this was a beautiful shock to me. It felt like a transmission from another world, chillwave, ambient music made by elves or something. I found this album so soothing, so calming, with staggeringly breathtaking moments of intensity and release. This album immediately touched me. I had a lot of travel yesterday to and from school, and honestly, I get stressed by long travel. I had this album on the whole time and it brought me serenity. Music is really incredible! One of my favorite new albums I’ve heard for this project!!! Top 3 probably!

Nice

A Post-Rock instant classic

This album is haunting, beautiful, and incredibly liminal. The cover is so fitting for the sounds too, shit sounds like how I imagine it was in the womb. Just chillin in the embriotic fluid. It's like a low, embracing, warming kind of sound though. I do love 'hopelandic', I can't really tell the difference between hopelandic and icelandic obviously, so I kinda listen to it like I would an Elizabeth Fraser record. Absolutely otherworldly. I am a sucker for pedals, reverb, and melting into the ether and this album does all those exceedingly well. Staralfur's opening makes me tear up just from the sheer grandiosity of heavenly sounds. Really stunning atmospheric post rock with gentle nods to some very thick n rich early ambient albums. Very intense walls of sound instantly eat away at the meditative qualities and send you into a whole new loud rock space. We're only young once.. or?

I liked it

I have known the band for quite some time now and this album is one of my favourites. I love these kinds of experimental music, the connection between Icelanders and nature fascinates me and Sigur Rós is together with Björk my favourite Icelandic artist. It is really great for relaxing and could serve as a study background, although I often listen to it while commuting to school and I will most definitely come back to this almost masterpiece of an album. And on a side note I just love the album cover. 9.2/10 Best: Svefn-g-englar

164/1089 - The excellent song forms are what sell this album for me. The sounds are very unique and beautiful and atmospheric and all that for sure but the sounds are arranged in a very functional and structural way that grounds it and elevates it. Cool sounds with purpose.

Not come across this before and really enjoyed listening to it for the first time. Will need to return and listen again.

Great ambient rock

Most beautiful thing I have ever heard

I've listened to this album before. I like the cover art. Solid album, the vocals are really good and I like the mix of instruments. I would really like to visit Iceland.

pov: when your first iceland album is not bjork It's one day before my history finals exam. I am now in my bedroom, with all the curtains closed, staring at revise materials while the air conditioner blows at a temperature that freezes the room into ice. Determined, I opened the album. and I elevated. 5/5

Probably the prettiest album I have ever heard, even though I didn't understand anything he said, this album sounds warm and comfortable like a blanket

I remember being introduced to Sigur Rós in a dingy terraced house in Wrexham, North Wales sixteen years ago by an American Mormon Missionary with cast iron hair and a truly gruesome case of acne. He was a weird guy, and at nineteen I lumped his love of Sigur Rós in with his all the rest of his other 'weird guy' traits and habits. (I was more of a Rolling Stones guy). So, once he'd moved on I never gave that weird Icelandic music another thought. Until yesterday. This is a quintessential 'headphone record.' Initially I tried listening to 'Ágætis Byrjun' on car speakers and something about the experience just...didn't land. Maybe there was some residual Wrexham resistance, maybe nineteen year old me was still howling "WHAT IS THIS SHIT??" from the void. However, I tried again. Once I'd put on some noise cancelling headphones and hit play we were off and cooking. Good music has the ability to take you to places. GREAT music stops time. This album does both. It's etherial, otherworldly and absolutely gorgeous. I'm not sure entirely sure whether it was made in Iceland (as is claimed) or on Jupiter. Frankly, I don't care. I don't know what any of it means, but I know that I FELT it. I guess I owe that strange American an apology.

Після скромного дебюту Von (1997), який розійшовся мізерним тиражем, та звучав як суміш Smashing Pumpkins та My Bloody Valentine, Sigur Rós вирішили радикально змінити підхід та створили 70-хвилинний опус, що поєднує ембієнт, класичні аранжування та рокові елементи. Ágætis byrjun побудований на принципі масштабності, де звук народжується від динамічного контрасту. Найкраще це демонструє вже перший 10-и хвилинний трек Svefn-g-englar - занурення в підводний світ з ехом сонарів, органном та фальцетом Йонсі Біргіссона. Аранжування тільки додають симфонічного розмаху - струнні, духові, флейти та піаніно створюють багатошарові текстури, що нагадують "мінімалістичну класику", але з роковим впливом. Емоційно альбом викликає відчуття катарсису, суміші меланхолії й піднесення. Це більше “досвід” - суцільна подорож, яка або захоплює, або дратує своєю монотонністю. Звісно - зараз це вже "просто класика" пост-року, яка і досі звучить впізнавано й велично, але й водночас це не найлегший альбом для пересічного слухача, тому для більшості він буде сприйматися швидше як документ епохи. Культурний ефект Ágætis byrjun колосальний. Цей альбом фактично вивів пост-рок за межі вузької сцени й показав, що атмосферна, інструментально складна музика може працювати для великої аудиторії. Саме завдяки цій роботі, Sigur Rós стали джерелом натхнення для десятки гуртів нульових, а їхні треки почали з’являтися в кіно та рекламі.

One of my top all-time favorites.

This is #day309 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… It's been more than 10 days since I got something decent, meaning an album I could give at least a 4. So here's to what Friday the 13th brings. There was a time in my early 20s when I was really into Sigur Rós. Under Byen comes to mind, and a bunch of other bands. I think it had a lot to do with a friend I used to share music with, we connected over this kind of sound. Fun times... I like a description I once read of Sigur Rós' music: "an avalanche in slow motion." While my favorite will probably always be ( ), aka The Bracket Album (I also really liked Kveikur; I remember looking forward to its release), Ágætis byrjun is likely their first truly definitive work. No wonder the title translates to A Good Beginning. Not sure there's a point in trying to decipher this music, probably the right word, since on their next album, they'd go on to invent an entirely new language to sing in (as if Icelandic wasn't already cryptic enough, lol). That's what you call avant-garde. "Ný batterí" (really like their darker stuff) is stellar. This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day310.

Amazing artist that I hadn't heard of before. Loved it. Shot me to another dimension

So beautiful. Love it!

I liked it a lot, very calming

An album so beautiful they had to create a new language for it

This album really takes you elsewhere, what a floating blast!

I follow Sigur Ros since I'm a teenager and this album is one of the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. I'm always blown away by how otherworldly this music is.

This is awesome. Certainly something I would have scrolled on by without the recommendation.

Love it! Such a good album, reminds me of being 16. I'd forgotten how much I know it off by heart. Actually makes me quite emotional and is hard to listen to, 5 stars

Incredible. Listened to this album religiously back when it came out. During my post-rock phase. Ny batteri is incredible. Also we had staraflugerythmnor what ever its called during our wedding

I love me some ethereal Icelandic music

Veldig spennende album. Har partier i sangene som er nyskapende, vakre og interessante. Beste låt Viȯrar vel til loftárása. Ligger helt i skille mellom 4 og 5 stjerner. Denne gang vipper jeg opp til 5.

Liked it

Purity, beauty and serenity all in one. I'm a Sigur Rós fan for many years - Takk... being one of my all-time favourite albums - but Ágætis Byrjun is well up there with the best too. Svefn-g-englar is a true sonic journey. I love it.

What does Heaven sound like? Can we hear peace? Is God merely a bowed guitar? Perhaps, or perhaps it is…this….album

!!! First time it's a band I'm already very familiar with. I haven't listened to this particular album much before though, so this was a treat. I love it, but that was no surprise.

My type of music. Very spacey. I don't know what they're saying because I don't speak Dutch or Icelandic languages but I know the mood. 10/10

This was such a surprise to me! Incredible instrumentals and vocals! Even though it was all in Icelandic, you could feel the emotion.

Dessa islänningar!

Excellent prog. Great dynamics. An unexpected aural experience.

ok LOVED! and it's a made up language? hopelandic? sold

Best album ever!!!5/5

When I listened to Sigur Rós first I had my issues with them. It's high wailing and ambient stuff. Only later I appreciated them more at real artists in what they do. They didn't know where the Cocteau Twins were, the pioneers of dream pop. After relistening to this album here, I sincerely believe that these Iceland Iads mastered dream pop better than any other. Headphones open up this wide space for you that's actually hidden in the deep soundscapes. It's slow music that works with repetition but still complex enough to get these full notes right. Geniuses!

Amazing, I can only imagine what a live concert in Iceland could be

An absolutely beautiful listen from start to finish. This album is one of those unique records that feels like it belongs in a genre/category of its own as it is that unique and special.

YES!!

Beautiful.

This is one of those albums that really turned my head when I first heard it. Something so different much of what I was listening to at the time. Following their progress on subsequent albums convinced me that there was something truly different going on here. I play this a lot, at different times, in different locations and in different moods. There's something here that still makes the hairs on my neck stand up so many years later.

Una obra de arte, como toda su discografía. Banda y sonidos únicos (con influencias de Radiohead, Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Pink Floyd, Beatles, My bloody valentine, todo el ambient...) He escuchado el disco tantas veces que me lo sé de memoria. Svefn-g-englar, Starálfur, Flugufrelsarinn, Ny Batteri, Olsen Olsen (en Vonlenska)... No es post-Rock, es mucho más, es un universo único, con la voz tan peculiar de Jónsi. Y este debut (en realidad segundo disco, pero primero internacional) es solo el comienzo (un buen comienzo como indica Ágætis Byrjun) pues cada disco es una experiencia, sobre todo (), Takk o Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust . Absolutamente imprescindible.

"Ágætis byrjun" is the second studio album by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. Post-rock, dream pop, ambient and chamber pop are the Wiki-listed genres. Yeah, they all belong. The album was a departure from their debut "Von" which had extended ambient soundscapes and was replaced by Jón Þór "Jónsi" Birgisson's cello-based guitarwork and orchestration. Ágætis byrjun means a good beginning. The album was produced by Ken Thomas who worked with the Sugarcubes and the bandmembers included Jón Þór "Jónsi" Birgisson (vocals, guitars), Kjartan Sveinsson (keyboards), Georg "Goggi" Hólm (bass) and Ágúst Ævar Gunnarsson (drums). The album was Sigur Rós' commercial and critical breakthrough. "Intro" opens the album. Choir-like vocals, a wobbly, warped vinyl sound and then silence. An echoing submarine sounds leads into the next song "Svefn-g-englar." High-pitched keys, a distorted guitar with feedback and drums. It's dreamy. A high-tenor voice with Icelandic vocals. Slowed paced but the songs builds with the pace and volume picking up. You realize the vocals are just another instrument. Just beautiful. Svefn-g-englar translates to sleepwalking angels. "Starálfur" is brighter with orchestral strings and piano keys. It becomes louder. The drums sound like firecrackers. More strings and higher-pitched backing vocals. It's movie like. Starálfur = Staring Elf. The second-released single "Ný batterí" (new batteries) starts with a drone. High-tenor vocals and drums with loud cymbal strikes. The pace picks up and horns come in. Very "Kid A." "Viðrar vel til loftárása" (It's good weather for airstrikes) opens very slowly with a melancholic-sounding piano. Strings, a drum beat, hushed vocals. Eventually, the song explodes. Strings, louder drums. A chaotic ending. It's not surprising that three of these songs were used in movies. The songs do follow a pattern of very slow to building to exploding. But, it works in every song. Movie-like, dramatic and dreamy. The music is just beautiful evoking emotions. Birgisson has a tremendous, emotional voice which is essentially another instrument. Even though the language used is mostly Icelandic, the vocals are also purposely gibberish. It doesn't matter, they sound great. An album everyone needs to hear at least once and is highly recommended.

Like radio head but not Zionist.

A surprising true gem!

9.5/10. Immense beauty. "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" should have featured way more post-rock.

So beautiful and ethereal

I urge you, if you have the means, to one day find a secluded country road, preferably somewhere in the mountains, and wait until the stars are out. Make sure your car has a killer sound system. Crank ‘Viorar vel til Loftarasa’ to the max and drive. When that bowed guitar hits, be careful that you don’t launch into space. Be careful that if you become space, you stay on the road.

Wow. Maybe I was just in the right place at the right time when I started listening to the album on my morning walk/commute, but hearing Svefn-g-englar, it was like my eyes were opened and I was reminded that I am alive, aware of everything beautiful around me. As I walked, I was reminded of Koyaanisqatsi, the time-lapse film on civilization set to Philip Glass's music. I enjoy minimalist music, so its no surprise that I liked the long, atmospheric tones of Ágætis Byrjun. I'm glad I listened with headphones because the sounds in stereo really amplified my listening experience. Much of the album has the same atmospheric and ethereal sounds, so I was surprised by the variety of emotions that different tracks elicited. For example, Ný batterí was quite meditative, in a withdrawn sense. It made me focus on internal feelings the music brought forth. Quite differently, Svefn-g-englar brought out an awe-inspiring sense of awareness of those things external to myself. Other highlights included the funky kind of intro to Hjartað Hamast, and the climax of strings, horns, and voices in Olsen olsen. There was one point in Starálfur where I almost thought the big string sounds were a bit overdone, but overall I loved every second of this album.

Absolutely love this album. Takes me back to a time that was pretty stressful in my life, but this album definitely helped me through that.

This is the 83rd album I’m rating. I hear the band is very experimental and the lyrics are absolute gibberish but I’ve never listened to them. Adding to my Playlist - Intro, Starálfur, Flugufrelsarinn, Hjartað Hamast (Bamm Bamm Bamm), Olsen Olsen, Ágætis Byrjun, and Avalon. Not Adding to my Playlist - Svefn-g-Englar, Ný Batterí, and Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása. Intro - I know this album is going to be great because usually intros are awful. Svefn-g-Englar - This is long and the entire thing sounds the same to me so I don’t know why it is so long. Ný Batterí - Something about this feels similar to The Anchor song by Björk but it isn’t as good. Olsen Olsen - Apparently this is all gibberish but I can’t tell the difference. All in all I liked 7/10 songs. They weren’t as experimental as I thought they would be but the album was still very interesting. One of Iceland’s best just behind Björk.

One of the best auditory experiences of my life.

Gorgeous, atmospheric, feels like the soundtrack of exploring the world on a gray damp day. I didn’t know about “post rock” as a genre but it seems I’m a fan!

What a surprise - I always dismissed Sigur Rós as being arty crap - kind of the slow moving and broody post rock - but this is a genuinely gorgeous record - at many times uplifting and special. Loved it and now I have to question my biases to other contemporary artists.. oh dear.

I first found this album through the movie The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou in which the track Starálfur is showcased. It has since become a very personal album to me, and while it may not be my favorite Sigur Rós record, that would be Valtari, I do not think I can give this less than a 5. I come back and listen to it very often and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. 5/5

[looks at iceland] I'll have what she's having!

Fleeting splendor in a deeply unfair world.

10/10 Beautiful as seeing the person you'll fall in love with for the very first time, then seeing them again 10 years later and realising you still love them like that. Tip: Right after Flugufrelsarinn, listen to "Catch the Rainbow" by Rainbow, with a 6-second fade in between.

Beautiful, majestic, scary.

Just a totally beautiful album from start to finish. So glad this was put back on my radar. Love this band and love this album.

9.5/10

A new discovery for me. There are already many excellent reviews of this amazing album on this site, so I won't dive into the details. All I can add is my personal experience of listening to the first minute or so of Flugufrelsarinn while walking through Charing Cross station at rush hour. It was impossible to know which squeals and hums came from the trains, commuters, and coffee machines, and which came pre-packaged from Iceland. A bizarre and other-worldly layered audio experience. This isn't an album I'm going to put on repeat, but when I really need to be taken to a different place to focus intently then this will be on.

Sigur Ros are a band that felt like they were from another planet when they arrived on the scene. It's not that there isn't other post-rock and orchestral music or that other singers don't sing in languages other than English or in falsetto. However, the ethereal sound of Sigur Ros and the mix of all the elments they put together has still made them mostly a unique experience, and they've been able to replicate it without making the same album over and over. This album is the original that took off, and while it's not my favorite by them, at this point, it has at least a couple of their best songs, and the whole thing is just beautiful and still a classic.

Beautiful

## In-Depth Review of *Ágætis Byrjun* by Sigur Rós Sigur Rós' *Ágætis Byrjun* (1999) is widely regarded as a landmark album in post-rock, blending ethereal soundscapes, orchestral arrangements, and Jónsi Birgisson's haunting falsetto to create a deeply emotive experience. This review explores its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Ágætis Byrjun* are primarily sung in Icelandic and Vonlenska (Hopelandic), a gibberish language invented by the band. This linguistic choice enhances the universality of the album by allowing listeners to focus on the emotional resonance of the vocals rather than literal meanings. Tracks like "Svefn-g-englar" ("Sleepwalking Angels") and "Viðrar vel til loftárása" ("Good Weather for Airstrikes") evoke dreamlike imagery that complements the atmospheric music[1][3][5]. While the lyrics are often unintelligible to most listeners, their emotive delivery transcends language barriers. For example, Jónsi’s falsetto in “Starálfur” ("Staring Elf") feels like an invocation of innocence and wonder. However, some translations reveal quirky themes—such as saving flies in "Flugufrelsarinn" ("Savior of the Fly")—which might detract from the album’s perceived profundity for those who delve deeper[5]. --- ### **Music** Musically, *Ágætis Byrjun* is a masterpiece of texture and mood. Sigur Rós employs unconventional techniques such as Jónsi’s cello-bowed guitar to create lush soundscapes. The album features orchestral arrangements performed by a double string octet, adding depth and grandeur to tracks like "Starálfur" and "Olsen Olsen"[2][3][7]. The compositions are sprawling and cinematic, often eschewing traditional song structures for organic progression. For instance: - **"Svefn-g-englar"** opens with ethereal drones before evolving into a celestial hymn. - **"Viðrar vel til loftárása"** builds over ten minutes with piano motifs and sweeping strings. - **"Hjartað hamast (bamm bamm bamm)"** introduces subtle grooves with harmonica and organ flourishes[1][3][7]. However, this expansive approach can occasionally feel indulgent. Some tracks, like "Ný batterí," feature extended build-ups that risk testing listeners' patience[1][4]. The minimalism of the intro (“Intro”) and outro (“Avalon”) also feels underwhelming compared to the richness of other songs[4]. --- ### **Production** The production by Ken Thomas is immaculate, balancing intricate layers of instrumentation with Jónsi’s delicate vocals. The album's sound is cosmic and otherworldly, with each element meticulously placed to evoke a sense of timelessness[3][7]. Highlights include: - The palindromic string arrangements on “Starálfur,” which create symmetry and intrigue[3]. - The communal climax of “Olsen Olsen,” where choral harmonies and brass flourishes elevate the track into a celebration of unity[2]. Despite its brilliance, some critics argue that the production lacks variety across its 71-minute runtime. The reliance on ambient textures can lead to moments of fatigue for listeners seeking dynamic shifts[1][4]. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *Ágætis Byrjun* explores spirituality, reflection, and transcendence. Its title translates to "A Good Beginning," symbolizing optimism and renewal at the dawn of the millennium[2][3]. Tracks like “Viðrar vel til loftárása” evoke melancholy yet hopeful atmospheres, while “Olsen Olsen” radiates communal joy. The album’s artwork—a sketch of a fetus—further emphasizes themes of birth and beginnings. This imagery aligns with the music’s meditative qualities, inviting listeners to experience profound emotional introspection[3]. --- ### **Influence** *Ágætis Byrjun* marked a turning point for Sigur Rós and post-rock as a genre. Its release coincided with the decline of grunge and alternative rock in the late 1990s, offering a fresh direction for guitar-based music rooted in optimism rather than darkness[2]. The album garnered international acclaim following its UK release in 2000 and US release in 2001. It influenced contemporaries like Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor while attracting celebrity fans such as Thom Yorke and Brad Pitt[2][5]. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke deeply human emotions without requiring linguistic comprehension. Moreover, *Ágætis Byrjun* paved the way for Sigur Rós’ subsequent works, including *( )*, which delved further into Vonlenska vocals. Its legacy persists as one of post-rock’s most inventive albums[5]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Innovative Soundscapes**: The cello-bowed guitar technique and orchestral arrangements set new standards for post-rock. 2. **Emotional Resonance**: Jónsi’s falsetto transcends language barriers to connect deeply with listeners. 3. **Cinematic Quality**: Tracks like “Starálfur” feel like auditory fairy tales. 4. **Universal Themes**: The exploration of renewal and spirituality resonates across cultures. 5. **Production Excellence**: Ken Thomas’ meticulous layering creates an immersive listening experience. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Lengthy Build-ups**: Songs like "Ný batterí" test patience with excessive introspection. 2. **Lack of Variety**: The ambient textures can feel monotonous over 71 minutes. 3. **Minimalist Intro/Outro**: “Intro” and “Avalon” are underwhelming compared to other tracks. 4. **Quirky Lyrics**: Translations reveal mundane themes that may detract from perceived profundity. 5. **Accessibility Issues**: Its unconventional structure might alienate casual listeners. --- ### **Conclusion** Sigur Rós’ *Ágætis Byrjun* is an extraordinary achievement that redefined post-rock through its ethereal soundscapes, orchestral grandeur, and universal appeal. While its length and lack of variety may challenge some listeners, its emotional depth and innovative production make it a timeless classic.

I loved it ! Thank you Sigurd’ right up my street :))))

An extraordinary album, and one I feel nostalgic about while listening, as I have hardly done since I was in high school. It's still deeply familiar and endlessly rich. A real treat to listen again. I will remember to add it to my instrumental-music-to-listen-to-when-I-need-to-get-written-work-done rotation.

Classic. Such amazing atmosphere. Have listened to this one a ton over my lifetime. 5/5

I was debating between 4 and 5 for this but then I realised that if the lyrics were English I would be rating it 5 because the instrumentation moved me and I really like the singer's voice. I don't want to rate something down just because I don't understand the language of the music, so it's a 5.

Wild fake language mumbling and vibey post rock crescendos, could kinda listen to this all day

All I want to do is go to Iceland and tour the country while listening to this record. A beautiful, singular album that transports the listener.

This album gives me such a sense of mystery. Its one of those that is so layered and different that I want so badly to understand it. I swear it sounds different every time I hear it. Its just SO cool, and I'm so intrugued by it - like I don't quite get it and I want to keep listening it until I do.

Do you remember when you saw your first Jaguar Shark? I do. It was in college and it blew my mind.

|Headphones on.

Beautiful album, amazing band. 5 stars!

It won't always be the vibe you're looking for but if it is...easy five, this album has been looping for a few hours and I haven't minded one bit

Yayyyyyyy! Listening to this after Hounds Of Love is quite a lot for one morning. And now I want to watch Heima again.

Very nice

Ethereal, beautiful and a delightful listen

I spent a few weeks in Kauai, HI in the spring of '01. A lifetime ago in so many ways. But the memories of that trip to one of the most singularly beautiful places I have ever remain vivid. And one the primary soundtracks to that trip - and the one that still resonates today - is this album. Listening - I am transported back to that place and time. Perhaps strange that is meshed so well with music that was created half a world away amidst the and ice and clouds. Maybe it's the volcanos. Cut to today - listening to this album while running on freshly snow covered trails. Turns out it works pretty well in that environment as well. I know the violin bowed guitar can hedge a little close to Spinal Tap territory. And they definitely let these songs unfold. While theres no Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds or Paranoid Android - there are elements of the Beatles (that outro on Olsen Olsen) and Radiohead and obviously the Cocteau Twins. Take those ingredients and a sprinkle in some Pink Floyd put it all in a blendara (Icelandic for "blender") and this is what you get. I do like this album but I'm going to kick it up a notch because of the nature of this list. If you haven't heard this you should. Like it or hate it - it's one of those singular voice albums. 5 stars. Now - could I also be talked into writing a review that asks the question " what would it sound like if you added some random horns to a (insert name of any 2nd rate showgaze band here - I'm going with Chapterhouse) album and slowed it down to a speed that whales could comprehend. 1 star." I could - potentially - but not today. Cause the snow. And the volcanos. And Olsen Olsen. And even the violin bow. Maybe especially the violin bow. 5 stars

After the disappointment that was Neneh Cherry, this was more than a breath of fresh air. It is one of many records which prove why Scandinavians are the greatest musicians out there. The production, the melodies, incorporations of instruments in the right place at the right time, the power of breaking language barriers, both real and fictional, through music - this one is a gem I am glad to have found!

Heard this when it came out walking into a record store and started to ask what it was and the cute girl behind the counters just went shhh and sold it to me.

Æðisleg plata. Brautryðjandi verk. Þetta er náttúrulega bara furðulegt ævintýri sem maður stígur inn í. Aldrei vitað jafn stutt 10 mínútna lög og Svefn-g-englar og viðrar vel til loftárásar. 6/5.

Meistaraverk sem ég fæ aldrei leið á. Svo miklu meira en bara ágætis byrjun á frábærum ferlli Sigur Rós. 10/5

Wasn’t sure when I read the write up but was hooked from the first song absolutely brilliant album they could just be reading their grocery list

A relaxing and enjoyable listen

Unexpected awesomeness. When I saw an hour and a half of 8 minute long Icelandic music I did not expect it to be the best thing I’ve listened to in a while.

in the years since i've discovered this album i could have come up with so many things to say about how much i love it, but really i'll just say it's complete and utter perfection and leave it at that.

9.3/10. More amazing music from Ros

svefn g englar sent me places.

this was beautiful, i loved it and would definitely go back to it

I did not expect to like this as much as I did. I remember hearing Sigur Ros in the early 00s and thinking they sucked or were boring or something. Maybe I've just grown into them, or maybe I didn't give them enough of a chance back then, but either way, this is an immediate favorite now.

Imagination music. Utterly unique. Universally understood.

Despite me not knowing the contents of the lyrics (Icelandic/Hopelandic), the instrumentation is absolutely soothing. It's like riding home and letting the stress and uneasiness of life coast away behind you.

IGEN imádtam minden percet, kicsit se untam, szerintem nagyon izgalmas zeneileg, tetszettek a népi vonások es a nyersebb, de visszhangos hangzás rögtön a radiohead jutott eszembe meg aphex twin (ő főleg az utcsó tracknél). az egész ének full thom yorkeos, rá is kerestem amúgy és redditen azt olvastam, hogy a 2000-es évek legelején előzenekara is volt radioheadnek a sigur rós, meg, hogy dolgoztak együtt vlmi táncos projekten. meg hogy inspirálta egymást a két zenekar meg, hogy csipázzák egymást. na mindegy tetszett, hogy nem tudok izlandiul ezért kizárólag a zenére figyeltem mielőtt megnéztem pár angol fordítást, ilyen lowkey simlish de nem zavaró módon. imádtam, hogy a dalok összefolytak, nagyon megfogott, az egész egy kerek dolog, sztem egy deepdive jön most ebbe a bandába:) kedvencek: flugufrelsarinn; ný batterí; hjartað hamast (bamm bamm bamm) hármas 10/9

Kedvenc/Favourite: Olsen olsen Egy utazás volt, ennél pontosabban nem tudnám leírni. Szinte észre sem vettem mennyire közel került hozzám a zene. Mindenképp újra és újra meg fogom még hallgatni. It was a journey, I couldn't describe it better. I almost didn't realize how close the music had gotten to me. I will definitely listen to it again and again.

A perfect album.

A surprise. Really great.

Forever intertwined with the appearance of the magnificent Jaguar shark. And that's OK.

Dreamlike, boreal, pretty unique 4.6

I don’t think I’ve heard Sigur Ros’s before. Their name had always been somewhat on my radar, more so after my visit to Iceland and my delve into Icelandic culture, yet I’d somehow never gotten round to listening to an album. This was bliss. I had this playing while working at my computer, and it just made for a very warm, cosy experience. The soundscape makes a warm blanket for your mind, and leaves you helplessly comfortable. I’ll definitely be searching out more after this.

It's an amazing album, but ngl, I listened to this a ton in my stoned and depressed college days, so it's bringing back many memories and feelings from that era that I would rather not explore.

The sound of a long abandoned cathedral collapsing off an eroded cliff. In slow motion.

One of the most influential albums of post-rock, which has been one of my favorite genres, since before starting listening to this list. If you're unfamiliar or unprepared for what this might sound like, it'll probably catch you off guard and might even take a while to get used to. First impressions mean a lot, too, so I can understand why some people might not like this. But if you know what you're getting into and can sit in this, man it's a great album. Atmospheric and full of development. It set the standard for post-rock. I think I would like the album more if I understood it (or if there weren't any words at all), but that's a minor complaint (if it is really a complaint at all). Favorite Song(s): Svefn-g-englar, Flugufrelsarinn, Ny batteri, Agaetis Byrjun Sorry for the butchered spelling

Vibes

What a ride. It's hard for me to describe what i expierienced during this album. But i felt like someone was weaving a story about a place that they heard from their grandmother and somehow I ended in this idylic made-up field lying in the grass as I undesrtood the nostalgia, the longing and sadness through the realization that this place isn't real.

OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD. To jest dla mnie zdecydowanie najlepszy album wylosowamy na tej liście i jeden z najlepszych, jakie słyszałem w życiu. To jest jak dotyk Boga, w którego przecież nie wierzę. Całość to dla mnie muzyczna i emocjonalna podróż, jakiej nie spodziewałem się doświadczyć, a której doświadczam przy każdym kolejnym przesłuchaniu. Odczuwan przy słuchaniu czyste wzruszenie, serio, łzy same cisną się do oczu. Coś pięknego, niesamowitego, trudnego do zdefiniowania. Muzyczna perfekcja, wyprawa do sedna człowieczeństwa, odnalezienie ludzkiej duszy. Nie rozumiem przy tym w sumie SŁOWA, a w niczym mi to nie przeszkadza... tak jakbym rozumiał mimo wszystko, czuł, o co chodzi (?!). Pomyślałem sobie, cholera, nauczę się islandzkiego, poczuję lepiej... tylko że płyta okazuje się być napisana w fikcyjnym JĘZYKU NADZIEI, jakby islandzki nie był dostatecznie tajemniczy i melodyjny :O Coś pięknego, czegoś takiego szukałem od początku przygody z 1001 albumów i życzę sobie, żeby znaleźć jeszcze coś choćby zbliżonego. Szok po prostu, kocham ten album całym sercem. 6/5

"Ágætis Byrjun", to dzieło przełomowe, które nie tylko umocniło pozycję zespołu na światowej scenie, ale także zmieniło sposób, w jaki postrzegana jest muzyka post-rockowa. Islandzka grupa stworzyła album, który brzmi jak coś spoza tego świata – hipnotyzujący, emocjonalny i nieziemsko piękny. Każdy utwór na "Ágætis Byrjun" to odrębny pejzaż dźwiękowy – od ambientowego spokoju po wzniosłe, niemal symfoniczne kulminacje. Utwór tytułowy, balansuje między delikatnością a epickością, opowiadając historię, której słowa nie są konieczne, by ją zrozumieć. Wystarczy wsłuchać się w dźwięki, by poczuć emocjonalne głębie. Sercem albumu jest jego wyjątkowa atmosfera – islandzka surowość połączona z mistycznym ciepłem. Sigur Rós używa nie tylko tradycyjnych instrumentów, ale także głosu Jónsiego (kocham jego wokal), śpiewającego częściowo w wymyślonym języku Hopelandic, jako dodatkowego instrumentu. To sprawia, że muzyka nabiera uniwersalnego charakteru – przemawia do serca, niezależnie od języka. To podróż przez emocje, krajobrazy i stany umysłu, które trudno opisać słowami. Nie ma w nim ani jednej zbędnej nuty, a całość składa się na jeden z najbardziej inspirujących, wzruszających i transcendentnych albumów w historii współczesnej muzyki. Absolutne arcydzieło. Mocne 5

non ci ho capito niente ma a momenti piango. che bella cosa la musica.

Incredible music in general such a vibe and so relaxing to listen to while playing LOZ late at night Svefn-g-englar is a uil mediation classic and It will always hold a very special place in my heart from all those amazing memories

Beautiful album. One of my favorites.

ethereal

Easy 5.

I know that I will be echoing a lot of people's words, but this album is fucking awesome. Super unique, but somehow familiar all the same. Some of the most beautiful and poignant piece arranged. A fantastic place to start into the world of international music and how language isn't a mandatory requirement for understanding music itself. A must listen to album. Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful. 2nd 10/10 album on this list

This is one of the most interesting and unique post-rock albums I’ve heard so far. It’s especially impressive considering it came out in the ‘90s. It feels like it was way ahead of its time. While it’s rooted in post-rock, it blends ambient, art rock, dream pop, and chamber pop seamlessly. The album has an otherworldly, ambient feel with lush orchestrations that set the stage for its expansive sound. Even with its calming, almost sleep-inducing moments, there are also chaotic parts that maintain the ambient soundscape throughout.

Planant, émotion, s'écoute de bout en bout. Coup de coeur

Ágætis byrjun ebbs and flows with exquisite beauty. It might be one of the most beautiful albums I’ve ever heard. Each song drifts gently into the next, rising to astonishing crescendos (such as Viðrar vel til loftárása), then fading away until the next one. A gorgeous Icelandic mountain range for the ears. I have no idea what the lyrics mean but that doesn’t matter. This album is as much sonic art as it is music, transcending language and genres. It’s almost like classical music but with the addition of modern instruments and production techniques. A couple of the more guitar-let tracks reminded me of Radiohead and felt like fitting resting points before continuing the hike to the next peak, to continue the mountain analogy. I love everything about this. Somehow it captures the essence of beauty in life; I can’t imagine any day in which you listen to this with your full attention being a bad one. Hoppípola is not on this album but deserves praise too. I’ve liked that song for years but never probed further, but I’m glad I have now. Thanks Sigur Rós.

Space. Heaven. The journey to the beyond. Such a relaxing album. Will definitely be returning here from time to time.

Simply sublime. Voice of a thousand angels and ethereal instrumentals. Just wow.

Such a great album. The title track is phenomenally good as is the first track after the intro. Ný Batterí fills out the top three. A well deserved entry to the 1001

Sigur Rós OH MY GOD one of my favorite post rock bands. They are so good, just, so good. Nothing else need to be said. I admire how they keep everything so light and delicate, almost fragile, and oh dear that melancholy, that nolstalgia, what an old friend. It's the sound of forest and ocean nights and sweet annihilation. and it's just so beautiful...5/5, 10/10.

This is one of the most interesting and unique post-rock albums I’ve heard so far. It’s especially impressive considering it came out in the ‘90s—it feels like it was way ahead of its time. While it’s rooted in post-rock, it blends ambient, art rock, dream pop, and chamber pop seamlessly. The album has an otherworldly, ambient feel with lush orchestrations that set the stage for its expansive sound. Even with its calming, almost sleep-inducing moments, there are also chaotic parts that maintain the ambient soundscape throughout.

One of my favorites top to bottom!

This album was very important to me for a long time. I suppose, that in the wake of the many many imitators that have cropped up over the years, it’s no longer unique as such, and I don’t listen to it nearly so often. Still beautiful, though. I think it has an undeserved reputation for being ethereal, which I understand, but after seeing them live a few times, I know it’s possible to miss the ear-splitting, wall-shaking, brown-noting potential that their music actually has.

When you really need some cosmic post-rock, pull this out.

Music like this is why the generator is so interesting. I probably never would have listened to this otherwise. I had seen the album cover, but didn’t know the name or the artist. im glad i took my time with it because this shit had me floating. The cover art perfectly fits. I don’t know the language, but I don’t need to. The dynamic swells and string arrangements keep the long songs interesting.

Such a beautiful album. I recently became a father to twin girls and Svefn-g-englar touched me very deeply. And who can't relate to having been born?! I find it interesting that the initial theme seems to surround being born and being a child but then evolves into self-referential self-pity regarding the unsuccessful first album of Sigur Rós. While I was hoping the album would be more generalizations about growing up from childhood to adulthood, in a weird way that is exactly what it is albeit more difficult to relate to for every person given very few of us have had an unsuccessful album produced in Iceland. Interestingly, the self-referential nature of this album became celebrated and lead to its success. Musically it deserves everything anyone has ever said. There was a time in my life when I could only fall asleep to Riceboy Sleeps by Jónsi and so I assumed Sigur Rós was also a very sleep inducing band. I found Ágaetis Byrjun to maintain my interest with every note and never induce sleep. It's an album that will stick with me for a long time.

Oh my god, what a pleasure to get one of the best bands I've ever seen in my life and an record that completely opened up my entire world when I first heard it in middle school. I guess there are a few tiny moments where I have to give twelve year old me credit for being extremely cool. It's one of the best ambient/post-rock albums ever made.

No idea what this was but I liked it

Gorgeous, serene, surreal soundscape. Need to listen to this over and over again.

Incredible, used to listen to this while working through the night, perfect soundtrack. I can replay every note and phonetic vocal in my head. Just so good, Olsen Olsen in particular is untouchable [EDIT - Bet Mark hates this. It's lovely though]

One of THE great post rock albums, in my opinion. Probably one of the most unique too.

Love this album. Love this band. Didn't realize how much of a noise band this was until relistioning to it again.

For me, this was the "Holy shit. I get it." moment for post-rock.

I was excited but apprehensive when this came up. Sigur Ros were one of my favourite bands as a late teenager but it had been a while since I'd listened to them in earnest. It did not disappoint. A relaxing background ambiance punctuated by periods of intensely emotional music. It drags you down before sweeping orchestral segments fling you back up, evoking a sense of hopefulness that genuinely brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face at times. Staralfur, Ny Batteri, and Hjartao Hamast are the standout tracks in a fantastic post-rock album second only to ( ).

I love the album. It's dreamy, spheric, creative and the language is super interesting:D Immediately put some of the songs in my Yoga playlist

Dreamy, almost ethereal post rock. I really enjoyed the experience of listening to this album. I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed it even more if I spoke Icelandic, but damn is it pretty. The overarching timbre and soundscape is really something to behold, with quite a few almost cathartic crescendos really driving home a sense of relief. “Hjartað hamast“ stood out as my favourite track, the cool hammondy organ playing throughout is perhaps my favourite instrumentation on the record. The falsetto vocals are really interesting, without speaking the language they almost sound more instrumental than lyrical. I actually fail to find any gripes with this particular album, and I’m looking forward to putting it on during long nighttime drives. 5*

This is a slightly more challenging Sigur Rós album, but it’s extraordinarily beautiful. Heavy, soft, melodic and aggressive at times, it’s a masterpiece.

This is fantastic

Inspiring

Fucking awesome. I thought these guys were just Bjorkers-on for that other Icelandic music sensation, but they’re expansively talented, wide ranging musical silkworms, ingesting other musical forms and spinning them out into something…better. I love the ambient soundscapes, the haunting vocals and the journey of the album as a map to their musical interworld. Consider Sigur Ros ‘found’ by this guy.

I haven’t listened to this album in years. I remember really loving this album whenever I put it on and worried that I would fee differently after so much time having passed. I played it on my phone speakers and listened to the first couple of songs and felt indifferent. Then I got a pair of headphones and listened to the album again and it almost put me in an altered state. So beautiful. I read about this album on Reddit this morning and somebody said they put this album on headphones and lie on their trampoline and look at the stars. I’m now waiting for a clear night. Tju

I really enjoyed this album. Very pleasant listening. Five stars

The peak of Sigur Rós output, dreamlike and so great.

Atmospheric and melodic. It’s something I would play when I’m thinking deeply or use as background music for travel highlights. It’s insane how old the album is because it sounds so modern. I would totally listen to this on shrooms.

Easy 5 star. Can't understand a lick of the language, but this album spoke to me in a way that invoked a sense of nostalgia and a desire to reminisce about times long past. It's one of those albums I'd like to revisit, especially with the bass turned up to really feel the music. 'Viðrar vel til loftárása' earns my favorite spot. 'Flugufrelsarinn' and 'Ný batterí' also stood out to me.

Excellent album. Emotional and moving

One of the easiest fives so far. A whimsical and beautiful postrock/artrock/dreampop masterpiece. Every song is lush and compelling and sounds destinct. 5/5

First heard Sigur Ros in the film Vanilla Sky and went straight out to buy this album on CD and they quickly became one of my favourites, have seen them 3 times live I think, T In The Park, Academy, Playhouse and they are incredible

Dreamscape, moving, beautiful and a wonderful introduction to the powerful Sigur Rós collection.

I really, really enjoyed this album, despite not understanding a word that was said. But that's never stopped me before. L This whole album feels like it follows someone as they live their whole life, from womb to tomb as it were. We begin with a song that is slightly distorted, as though being heard through the skin of a mother, before fading into silence as the child floats in the womb. We follow them as they begin to discover the world and all the wonder in it, then when they start to question it and doubt creeps in. They grow up, experience what I believe to be a mid-life crises, then finally look back at a life well lived. Clocks or gears are sometimes heard towards the end of songs, but they are strongest after the very last song fades and we are left with the sound of gears grinding down to nothing. This is the sort of album that you listen to the whole way through rather than piecemeal. Each song flows into one another as they grow up, especially the early ones. Favs: Svefn-g-englar, Olsen Olsen, Hjartað Hamast

lol whales boning music. It’s a mood, for sure. But a mood that always gets me feeling better.

Brilliant

This album is just wonderful. Amazing memories.

passionate, sleepy

I could hear the northern lights!

5/5

Always fun listening to a sigur ros record. Impossible to know which record you’ve actually put on, whether you’re listening to the album in order or if you’ve selected the correct speed to play it on. Beautiful, elegant, layered, complex, meaningful, sexy - I didn’t realise I had so much in common with a record! 4.6

Immaculate production, ingenious and ethereal instrumentation, overall a bewitching sonic tapestry to get lost in.

Ágætis byrjun er meðal bestu platna sem hafa verið gefnar út á Íslandi og væri líklega besta dæmið um understatement í þeim bransa, ef ekki væri fyrir fyrstu plötu Sigur Rósar. Hlustaði mikið á í den og þetta hafa verið mjög ánægjuleg endurkynni síðustu daga. Takk fyrir mig.

Excellent & Relaxing

Sigur Rós walked so Explosions in the Sky could run. Amazing music.

Another of the bands that defined Icelandic music. I loved it, my infant loved it. Hugely important album for a whole country. 5/5

oh wooooaaaaaaw this is the kind of thing I was hoping to find on this excursion. An unusual and exotic band, something I have never heard before and instantly have a connection with. I really enjoyed this, and can't understand a word he is singing... but somehow I get it. Isn't music just amazing?

Un álbum difícil de digerir pero ya que conectas es evidente que es una genialidad. De esos discos que crecen cada vez más, así se hayan escuchado durante años.

Sigur Rós is always a five, but this was a nice opportunity to check out their debut. Beautifully orchestrated to capture an ambient yet intense atmosphere.

Simply astonishing. It was so different from anything else that was around, and aided by THAT video, this was really the cult album of the time. Listening back now, not everything works, but in terms of imagination, creativity and boldness, it's just awesome.

Fantastic album! This was some great driving music and was a bit more obscure than many of the others I’ve gotten thus far. More of this type of thing please

Gracias a mis padres (o a la furia de su parte) no me tatué la portada de este disco, y doy gracias porque es horripilante, no obstante el disco es una obra maestra de la distorsión y el buen gusto. 10/10

It's beautiful yet I have no idea what it's about. Very poetic, with some prog rock elements

I am stumped as to how to rate or discuss this album. If Lana Del Ray made an album with Thom Yorke this might be what it would sound like if they spoke gibberish. And that is high praise. If musical is about emotional connection then this album is a home run. No words (either in Icelandic or gibberish) to connect with its all left up to interpretation and having your cerebral connection on vacation so your emotional connection can lead the way. It’s awesome. I am not sure how I will feel in the long run but I feel like it should be a 5. Things now the second album on this list that I didn’t know existed and I know I am better for having heard it before I die. So a 5 it is.

That was quite lovely! I will look forward to a time when I might listen to this one again.

How dare an album be this good! I’m actually a little angry about it right now. Magnificent.

Sometime around the turn of the century a very good friend introduced me to this album. I fell in love with it immediately. How could something so foreign burrow so deep within me? By the time I get halfway through Flugufrelsarinn I’m tingling with goosebumps verging on weeping. I’ve listened to a lot of Sigur Ros in the years since but coming back to this is extra special. Utterly strange yet utterly home. Phenomenal!

Was really looking forward to seeing this on the list finally. Sigur Ros fall into that annoying category of artist for me where I know they have fantastic stuff, but for some reason I just don't end up listening to them often, my brain just filters them and others out when I want to throw an album on. This really is a beautiful album from the second you put it on. Staralfur is like an orgasm in my ears, the production on the whole thing is so balanced. The strings can be clear when they need to be, and then on the next song the bass can really rumble. A stroke of genius songwriting here.

My first thoughts upon seeing this album come up were ones of dread. I didn't relish the thought of listening to over an hour of music from an album where I couldn't even begin to pronounce the album title. Almost immediately I was proven wrong. This is definitely up there with the "how did I miss this when it first came out" albums. I loved the ambient, prog-rock sounds, a bit like a mix of Pink Floyd and My Bloody Valentine in places. I have a vague idea that this album is some sort of concept, but quite honestly I couldn't care less. I loved the layered sound, never found it too long or boring, it was just perfection. Easy 5 stars.

Sigur Rós is such an interesting band to have had such immense international success - the music sounds like a photograph of Icelandic landscapes. I’ve only listened to () in college, and haven’t listened to the band (outside of their inclusion in movies/tv shows) in a long time, so this was a great album to reintroduce them. Maybe they are using cheap tricks to come to it, but the album has such a great, consistent, vibe throughout its 71 minutes. Even though its a long album, and it can sometimes pass into the background of whatever you are doing, its beautifully orchestrated and performed.

Very love

This is not something I would have ever picked to listen to. I'm very glad you suggested it. To say this album is a vibe, doesn't do it justice. For me it is as if Pink Floyd and Oasis had an Icelandic baby. I loved the many different sounds that added to the sounds. I loved the build up that lead to the crescendo of thier songs. That build up added so much emotions that it really got in my "Feeels", as they say. I never understood a word, but felt every emotion!!!

Magical

I love this band and this record, a completely unique flavour of post rock that is just deeply beautiful.

Ethereal and transported one out of time and space, lush sonic landscape and mysterious.

This album is awesome. I have heard one of the songs off of the album before. An ambient kinda rock album that doesn’t stay quiet. At times it’s quite loud with the limited instrumentals used. The lyrics are all in Icelandic, so I got none of it, but the vibes are amazing. Sometimes you’re soaring above the clouds, sometimes you’re digging your heels into the dirt. Completely unique product. Standouts: Svefn-g-englar, Staralfur, Ny batteri, Hjartao hamast, Olsen Olsen, and Avalon.

I've never been to Iceland but now I know what's it like to get stoned there.

Is that what the kids call "vibes"?

I enjoyed this group! I will listen to them again

Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Artwork: he kijk! het is het kind! ❤️ Mix: "[Ágætis Byrjun] made me the [headphone hobbbyist] I am today." 🎧😘🤌 Musik: Semper Fi 🎖️ Wertung: 🧒🧒🧒🧒🧒/5

Initially listening to this album, I heard a lot of similar sounds to other artists that I like. What I was surprised to find out was that this album predates all of them. I love the chamber group arrangements whether that be the string octet or the brass group. The otherworldly sounds that this album contains are lovely and the way these sounds were created with live instruments gives this album a unique quality.

Loved it

Fav: Viðrar vel til loftárása Least Fav: Avalon

My heart soared when this one dropped into the feed. As a teen from smalltown suburban UK, this album absolutely exploded my brain when I first heard it. I tried to remember how I was introduced to it, and was pretty certain it was from Q magazine - research shows the review was thus : sigur rós' second album proper features this astonishing opener [svefn-g-englar] and 10 others which, while surprisingly diverse, each reflects their penchant desire for apocalyptic serenity, overdriven guitars and teenage singer jónsi birgisson's unique hopelandish language Adored it then, adore it now

I discovered Sigur Rós back in late high school/early college and remember particularly listening to Takk… and Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust but I haven’t listened to this album from front to back. Jónsi’s lead vocals are so striking. It’s hard to explain, but every track just feels so Icelandic. The arrangements are so grand, expansive and atmospheric, I felt like I was teleported to the landscapes of Iceland. The beginning of Ný batterí is one of my favorites on the album. Desperately want to see them live in a venue with great accoustics.

Bror lowkey fem stjärnor ska inte ljuga!!!!!!! Så sjukt bra!!!!! Hade typ allt🏄‍♀️🏄‍♀️🏄‍♀️

This album is incredibly beautiful. It transports you and surrounds you completely, leading you to another reality. Jon's angelical voice and the peaceful and beauriful inatrumentals all some up into a magic experience.

Absolutely stunning record. The very subtle and soft instrumentation contrats with the very psychedelic climaxes in a super satisfying and comfy way. I have no clue what these guys are saying because i don't speak icelandic but i interpret this record as an homage to being in the womb or something, as depicted on the album cover, a very comfortable place. The melodies are really pretty, as well as the very dynamic instrumentation that transitions from minimalistic, warm and ambient-like sequences to absolutely huge and epic climaxes, all while maintaining this gorgeous spacey / aquatic aesthetic. Such climaxes come in various forms and they are all super satisfying, for example, as walls of distorted guitars on \"Svefn-g-englar\", as an entrancing trip-hop groove on \"Ný Batterí\" or as a post-rock behemoth on \"Viorar vel til loftárása\". Other favourites are \"Starálfur\", \"Flugufrelsarinn\", \"Olsen Olsen\" and \"Ágaetis Byrjun\". Very good record for disassociating 👍

So schön

This might be closer to a 4 for me, but I give out so few 5's that I'll round up. I love this album. I discovered Sigur Ros through The Life Aquatic (that scene can still make me tear up if I think about it for too long) and spent a lot of time with this album in my teens. It's great studying/focus music. Weird and vibey and gorgeous. Super glad to see it included on this list!

Orchestral, mélodieux, envoûtant, recherché, unique.

This is the ultimate euphoria.

Peaceful and beautiful. If Radiohead and Bjork adopted a baby that wasn't as weird as either of them genetically but learned to be a little weird just from being raised by them, that would be Sigur Ros in my opinion.

Boy do I love being able to pronounce the names of albums! It's a shame this album's name is in Icelandic, a language I know nothing about. However, that is the one thing about this album that gives me shame. Even then, it isn't really shame. I was just joking, and I learned how to pronounce the name of this album. Everything else about the album, though? I love it. I was really worried that I wouldn't "get" this album. This is an album that I've seen quite a bit of praise for online, but I wondered if this would be another "m b v" situation or not. Fortunately, it's not (I'll still give My Bloody Valentine another shot when I get to their other albums on the list). This Sigur Rós album is one of the most unique albums I have ever heard, and it's amazing. If there's one word I can use to describe this album, it would be "ethereal." The sound is so interesting. I feel like I've escaped the confines of the planet Earth. Even the somewhat noisy parts at least sound cool. This album is like the perfect blend of Portishead, Björk, and some other thing that I can't think of. The singing is nice. I don't understand it, but from the research I did, the songs have interesting writing. I think the biggest accomplishment of this album (other than arguably being the most important post-rock album ever released) is that it kept me hooked for 72 whole minutes. With practically every other 70+ minute long album, I've complained about it being too long. This? No complaints. I was enticed with every single song on this album. This is an easy 5/5 for me.

Gorgeous.

I would actually listen to it again

tbh this was godly. such a in depth listening experience, and I think this is going to become a go to album for when I want to zone out lol

Incredibly gorgeous. This album seems to have inspired a lot of my favorite modern music with its ethereal, atmospheric, grand compositions that evoke deep feelings. No nits to pick here, very good music! 5/5.

I really enjoyed everything about this. It sounds great. Also nice to hear some music from somewhere other than North America or the British Isles.

I would have loved this when I was depressed in college.

Love this. Only ever listened to that really famous Sigur Ros album and a more recent one, so I’m pleased this came up. I think it’s one of them records that has to be listened start to finish, and not individual tracks. The whole thing works really well together - the slower, quieter tracks help the louder tracks seem bigger, more atmospheric. This will definitely be in my rotation pile for a while.

I've listened to a few Sigur Rós albums (I think I've listened to ( ) and Taak all the way through), and I even managed to see them live several years ago, but I've never listened to this album before. I'm pretty familiar with the band, but I wouldn't classify myself as a big Rós-Head (that's what fans of the band call themselves, right?). It's been a long time since I've listened to any Sigur Rós music, but from what I can remember, this album feels and sounds very different from ( ) and Taak. I often think of Sigur Rós albums as best being looked at as one large work, but this album feels like each track can stand on its own, in addition to being part of a larger and more complete work. Also, I tend to think of Sigur Rós's music as being pretty light and airy in sound and mood, but this album is able to shift from those lighter and more airy moods to darker and more serious moods, and then back again, all while every song still feels connected to the larger work. To me, this is best illustrated by how tracks 5-7 flow. Lastly, I feel like this album contains a wider variety of sounds and moods compared to other Sigur Rós albums, and I think it works to this album's advantage. This album is beautiful from start to finish, and contains some fantastic musical arrangements. The songs are long, but they're never boring, and just when I would think that one of them would start to wear on me, the arrangement evolves and adds something new. I thought this album was fantastic, and it makes me want to go back and listen to Taak and ( ) again.

5 star ambient? Album. Why does Iceland produce such interesting music? Evolutionary isolation? Given the cost of living I can't think of anywhere worse to live as a starving artist.

Entre du Alcest, du Asgeir et du rock atmosphérique.

Wow, I loved this album! Very vibey, and just what I was in the mood for today. Despite it being 71 minutes long, it did not feel overly long. It was like 4.5 stars to me, so idk which way I should round.

floaty and ethereal

I bought this album on a whim after reading a review in the London press, and what a great purchase it was. This masterpiece came on the end of grunge and britpop, but takes music in places so far from that world. The potent mix of ambient soundscapes, strings, distorted guitars + violin bows and a magical voice was like nothing before it and not much since. A fantastic album to turn off the lights and turn it up loud, and just surround yourself in another Icelandic present. I don't know how anyone could give this less than 5 stars.

This is right up my alley.

its cold. the window is closed, though my imagination is old. its images hold no power, the wind blows the tower off. my offering is this poem retold, to you, now its yours. the thoughts close in on me like a tiburón, my blood of ghoul cast upon the first stone. i loved this one

Love love love. Can’t believe it took this long for me to listen to this album. Perfect in every way

Excellent relaxing, ambient music with nonsense lyrics so as not to distract from the _feeling_ of the music.

love Sigur Ros, ( ) is my favorite album by them but I can see why this one made the list.

I love it! Nur due Aufnahmequalität ist immer so mies …

Альбом, определивший облик пост-рока на минимум не десятилетие вперед. Это не мой самый любимый альбом Сигур Рос, но вот в чем штука: даже якобы слабые АТТА и тот, с голыми мальчиками на поле, в моей книге минимум на четверочку. Во-первых, это очень важная в моем музыкальном путешествии группа, которая стала переходом от длинных едм-песен к инструментальной музыке. Структурно вот этот тягучий атмосферный пост-рок видится мне естественным, логичным следующим шагом в развитии вкусов: когда приедается однообразие и электронные шаблоны, бэм - пост-рок со своим инструментальным разнообразием (и шаблонами, и вот этим всем, но понимание этого приходит сильно позже). Есть мнение, что уже следующие «скобки» просто повторяют это вот альбом и ничего нового не предлагают. Возможно. Но никто не делает пост-рок так, как Йонси и компания. И это во-вторых. Наверное эта связь приходит из-за страны происхождения группы, но ни одна другая группа не звучит как сама природа. Когда я думаю об Исландии, тех удивительных черных пляжах, ледниках и гейзерах, вулканических породах на низкой траве, я невольно представляю смычок у гитары и этот ангельский голос. Лучшая песня - Olsen Olsen.

LOVED!!!

it’s an experience 💚

So good - not my favourite of their records but excellent. Ny batteri super angular and lo-fi to full ethereal. Like being drowned in a fjord a a pagan sacrifice then dried out by the fire and being given marshmallows while someone pats your head.

Finally an album that really fits my style. This album has been on my radar for a long time now and I never got round to it yet so I am so happy it is on the list. I may not understand the lyrics but you honestly don't need to it is just executed perfectly. I mean everyone loves Cocteau Twins and they just speak gibberish in half their songs. For such a small country Iceland seems to excel at so much that it does and music is no exception it is fascinating how successful globally some of the artist become. This certainly won't be the only Icelandic 5 star when Bjork finally comes up :) Can't express the love I had for this, big smile throughout. I think the factor I made sure to use my headphones for this does factor in. You can miss a lot of work the artist put in if they don't have your full attention. This goes straight to the top 5/5 Stand out songs: Svefn-g-englar Flugufrelsarinn Ný batterí

Ved ikke hvordan jeg fik bildt mig selv ind at Sigur Rós var softboy indie og ikke postrock? Anyway megafedt album. Vil hjem og høre det med alt lyset slukket

mega Rasmus-i-2.g-core

Har aldrig taget mig tiden til at høre et helt Sigurd ros album.. det var en fejl. Virkelig lækker plade!

Possibly the best post-rock album ever made. (Don't knock the album just because you don't care for the genre.) 5 stars. [Note: if you haven't seen the video for Svefn-g-englar, check it out. One of my favorite videos.]

Rating: 9/10. Objectively amazing. Probably a personal favorite. Genre: Experimental, concept, indie? Listened to a few songs previously: Ny batteri is the highlight. As the album progresses the songs transition and complement each other very well.

Need to relisten

A real throwback to the past, this is probably the band's most notable release for long-time pre-Takk fans. Hauntingly melodic, the warm and melancholic tone of this album certainly made an impact in the early 00's as its at-the-time narrow appeal competed with the angst-driven confusion of metal and emo having combined forces for a brief period to create needless arguments of what was what twenty years later. If anything, Sigur Ros offered respite from the stressful chaotic expressions, and instead gave the listeners a subdued chaotic expression. It conveyed control and intentional breathing where the opposite end of the pendulum was more of a pressure valve release. Each having their place pending mood of the listener.

Zarąbisty cosmic rock islandzki

nostalgia w pigułce

Listened 3/3/24. This one is new to me. There is much to unpack here. This one will get many listens.

A marvelous musical experience throughout, it's a beautiful, ethereal and very special album.

Wonderfully slow and alien. Long tracks, and generally cohesive throughout; both natural and mangled. Beautiful and terrifying. Feels like a dying deer.

Moody, relaxed, Icelandic

Good background music

<3

я нахуй утонул и умер алкоальбом: 6 утра, ложишься на диван и у тебя жесткие вертолеты, но на душе хорошо

ради этого я начинал слушать 1001

Absolutely love this album. So beautiful. I just wish I understood what the hell they were saying.

Just beautiful. Unlike anything else. I kind of always make up my own words to the their music, which leads me to associate these songs with different feelings. Regardless, this album makes me look at the world around me with more clarity and understanding. It’s meditative, but also dynamic and expertly crafted.

já tinha ouvido! parece uma meditação transcendental no tempo do mundo e na criação de todos os seres

What a ride!!! Amei. Não fui atrás das letras, mas o som.... Gorgeousness.

Sigur Ros is almost always beautiful, but I wouldn't say it is always super listenable. Good mood music for sure, but not something you always feel like putting on in your car. This album succeeds at being the most listenable, I think, of all their stuff. It may drag a bit in the middle because of the song lengths, but it begins and ends with some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Staralfur, I don't know what it means, but it makes me cry every single time I listen to the song. Brilliant stuff. Impossible to rate it any lower.

- Ein Album für das der Begriff wunderschön erfunden wurde. - Ich kenne wenig Werke, die eine so derartige Schwere und gleichzeitig eine solche Leichtigkeit in sich vereinen. Jedes mal wenn ich Ágætis Byrjun, macht das was mit mir. - Es waren unter anderem Sigor Rós (und allen voran dieses Album), die mir vor einigen Jahren die Augen gegenüber dem Post-Rock/Metal geöffnet haben. Wie ein guter, verständnisvoller Freund haben sie mich an die Hand genommen und mir die wunderbare Ambivalenz dieses Genres gezeigt; den Spagat zwischen tiefer, reißender Finsternis und hinreißender, überwältigender Schönheit. - Ich verzichte auf irgendwelche fadenscheinigen Analysen und auf die Sezierung einzelner Stücke. Dieses Album ist für mich ein absolutes Meisterwerk. 5/5 PS: Ágætis Byrjun wäre lustigerweise auch ein Album gewesen, was ich für unsere 101 Alben angedacht habe. Ich habe aber alle Alben, die ich vorstellen möchte einmal auf dem 1001 Index überprüft, ob die eventuell noch kommen und Dopplungen dann aussortiert. Das dieses wundervolle Album nun schon jetzt direkt kommt, freut mich sehr.

This one is in my top two Sigur Ros albums (other being "()") and one of the quickest 5's I've given in some time. I love the sludgy atmosphere on Svefn-g-englar. The musical equivalent of floating through clouds on an overcast day. Everything about the composition is so patient and brooding and (for me at least) hits perfectly. Always found the heartbeat outro to be a little bit of an odd non sequitur. Staralfur takes over with a more urgent tone lead by a sweeping orchestral instrumental and keys melody that repeats throughout. Once again, just peak, pretty music. Ny batteri is another favorite of mine from this album. Opens with some horns and drone that evoke imagery of a seaside port. This gives way to a silky bass line and more straightforward vocal delivery (compared to the more aural songs that precede it). Drums (mixed very compressed) come just after the midpoint adding some intensity to the mix and really putting the "rock" in post-rock. This is about as metal as this album gets. I do like the contrast into the funky synth line + harmonica that Hjartad hamast open with. Vidrar veltil loftarasa brings us back to a floral arrangement with a tender piano supported by orchestral swells. Jonsi's vocals are buried and strained through effects. I find the back quarter to be really moving every time I listen to it; like coming to the summit of a mountain. Had this in the background for the most part through the last 3 songs. Love em all in their own rights. I swear Avalon is just a slowed down version of one of their other songs (can't place which, but I'm nearly certain of this).

The drums coming in on Ny batteri were so unexpected but an awesome addition to the song it really added a whole new element to this album. The piano, strings, and other instruments are so beautifully put together throughout the whole album. It was a bit slow towards the end but I think that it was a good way to wind down. Was between a 4 and 5 on this album the whole time, but I was mostly leaning 5 just because of the epicness of this. So I'll give it the nudge up. Haven't pulled out this one in a while but id DEFINITELY do drugs and listen to this album again.

10/10 such a beautiful listen, i can't think of anything quite like it. the duality of sadness and happiness on here really moves your soul, accompanied with the gentle string instruments and lovely lovely steel-like percussion. everything here gels so well together, it's kind of reminded me of a whale in the ocean haha.

Großartig!

Love this one

Beautiful ethereal soundscape of an album

This shouldn't work, but it does. How something so ethereal and fractured can sound melodic, thematic and centered is a work of art.

One of my favorite albums of all time

SCC baby.

I remember hearing Svefn-g-englar for the first time, still raises the hair at the back of my neck.

This is very easy and pleasant to listen to. I could take a nap to it or I could use it to get pumped up for something. Very versatile.

It's just beautiful. Chilled, epic, mournful just an absolute joy.

קלאסיקה איסלנדית שמגדירה את ההתפתחות של הפוסט רוק. אוהב

Like their 3rd album even better called "( )" best but this also 5 stars. Live it is even more like being in a trance, utter beauty.

This is an absolutely Phenomenal album. The atmosphere created is truly brilliant, the haunting vocals and beautiful orchestration are also a highlight

Beautiful and sometimes haunted music, layered and intense at times. So glad I heard this album. Will def listen again.

This record was gorgeous and soft and warm in so many ways, I enjoyed the soothing ambience of a lot of this record, sounded amazing with the lights off and a candle lit up, felt ethereal and beautiful, I had to give it more than one listen, just so I could immerse myself in the music. Loved it.

Love love love!!! 100% my vibe

I don’t know a single word of Icelandic but this band’s music always sends me on an emotional journey. Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust was frequently on repeat during my college years, but this is my first time listening to Ágætis Byrjun. I’m so glad I took the time to hear it.

4.5 - Beautiful album and very epic. It tailed off a little bit at the end

If the generator had thrown up this Icelandic band I'd never heard of I think I'd have been pretty blown away by this to be honest. Definitely prefer this to later/ better known Sigur Ros which can occasionally slip into the mawkish. I also prefer that Jonsi is singing Icelandic here rather than a made up language, even if it's all the same to me. At what point does everyone saying something is overrated make it underrated?

💖 ný batterí 🗣️ 🔟

Fantastic

This is the reason I started using the Album Generator. Incredible album that, without understanding the Icelandic lyrics, conveys and evokes so much emotion just through its sound alone.