Ágætis Byrjun

Albums like this are what makes this challenge worthwhile for me. I would have never discovered this otherwise. It was very beautiful and atmospheric. I felt like I was listening to a movie soundtrack.

Conflicted as I Can't work out if I don't like this album as much as I once did, or I need to listen to it in a particualr mood. Found it pretty tiresome. Still love the instrumentals. Fav tracks: Svefn-g-englar, Staralfur RYM: Y (#115) Saved a song: N

Great for concentration

I think you just straight up have to listen to this with headphones and a lot of focus. I did not do that. But even still, I can tell that this is something special. What a sonic journey. How do you even make something that sounds like this? I gotta listen again. Someday, when I have the time. Not a final review.

i was a very passive listener of these guys at the time. I was a teenager and I don't think i really appreciated them at the time. NOW I DO. I really loved this album. Yes the songs are long but it transports you. I love the sound and the feelings I was getting from this. I'd put this on high rotation.

Just about as good as I remember it.

4.5 - WOW this alum really surprised me. I have heard of this group but never listened to them, although one song I know I had heard before. What a ride. Beautiful soundscapes and interesting and compelling crescendos. Probably my favorite new album so far here... Fav Songs: Staralfur // Ny batteri

I like what sigur ros do they don’t sound like any other band and have a unique style that I feel breaks language barriers I think the album is really good not perfect but if you like their style of music you will like the album

Beautiful album that is really sublime at several moments. It is quite long, so it struggles to maintain the peak quality the whole way through. But at its best, this is really enveloping and arresting, music to stare at the sky or ceiling to. Must-listen #320.

Not that Icelandic is an alien language, but to the non-native speaker it plays perfectly into this album’s almost-otherworldly feel. The tone of the record is almost perfect.

I’ve always enjoyed a good Sigur Ros album. Great stuff.

This one was so beautiful I felt like I was floating. Don’t understand a word of icelandic

Shouldnt like this....but I do! Interesting dynamic range of the way the songs build...despite not understanding a word of what they're saying, it feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket and looking at the stars. May not want to see them in concerr per se, but its certainly perfect for a lot of situations.

Beautiful

Zajebisty album, wieczory i noce idelany klimat na słuchanie

Beautiful album. I didn't understand a word of it. Even if I knew Icelandic, I may not have understood a word of it but I will definitely listen again.

The ambient dream pop style here is like the music I was obsessed with in my late teens. The latter third of the album does blend together and overall it could use more peaks, but this one is an excellent time. An area not really touched upon here yet.

Huch Klar das sowas am 01.01.2000 veröffentlicht wird

Today’s listen was the first in a long while. There’s no point in me labouring in purple prose trying to describe something innately indescribable. I enjoyed it as usual, but it did feel like a listen with fresh ears. Ágætis Byrjun seems like a “love it or hate it” kind of album, and if this was some kind of binary review, I would love it. Simple, job done. Thankfully though we’re not working in a binary system (full stars only is restrictive enough thank you!) so I am free to add some nuance to my opinion. At the risk of coming across as elitist, it feels like a lot of reviewers who have enjoyed this have done so thinking it’s an utterly unique experience. My feeling is that there are lots of other acts who work/have worked broadly in this area and this album does not eclipse them all, not only that, but it’s not even the best Sigur Rós album. I have enjoyed music that led to, and has come after this album; spacerock, neo-psychedelia, shoegaze, post-rock etc., and Sigur Rós exist in that context. They may come across like they have appeared from space or spawned from glaciers or something, but they are humans expressing themselves excellently in a real world, not a bubble. Some things they do are better than others, but sometimes I would prefer to be listening to Slowdive or Hawkwind or Godspeed, Do Make Say Think, Jon Hopkins…you get the picture. This is a massive sounding record that simultaneously conveys emotions delicately and does so brilliantly. It’s worth a mention however, that it doesn’t deserve 5 stars simply for being unique because it isn’t. (Also The Bracket Album is better)

After the crafted balance of D, I step into something entirely different — not structure, not groove… but atmosphere as emotion. With Sigur Rós, I’m no longer listening for rhythm or resolution. I’m listening for feeling suspended in sound. This album doesn’t move forward in the way rock usually does — it unfolds, slowly, like light breaking through clouds. The bowed guitar, the distant drums, the voice of Jónsi — all of it feels angelic, but never fragile. Tracks like Svefn-g-englar and Starálfur don’t demand attention — they draw me inward. Where I previously searched for: • rhythm (Franz Ferdinand) • humanity (Graceland) • scale (Iron Maiden) • melodic light (ELO) • balance (White Denim) …here, I find something else entirely: stillness that speaks. Historically, I hear this as a turning point — where alternative music dares to abandon language, abandon structure, and trust pure sound. ⸻ My Journey Note This is not an album I analyze. This is an album I enter. And for a moment, everything becomes quieter — not empty… just full in a different way.

Well that was a vibe. Basically classical music with rock instrumentation. Very cool.

Instrumentals were perfect on this album, the best instrumentals I’ve heard on an album ever so far. This is definitely one to get lost in.

I found this music at different junctures to be very soothing, ethereal, dreamy, emotionally powerful and musically interesting throughout. I had no preconceptions which made for interesting listening. More listenings/explorations to follow.

The “it’s you” song almost ruined it for me but glad I stuck it out, super interesting album I never would have listened to otherwise. Will be listening to their other albums soon

Beautiful is the best word to describe this album. Tough to listen to on car speakers while driving as it interferes a lot with the background noise of the album. Listening with headphones made me like this significantly more and I think I’ll listen to more from Sigur Rós in the future.

Need to come back to this. Giving it a 3.5 rounded up for now

I'm a sucker for this one. Moody and ethereal. I like the adjective celestial. It pays double when you're in a comfortable place to just sit and listen. Beautiful, fun stuff.

To be honest completely different than the previous 2 albums... I read bit about the album and the artists background, different language, very soulfull sound, musically outstanding, less lyrics... Very different and original. perhaps musical genius people as i always say, wow... But language barrier made the things a bit hard like lyrics and name of each song.....

4.6

i absolutely loved this one, i didn’t get a single word spoken but still, the music in this album is so so beautiful i can’t put into words how much i loved it, i wish i understood what’s it about.

Takarta de Brendata bara

Symphonic ethereal musical goop (in a good way!).

⭐️ Sven-G-Englar 9/10 El álbum se siente cómo una muerte en una película. Te tira para abajo, hundiéndote en un mar donde nadie te va a encontrar, pero ya entendiste que ese es tu final y te alegras. Me hace acordar a los cantos de unas sirenas que te atraen para ahogarte. Sabes que te acercas a tu muerte y queres llegar, porque hay algo que te llama hacia ella y queres saber que es, y por qué te atrae tanto.

Its not () but I love Sigur Ros. Didn't realize the song from Life Aquatic was on this album. Literally sat bolt upright in my chair.

Stillness in motion. I recognize this is considered brilliant by some but in my mind it is a soundtrack for dusk. As the night descends on a fall night overlooking calm waters this album would mirror the calm as a gentle wind sweeps over the water and the sound of Jón Þór "Jónsi" Birgisson‘a falsetto sung in a tribal language floating across the water. Hence, each of these passages slightly alter the mood but not so much to disturb the calm. This is music of reflection- not action. While it is not my vibe, I recognize the talent that underlies these compositions. Each is a conversation with the listener to be examined internally and alone. This is not a shared experience but an individual one examined through the lens of each person’s experience. 4/5

Beautiful, eclectic, intimate, varied and full of textures

A pleasant surprise.

It's really hard to believe this album is more than 25 years old now. I remember when it came out and I heard the song Svefn-g-englar for the first time. I was immediately drawn to the ambient atmospherics. I bought the CD as soon as I could find it. That opening track has really held up over the years, but the rest of the album is a bit of slog to get through. Not a damn thing wrong with the album as whole. But it just doesn't hold my attention quite the way it did all those years ago when I first listened. I'll give it the old 3.5/5 rounded to 4 that I believe I've handed out for more than half the albums I've listened to the last few weeks.

I can totally see why someone would give this a five. I’ve never heard it before, never listen to Sigur Rós, but I am immediately swept in, and I see how they see the world chaotic, pained, smiling when in pain, because of the beauty contained within it. Childlike, natural like dew falling off of a leaf. I really want to know how the hell they got some of these sound, and I think it adds to the experience that I don’t know.

This slaps

ballenacore

Need more post rock

Nice, chill ambience. Sigur Rós is weird but cool.

This was a fascinating album. My brother saw them live about a decade ago and said it was amazing, and I get how that could be true. It didn't blow me away like they might do if we saw them live, but there was a lot to like about this. Among the highlights for me were Svefn-G-Englar (which I feel like I have heard before), Ny Batteri, and Hjartao Hamast, all of which had a ton of cool elements to them. Overall, this album has a great atmosphere to it. Very ethereal in nature. 4 stars, really cool find in this countdown.

I had no idea what to expect from this album. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy it from reading some of the reviews but nothing could've prepared me for the eclectic masterpiece that is this album. The variety of sounds, instrumentation and beautiful vocals left me speechless and almost emotional. I felt like I was on a journey through a life portrayed solely through music. This was definitely a life-changing experience for me

Very spacy, very chill, very good. 4.5 bumped down to 4

Much more Radiohead adjacent than I expected. Also, made up language? Fun stuff

Tar verkligen med sig lyssnaren till en helt egen plats.

Great Album! so ethereal exactly what I needed

Music was so interesting!!! I thought it was well done, very chill.

Review - why had I always avoided this band? This album was such a good listen, so different than anything else today, nevermind when it came out. A longer listen but not hard to get through. Rating - 9/10 Need to listen? YES

A good beginning.

Album 109. Ágætis Byrjun (https://open.spotify.com/album/7LKQtdC6uWxqLzSbDonFij?si=2ghiAa4bSOCueWV5EtUcAg) — Sigur Rós (1999) That's the kind of music I do this challenge for. It’s Icelandic album. WTF is Iceland by the way? First time I'm hearing about this place. Are there living people like on the album cover? That would explain a lot. Weird ambient music, but good. Very chill, calm, orchestral, relaxing and well written. I don’t understand the lyrics, so I have to find translations to get what this music is about. Svefn-g-englar is a cool and long track, I like how it tries to change in the middle, but it’s just a fake switch. I really like the album, a lot of tracks feel like great soundtracks to a sci-fi movie or for other genres. 4/5 Liked songs: — Svefn-g-englar — Starálfur

Neklausiau prieš tai bet girdėjau, šiaip bšk žiovaujau bet gražu ir radio head ish 7/10

Apparently I used to listen to this a lot. I would not have thought so, but it was definitely already in my brain. Anyway, it’s actually amazing. Good job, list!

beautiful

hitting differently in the wawa parking lot rn

Not Sigur Rós' best album, but still a great and very relaxing album. 4.5 stars

I think this is a really pretty album, however, as it went on I did find myself getting a little bored with it. My general complaint with this band is their songs are kind of samey in terms of tempo and instrumentation. Still, it's really pretty, and songs like "Svefn-g-englar", "Olsen Olsen", and "Ný batterí" are very tasty. 4 stars.

4.5

weirdly enough, i fuck with this album. i thought i wasnt going to be a big fan of it and skip most of the songs. But, i ended up liking it

Wow. Beautiful album. Sigur Ros has been on my radar for quite some time, so I'm glad that I finally got to check them out. I can definitely draw comparisons to Godspeed You Black Emperor, but the song structures are more well defined. Regardless, every song has a unique atmosphere that the layered instrumentals serve well. Will definitely be returning to this.

I thought I’d heard some Sigur Ros in the past and that it was indypop-ish, but obviously not, unless this album is a huge departure from their norm. These are nicely crafted pieces. A bit trippy in places and sometimes beautiful. Great foundational bass throughout. There’s a sense of ‘otherness’, almost ambience, which is exacerbated by the indecipherable language of the vocal track, which closes off one obvious way of accessing the songs’ meaning and intent. Whatever they’re singing about, I’m going to guess these aren’t songs about basketball and partying. I didn’t like the first track much at all. But after that it was all pretty good. Staralfur is really nice, with a sort of a Massive Attack meets Peter Greenaway vibe to it. Hjarto Hamast and Olsen Olsen are good too. I’ll probably listen again.

didn’t understand a word however i really think i connected with it. i really enjoyed.

Really enjoyed it. Beautiful post rock that made me feel like I was either lost at sea but at peace with that, walking through Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, or simply drifting though space. Great listen.

soothing

This was a tough, but ultimately enjoyable listen. I had to listen to this album several times before I could even put my head around it, which took several days to accomplish. An interesting, ambient post-rock suite of tunes. This is the kind of music I really need to be in the mood to listen to, but this one is on my list for when such moods hit.

There are some really good songs and a couple not so good

Looks like already rated this 4.0 on RYM. Used to be quite a fun of these guys back in the day, but after finding the likes of Eno and similar this just doesn't cut it anymore for me as much, at least 3 stars here for sure, but maybe even 4. I still remember and love couple of tracks from this one!

Perfect walking in a snowy forest album...who know Icelander's knew that feeling?

Interesting one. I own a few Sigur Ros records and enjoy them. But they all sound very similar and I don't think they're a particularly influential band. So a good listen, but no better than most of the albums that came after it, and easy to argue this doesn't belong in the list

Very chill. A great backdrop to working, but without just fading away into the background.

Ça me rappelle mon bac en pharmacie. Un autre gars avec moi, Sylvain Roy (maintenant proprio PJC Sorel), aimait bien qu'on s'échange nos découvertes musicales. Guillaume me fait penser à lui. Chic type. Sylvain me fait penser aussi à Will Oldham -> Palace Music -> Bonnie "Prince" Billy.

Je pense que j'écoutais ça au début de l'université pour me faire croire que j'étais cool. Honnêtement, je trouve ça assez pénible à écouter maintenant, ça s'étire en longueurs, malgré les belles explorations de textures sonores. C'est sûrement moi qui suis pas assez zen. J'aime bien la toune qui jouait dans Beautiful Boy, excellent film qui m'a beaucoup touché. C'est définitivement de la musique qui se marie très bien au cinéma.

Bon rock ambiant! J’ai jamais embarqué dans eux avant mais je peux comprendre l’intérêt.

Delightfully atmospheric and tuneful. It didn't matter that I don't understand the lyrics. Perhaps I'll listen with the translations at some point but perhaps not! 4

This album and band were new to me and I really liked it! I think this will be something I have to listen to again a few more times to really appreciate it but there were a handful of truly stand-out tracks to me on first listen.

More music should consist of ominous soundscapes.

I’d never listened to Sigur Rós before; they simply existed as a pop culture reference in my brain. I really enjoyed the listening experience! There’s so much ambience and there’s a real richness to the sound. The swelling crescendos and the layering of instruments and vocals really scratched a certain part of my brain. Many of the tracks give me big Rock Eisteddfod vibes/mems (complimentary)

My first encounter with Sigur Ros was seeing their video for Gobbledigook in 2008, with a bunch of people running nude across the Icelandic countryside (still great). And in a huge coincidence, I was actually listening to one of their later albums yesterday morning because I needed an appropriate soundtrack for the novel I’m reading set in Iceland. And then this album came along!! Perfect audio accompaniment for me to really get absorbed in (also a section of the book actually mentioned Sigur Ros while I was listening to them). I didn’t really know the very early Sigur Ros stuff very well, but it’s easy to get lost in it and I found it quite beautiful and peaceful. I really liked how unhurried this album was, taking its time to open up and going on a journey with each song. I maybe prefer their later stuff just being a bit more structured and tight but this was great. I would definitely return to this and keen to get through the rest of their discography too Staralfur was my fave

There’s some really really nice sounds going on here and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing them. Everything feels kind of understated and scaled down a notch which, combined with the fact that I don’t speak Icelandic, makes this really lovely ambient music to work to.

not my fave album by them but is sigur ros ever not the vibe??? 4.5

not in english. one star

Ethereal.

I do enjoy some Icelandic post-rock

Liked this, very cinematic. Probably because Hoppipolla has been used in the literally everything. Although not on this album. Simpsons: Yes, they composed music for a whole episode!

Heel leuke kosmische sound, ik ben fan.

207/1001 Sigur Rós - Ágætis Byrjun Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ I love this album and band, even if I don't know what's being said. There's this ethereal, other worldly quality to the music, which I just drift away to. Superb stuff.

I really, really enjoyed this one. Marking 4 to ensure I come back for additional listens. 4/5

Radiohead på islandsk, (tænkte også undervejs på både pink floyd, Air og -dare I say - lidt tokio hotel i midten af 00'erne) Et ret melankolsk, storslået og filmisk album, alt det jeg elsker. Den er gemt og jeg kommer tilbage (4.5)

Very good, new to me. Enjoyed every song!

Good, sounds like Radiohead but also like Minecraft music

We really liked it. Will be revisiting in the future.

This is a mesmerizing album that warrants multiple listens. I found the album deeply moving even though it’s sung in Icelandic and I can’t understand anything they are saying. I love the slow build, textured melodies, and the rich instrumentals. I feel like this is the ideal album to listen to when taking a walk in the snow. It’s so moody in all the right ways.

Relaxing, ethereal, I was drifting into soace from my living

Weirdly fantastic. Has a Belle & Sebastian vibe.

Special.

Post rock, dream pop, ambient, chamber pop.

I enjoyed this album for what it is. Not understanding the words, I felt I could understand the meaning just from the sound. Very relaxing at times, definitely a night drive album. There’s a few songs I favorited immediately. Dreamy, pretty, and pretty rocking at times.

Liked the orchestral songs!

Very calming and easy to listen to

Such a tranquil album! Beautifully put together, fantastic music, all of it works together. Some of the songs calm you down, some make you smile ear to ear, and some make you want to curl up in a ball and cry! Some make you feel the anxiety of the song! It has such an atmospheric feel to it! When all elements of the music, Horns, strings, drums, etc., it's a joy to listen to! Not much to say, but just a stunning, beautiful album that it's a pleasure to listen to!

An intesting album, with a movie soundtrack kind of vibe to it. Didnt hate it and thought it was nice but i wouldnt put it on ever again. For me between a 3 and a 4. Not too mutch to say about it. Dont speak icelandish

Haunting and beautiful. Not my type of music, but I can definitely recognize the quality this band puts on display. It is the kind of album that you need to listen with headphones. You don't need to give your undivided attention to it though. If its your thing it will pull you in. I can totally understand how someone might find it too atmospheric or boring. I also really appreciate that a relatively niche icelandic band is also on this list. If I ever go to see the northern lights, I'll have my soundtrack ready. 8/10 If I ever learn icelandic it might go higher, but as it is the most difficult language in earth, I'll pass

This is an album that encompasses the beauty of Post-Rock probably the best. The music that isn't. Music that fills you with emptiness until it overwhelms you. This is not my first venture into Post-Rock but this is definitely the best album that I have heard of its type. Often Post-rock can get a quite samey after a few listens, but each song brings its own personal feeling and does something new. An amazing listen if you just need something to lose yourself in. 8/10

Knew the third song from the film Life Aquatic

Vibey

Very lovely, but a bit too vibe-y for my taste. Super lush.

Great ethereal post-rock vibes

This was a very enjoyable listen. I can see myself listening to it more especially when I want to be more zen for a bit.

I like reading with this!

No idea who this is. Really digging the backwards sounds on the intro. Three tacks in. I’d put this on for a relaxing morning while I’m cooking breakfast. I really enjoy this.

So good. Some of the songs sound so otherworldly

Pretty good!

Very very pretty album. Definitely the kind of thing I could image spinning on a record player while just chilling out for a full night. I loved how the vibe always kept switching between beautiful and almost funereal. Unfortunately, none of the album really stood out to me or stuck with me in a meaningful way, but still pretty good nonetheless. Low 4.

is that spanish 8.5/10 2026/1/16

1/5 Pretty good album. Very new age/cosmic/dreamy vibes to it. Will listen again

I thought Sigur Ros was a woman. Don't know what they're saying, but it's damn fine!

“Ágætis Byrjun” is undoubtedly Sigur Rós' best-known work. This type of ambient rock bears witness to a time when rock music was seeking a path beyond retro trends, and in fact, a year later, I made very similar music with a Norwegian band I was friends with. From today's perspective, it was a mediocre experiment, but at the time it felt interesting, at least. In that sense, “Ágætis Byrjun” is still enjoyable to listen to today, but mainly as easy listening music in the background. On the other hand, it's worth knowing because Sigur Rós' ideas were later taken up and developed further by bands like Coldplay and Muse. How do you rate an influential but mediocre album? I guess it's 5 for influence and 3 for quality, so 4 in total.

Wow, this was such a pleasant surprise! Not every single song on the album was my jam but the ones that were…actually breathtaking. The second track was lowkey life changing idk im obsessed with that song. And then I found out they did music for black mirror & the song for the red wedding in got. I really really enjoyed this.

Very beautiful strings. I have always loved staralfur (life aquatic soundtrack), very reminiscent of Talk Talk at times. Good album

Other worldly

Makes me think of like life starting. I don't understand the lyrics. It's pretty. The cover art is the perfect visual for how the album feels. like life is about to begin and being born. The song at the end of the album sound kind of like early childhood and discovery.

Spacey

I discovered this record around 2001 not long after its release, and I've had a love/hate relationship with it ever since ; depending on my mood, I may find it either boring or captivating. It's a bittersweet, atmospheric album full of Icelandic weirdness that carries you through a bleak and alien dreamscape - but only if you allow yourself the complete immersion experience. The blend of electronic sounds, smooth instrumentation and traditional Norse vocal harmonies is a great addition to the post-rock genre, and creates an almost psychedelic vibe. That being said, it's not easy to get into, since it's clearly not something you can just casually play for a few songs. The quiet (or even catatonic) mood is not fit for everyday activities, and will clearly deter some listeners. I can totally understand how it could come across as needlessly slow and drawn-out. Some songs really are too long ; a bit of editing and a couple of more dynamic tracks would have gone a long way to give it a more balanced dimension. Ultimately, I think it fully deserves a place here thanks to its innovative aspect. I may not listen to it often, but it's definitely an album with a unique personality. 7/10

Album recommended by a Reykjavik record store clerk when traveling in Iceland, and he was clearly tired of Björk. Some kind of floating, haunted post-something that works perfectly as road music on the country’s only usable highway. Beautiful and somehow I remember every track.

Weird. Haunting. Beautiful.

Just went for a walk with this on the frozen river lined with hoar frost trees. Gorgeous. As Cory might say pairs well with winter.

This felt weird to me. But really cool

I really like this album. Have for many years. Maybe even love it.

Beautiful. Very good.

Ambient, otherworldly.

Groupe et album connus et appréciés. L'ambiance est mélancolique, la musique prend son temps. Il suffit de fermer les yeux et de se laisser emporter… C’est toujours un album que j’apprécie, même si je lui préfère ‘()’. =>4/5

At times a bit repetitive, at times actually quite moving. Undeniably a masterpiece even though I wouldn't say I actively enjoyed all of it.

Atmospheric, ethereal, an other worldly record that certainly deserves inclusion on this list

Addictive

Heerlijk om een vroege ochtend mee te starten. Hele sferische muziek, heel veel vette dynamiek & wonderlijke ambiance.

Beautiful album. Not something I would have ever willingly chosen to listen to. I don't know what mood I would have to be in to want to listen to this again. Listening to this when it was cold, dark, and wintertime was the right choice.

very nice and calming. helped me chill out on the train to scotland. i loved the drums

so so gooood!!!

Was my shit at 16 when Radiohead was my favorite band. Hard to deny those first few tracks. It really isn’t fair how much I hate the lyrics that I don’t even understand. Still this is gonna get a 4 from me, it’s too good.

Close to being the elusive first 5. 4.5/5

Mood molto particolare but i like it. Nel giusto mood puppy essere tanta roba

Small language barrier is present but I loved floating with this.

This is the Sigur Ros sound that I like, I've mostly listened to Kveikur and Takk... I think. Anyway, for some reason the artsy feeling of their music doesn't bother me for some reason, while on any other record it would and I can't put my finger on what the reason would be. It's very light, delicate music, that winds up to massive heights on a occasion and for some reason I love that.

Super atmospheric, dreamy, cosmic whale song vibes. No idea what he's singing about but it didn't stop the enjoyment

So creative and just incredible - very close to a 5 for me. The vocals are so soulful and beautiful, the instrumentals are so impressive and break rock conventions. It all blends very well together. Will be listening again!

4.4/5 Stars Top Songs: Svefn-G-Englar, Ny Batteri, Avalon

Got a little repetitive for me but Sigur Rós is so good

Imagine Radiohead plays only their quietest songs, but in Icelandic.

Oikein kivaa ambienssia. Hyvät soundit ja esimerkillistä jousien ja puhaltimien käyttöä!

This is the most commercially successful album from the Icelandic post rockers and has all the elements that made them such a commercial hit. The sound is dreamy and spacious and full of invention. The sonic atmospherics of post rock can easily become cold, over intellectualised and acetic. Sigur Rós have a gift for reaching the emotions with their music and this album somehow hits the heart without the listener ever quite knowing why. A strange and beautiful achievement.

Very lovely, atmospheric work. If this and Brian Eno opened the door for ambient music, I am grateful.

I'd always bounced off of Sigur Ros in the past, but I actually felt myself vibing with this album a lot. It's musically fascinating and very relaxing.

Very spacey - easy top get lost in as you close your eyes and lay down in bed. Drags on a little towards the end, but the first 75% of the album is absolutely sensational. Well worth exploring

Много ми хареса. Нестандартен е, но в добрия смисъл

Brilliant, their concert in Amsterdam recently was incredibly touching.

This group is so good - one of the first groups in this genre that I listened to.

One of the most relaxing commutes I have had in a while.

I can see the montage of Icelandic landscapes with lava flowing through and this playing in the background.

not sure how much i’ll listen in the future, but it was a beautiful album 3.5

Hadn't heard this previously. Really enjoyed this and am excited to discover more. Was put off by hyperbole when it first released...the praise was well deserved

This was very interesting. I liked it, but not sure I loved it

Beautiful on the ears. Olsen olsen launched this album into a 4 for me.

Adoré! Calme tout en étant intriguant un peu post-punk et électronique, islandais

Very cool! Reminded me at times of listening to In Rainbows. Clearly would never have found this if it hadn't been assigned to me - I could barely find it once it had, anyway

I fear that I don’t have the attention span or focus to properly enjoy this music. I found it intriguing though and worth another listen. But I have more than 1000 albums to get through so it will have to wait. P.S. Something about this kept calling me back and after a couple more spins this earned an easy 4.

It was very unique, an interesting mix of music and ambient noise. I also appreciate hearing music in languages other than English.

Really great ambiant album, even if I'm not the biggest fan of the genre, love all the instrument, maybe the voice is a bit too simillar, love the drum, maybe a lack of crazyness to make it perfect

Always weird, always beautiful. Breakthrough album.

Nice surprise! Don't understand a word of it, but it sounded really beautiful and they are "landscape"-ish songs. I was surprised to see that this was made in 1999 since the production is quite good and it sounds more recent somehow. Fun one! Might listen again in the future

I saw "Post-Punk" as its genre, but this sounds absolutely nothing link punk. It has a strong ethereal quality that I really enjoy. Definitely the kind of album I was hoping to get in this list. Quite enjoyable, but unlikely I'll be listening to a lot of it in the future.

Ultimate nap soundtrack.

I like them, but I can't really listen to them. It's too sleepy. Good for background mellow music. Best track: Staralfur

Radiohead meets BCNR on a lava field at the winter solstice. If that's your thing, this is it.

Really good listen

Man.. what an album for a bitterly cold night walk with my dog. Feels incredibly intentional in all aspects. The in utero motif is clear (I have eyes, and can indeed see the album cover), but the progression through the album was beautiful. I’d imagine this would be an easy 5 if I spoke Icelandic. I could also see this becoming a 5 on a re-listen. Saving this album to throw on the first time it snows this season.

This sounds like it could have released today. Groundbreaking stuff.

Ethereal. Beautiful. A little too long.

Beautiful, pretty, whatever the most masculine way to say it, songs. Even having no idea what they are saying, you can get lost in the music. Anybody else want to re-watch Vanilla Sky?

Nice album. Not sure I'd want to listen to it all the time. The language (is made up?) was a little too forefront at times. It didn't move me hugely but is good, interesting music

Gorgeous album, just hearing the opening notes calms me down, on constant repeat 4/5

Oj kiedyś jak się chciało być fajnym i alternatywnym to się właśnie tego słuchało. Ja taka nie byłam. Ale z wiekiem zaczynam doceniać tę leniwą, spokojną, wieczorną i mroźną atmosferę tych utworów. Są trochę z innego świata. 6.5/10 równane w górę, bo dość już mam złej muzyki.

Never heard this one. Their later stuff was incredible this is also great.

Sigur Rós’s production is lush and reverberant, full of atmospheric layers and stereo depth. Great for checking stereo imaging and soundstage width.

Wow this was great! Feels like a clear winter night where the stars and moon are super bright. Wonderful album

I've listened to this before, during periods of time when the mood is for post-rock. In those moments, this album is a standard. Its droning strings create this ethereal landscape that flows through the record exquisitely. I was not particularly in the mood for it yesterday, so it felt lengthy, occasionally a little annoying, so I'm rating this with the knowledge that it's not an every day listen, and that when it does hit the spot, it's exactly what you need. One thing I did notice was that, although I've heard this album a handful of times, I had no memory of the songs, just the overall energy. 3.5/5

A very uplifting album

Grab some sopors and some cool ranch doritos,then hunker down for 71 minutes of bliss.

I enjoyed it, dark chill

If this album condensed some of its ideas into maybe 55 minutes total runtime, it would be perfect. This is about as close to a 5/5 as you can get without actually getting there. “Sven-g-englar” is such a quintessential post-rock song, and that’s not the only must-listen on this album imo. “Starálfur” while very overt and a bit on the nose with its instrumentation at times, is touching and beautiful. Its swelling strings and unique composition are super memorable. “Ny batterí” is so dramatic at its ending, completely subverting the first few calm moments of the song. “Viorar Vel til Loftárása” has a sweet piano piece and other varied instrumentation that I feel were really needed to switch things up at that point in the album. The problem is, as I said before, this record has moments that just go on for too long and do nothing. I’m really sad about it in the context of applying a rating, because Sigur Rós pull off something incredibly impactful on the whole. This was my Radiohead, in many ways. Emotional and tender at moments, then loud and grand at others.

This is a beautiful chillout album.

Fantastic album, ethereal, beautiful music. It's really a 5/5, but on a regular day I usually don't have the patience to go through a Sigur Rós album in full, hence, 4/5 for my personal taste.

I have only a passing knowledge of Sigur Ros. I think I had listened to this record before, but I can't say for sure. I first played it on my hi-fi, which tempted me to call it the loudest quiet record I'd ever heard. Some of the bass notes went so low that they created standing waves that muddied some of the detail that form the textures that characterize Ágætis Byrjun. It was a bit of an uncomfortable experience. Figuring that there was more to this album than I could hear in the room, I listened again with headphones (streamed on my phone through a wired DAC), and the experience was completely different. Ágætis Byrjun is a beautiful album, beautifully executed. I'm curious, but I don't need to know what the lyrics say. I'm looking forward to listening again to a high-quality file, which I hope will reveal even more detail. This is a record that rewards critical listening. Four stars.

Würde ich gerne mehr lieben als ich es eigentlich tue. Teilweise passiert mir dann doch etwas zu wenig. "Svefn-g-englar" ist aber natürlich immer noch einer der besten Songs aller Zeiten.

Lange her. Vllt sollte ich das nochmal hören. Zumindest sagt mir mein Gefühl, dass es 4 Sterne sein sollten.

Hat mir besser gefallen als erwartet. Sehr entspannt und ich erkenne den künstlerischen Wert...

Sigur Rós halt, die Qualität der Musik ist nicht zu beanstanden. Ist aber auch stellenweise... herausfordernd.

Wtf is this

Very different than what I expected. Reminds me of Porter. I can see myself hearing this again.

Think I need to come back to this to give it more attention - some pretty amazing listens in there but not for everyday

I still dig Sigur Ros. I have this album on vinyl. It's still haunting.

Ny batteri sounds like the Valheim overworld music

Not something I would normally listen to, but quite relaxing. 4 stars or B-.

A surprisingly great album. It’s a mix of atmospheric and rhythm that I really enjoyed.

Ethereal weirdness that is wholly unique

awesome for me

Gorgeously ethereal, but a bit too much.

- Sigur Ros - Atmospheric

I went through a post-rock phase late in high school and every once in a while I like to dip my toes back in those waters. That said, I never really got into Sigur Ros back then. I knew of them, but I liked the more punk rock aesthetics of bands like Do Make Say Think, A Silver Mt Zion, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. I'm genuinely surprised there's not a Godspeed album on this list. Ágætis Byrjun is a great album. Standout tracks for me are Ný batterí and Hjartað Hamast (Bamm Bamm Bamm). The only thing that might hold it back from full points for me is that I need to be in the right mood to listen to an hour plus of ethereal, ambient, and atmospheric post-rock.

Beautiful as ever. Very chilled listen, nice having songs I'm less familiar with.

Es ist ein atmosphärisches Meisterwerk des Post-Rock, das mit sphärischen Klanglandschaften, isländischer Lyrik und der einzigartigen Stimme von Jónsi eine träumerische Welt erschafft.

I'm a big fan of the whole post rock scene. Huge atmospheric and orchestral tones. Play it loud let it fill your head. If you liked this, I would highly recommend Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

top 3: -staralfúr -ný batterí -hjaratao hamast

Very nice. 3 or 4. Reminds me of Radiohead or Massive Attack, but with lush strings and wind instruments.

Omg, I was obsessed with Starafur in 2010. I haven't really listened to it since then! I love me some vibey albums, and this is the gooooood stuff!

MAGICAL ETHEREAL JUST LIKE just like the cover, that’s how it feels. Just like what I was hopeful to find. Like Air, and a breath of coast air. Maybe I don’t understand what it talks about, but my soul does. I’m definitely listening to e ve ry song of Sigur and his solo creations (Jónsi) and if u check the albums Sigur Rós appears, there are some interesting options to dive into.

Very ethereal, almost alien sounding soundtrack. I wish it were longer.

Because I don’t understand the words, this is pure ambient music, to me. It’s good in that function. A 3 or 4. Probably a 4.

It started off a bit dull but became a lot better

I like this one. Soothing

Great background stuff for working.

pior que eu nunca tinha escutado mais de uma música deles. calmim, bem atmosférico, gostoso demais. tudo muito bem produzido, colocado de maneira bonitinha pra dar textura pra musica. não eh um album pra todo dia, mas hoje achei lindo lindo lindo. (achei melhor que radiohead, até o momento)

Great stuff. Some incredible songs

Strange how an artist you ought to enjoy can somehow never get that chance for years. By the time Sigur Rós drifted into my orbit, I was too caught up with Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, and Mono for my post-rock fix. While ambiently aware of them, it would take some post-bracket action to pierce the veil. Even then, my response was tempered and restrained — perhaps mirroring the music? I know enough to know that Ágætis Byrjun isn't their first record, but sometimes you don't count the false starts. This record is not bad for an opening statement, no matter the language.

I liked it. Very new sound to me. Will definitely listen again in the future

Nice music but why does it all have to be so bloody long??

Interesting sound and I kike it alot

Very aesthetic and ethereal, I actually like this quite a bit.

I used to listen to this album quite a lot in the 2000s/2010s. It’s beautiful and provides a great soundscape backdrop when you want to concentrate and do something… or contemplate existence or whatever. It was lovely to revisit it. I started to read about the meaning of the lyrics and it seems really intense so I decided I didn’t need to know the full story. The music already tells a powerful emotional story. This also reminds me of my late brother, who liked Sigur Ròs and composed a bunch of instrumental music that was probably partially inspired by them.

My husband loves getting high and listening to these guys and honestly I totally get it.

Big fan of the ambient vibes.

Symphonic and atmospheric. 4/5

Very cool soundscape. Lots of interesting and inspirational sounds for a budding producer. Good songs too.

Like all Sigur Ros this was beautiful and a great listen with one or two stand out tracks.

Beautiful and haunting. Used to play this every night and drift off to sleep :)

Good album.

proto-hopelandic

This is majestic and magical. A refreshing album. Certainly unique. Don’t know the language but felt like I was ascending for most of it.

Unique, took a little while to really get into it but Im glad I persevered I enjoyed it a lot.

I enjoyed this once I got into it. Made for a nice drive, decided to diverge off my route down the coast to soak it up. Not sure when I'd listen again, but this was way better than I expected.

Really good background, ambient music. The soundscapes are haunting and move along at a tick more than a spa music pace. The lyrics aren’t understandable but that doesn’t take away. Horns and drums are a surprising addition to this type of album. Almost like a Radiohead without the pollution of English lyrics. Jazzy, but not jazz. Probably good for getting work done or chilling out alone. Never would have heard this if not for 1001, so glad to be introduced to it.

Schräg. Etwas lang, etwas viel, aber es hatte seine guten Momente. Erinnert mich etwas an Radiohead. 3 1/2, aber ich runde auf.

Pretty good…reminds me of something I’d hear in life is strange. Great for studying/sleeping.

It's chill, didn't understand it obv

Unexpectedly a big vibe - really mellow at times, but some cool ambiance and great piano throughout.

Haunting vocals give this an ethereal feel

Listened on a hike - strangely therapeutic. 4.

Pretty magical vibes. Even with the language barrier you could feel a strong emotional current throughout.

A gorgeous album that I just didn’t give a chance to for whatever reason (well, mostly because I didn’t understand the point of a made up language). But I realized how much emotion can come through when uou allow it to and surrender to the music, even without understandable language.

If you are taking drugs and need a relaxing comedown, this is it.

Enjoyed most of it!

Real ethereal

In de juiste setting: zeer goed. Sfeervol, en toch soms episch

This music is just gorgeous.

When I'm in the right mood (which is often), I love Sigur Ros. It's pretty stuff and easy listening. Heavy bias towards music I can listen to while I'm doing work, so prob inflating my rating by a star or so above what's fair, but whatever.

Real hog crankers get mellow with this one

Im reconsidering my life here man

this list really illuminates a generational gap in music taste when it comes to post-rock. there's barely any on it! just this, the Tortoise album, and Spiderland which is in its own category tbh. zoomers love that shit. not me but i get the appeal. and this does appeal to me in a very real sense. sleepy music. the bombast feels lightweight, like throwing a football on the moon. deserves to be one of the 1001? yes. over ( ) which, like the actual list, i would skip. thumbs up on Sigur Rós here. but no Godspeed You Black Emperor and neither of Talk Talk's final two albums?

that was awesome. a cinematic soundscape. slow yet not boring. haunting at times but still very beautiful

ça me fait penser à cigarettes after sex, mais sympa même si trop long

So ethereal

Whoa... now this is a fun sound. Very distinct. Sounds electronic, but actually a lot of genuine instruments with fun effects. I suppose, what is that line? A few songs that are built off more basic chord progressions. Like the song Flugufrelsarinn. Good formula for exploration -- starting with some trusted, basic foundation. However, this gets a bit old by the end of the 7 minute song... some more variation might have been good to add in.

#DÍA 18: 1001 Discos Que Hay Que Escuchar Antes De Morir (English Translation Below) Buenas tardes, ayer tuve el día ocupado pero hoy vuelvo para escuchar esta pieza celestial de música. Ya lo había escuchado alguna vez antes, pero principalmente lo dejaba de fondo o lo usaba para dormir (funcionaba bastante bien para ello). Pero ahora dedicándole una escucha atenta me doy cuenta de la extensa belleza que contiene este álbum. No es de extrañar que siempre sea mencionado como un LP vital que escuchar cuando quieres adentrarte en el Post-Rock, aunque sea un disco al que le tiemble esa etiqueta, como a muchos clásicos del género también cabe decir. También se suele decir que su sonido está fuera de este mundo, pero yo lo considero bastante terrenal, aunque con ciertos toques oníricos y de fantasía, como adentrarte en un cuento medieval. En ocasiones me hace sentir que voy flotando junto a criaturas místicas por los gélidos valles de Islandia. La Intro y Svefn-G-Englar son el perfecto preludio de este libro, como una dulce nana cantada a un niño para irse a dormir y comenzar a soñar. La guitarra tocada con arco, las atmósferas tan azules y moradas, la fragilidad de la voz de Jónsi… En mi opinión Starálfur y Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása son dos temas de diez dentro de este proyecto, siendo el primero una cálida y bellísima canción que te hace volver a sentir la ilusión de ser un niño, y el segundo una lenta y sutil pieza cuyo piano lentamente derrite el hielo que cubre su clímax. Es alucinante en casos, aunque hay algunas pistas que se sienten más monótonas y que no logran la misma progresión, como Olsen Olsen o la canción homónima, aunque de esta última valoro el sentido autobiográfico tan entusiasmante de la letra. También cabe destacar que Hjartað Hamast tiene una combinación de instrumentos poco ortodoxa en cuanto al resto del LP, lo que la hace algo irruptoria, pero no deja de ser interesante. En fin, una experiencia que se siente tan íntima como gigante, siento que estos sonidos deben reflejar bien lo que se debe sentir al observar la aurora boreal. Favoritas: Svefn-G-Englar, Starálfur, Flugufrelsarinn, Ný Batterí, Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása Menos favorita: Olsen Olsen #DAY 18: 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die Good afternoon, yesterday I had a busy day but today I'm back to listen to this celestial piece of music. I had listened to it before, but mostly I would leave it playing in the background or use it to fall asleep (and it worked quite well for that). But now, giving it a focused listen, I realize the vast beauty this album holds. It’s no wonder it’s always mentioned as a vital LP to listen to when diving into Post-Rock—even if it’s an album that wavers under that label, as many other classics from this genre also do. It’s often said that its sound is out of this world, but I find it quite earthly, though with dreamlike and fantastical touches—like stepping into a medieval tale. At times, it makes me feel like I’m floating alongside mystical creatures through the icy valleys of Iceland. The Intro and Svefn-G-Englar are the perfect prelude to this book, like a sweet lullaby sung to a child to drift off to sleep and begin dreaming. The guitar being played with a bow, the blue and purple atmospheres, the fragility of Jónsi’s voice... In my opinion, Starálfur and Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása are two standout tracks on this record—the first being a warm and beautiful song that brings back the joy of childhood wonder, and the second a slow and subtle piece whose piano slowly melts the ice covering its climax. It’s astonishing at times, though there are some tracks that feel more monotonous and don’t achieve the same progression, like Olsen Olsen or the self-titled track, though I do appreciate the excitingly autobiographical nature of the lyrics in the latter. It’s also worth noting that Hjartað Hamast has a rather unorthodox combination of instruments compared to the rest of the LP, making it somewhat disruptive, but still interesting. All in all, an experience that feels both intimate and massive—I feel these sounds must reflect what it’s like to witness the Northern Lights. Favorites: Svefn-G-Englar, Starálfur, Flugufrelsarinn, Ný Batterí, Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása Least favorite: Olsen Olsen

Wow! Love this! It’s just so “refreshing” to listen to something so different from anything else, being sang in Icelandic probably helps, but the music is sublime also. Big thumbs up

4.5/5 Aún mejor de cómo lo recordaba. Este álbum lo llevo escuchando varios años y cada vez me gusta más. Creo que es difícil que te encante en primera escucha porque es una experiencia muy particular y de a poco uno va aceptando lo que el album te presenta y dejas de pensar en qué te gustaría que hicieran distinto. Debo decir que aún en algunas canciones no me convence la voz full reverb y por eso también me gusta mucho el title track, porque la voz está bien adelante en la mezcla. Sin embargo sigue siendo una wea demasiado increíble, demasiado grande y meditativa y etérea; tan lleno de texturas que se mezclan a la perfección con el cuarteto de cuerdas y los instrumentos de viento y el bajo, es de verdad una maravilla de álbum, no por nada son considerados los papitos del post rock. Y meu deus el tono del piano es demasiado delicioso ctm. Obra (casi) maestra porque tienen álbumes mejores en mi opinión.

Increíblemente inmersivo. Creo que el principio no ayuda a enganchar pero las últimas 6 canciones son ridículamente atrapadoras. No me las quiero dar de crítico así que, me gustó, no sé si lo escucharía siempre pero definitivamente me deja con ganas de seguir escuchando de ellos. Canciones que no guardé: Intro (lol !!!) Starálfur Flugufrelsarinn Avalon (por sí sola no creo que funcione pero dentro del álbum es un buen cierre) Nota: 4/5

8/10

Çok değişik bi albüm sessizliğin gürültüsü gibi 😅😅😅 genel olarak beğendim çok nadir dinlerim büyük ihtimalle ama olsun 3.5 dan 3 gibi neden buçuklu veremiyorum amk orospsu evladı uygulama 4 veriyorum o zaman

Like

Sigur Ros sounding like Sigur Ros in true Sigur Ros fashion.

Wow! A slow burner of a record. Something very unique that I will revisit soon.

A long journey of cosmic ambience from Iceland with some epic moments and rich instrumentation. The highs are very much worth sitting through the low moments.

A really solid and moving post-rock album, a benchmark for many bands in the 2000s

Solid album, a little repetitive in some parts. Like the second song was 10 minutes it could have been cut in half IMO but otherwise I enjoyed it.

The melodies and style of singing match really well, even if I can't understand the lyrics, I feel like I can still understand the message to these songs. This ambient/ progressive /rock style is pretty cool. And the piano adds a nice touch. A bit strange at times but still cool.

Really cool album. I liked this one alot and I think I will revisit this one a few times. Vocal heavy post rock.

Really beautiful music. Gave me chills sometimes.

Great music to work to, or to do nothing to. I did freak a little though, I was listening to the 20th anniversary deluxe version, and saw 3 DISCS!!! By the time I was finished with the first one, I thought I'd had enough. But I came back, later, and started the second disc (live). And then the third. I'm a fan now.

Nice sounds

I love my kitchen we got bananis and avacodis

4.4 stars. Sad and melodic mostly. Does sound like movie music. Beautiful builds. Wish I knew what they were singing about. Etheral and calming yet lively in a way. Does feel like movie music. Good track cohesion for whole album. Ný batterí and Viðrar vel til loftárása are standouts. Not sure which I like more.

Definitely strange. But entertaining.

Have always liked, but not loved Sigur Rós. I appreciate so much of what they do on this album, but it fails to move me. The best way I can describe the experience is the difference between looking at a beautifully painted landscape, and being surrounded and a part of the landscape. There’s a distance in their music at times that holds me at arm’s length.

It doesn't matter if you don't understand what is being sung--the emotions come through the music powerfully. Love these guys and this was one I hadn't heard before. Beautiful and stirring.

Between Bjork and Sigur Ros, Iceland is the tiny world capital of freaks making ethereal, otherworldly tunes. This demands more than one listen. Its undeniably pretentious with the band even inventing their own language for a song or two, but whatever, they have created an absolutely immersive listening experience. Like youre vibing along to an alien soundtrack which randomly incorporates some classical music and other popular music genres that they overheard on earth. Truly one of a kind and deserves a spot on this list.

Very strange and calming, no idea what they are saying but I enjoyed it

amazing to just enjoy

Beautiful in lots of places, could grow to a 5. Already love Svefn in particular after three listens.

Beautiful!

I really enjoyed this, I was only aware of later Sigur Rós material so this was fresh. Hauntingly ethereal, it's good atmospheric music and the Icelandic lyrics give it all a very exotic feel.

a lot of big sounds, if that makes sense. Very grand and room filling. It started out a little much for me, but Staralfur pulled me in. Proof that you dont need to know a language to enjoy music. Most of the songs do run long, and I would suggest listening to this during a less hectic activity, like a hike or something.

This album was very enjoyable and Norwegian or whatever! Perfect for a drive through the mountains on the rainy day. A little long though

Achingly beautiful and dreamlike. Worthy.

Epic...interesting...even better with lyrics I could understand

Ethereal and lovely, this wasn’t the right album for a sunny summer day, but it was still nice. I wish we could do half stars because it’s more 3.5 for me.

Haven’t listened to this for years and because of the length never listened to the whole album! Saw Sigur Ros live once and it was quite an experience. This is a beautiful and unique album. Particularly enjoyed the tracks where the rhythm section also were to the fore.

I had never heard Sigur Rós and didn't know what to expect. The arrangements and vocals on this album work very well together. This album does not require active listening to enjoy it however from time to time your ears perk up when you hear some new instrument, vocal, or change in tempo. It is very engaging even though you wouldn't expect it to be. I would go out of my way to have this gem in vinyl. It's far from mainstream and that's the point. It's fresh.

I still don't know what this was, but it was like a moody, ethereal, Radiohead meets Smashing Pumpkins, meets Muse. I liked it and understood none of it. Very cool album.

Kind of a trippier Icelandic version of Radiohead? pretty good, I actually had to go back and edit my review, I might come back to this, it's pretty long at 1h 10m though.