A daunting gauntlet and proclamation for an artist to hear: it did not phase Björk – she went on to create many more astonishing albums and, in many respects, did not need to top Homogenic. Some felt Björk would never equal and album as groundbreaking and astonishing as Homogenic. Rather than hark back to Debut and Post they found much to admire in Homogenic. Critics were welcoming and impressed by the album. It is another bold move and spectacular album that, in lesser hands, could have been a disaster. Björk wanted to try something new and go back, sonically, where she started her life. An album dedicated to Iceland would, naturally, have some cheerier moments and optimism. Anyone expecting bombast and big anthems would have been a little disappointed. Perhaps icier and more simplistic than previous work – Björk wanted a single sound and something quite pure – it contains few sweet and Pop-like numbers. Homogenic retained Björk’s distinct vocals and pioneering compositions but walked into new territory. There are a couple of weaker tracks but, like her debut, the sheer brilliance and quality that runs throughout compensates.Īrtists in her position could easily have replicated themselves and done something quite familiar. A few writers do make their way onto the album but, for the most part, it is Björk at her purest and most widescreen. Not that she was lacking on Debut but, on Post, the songs were bigger, kaleidoscopic and diverse – everything from tender and child-like ( Isobel) to domineering and machine-like ( Army of Me). From its beautiful and striking cover to its brilliant videos – the promotional for It’s Oh So Quiet is especially memorable – you felt an artist growing and increasing her confidence. THIS is the album you’ll see on the critics’ best-of-the-best lists and always gets people talking. The entire album makes a huge impact and shows what Björk is one of the most enduring and respected artists of the past twenty-five years. Maybe contemporary artists do not have the same vision and talent as Björk - but too many rely on other producers/writers to help them achieve their sound.ĭebut is an album that, yes, has a few minor songs – One Day and The Anchor Song do not get mentioned often – but they are still fantastic tracks. That is a lesson for songwriters in today’s market: look at what can be achieved when you assume control and create a singular listening experience. Even then, at such a young age, the Icelandic legend was taking charge of the songwriting and ensuring as few hands as possible was in the mix. I get sucked into the record and everything unfolding. Post, the sophomore album, is more varied and confident than Debut but I will always hold Björk’s first album as her finest. Taking this position suggests everything that followed Debut was inferior but that is not the case. There are fans/critics who think Björk made a better record but I am not so sure. Venus as a Boy is beguiling and flowing Big Time Sensuality feverish and emphatic There’s More to Life Than This intimate and atmospheric – the fact it was recorded at the Milk Bar toilets gave it a certain ‘gravitas’ and unusualness. Produced with Nellee Hooper it is an album that bristles with passion, storybook fantasy and intensity.
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