Have you been captivated by Björk’s groundbreaking album Fossora yet? With its release behind us, now is the perfect moment to explore the expansive and innovative catalog of this celebrated Icelandic musician and curate our definitive Top 10 Björk songs. Björk’s music, much like fine tastes such as coffee, sushi, or dark chocolate, is an experience that deepens with each listen. The more you immerse yourself in her distinctive sonic landscapes, the greater your appreciation for her profound contributions to electronic and experimental music genres. Her artistry is powerful, intelligent, otherworldly, and genuinely enchanting.
Born and raised in Reykjavík, Björk’s musical journey began at the young age of 11. By 21, she had achieved international fame as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band The Sugarcubes. Following the band’s split in 1992, Björk launched her solo career, achieving global acclaim. Numerous Björk albums have soared into the top 20 of the US Billboard 200 chart, and her global record sales are in the millions. Björk is also revered for her pioneering stage presence, her remarkable three-octave vocal range, and her uniquely eccentric off-stage persona. (Let’s be honest, the swan dress remains an unparalleled fashion statement of the early 2000s.)
In compiling this list, we’re focusing solely on Björk’s original compositions – therefore, while we deeply admire “It’s Oh So Quiet,” it will be recognized as an honorable mention. For devoted Björk enthusiasts, we trust this Top 10 countdown will be a delightful journey down memory lane. And for those just discovering her work or new to Björk, our ranking aims to ignite your passion for the Icelandic queen of electronic art pop. Without further delay, here are our selections for Björk’s 10 best songs!
10. “Family”
“Family,” a profoundly dark and imaginative track from Björk’s 2015 album Vulnicura, opens with haunting, dissonant violin chords. The song unfolds into an atmospheric, deeply emotional, and ethereal experience, powerfully conveying the anguish Björk experienced in the aftermath of a painful breakup.
“Family” emerged from the emotional aftermath of Björk’s separation from Matthew Barney. In the Vulnicura album booklet, “Family” is subtitled “6 months after,” indicating its creation timeline post-breakup. “The lyrics are a direct portrayal of my physical sensations during heartbreak,” Björk shared with Dazed in 2019. “Loss can feel physically devastating, like a limb torn away, yet outwardly invisible to others.” This raw vulnerability makes “Family” a standout in Björk’s exploration of personal pain and resilience, solidifying its place among her best songs.
9. “It’s Not Up to You”
“It’s Not Up to You” is celebrated among Björk’s fanbase for its radiant and expansive chorus. This track, the third from her fourth studio album Vespertine, encapsulates the quintessential “Vespertine sound”—characterized by celestial choirs, intricate harp arrangements, and delicate micro-beats—while maintaining its unique identity through more understated electronic elements.
Lyrically, the song delves into the universal frustration of trying to control every aspect of life. Björk’s message gently advises listeners to release expectations, give freely without demanding specific outcomes, and accept the unpredictable course of life. The ethereal production of “It’s Not Up to You” reinforces this message of surrender and acceptance, making it a comforting and thought-provoking piece in Björk’s song catalog. Its introspective nature and calming melody contribute to its appeal as one of the best Björk songs for moments of reflection.
8. “Bachelorette”
“Bachelorette” resonates with a metropolitan vibe, its musical structure escalating like a towering skyscraper. This epic track from Björk’s 1997 album Homogenic features Björk’s soaring vocals towards its climax and marks a pivotal narrative point in the album. “Bachelorette” portrays the character Isobel’s return to the city by train, an element reflected in the song’s rhythmic beats, which evoke the motion of a train. It’s a powerful anthem of confrontation and love.
Björk elaborated on the song’s creation, explaining, “To match the lyrics’ epic scale, I collaborated with the Icelandic poet Sjón. We spent days discussing the narrative over red wine at my kitchen table. He crafted the words from these stories… It’s a collection of intense, direct narratives, including this ‘Wuthering Heights’ style epic. ‘Human Behaviour’ was the first chapter, ‘Isobel’ the second, and ‘Bachelorette’ is the sequel.” This rich backstory and literary depth enhance “Bachelorette”‘s status as a standout Björk song, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to music.
7. “Pluto”
“Pluto” is a glitchy, hardcore, rave-infused track, another Homogenic highlight. As the penultimate song on the album, it delivers a chaotic and exhilarating energy. “Pluto” is also a precursor to the IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) explorations Björk would pursue in later projects. In “Pluto,” she describes a process of radical self-renewal through violent upheaval.
The song draws inspiration partly from the Norse myth of Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the world followed by rebirth. Astrology is another influence. Björk, a Scorpio born on November 21, is ruled by Pluto. In astrology, Pluto symbolizes transformation and renewal. Björk uses this astrological context to express her need for personal transformation, necessitating a destructive phase for rebirth, mirroring Ragnarök and Pluto’s association with the underworld and death. This complex interplay of mythology and personal symbolism makes “Pluto” a uniquely compelling Björk song.
6. “Sun in My Mouth”
“Sun in My Mouth,” from Vespertine, is a profoundly moody, melodic, and beautiful song. Listening to it evokes the sensation of basking in warm sunlight. It begins gently, like a lullaby, evolving into a blend of soothing intimacy and grandeur. The lyrics are beautifully adapted from E. E. Cummings’ 1923 poem, “I Will Wade Out.”
Björk’s intimate vocals are enriched by a string orchestra, harp, and subtle electronica. Her vocal delivery creates a sense of closeness, with her breaths distinctly audible. Vespertine explores themes of intimacy and sexuality, and “Sun in My Mouth” subtly references sensuality through its poetic imagery. (Lines like, “In the sleeping curves of my body / I shall enter fingers of smooth mastery,” are often interpreted as allusions to self-pleasure.) Juxtaposing these bodily images with natural imagery, “Sun in My Mouth” becomes a lush and sensual exploration, cementing its place among the best Björk songs.
5. “Big Time Sensuality”
“Big Time Sensuality” demonstrates Björk’s 90s music’s ability to be both danceable and experimental. This track is genuinely club-ready!
“Big Time Sensuality” was the fourth single from Björk’s groundbreaking 1993 album Debut. As the title suggests, Debut marked her arrival as a solo artist. Co-written with producer Nellee Hooper, the single release featured a Fluke remix. This exuberant house track, a celebration of friendship and zest for life, became an international hit, significantly broadening Björk’s audience. It’s no exaggeration to say this song was pivotal in her career. Without “Big Time Sensuality,” Björk might not have achieved the widespread recognition that allows her to continually deliver her unique brand of “big time sensuality” in music. This track remains a testament to her early innovative spirit and is undeniably one of the most iconic Björk songs.
4. “Pagan Poetry”
“Pagan Poetry” unfolds like a mysterious, slightly unsettling music box. It’s akin to a dark fairytale filled with intrigue and hidden magic. Its exceptional production, profound lyrical depth, and intriguing backstory are why it remains a steadfast fan favorite.
This Vespertine single reached #38 in the UK and #12 in Canada. Björk wrote and produced it, with additional production by Marius de Vries and mixing by Mark “Spike” Stent. The music box element was crafted by Jack Perron and later fully developed as a B-side on the “Cocoon” single. Originally titled “Blueprint,” the reason for the title change to “Pagan Poetry” remains unclear, though “Blueprint” also resonates with the song’s themes. Speculation links the change to Jay-Z’s album The Blueprint, released the same year as Vespertine. Notably, Jay-Z paid tribute to “Pagan Poetry” at a 2014 concert attended by Björk, hinting at a shared appreciation.
“Pagan Poetry” serves as a metaphor for unrealized potential and discovery. The “blueprint” symbolizes Björk’s quest for fulfillment, both physical and emotional. As the song progresses, she explores the tension between these desires—seeking sexual freedom and emotional commitment. She reveals the complexity of her inner world, suggesting that like pagan poetry, her feelings are beautiful yet enigmatic. This complexity and evocative imagery make “Pagan Poetry” one of the most fascinating Björk songs to analyze and appreciate.
3. “Venus as a Boy”
“Venus as a Boy” is sophisticated, warm, and utterly captivating, featuring production that is richly immersive. Björk’s output in the 90s was remarkably strong, and this song is recognized as one of her most significant critical and commercial successes.
Co-written with Nellee Hooper, “Venus as a Boy” was released as Debut’s second single in August 1993, almost as an afterthought to the album. Björk recalls, “I think I wrote it in my living room in Iceland and just hummed it into my dictaphone. Later, while experimenting with sounds, we stumbled upon this broken bottle sound. It was accidental but sounded fantastic.”
Reflecting her then-fascination with Indian culture, the song includes string arrangements recorded in Bombay. It’s about “a boy who perceived everything through the lens of beauty.” The romantic lyrics of “Venus as a Boy” are inspired by a real person, whose identity Björk has kept secret. Whoever he is, he surely must be honored by this radiant song created in his name. Its dreamy quality and cultural influences contribute to its status as one of the most beloved Björk songs.
2. “Army of Me”
“Army of Me” is a hardcore, powerful track from the critically acclaimed Post, and it stands as Björk’s most commercially successful single. Critics praised its dark magnetism and Björk’s intense vocal performance upon its release.
Released in 1995 as the lead single from Post, “Army of Me” was co-written and produced by Björk and Graham Massey, who also collaborated on “The Modern Things.” Lyrically, it was inspired by the self-destructive behavior of Björk’s brother, urging him to take control of his life. “Army of Me” was Björk’s first UK Top 10 single and was performed during her Debut tour before Post was even released.
Featured on her 2002 Greatest Hits compilation, “Army of Me” also spurred a 2004 charity compilation, Army of Me: Remixes and Covers, supporting UNICEF. This project featured diverse remixes and covers from global artists. The iconic music video for “Army of Me” is equally memorable, depicting Björk driving a massive truck through a city, battling a gorilla for a diamond, and planting a bomb in a museum to free a boy. Its powerful message and striking visuals make “Army of Me” a defining Björk song.
1. “Hyperballad”
The exquisite “Hyperballad” begins subtly, building into a profoundly captivating experience. With deeply emotional lyrics and a gradually expansive soundscape, this song is quintessential Björk. As the lyrics suggest, listening to “Hyperballad” can indeed inspire one to “climb up a tall mountain.”
“Hyperballad,” as the title implies, is about intense love and emotion—a hyper-exaggerated ballad, subverting the traditional slow song form in a groundbreaking way. It captures Björk’s raw feelings within a committed relationship and was released as the fourth single from Post.
While “Army of Me” achieved greater commercial success from Post, “Hyperballad” is both a commercial hit and a critical darling, and notably, Björk’s most beloved fan favorite. In a fan survey for her 2002 Greatest Hits album, “Hyperballad” received the most votes for inclusion. Pitchfork also ranked it #11 in their Top 200 Tracks of the 90s list.
Perhaps most uniquely, Björk explained the song’s inspiration to a fan in a 1995 AOL chat! She described it as reflecting “the critical phase in a relationship, often around three years, which I observe in my friends. When you fall in love, it’s so precious, you’re aware it might be fleeting, so you’re incredibly gentle with your loved one. Then you find another outlet for aggression. I believe everyone has both sides. So you might release aggression at a bar or by throwing cutlery off cliffs, so you can return to your partner, kiss them sweetly, and say, ‘Hi honey.'” This depth of emotion and relatable yet unique concept firmly establishes “Hyperballad” as the ultimate Björk song.
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