Debut (studio album) by Björk

From AlvaroIesus 04/20/2024 23:20

Sadly not as great as you would expect it to be
It features two fascinating singles (Human Behavior, Venus As A Boy), yet fails to impress overall or break new ground.

The album lacks consistency as Bjork seems to lose herself in her efforts to craft a groundbreaking debut.

Favorite tracks: Human Behavior, Venus As A Boy, Big Time Sensuality.

Great for a debut, it actually sounds like she's fully formed artist here, my only complaint is inconsistency while some songs are masterpieces (Human Behaviour, Venus As A Boy, One Day, Come To Me) there are some that feel not complete.

My first Bjork experience, I've played this maybe 4-5 times over the past year. Was not a big fan of the vocals initially, but her delivery and tone have really grown on me with repeated listens.

Biggest problem I still have with this one are the several tracks with heavy dance/house beats. Feels like some standard "club" music and it's not really my cup of tea. However, she does make some interesting stylistic choices here and there on those tracks to make them tolerable and even enjoyable at moments for me. I'm in the minority in that Big Time Sensuality was a low point for me.

Joining in the herd on Venus as a Boy - that track is fantastic. My favorite section of the album though was the string of One Day->Aeroplane->Come to Me. Overall there is a nice diversity of styles here and I like the flow from track to track even if not every track was a win for me.

Though I tend to prefer dark, brooding, depressive themes, I really dig the positive vibes on this one. There is a childlike innocence and energy here that gives power to the messaging on tracks like Human Behavior, One Day, and Come to Me. I read that Bjork had actually written some of this material as a kid/teen. I don't feel like it's a corporate motivational speaker selling me cliches. More like a good friend who really believes in me.

Also somehow I've come to rather enjoy the Anchor Song.

All said, a solid album that has potential as a grower for me over time. Excited to explore more of her discography when I eventually find the time.

From DJFresh-Rock 05/12/2022 01:56

This album is one of the great debut albums of all time. Experimental, beautiful and clever, it is laden with carefully placed beats and top quality songwriting. There are some breathtaking moments here - There's More To Life Than This, Big Time Sensuality, Come To Me - and one is left wanting more music when the tracks finish. A stunning LP.

Album Rating: 79.58
(955/12)


1.Human Behaviour. 79
2.Crying. 82
3.Venus As A Boy. 83
4.There's More To Life Than This. 66
5.Like Someone In Love 72
6.Big Time Sensuality. 81
7.One Day. 77
8.Aeroplane. 76
9.Come To Me. 85
10.Violently Happy. 86
11.The Anchor Song. 72

Re-issue includes:
12. Play Dead. 96

Excluded Japanese edition bonus track:
13. Atlantic. 80

From Jboy56 03/12/2022 17:56

Björk,the other beautiful elf.

82.73

Mi primer contacto con la música de Björk en la vida. Me ha sorprendido cómo gran parte de su música es artística. He disfrutado un montón el experimentar con su album debut. Mis favoritas fueron Venus as a boy, Crying y Big Time Sensuality.

An original and fine debut album. Play dead as an additional track on one version finishes this off nicely

decent 8
Best: Human Behavior, Big Time Sensuality, Violently Happy, Crying, There's More To Life Than This
Worst: Like Someone In Love

From teague 07/09/2020 20:47

Björk's debut, aptly titled Debut, is incredibly produced and executed. Her voice is great and she is not afraid to flaunt it. The only thing I think this albums suffers from is lack of cohesion. Lots of interesting ideas in every song (trip hop, world, electronica, house, jazz), but they never seem to connect fully. But Debut's shortcomings are far outweighed by its strengths.