BjA¶rk - Debut

Necessary listening.

"Human Behaviour" was the first time I'd ever heard this woman's voice. Thank God for that happenstance. This LP folds you within it and you become one with the fibers contained. May 20, 2008

She's unusual, but she's true to herself and that counts for quite a bit...

I think anyone would have to at least admit that Bjork is probably the most unique musical artist out there today. They needn't admit anything more. She doesn't have to be their style, she doesn't have to be someone they long to listen to at any interval but they can't help but respect and admire what she brings to the table. Bjork is above all else Bjork, as in she will always be herself even if that means putting out music that no one but her will ever understand. I have been a fan of Bjork since I watched her caress the screen in von Trier's masterpiece `Dancer in the Dark' and have since attained all of her albums, all of her singles, all of her LP's, EP's and the like and have grown to embrace her musical passion even more.

With her debut album `Debut' Bjork came onto the scene strong with an album that establishes her as voice of a generation; a voice demanding to be heard.

I, for one, want to listen.

`Debut' is not as dark or as deep as some of Bjork's later efforts. It has more of a pop vibe to it with club worthy beats lacing each track. It's similar to her most recent work `Volta'. This isn't a bad thing, but I tend to prefer her darker work.

Bjork delivers magnificently on tracks like the opening `Human Behavior', a song that instantly burrows itself inside your eardrums with infectious drum beats and Bjork's signature vocals. Now I'll never be caught saying that Bjork has a masterful voice because she doesn't. She has a very immature and girlish voice, but it's within these flaws and vocal hiccups that add layers to the overall effect Bjork has on the listener. With each high pitched choke, rasp and vocal crack we get a real feel on who this singer really is, inside and out. She's just a girl with a point of view and the drive to get it out there.

Songs like `Venus As a Boy', `Violently Happy' and `Big Time Sensuality' are tracks most fans of hers, and even some who are not, are privy to. These tracks were the tracks that made her famous. There are gems though to be found underneath the more popular songs on the album. The soft spoken `Like Someone In Love' sounds very much like it belongs in a musical. The piano is a beautiful complement to Bjork's earnest delivery. `Come to Me' has a style reminiscent of Bjork's later material, dark and ominous and silky smooth. It has a low-key techno vibe to it.

Tracks like `There's More to Life Than This' and `Crying' belong in the club with up tempo beats that would devour a dance floor. They somewhat remind me of Garbage tracks, somewhat. `One Day' is not as up-tempo but its close enough; very club friendly.

There are some tracks that don't work so well though. Tracks like `Aeroplane' fail to impress me. Another track that fails in this regard is `The Anchor Song', a track that is maybe to `original' for its own good.

In the end `Debut' is a mighty fine debut album from Bjork and wets the appetite for future releases. I for one adore her for her vision, her drive and her talent. I know that she is not for everyone, but for those of us who have come to admire and respect her we realize that there is no one quite like Bjork, and that alone is enough to keep us coming back for more. January 15, 2008

The Most Unusually Brilliant Artist You'll Ever Hear

Bjork's appropiately titled album "Debut" is one of the best albums you will ever hear in your life. Each of Bjork's songs are brilliantly beautiful, but unusual (the good way) at the same time. "Debut" is one of the best albums you'll have in your collection. Bjork is a wonderful artist, who, in my opinion, is one of the best artists ever. It's a must have if you want something different. December 27, 2007

Sylphic, strange, and wonderful

Björk's aptly titled debut solo album was a long-time favorite of mine. I recently got all of her records out again for a progressive chronological refresher course in all things Björk, and I found that Debut stands up very well to the passing years. It remains Björk's most accessible album, as her subsequent records became more experimental, strident, and downright odd with each new release. But cuts like "Human Behavior", while remaining commercially viable for radio play, hint at Björk's underlying strangeness. She seems not quite of this world, a perfect observer of "human behavior", as if she weren't quite human herself. Rather, she strikes me as a kind of sylphic fairy, woken up out from the deep mythological roots of her Icelandic home.

Other tracks, like the exuberant "Big Time Sensuality", the lovely "Venus as a Boy", and the brooding "One Day" keep this record fresh, even today. A terrific album, well worth picking up if you don't have it. November 7, 2007

He believes in Beauty

Every song on this CD is win. Bjork has such an amazingly distinct yet quirky sound, and it all blends so well. I do think this CD shows her amazing artistry as a musician, but it also shows her power in collecting people around her to produce such a strong sound. August 15, 2007

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