Show Notes
One of the most common complaints I hear about Björk’s music is her voice.
And these complaints aren’t unfounded. Sometimes she grinds her vocal cords together. Sometimes she wails. And yes, sometimes she shrieks.
But if you suspend your discomfort, you might realize how rich and true-to-life it is because it evokes the full sonic and emotional spectrum.
Here I’ll explore how Björk’s vocals add texture and depth to her songs — specifically in her third studio album, Homogenic. I’ll discuss three songs from that album with my sister Marisa (who introduced me to Björk's work) to understand how her unusual vocals are integral to her music.
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More from Björk Unravelled
Remixes are an integral part of Björk's discography. Think about it: she has multiple remix albums — including Telegram (which remixes Post), Voltaic: The Volta Mixes, and Bastards (which remixes Biophilia).
In 2022 Björk released her 10th studio album. Considering how many artists have stopped after five or fewer, it’s a big accomplishment. But it’s even more significant when you consider how experimental Björk's records have been, especially after Homogenic.
En una entrevista en 2016 con Another Magazine, Bjork dijo: “...alguien hizo una encuesta online sobre dónde estaban mis fans... ¡y aparentemente mi típico fan es un chico gay mexicano de 20 años! ¡Me sentí muy orgullosa!”
In a 2016 interview with Another Magazine Björk said: “...some guy did an online survey of where my fans were… and apparently my typical fan is a 20-year-old Mexican gay guy! I was really proud!”
Bjork's shrieks, rasps, and growls… are what make her voice her own. But they also have consequences on her long-term vocal health.