Biophilia
by Björk
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2011
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 311 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 257 out of 311
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 311
  3. Negative: 26 out of 311
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  1. Falling_Hammer
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    This is an album that will certainly musically challenge you. When I first heard it I thought "what the hell is that?", but after some listening I found the beauty hidden within it. This reminds me of Radiohead's "Kid A", which was so different from it's predecessors that I had a hard time liking it, but then again that is one of my favorite albums of all time. To sum up, don't judge thisThis is an album that will certainly musically challenge you. When I first heard it I thought "what the hell is that?", but after some listening I found the beauty hidden within it. This reminds me of Radiohead's "Kid A", which was so different from it's predecessors that I had a hard time liking it, but then again that is one of my favorite albums of all time. To sum up, don't judge this album when you first heard it, let it speak to you and when it does you will be amazed, no doubt about it.… Expand
  2. Mateusq
    Nov 21, 2011
    8
    One of her best albums. Cosmogony is like a big bang; Virus is so beautiful, one of the songs of my life; Crystalline is encouraging, but Hollow and Dark Matter are terrible.
  3. aarondu
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    A strong album, still containing the rangy and sometimes rough, discordant sounds of Volta and the Drawing Restraint 9 soundtrack while managing to bring in some of the organic smoothness that made Medulla such a pleasure. In my opinion Bjork's sound is still a little too rough--the songs have been so opened up, and the melodies pushed so far back, that it occasionally comes across as sungA strong album, still containing the rangy and sometimes rough, discordant sounds of Volta and the Drawing Restraint 9 soundtrack while managing to bring in some of the organic smoothness that made Medulla such a pleasure. In my opinion Bjork's sound is still a little too rough--the songs have been so opened up, and the melodies pushed so far back, that it occasionally comes across as sung poetry. Which isn't the worst thing, for although her lyrics have never been her strongest point. Bjork has always had a masterful flair for delivery that makes most of her head-scratching, primal lyrics convincing. And all this blistering roughness-- from the somehow industrial and volcanic Mutual Core and Thunderbolt--makes the moments when she swings back towards melody, like the cooing vocals towards the end of Moon, like refreshing aloe vera on a skinned knee.… Expand
  4. rocknew16
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    This album is not the better but this is album is amazing too. After Bjork only Radiohead with ok computer, but id like this album becouse is new e solid.
  5. biscuit
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    This album is one of Bjork's best. Articulate, mesmerizing, as well as challenging; the Icelandic singer "gave it all". Obvious standouts include Virus and Mutual Core, but given time, Hollow and Dark Matter's charm will shine through. With more songs to be written into the project, we can expect more little gems to come. 10/10
  6. Azzy2121
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    Bjork's venture into even more experimental styles has been her greatest, in my eyes. I'm not her biggest fan, mostly because I didn't particularly enjoy her music, except the ones that became very popular, of course. I don't remember how I came across Biophilia, but I was first introduced to Mutual Core, which remains my favorite. It's originally calm tone escalates into an electroBjork's venture into even more experimental styles has been her greatest, in my eyes. I'm not her biggest fan, mostly because I didn't particularly enjoy her music, except the ones that became very popular, of course. I don't remember how I came across Biophilia, but I was first introduced to Mutual Core, which remains my favorite. It's originally calm tone escalates into an electro crescendo which you could class as IDM, drum n' bass e.t.c although I prefer to coin gabba. Some of the other songs also follows a similar set-up. A more calm basis that changes throughout the song, such as Crystalline, which has a drum n' bass finale. The lyrical content of the songs may be considered quite strange. Virus talks about, well, Viruses and similar things. Mutual Core about tectonic plates. Cosmogony about celestial bodies. I adore her for this. Most musicians now a day follow lyrics of love or hardship, while she completely departs this.
    I think her experimental side has really done well here. The album is an eclectic mix of music that is presenting in an unusual way, adding to the intrigue. The lyrical contents also add to the albums curiosity, where complex ideas are deconstructed in song.    … Expand
  7. vermilionskin
    Mar 7, 2012
    10
    There are always great moments I go through when listening to Bjork's work; although I enjoy her music even more when I watch her videos, make me go through the perfect musical/artistic experience. Frankly I love ALL her albums and for me I think that she has been consistent, each album gives you a different feeling, Volta was amazing! Wanderlust and Dull Flame of Desire were mesmerizing!There are always great moments I go through when listening to Bjork's work; although I enjoy her music even more when I watch her videos, make me go through the perfect musical/artistic experience. Frankly I love ALL her albums and for me I think that she has been consistent, each album gives you a different feeling, Volta was amazing! Wanderlust and Dull Flame of Desire were mesmerizing! Biophilia is another wonderful project, I LOVE itâ… Expand
  8. Kamal_Voltaic
    Dec 24, 2012
    9
    I love this album. Biophilia, for me, is almost perfect. To experience it fully, you've got to listen to it as a whole. The highlights are Crystalline and Mutual Core, in my opinion.
    Björk is a stunning music icon who is still at the top of her game after decades in the Music industry.
  9. AndresAPF
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    Uno de los mejores albums de Bjork en mi opinion , Para mi esta al nivel de Homogenic y vespertine que sin duda son uno de los mejores discos de su carrera
  10. Deadrisy
    Feb 2, 2013
    10
    A great album from a great artist that takes time to get in to, but once you do you will love it.The songs are experimental with fascinating instruments and of course Björk's wonderful voice.My favourite tracks are Crystalline and Sacrifice.I hope to see Björk one day and thank her for her original innovative unique music and voice.9.5/10.
  11. Felipecritic
    Oct 31, 2017
    7
    Björk volta mais eletrônica que no Volta (k k k). Agora ela está mais adequada a sonoridade da década de 2010, voltada para o eletrônico, mas sem deixar sua essência de lado.
  12. Danikun
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    You never really know what to expect from a Björk album except to be challenged and almost forced to break out of your musical paradigms. Biophilia is no exception, leading a journey through the cosmos, the tectonic plates or even human DNA, this album has it all and is another welcome turn in her career. A new era where Björk shows herself as interesting,You never really know what to expect from a Björk album except to be challenged and almost forced to break out of your musical paradigms. Biophilia is no exception, leading a journey through the cosmos, the tectonic plates or even human DNA, this album has it all and is another welcome turn in her career. A new era where Björk shows herself as interesting, admirable and seductive as always.… Expand
  13. federicobenny
    Sep 20, 2012
    10
    A great return for one of the greatest artists of the last 20 years! The concept is good and the songs are well done (except "Solstice" and "Crystaline", which seem to be B-Sids of "Vespertine"). Gaga, Britney and all the others sh***y pop singers: learn from her, not from Madonna, who made only one good album ("Ray of Light") and can't even sing!
  14. Alanc
    Oct 11, 2011
    9
    I really enjoyed this CD. It is among her best work, I think. I was very disappointed with Volta. There are some stunning moments on Biophilia - Virus, Mutual Core, Hollow, Dark Matter. In fact, there is not one song that I dislike or would rather skip. It is a lovely straight through affair. The music is often minimalist but not lacking complexity. She sounds wonderful and in aI really enjoyed this CD. It is among her best work, I think. I was very disappointed with Volta. There are some stunning moments on Biophilia - Virus, Mutual Core, Hollow, Dark Matter. In fact, there is not one song that I dislike or would rather skip. It is a lovely straight through affair. The music is often minimalist but not lacking complexity. She sounds wonderful and in a few songs employs refreshingly, atypical straight-forward vocalization.… Expand
  15. kings7
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    What a tortured musical landscape it is this year. People have been unduly harsh to any albums that take work, and this one is no exception. This is easily her best album since Medulla, and in some ways is on par with it. It's entirely original and exciting, which in and of itself should be enough. But more than that, it gives you an experience, and a pleasant, deep one at that. 9.5/10.
  16. Frikomid
    Oct 14, 2011
    9
    I think that, in every single CD, Björk changes her style. II think Biophilia is not her best work, but at least, is better than Volta. I also enjoy the "plot" of the songs; Dark Matter, it seem that Bjork wants you to think of all that dark unexplored depths of space; Cosmogony, Björk wants you to think about the origin of the Universe... every single song has aI think that, in every single CD, Björk changes her style. II think Biophilia is not her best work, but at least, is better than Volta. I also enjoy the "plot" of the songs; Dark Matter, it seem that Bjork wants you to think of all that dark unexplored depths of space; Cosmogony, Björk wants you to think about the origin of the Universe... every single song has a "plot". And the music style is different than in other record , she has never done something like Hollow or Mutual Core...… Expand
  17. robidraco
    Oct 18, 2011
    10
    an album for those who have not remained stuck years ago. A record that requires concentration and has interesting points about the relationship between man, nature, biology and human emotions
  18. super-adn23
    Jan 16, 2012
    10
    This is definitively one of the best albums of 2.011, the concept of what Björk did on this album is just a proof of musicians still can be creative and get mature while the process. There is no other artist that stay faithful to its artistic instincts like Björk does. Great album, easily enjoyable.
  19. RT_Air
    Oct 15, 2011
    10
    A great record with that deals with unusual subjects and uses innovative instruments. It takes time until you get used to it, but once you discover its beauty, you won't be able to get it out of your head. The songs are either very quiet and laid-back or really loud and aggressive but there are tracks that combine both ('Mutual Core', 'Sacrifice'). Highlights include 'Crystalline',A great record with that deals with unusual subjects and uses innovative instruments. It takes time until you get used to it, but once you discover its beauty, you won't be able to get it out of your head. The songs are either very quiet and laid-back or really loud and aggressive but there are tracks that combine both ('Mutual Core', 'Sacrifice'). Highlights include 'Crystalline', 'Cosmogony', 'Dark Matter', 'Virus' and 'Sacrifice'. A good album overall.… Expand
  20. Gracianne
    Oct 11, 2011
    9
    It might be too early to make an informed judgement, but I'm thoroughly enjoying this record so far. Both more minimal and more intricate than Volta, it's more of a combination of the best bits of Homogenic and Vespertine - no bad thing, as far as I'm concerned. Virus is particularly beautiful. Best of all, Bjork doesn't allow her voice to be consumed by the instrumentation. Her vocals areIt might be too early to make an informed judgement, but I'm thoroughly enjoying this record so far. Both more minimal and more intricate than Volta, it's more of a combination of the best bits of Homogenic and Vespertine - no bad thing, as far as I'm concerned. Virus is particularly beautiful. Best of all, Bjork doesn't allow her voice to be consumed by the instrumentation. Her vocals are still the main instrument, and they sound better than ever. The mutations that she goes through on Mutual Core are stunning. There is nobody quite like her in the music world, for which we should give thanks.… Expand
  21. hydrawithears
    Oct 19, 2011
    10
    Transmutating proteins. Internal nebula. The Atlantic Ridge drifting. The new, eighth studio album by Björk sounds like an ultimate science geek feast. Indeed it is as it comes with a series of apps to be played on your iPad that bring together knowledge and fun. Musically, Biophilia is a sister of Björkâ
  22. Davedoesaline
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    While at first this album may seem to be disconnected; listen closer...the music becomes both familiar and unique. Bjork has done a great job of finding uncommon moments in a song to connect on a broader scale. On a personal level i was worried it would be just as disjointed sat volta...however it seems to find its own grounding. While not as beautiful as Vespertine or as mysterious asWhile at first this album may seem to be disconnected; listen closer...the music becomes both familiar and unique. Bjork has done a great job of finding uncommon moments in a song to connect on a broader scale. On a personal level i was worried it would be just as disjointed sat volta...however it seems to find its own grounding. While not as beautiful as Vespertine or as mysterious as Medulla; it stands alone in a body of work with a formidable future.… Expand
  23. matmos89
    Oct 22, 2011
    10
    The opening "Moon" enchants with minimalistic, hypnotic composition and passionate vocal. Thunderbolt brings dark mood and exciting combination of choir, organ and electric discharges. Cosmogony with Bjork pure voice and spacy musical background is another highlight. Virus charms with beautiful gameleste. Mutual Core surprises with energetic techno parts. Solstice calms down and leads theThe opening "Moon" enchants with minimalistic, hypnotic composition and passionate vocal. Thunderbolt brings dark mood and exciting combination of choir, organ and electric discharges. Cosmogony with Bjork pure voice and spacy musical background is another highlight. Virus charms with beautiful gameleste. Mutual Core surprises with energetic techno parts. Solstice calms down and leads the album to the end. It must be written Biophilia is demanding record, not for an average listener. It's really far step from joyful Debut. With its dark mood and ambitious concept Biophilia is mostly similar to equally beautiful Medulla. One of her best albums.… Expand
  24. Starchild
    Oct 24, 2011
    10
    If "Volta" is Bjork's failed experiment, then surely "Biophilia" is her warm reassurance that she's still the master of modern music. It's everything good art should be: innovative, endlessly creative, probing, daring, and completely in the control of the artist (no matter how out-of-control it sometimes may seem). I am thrilled and pleased to report to anyone who will heed that this isIf "Volta" is Bjork's failed experiment, then surely "Biophilia" is her warm reassurance that she's still the master of modern music. It's everything good art should be: innovative, endlessly creative, probing, daring, and completely in the control of the artist (no matter how out-of-control it sometimes may seem). I am thrilled and pleased to report to anyone who will heed that this is the single greatest record I've ever heard. It's masterful, gorgeous, and the logical progression of fire from "Volta's" ashes. A flat-out masterpiece.… Expand
  25. drukqs
    Oct 11, 2011
    6
    I feel like Biophilia is going to be somewhat of a marmite album, like Volta and Medulla before it. I can see why people could like it, or even love it, but for me it doesn't capture the essence of what I personally enjoy about Bjork's music. Perhaps the cosmological concept of the album doesn't lend itself well to Bjork's usual trademark intimacy, as I feel like the songs come across asI feel like Biophilia is going to be somewhat of a marmite album, like Volta and Medulla before it. I can see why people could like it, or even love it, but for me it doesn't capture the essence of what I personally enjoy about Bjork's music. Perhaps the cosmological concept of the album doesn't lend itself well to Bjork's usual trademark intimacy, as I feel like the songs come across as being sterile and unmoving -- with the enthralling 'Virus' being one of the few exceptions to that.

    That's not to say that I don't think it's a well crafted album. In fact I feel like I have a decent grasp of what Bjork was trying to accomplish conceptually, and the mood is very unique. Personally? It does very little for me, and each listen leaves me wanting something more focused and substantial than what Biophilia offers.    … Expand
  26. jimmypowder
    Oct 12, 2011
    5
    This is not one of Bjork's better efforts. Vespertine,Homogenic,even Medulla are
    far superior.I tried to like it and there are some songs that are interesting but
    I just cannot get into it.

    I really like Bjork alot but it seems her best work is sadly behind her.
  27. canhenha
    Oct 20, 2011
    10
    This CD feels like Bjork reached a perfect balance between her more intimate musical discovery that was "Vespertine" and the more robust sonic experiments that were "Medulla" and "Volta". It's unlike anything else and simultaneously very much like her own universe. Beautiful and rewarding upon multiple listens.
  28. Barobmara
    Oct 12, 2011
    5
    OMG, another hardboiled album from Bjork. What has she got against playful tunes and proper rhythms? Does she take a strange pleasure in making records that sound like an orchestra of alliens playing Chopin on the laser pendulum harps? I just don't get this.
  29. DavidClarke007
    Oct 12, 2011
    6
    Well, after volta almost anything would be welcomed as a good album, but biophilia is just mediocre, a cd that doesnt leave anything lingering with the listener after the end of the last song.
  30. micmac
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    At the first word of the ambitious goals of the Biophilia project, I wasn't expecting much more than a batch of non-songs stretched to fit an uneasy concept, particularly in light of the focus placed on the app element of the project. Fortunately it's much, much more than that - it seems to take the best aspects of Homogenic and Vespertine, her two strongest albums. Maybe not 'album of theAt the first word of the ambitious goals of the Biophilia project, I wasn't expecting much more than a batch of non-songs stretched to fit an uneasy concept, particularly in light of the focus placed on the app element of the project. Fortunately it's much, much more than that - it seems to take the best aspects of Homogenic and Vespertine, her two strongest albums. Maybe not 'album of the year' (Tom Waits' album has yet to come out) but definitely one of Björk's most accomplished works.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2011
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    Nov 15, 2011
    90
    Biophilia is an excellent addition to her glorious discography.
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  2. Blurt Magazine
    Nov 1, 2011
    80
    Biophilia is a delicate and highly tactile treat, a unique gem of innovation (pipe organs driven by computers, the mallet-tickled gameleste) and gentle real soul whose breathy endearing heights Bjork hasn't touched in a minute.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Oct 24, 2011
    60
    Despite some flaws in its execution, Biophilia does succeed in pushing beyond the already established album-singles-videos model, and the creation of a digital experience to compliment the music feels like a natural progression in the way that music is packaged and consumed.
    Read full review
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