Medulla
by Björk
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 316 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 282 out of 316
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 316
  3. Negative: 11 out of 316

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Jul 27, 2022
    5
    A sparse icy marvel reminiscent of Homogenic. It sounds heavy with a grief for an unsaid loss . It's not a game changer at all but it's just further proof of our swan wearing goddesses talents. This shouldn't be so good !
  2. someonewhocares
    Oct 5, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Medulla also lacks in consistency alongside 2007's Volta. However, the songs that feature on this album go from bold to psychobabble to full-on science lecture about the human body. With all the references to body parts such as Veins and Fingers, it's hard to not feel that Bjork might never have been born on Earth, as she sounds bewildered and confused by the human body and feelings that we might have.… Expand
  3. ManuelContreras
    Apr 7, 2018
    6
    Un album dificil de digerir. No me gusta el hecho de que aveces su voz se pierde
  4. kandre
    Sep 13, 2004
    4
    If an unknown artist had released this CD, it would have been dismissed as self-indulgent, or just plain awful (and many artist have done these sorts of vocal experimentations, only better--see shinjuku zulu, etc.) Pushing the boundries is great, especially on a major release, but not if the songs, ultimately, are bad. Repeated listens DO NOT make it better. Whole tracks, or parts of If an unknown artist had released this CD, it would have been dismissed as self-indulgent, or just plain awful (and many artist have done these sorts of vocal experimentations, only better--see shinjuku zulu, etc.) Pushing the boundries is great, especially on a major release, but not if the songs, ultimately, are bad. Repeated listens DO NOT make it better. Whole tracks, or parts of tracks, are downright irritating. Listen to 'Where is the line' for a particularily bad track. (On that note, 'Mouths Cradle' is a good example of beauty, experimentation, and, humanity and accessability. Too bad more tracks weren't like it...)… Expand
  5. JDawg
    Sep 2, 2004
    4
    This album sucks. Artsy fartsy choir voices take up all the sounds instead of electronic music/beats/synth. I realize Bjork is tried of electronic music and it may have past its prime but this CD is nothing like her previous efforts. I think Bjork has dropped off after Homogenic, but this definitely some spacey weird music I just can't listen to. Listen to this and then listen to This album sucks. Artsy fartsy choir voices take up all the sounds instead of electronic music/beats/synth. I realize Bjork is tried of electronic music and it may have past its prime but this CD is nothing like her previous efforts. I think Bjork has dropped off after Homogenic, but this definitely some spacey weird music I just can't listen to. Listen to this and then listen to post and you'll see she probably hit her musical peak right about there.… Expand
  6. BenjaminBunny
    Sep 3, 2004
    6
    Admirable for a damn-near flawless execution of an ambitious idea, but admirable and listenable are two very different ways to describe art. This is definitely art, and its construction is brilliantly execution. Nonetheless, "Medulla" is the first Bjork album I can not describe as addictive in any way--it simply lacks in memorable tunes. As a thoughtpiece of concept-driven art it is Admirable for a damn-near flawless execution of an ambitious idea, but admirable and listenable are two very different ways to describe art. This is definitely art, and its construction is brilliantly execution. Nonetheless, "Medulla" is the first Bjork album I can not describe as addictive in any way--it simply lacks in memorable tunes. As a thoughtpiece of concept-driven art it is exceptional, but that doesn't neccessarily make it a pleasure to listen to.… Expand
  7. TimE
    Jan 13, 2005
    4
    A Cocteau Twin she isn't and I myself am a huge fan of "Post" and even the Sugarcubes but this album just doesn't work. If you want etheral get the money you purchased for this record & buy something by Kate Bush.
  8. RobbieC
    Feb 25, 2007
    5
    I don't get it, at all.
  9. JeremyF
    Apr 24, 2007
    6
    Bjork, probably one of the best musicians of the past decade and this one, is a goddess. But this album fails to appeal to me as much as her previous works. I give her major props on all the work that must've gone into this, as I'd imagine it's extremely difficult to do an entire vocal album with just occasional piano. I have to say "Who Is It" and "Desired Constellation" Bjork, probably one of the best musicians of the past decade and this one, is a goddess. But this album fails to appeal to me as much as her previous works. I give her major props on all the work that must've gone into this, as I'd imagine it's extremely difficult to do an entire vocal album with just occasional piano. I have to say "Who Is It" and "Desired Constellation" rank among my favorite Bjork songs ever. But once you get over the first Icelandic song, ther'es more! And odd gibberish songs on top of that (like the unappealing eeriness of "Ancestors.") That is what really through me off. This album closes with the great "Triumph of a Heart," which is a very fun hip song. Another favorite. So, though this is a very remarkable idea and a marvelous effort, it fails to cling to me for days and days like I would have lied AND expected.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best Album of 2004
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2004
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    Though hardly Björk's most pronounced statement, Medúlla is definitely a highlight of her already illustrious career.
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  2. Stylus Magazine
    90
    To me, Medulla is an experiment in transforming the primal power of the human voice into a 21st century context. It's an amazing effort, and it's one of the best albums of the year.
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  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    The luminosity of her performance counters the album's tendency toward dry formalism. [5 Sep 2004]
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