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. Vampire25
    Apr 22, 2012
    8
    The moment you immerse yourself into this album, you'll realize just how great the whole album actually is. Took me a little bit to get into it but it gets better with each listen. Never been a fan of Bjork, but after listening to Medulla I just want to listen to more from her. All In All, each track is massive in scope and Bjork's lyrics are haunting.
  2. marcmyworks
    Oct 5, 2016
    9
    One of my favourite albums by Bjork. What an innovative way to create an original album, by mostly using voices for beats. This album predates the acapella craze that hit mainstream culture in the early 2010s. Download: Where is the Line, Oceania, Pleasure is All Mine.
  3. thaleslucas
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    Björk can sound so dark in this album. Totally opposite of "Vespertine"... When i listen to the voices and harmony of this album, I feel like I'm swimming on a line of notes... It's amazing and make me feel great.
  4. Felipecritic
    Oct 31, 2017
    8
    Björk em toda sua essência nesse CD. Com um lado mais obscuro ela explora suas melodias e letras de forma dramática, essa mistura resulta em um dos melhores CDs do ano e de sua carreira.
  5. CharlieGray
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    Björk can sound so dark in this album.
    The vocals in this album mix so well with Björk, it's so amazing, you can hear and feel the effort she puts in every album.
  6. LuizCC
    Jul 26, 2012
    10
    It is a record that proves Bjork's voice as one of the best in the music industry. The beats and strings are a real lack, but her finest tones of vocalization drives us into the soul of her marrow, and the storytelling behind the lyrics is improved at each song. The humanity she always sings for is in a 'state of grace' in this album, producing deep thoughts. Bold and shining, it's herIt is a record that proves Bjork's voice as one of the best in the music industry. The beats and strings are a real lack, but her finest tones of vocalization drives us into the soul of her marrow, and the storytelling behind the lyrics is improved at each song. The humanity she always sings for is in a 'state of grace' in this album, producing deep thoughts. Bold and shining, it's her best effort of the last decade.… Expand
  7. gagaforever
    Sep 22, 2010
    9
    At the first listen i was very disturbed and the front vcover picture made me cringe, but then I realized that that's who she is and I LOVE IT!!!! The songs are great and "Triumph of a Heart" made me dance.....Some songs are lacking what bjork usually gives though
  8. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    7
    Bjork deserves full marks for experimentation, but Medulla often lacks cohesion, structure and reason to listen fully to each of its tracks. There are several of her best efforts here but overall the talent seems misplaced and lacking, leading to an enjoyable yet disappointing listen.
  9. potasioxd
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    es sorprendente saber que este álbum fue hecho puramente de voces humanas. me gustan las técnicas vocales usadas para este álbum, como las voces gurutales o el beatboxing, le hace honor a la temática que abarca el álbum, junto con los mensajes políticos que tienen algunas canciones (y yo amo muchísimo las canciones políticas). mis canciones favoritas son mouth's cradle, triumph of a heart,es sorprendente saber que este álbum fue hecho puramente de voces humanas. me gustan las técnicas vocales usadas para este álbum, como las voces gurutales o el beatboxing, le hace honor a la temática que abarca el álbum, junto con los mensajes políticos que tienen algunas canciones (y yo amo muchísimo las canciones políticas). mis canciones favoritas son mouth's cradle, triumph of a heart, oceania y the pleasure is all mine… Expand
  10. JeremySpears
    Feb 25, 2020
    9
    Björk is a genius. She’s the Madonna of alternative music. With each album she evolves, changes her sound and look. Each album has a concept. This album was all about going back to the roots: the human body. The album talks about pregnancy but also about the body and how it works in general. The genius thing about this album is the way its concept was carried out. The entire album was madeBjörk is a genius. She’s the Madonna of alternative music. With each album she evolves, changes her sound and look. Each album has a concept. This album was all about going back to the roots: the human body. The album talks about pregnancy but also about the body and how it works in general. The genius thing about this album is the way its concept was carried out. The entire album was made just with vocals. There are barely any instruments. You might think that this is boring and weird and believe me, I was skeptical before I listened to it as well. But the result will make your jaw-drop. It really shows you what our body is capable of. In some songs the voices sound like an orchestra, while in others they sound like the instrumental of an electronic song. It’s crazy. I wish this album wouldn’t be so overlooked because it is so experimental and different but still so damn brilliant.… Expand
  11. Juan12353
    Aug 7, 2016
    10
    Un gran album, donde Björk muestra todo su talento y dedicacion, una obra de arte, mis favoritas son los 4 singles y vokuro, pero definitivamente de todas, Where Is The Line Es Mi Favotita
  12. Aijixe
    Sep 24, 2015
    9
    Bjork's most experimental album, Medulla, and the word "challenging" mean the same in a world where pop and rock have become painfully generic and catatonic.
  13. vinzlima
    Nov 6, 2015
    9
    Incrível a capacidade dela trazer a arte de um jeito que podemos ouvir e sentir mais profundamente que um quadro. As vozes da própria no fundo em algumas músicas deixam este versículo do livro de vida da Deusa mais que perfeita. Triuimph of a heart e uma musica tão grandiosa em arte que eu me pergunto se ela fez essa com Van Gogh. Minha nova e 9, com certeza e a melhor obra dela depois doIncrível a capacidade dela trazer a arte de um jeito que podemos ouvir e sentir mais profundamente que um quadro. As vozes da própria no fundo em algumas músicas deixam este versículo do livro de vida da Deusa mais que perfeita. Triuimph of a heart e uma musica tão grandiosa em arte que eu me pergunto se ela fez essa com Van Gogh. Minha nova e 9, com certeza e a melhor obra dela depois do Homogenic.… Expand
  14. ultipop19
    Mar 11, 2018
    10
    THE MOST EXPERIMENTAL ALBUM EVER
    Bjork is at another level with this record . Songs like "Oceania' , "Mouth's Crandle" , "Who it it" are hypnotizing.But the biggest surprise is singing in her native -icelandic- language ( Vokuro)
    A MUST
  15. wallofjericho42
    Nov 12, 2013
    8
    Medulla is an idea. Bjork has a tradition of molding these great ideas and implementing them in her music. In Medulla, the idea is to imitate the organic element of the human voice. Does it work? Most of the time. Songs like "Oceania", "Triumph of a Heart", "Who is it", and (my personal favorite) "Desired Constellation" all beautifully integrate the human voice not only as an instrumentMedulla is an idea. Bjork has a tradition of molding these great ideas and implementing them in her music. In Medulla, the idea is to imitate the organic element of the human voice. Does it work? Most of the time. Songs like "Oceania", "Triumph of a Heart", "Who is it", and (my personal favorite) "Desired Constellation" all beautifully integrate the human voice not only as an instrument but as a genuine and sincere piece of human emotion. Voice is more than a gimmick in Medulla, it is the backbone. Voice is what gives these songs their life and their beauty. But, it is a tough album. Not all songs follow through smoothly, and some are harsh and awkward (I'm looking at you, "Oil Britain" and "Ancestors"). This album is definitely a great listen regardless, as it takes an idea and forms it into something organic, unique, and sometimes almost tangible.… Expand
  16. triangles19
    Jul 24, 2017
    10
    Medulla is the Björk's masterpiece. All the volumes, the textures and the colors of the record are rich and deeply generous. The production is creative and innovative. Some songs like "Submarine", "Ancestors" and "Pleasure is All Mine" are works of art.
  17. Rodkrieg
    Apr 3, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums ever created, using mostly human sounds, yes, fantastic.
  18. perUmbram
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    One of the best experimental records ever made. A beautiful blend of contemporary classical music, convincing pop music, choral arrangements and brutal electronic touches, it touches on the very core of musicality present in humans. The lyrics here, for the first time, become literally visceral and excruciatinglly human. Some of the songs (Who is it?, Triumph of a Heart) fill with joy,One of the best experimental records ever made. A beautiful blend of contemporary classical music, convincing pop music, choral arrangements and brutal electronic touches, it touches on the very core of musicality present in humans. The lyrics here, for the first time, become literally visceral and excruciatinglly human. Some of the songs (Who is it?, Triumph of a Heart) fill with joy, others (Where is the line?, Ancestors) shock and still others (Desired Constellation, Mouth's Cradle) are so deeply moving that this might well be the best and most emotional of Björks work to date.… Expand
  19. Melomaniac
    Jun 5, 2015
    10
    When instruments shut and the voices are so uncontrollably present the way they are here, you can tell we're in front of not only a marvellous music album, but also an all-time historic masterpiece.

    9.6/10
  20. DP922
    Mar 18, 2012
    10
    Overall, I consider Medúlla to be Björk's best and most refined work because it's fearlessly original and innovative. Other than that, this album lacks instrumentation but instead, the usage of orchestral choirs and layered vocals revolutionize the third wave of music evolution after the classical and pop/rock periods. If you're looking forward to a novelty orOverall, I consider Medúlla to be Björk's best and most refined work because it's fearlessly original and innovative. Other than that, this album lacks instrumentation but instead, the usage of orchestral choirs and layered vocals revolutionize the third wave of music evolution after the classical and pop/rock periods. If you're looking forward to a novelty or even soothingly haunting, this album is for you. The strongest highlights on this album are "Pleasure Is All Mine," "Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right)", "Oceania," and "Submarine." I also give kudos to the high and mighty Björk for her well-crafted and non-repetitive songwriting, a breakaway from the boundaries of generic pop.… Expand
  21. vicxxx
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    Medulla is so atmospheric, the concept linked to nature and the constellation are beautiful songs sound like magic particles in your ears, Oceania is perfect.
  22. Reeeth
    Feb 21, 2012
    10
    There are decisions to be made, consciously or subconsciously, by each individual listener. Is it humanizing to use people as instruments, or is it dehumanizing? Does the menace sublimated to varying degrees in each song represent an unusual honesty about the human condition, or does it only serve to further solidify Björk's image as a devoted eccentric? Neither choice isThere are decisions to be made, consciously or subconsciously, by each individual listener. Is it humanizing to use people as instruments, or is it dehumanizing? Does the menace sublimated to varying degrees in each song represent an unusual honesty about the human condition, or does it only serve to further solidify Björk's image as a devoted eccentric? Neither choice is wrong. What both sides of any argument will have to agree upon is the powerful sense of immediacy that Björk has achieved. It took me two more listens after the initial three to stop scrutinizing each vocal element as I would the chorus in a pop song. Even after the urge is suppressed, it subconsciously remains -- each "instrument", being explicitly human, demands our constant attention. This is initially very uncomfortable, but it gradually works its way down to strange and beautiful. Your first experience of "Where is the Line" will be of a song that is aggressively strange and threatening. By play number ten -- and you must listen to this song an absolute minimum of ten times, as soon as possible -- you'll realize that it's just a texturally fascinating bit of cinema with an emphasis on the contrast between Björk's high voice and some shockingly deep backing vocals. When the electronic distortion hits, goosebumps will rise, no matter how many times you've heard it -- but the first time, you'll be frightened that they might burst. The song clearly has it in for you...until it doesn't any more, at which point it's simply titillating and fun.… Expand
  23. babaganush96
    Oct 8, 2010
    10
    Medulla is certainly Bjork's most inventicve album, and, in turn, her best so far. On par with Vespertine's introverted, soft beat filled songs, Medula's a capella songs are truly captivating. While it may take a while to get accustomed to all the 'a-a-as' and the various Bjorkified shrieks, it's definitely worthwhile. This is the only, truly, inventive album I own. Fabulous.
  24. Twilightzone_88
    Jul 25, 2023
    9
    Medulla is a one of a kind experience. On paper, the album sounds horrible and should be horrible, given all the random noises and human beats, but bjork did the impossible and made it work, with the exception of a couple of tracks. Songs like mouths cradle and show me forgiveness are beautiful and sincere, while songs like triumph of a heart and where is the line? incorporate wacky humanMedulla is a one of a kind experience. On paper, the album sounds horrible and should be horrible, given all the random noises and human beats, but bjork did the impossible and made it work, with the exception of a couple of tracks. Songs like mouths cradle and show me forgiveness are beautiful and sincere, while songs like triumph of a heart and where is the line? incorporate wacky human made beats that just weld together perfectly. It is my favorite bjork album and one of the best of the 2000's

    8.6/10    … Expand
  25. ClippyB
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Seu 2° Melhor ALBUM, VULNICURA FÃNS QUE CHOREM, Homogenic reizinho.
    Oceania musica da carreira
  26. sebastien505
    Oct 25, 2004
    9
    "Desired constellation" and "the pleasure is all mine" are my favourites. A brilliant, overwhelming album but not as attractive as her previous album, Vespertine.
  27. ShaunH
    Sep 6, 2004
    10
    Having been a Bjork fan for a long time before this CD I loved her work but was never 100% satisfied with complete albums. This time around I was amazed at how much I loved every bit of the album. I've listened to it already many times. Unlike others I find Where is the Line to be one of the weaker tracks... for best listening I found Oceania, Submarine and The Pleasure is all Mine Having been a Bjork fan for a long time before this CD I loved her work but was never 100% satisfied with complete albums. This time around I was amazed at how much I loved every bit of the album. I've listened to it already many times. Unlike others I find Where is the Line to be one of the weaker tracks... for best listening I found Oceania, Submarine and The Pleasure is all Mine as well as Vokuro.… Expand
  28. AndrewC
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    Paradoxically both challenging and accessible, breathtaking and full of breathing, heavy and as light as air travelling throat a throat. Album of the year, so far.
  29. Andy[en-die]
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    I LOVE ART!
  30. Sucka
    Sep 1, 2004
    10
    Absolutely amazing. Doesn't need the "hey, it's just voices" gimmick at all -- it stands on the merits of the sound. The best album I've heard this year.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    The luminosity of her performance counters the album's tendency toward dry formalism. [5 Sep 2004]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »