Medulla - Björk
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 5 out of 132

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  1. 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.
  2. 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 as well as Vokuro. Expand
  3. 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.
  4. Andy[en-die]
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    I LOVE ART!
  5. 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.
  6. WangT
    Sep 1, 2004
    10
    For an artist whose previous 4 albums are all masterpieces of eletronic pop music, my expectation of Bjork's 5th album is very hight, and strangely, Medulla is way beyond my expectation! Bjork's music is always a hybrid of pop, avant garde, experimental art with enough marketing calculation. However, having built a highly successful (profitable) career, Bjork seems to have finally freed from the need to satisfy to mass, and begun to work according to her own indulgence. The concept, a pop album consisted of mostly human voices, seems so weird at first, but I am shocked how Bjork collected all the voices and programmed them to a collection of accessible songs without losing any pop sensibility. An unique accomplishment. Expand
  7. rocketman70
    Sep 5, 2004
    10
    Excellent record-One of Bjork's best (which is saying a lot). Requires multiple listens to truly appreciate the artistry of it. A fine and unusual effort
  8. LevisO
    Oct 3, 2004
    9
    Her best work since Homogenic.
  9. DwightV
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    I am a longtime fan of Bjork (despite my age 18)and did not know what to expect. At first I was a little weirded out. But you have to give it a chance. And when you give it that chance you'll see that it is the most unique, passionate album of our times
  10. KojoO
    Aug 31, 2004
    10
    just listen to triumph of the heart in the dark then you will know what sound is.
  11. reis_la_reis
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    An absolute gem. Muscially inclined as she is, she's also a genius. I love this album to it's depths. From the intriguiing Pleasure is all mine to the dark dancy Triumph of a heart, Bjork has actually met the expectation all her previous works set ridiculously high standards for. WONDERFUL!
  12. peter
    Aug 31, 2004
    10
    This CD took me a few days to understand... I couldn't keep track of the melodies and it seemed to glide over me. Now that it's finally "clicked", I'm having a tough time listening to more mainstream music. Great album - just give it time, and don't let your expectations for what you think it should sound like stand in the way of really hearing it.
  13. gorans.
    Sep 10, 2004
    10
    One of the most defining, mind-blowing experiences I've had this year - and it's been a great year. And by the end of the third track, I alerady knew it would be that - so the impact with me was far more instant than most others, and if it grows on me any further, it might become my absolute, all-time favorite album. It's certainly her most ethnic and experimental work yet, but it's also her most ethereal and entrancing. Expand
  14. monicak
    Sep 15, 2004
    10
    meticulous,mesmerizing,beautiful
  15. RafaelH
    Sep 1, 2004
    10
    i think post and homogenic will always be her best albums, but this one came real close... and maybe it will grow on me like those other two did and became such favorites... mouth's cradle is just gorgeous.. pleasure is all mine, who is it.. oceania... vokuro... where is the line.. triumph of a heart... so many great songs in here!
  16. JoeyM
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    Jaw droppingly beautiful. Just keeps getting better the more I listen to it.
  17. Ronald
    Sep 2, 2004
    10
    A difficult album it rewards repeated listening. I absoultely love it. Bjork is a true genius.
  18. jun
    Sep 3, 2004
    9
    omg amazing cd.... the climax in Ancestors (about 2mins38sec) actually made me cry like a lil girl, something i had never done before... INCREDIBLE!!! the rest of the tracks are equally just as good, but very, very different.
  19. FrankO
    Sep 4, 2004
    10
    Her best album yet, hands down.
  20. SarahC
    Sep 4, 2004
    10
    Both the most complicated and simplistic Bjork album yet! I cant wait for the remixes (hopefully) to follow!!!! Best Album of the year!!!!!
  21. BrandonS.
    Sep 6, 2004
    10
    Holy wow! What greatness, 10 10 10. I used to hate those beatbox kids (Rahzel) and thought it would deplete from the potential of the album, but now I love those crazy guys! Some of these pieces hint at a sort of Portishead feel which is awesome. If Bjork stays in this direction she will be the champion. Pick this one up pals, best bjork to date.
  22. BlakeW
    Sep 9, 2004
    10
    Beautiful. With each listen it gets better. The Desired Constellation has been achieved....
  23. RobertD
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    This album is both grand as it is humble. Björk has truly managed to keep herself through the entire process.
  24. BryanS
    May 6, 2005
    9
    In all earnestness, I am in love with Bjork. Her entire career starting from the monumental "Birthday" has been a spearhead into the unknown and uncharted, and this album reemphasizes the fact that she is not loosing momentum. Her unique musical style is very apparent, but at the same time, completely different from every record she's ever done prior. Every sound you hear on this album is a testament to the beauty and depth of humanity. Diverse, Spacial, and Completely Breathtaking. Expand
  25. marina
    Apr 12, 2008
    10
    The main argument against it is " it's too dificult. heavy to the head, rare"... But we could also call it " elaborate, misterious, creative"... not everyone can understand music of this level, but once you do you just love it.
  26. JorgeH
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    I just want to say that Bjork is by far the most original artist out there in any catagory. Mouth's cradle is my favorite track of all time. In an industry of fast pop and everyone trying to be ghetto now she took the "trip hop" and applied it to "where is the line"/"who is it"/and "Thriumph of the heart" and meshed her unique style flawlessly to all the other collaborators. The grunting and whailing in "ANSESTORS" by tanya tagaq just raises the hairs in the back of my neck, I think it just taps into your soul and stirrs all sorts of emotions. Basically this album is a masterpiece and to those who gave it a low rating.... you need to listen to Britney Spears maybe she can fufill your simple and rubbish taste in music. Expand
  27. NseE
    Dec 15, 2004
    10
    If you like your music all sugary and fluff with no substance, this isn't for you. Another amazing collection from Bjork, unlike anything else you'll hear this year. Standouts include the ambient 'Oceania', the stomping 'Triumph of a heart', the haunting 'Pleasure is all mine', 'Desired constellation', and 'Mouth's cradle'.
  28. bobby
    Oct 22, 2004
    10
    Far reaching, emotional, yet so current. Keep pushing those boundaries my dame.
  29. aland
    Aug 31, 2004
    9
    this CD is f**cking nuts. it takes a bit of patience to accustom ones self to some of the more bizzarre moments of this CD, but for me, once totally immersed in it, those moments became my favorite. the background growl that gets perfectly sequenced in the wierdly baroque "where is the line.", the rawness of "oll birtan", the hyper-ness of Dokaka in "triumph of the heart" especially, but most of all, the wailing and groaning in "anscestors" that the part in me listening to music is revolted by but the rest of me is completely drawn by its utter shamelessness and the powerful expression of the vaguest emotions. there are easy and accessible segments, however. the sound-perfect input of rahzel in "who is it?", "mouth's cradle" which sounds like hidden place redux for me (not that i mind), and the lovely "vokuro" all these tracks mentioned i love totally. the others, to a lesser extent, the one i cant warm up to is "submarine", thus the 9/10, but it's a small distraction from all the pure AWESOMENESS contained in this f**cking record. buy it. Expand
  30. JamesN
    Aug 30, 2004
    9
    The concept is stronger than the final product, but the final product is still nothing less than sheer greatness.
  31. LeonardoF
    Aug 31, 2004
    10
    It sounds we're listening the album from inside her head, simply fantastic!
  32. MartinZ
    Sep 13, 2004
    10
    This is an art work!
  33. Julian
    Sep 4, 2004
    10
    Stairway to the roots...amazing musical experience.
  34. MauroD
    Dec 4, 2005
    9
    the most exiting thing about medulla is that, even if you listen to it thousands and thousands of time, you'll always find a new sound, or noise, or breath hidden inside all the ones you've been listening to since the first time, and so in songs that you don't completely like at first you can find an ocean of pleasure...thank you bjor for all this.
  35. ChristyneB
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    "Pleasure is all mine" and "Vokuró" are so deep. Medúlla is dark and sensitive; 100% human. All that yelling and the weird noises are just perfect fot Björk's evolution. Great album!
  36. LockneO
    Mar 13, 2005
    10
    "Medulla" is Bjork's attempt to make music without instruments works amazingly! It seems to me that "Debut" is her only album I don't feel is unbelievable. "Medulla" is dark in a way that makes you feel relaxed. "Desired Constellation" and "Mouth's Cradle" are personally my favorite tracks because they're so deep...
  37. FrancoisL
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    Este disco es una maravilla! Escuchando sus dos ultimos discos... ya no se puede volver a escuchar los primeros... Los dos ultimos discos son tan buenos que hacen que sus tres primeros parezcan basura, cuando son geniales.
  38. PaulaL
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    Bjork is probably the best artist there is nowadays. She is so unique, and original, and it works perfectly. This is shown in Medulla, something totally unexpected and totally different. It is music so pure that it is so beautiful. Her voice is amazing and the other vocal sounds are spectacular.
  39. ixata
    Dec 22, 2006
    9
    shamely, can't give it a 10, for the icelandic short numbers are a lil bit unlisetanble and needs a lot of courage listenin it to mainsteram lovers. still, MEDULLA is a brilliant masterpiece, but never surpasses the greatness of vespertine.
  40. GabrielaV
    May 18, 2006
    10
    It's one of those great albums that doesn't happen twice in a lifetime. Some fans might hate it, but I can say honestly: Is daring, charming, unique, fantastic... It takes you in a magical trip through heaven, earth and all oceans... In every single song.
  41. JuliaA
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    one of the most real artists in the world.this album is a real genious masterpiece.I enjoyed her solo albums since Debut,being really hooked up with Homogenic,and eventually mesmerized by Medulla.I can't wait what she's going to show up with on her next album...
  42. AnthonyE.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    This album induces euphoria. I think all Bjork albums are capable of doing that though.
  43. CouganS.
    Apr 24, 2009
    10
    Bjork's best album to date. Original, mind-blowing, emotional, beautiful. Gorgeous.
  44. JesseS
    Oct 21, 2004
    9
    Many are annoyed by this record, but that's only a small reason I find it so cathartic and awe-inspiring. The fully a-capella Vokuro becomes the favourite track; her delivery is beautifully gut-wrenching. I never realized what amazing pipes this brazen pixie has until i saw her live. This record gets a 9 in more for imagination and soul than it does for melody, however, the subtlety of the melodies offer a treasure-hunt of repeated listenings. Expand
  45. JonathanH
    Aug 31, 2004
    10
    Bjork's best album since Post, always interesting, gripping and very strange. In this world of same ole same ole she's giving us something quite different.
  46. IanW
    Aug 31, 2004
    9
    Completely wonderful. It was well worth the wait.
  47. KyleA.
    Sep 12, 2004
    10
    Beautifully emotional--one of her best albums. Who needs instrumentation? Bjork proves she doesn't with this amazing effort.
  48. redelement
    Sep 13, 2004
    10
    this is an amazing album... i had to listen to it again before i really fell in love with it though
  49. KevinW
    Sep 16, 2004
    10
    Ravishing, sumptuous, and exhilirating are just a few of the adjective one could use to describe this oh so successful experiment. Bjork has really topped herself this time in creating an album that not only pushes the bounds of technology, music, and poetry, but created her most immediatly accessible album since Post.
  50. ChadS
    Jun 21, 2005
    9
    Joan Rivers wouldn't like this album. Thank god. In some people's minds(like mine), Bjork is still trying to live down that swan costume she wore at the 2001 Oscars, and hopefully, "Medulla" is the album that puts those wardrobe jokes to rest, once and for all. Bjork is obviously never returning to pop music and that's fine with me. Songs like "Where is the Line" and "Oceania" can't be overindulgent if they're successful pieces of purposeful noise. "Who is It" is the funniest track because it sounds like a concession to produce something akin to a single. Bjork belongs in the same discussion if the topic is "Successful Ethereal Post-Punk Female Songwriters" and her colleagues like Kate Bush and Elisabeth Fraser would probably respect what Bjork has done here. The only reason why I'm denying "Medulla" a "10" is because the CD booklet is f****n' annoying, and dangerous, if you're on the road. Expand
  51. ReubenD
    Feb 26, 2006
    9
    Originality at its best!
  52. EstebanV.
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    This album was constructed to perfection the interludes work great and set a calm mood for the stronger upcoming tracks, like Show Me Forgiveness leads to the darkest song and probably the best Where is the Line?. If you are open-minded about music Medulla is a classic and songs like Ancestors can be appreciated. The most complex songs make her voice stand out like in Mouth's Cradle.
  53. ipsed
    Jul 23, 2009
    9
    It takes a being who adores innovation to accept this album wholly; only a person like Bjork can truly love tracks like 'Ancestors'. This album is not for the average. Art.
  54. VictorL.
    Aug 23, 2009
    10
    My fav Bjork album!Very brave,unique,complex...The only song I don't like is Ancestors.
  55. PanosK.
    Aug 24, 2009
    10
    Totally mind-blowing!!!!This album sounds more arresting and beautiful than a whole orchestra. It's so brilliant in its simplicity from the very first listen. Might be her best work!
  56. 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
  57. 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.
  58. Jun 24, 2011
    10
    Beautiful deep sounds of ancient (anatomic, anthemic!) humanity,,, Perfect combination of personal views and expanding spaces of mind;by going to deepest parts of body collages through history and future... And I really desired constelation!
  59. 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 her best effort of the last decade. Expand
  60. 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 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
  61. 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 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
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Though hardly Björk's most pronounced statement, Medúlla is definitely a highlight of her already illustrious career.
  2. 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.
  3. The luminosity of her performance counters the album's tendency toward dry formalism. [5 Sep 2004]