Utopia
by Björk
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 365 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 285 out of 365
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 365
  3. Negative: 52 out of 365
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  1. Seidel
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Talented. Brilliant. Incredible. Amazing. Show stopping. Spectacular. Never the same. Totally unique. Completely not ever been done before.

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  2. mortyblub1
    Nov 24, 2017
    2
    Of course Björk fanatics absolutely love this. Then again, they'll love anything this woman puts out. I mean, these are the same people who think Madonna and Lady Gaga are great musicians, so it doesn't shock me that whenever they encounter music that doesn't sound like the conventional pop they're used to consuming, they think it's genius. But truthfully, this album is far from beingOf course Björk fanatics absolutely love this. Then again, they'll love anything this woman puts out. I mean, these are the same people who think Madonna and Lady Gaga are great musicians, so it doesn't shock me that whenever they encounter music that doesn't sound like the conventional pop they're used to consuming, they think it's genius. But truthfully, this album is far from being impressive. In fact, it's Björk's weakest record up to now: a hollow, artificial work by an artist who has forgotten how to write interesting music and desperately resorts to over-the-top electronic production and orchestral arrangements to try to counterbalance her absolute lack of good melodies. She sings in the sense that there is a succession of notes -- but there is not one single moment where she is able to craft an actually captivating tune. None. Björk once said she did not appreciate Bob Dylan because his music "serves as a bed for words." That's, of course, disputable, but anyway, it's kind of funny that that's exactly what she is doing on Utopia: with no good vocal melodies in sight, Björk focuses tremendously on enunciating every word perfectly, on dragging out each syllable. It's clear that she spent a lot of times on these lyrics, which are all very awkwardly written and attempt to come across as intelligent by ridiculously and unnecessarily referencing literature, religion and history. I actually think her gibberish singing on Medúlla is a lot more engaging than what she has to offer here. Maybe she should go back to scatting.

    Many people are mentioning how gorgeous this sounds. Well, of course. Björk employs the same old techniques in order to make her music seem grandiose and epic, but the difference is, her songwriting was actually good until very recently, so all those orchestral and bombastic arragements felt complementary; they added to her already great vocal tunes. Here, they reek of pretense. They want to fool the listener, to trick them into thinking the music is more important than it actually is. I, for one, was not misguided at all by the "transcendental" flutes, harps, choirs, strings and birdsong that kept coming in and out of songs for no reason at all, attempting to impress. Those are artifices any rich musician can use. The actual hard work is writing an interesting and memorable melody, but Björk runs away from that, maybe because she really doesn't have any ideas or maybe because she simply doesn't care, which is just lazy for a songwriter. Oh, how lush this music sounds! Give me a break. I'd rather listen to a well-written acoustic song than to a vacuous but highly orchestral one. The disjointed industrial/glitchy beats (courtesy of Arca) are just there for the sake of it. She is an electronic musician after all, right? We need the beats! How bored I am.

    There are some okay moments in this thing: the incredibly euphoric Arisen My Senses is nice to listen to and Paradisia is a pleasant little interlude. But that's it. This is by far her most inconsequential and forgettable release, an album full of cliches and gimmicks but not a single good composition. I pray that Björk will find some inspiration again. She is lucky to have such a loyal fanbase.    … Expand
  3. I_Trick_Myself
    Jan 19, 2018
    10
    What a gem! This is absolutely Bjork coming back with an Icelandic vengeance. I would admit that albums such as Volta didn't really do it for me, and while the last album was an improvement, I was still harping back to 'the good old days' - hate that! But this is for me her finest work - good proof of this is the number of times I get all tingly, the singing is so evocative, and the musicWhat a gem! This is absolutely Bjork coming back with an Icelandic vengeance. I would admit that albums such as Volta didn't really do it for me, and while the last album was an improvement, I was still harping back to 'the good old days' - hate that! But this is for me her finest work - good proof of this is the number of times I get all tingly, the singing is so evocative, and the music just so suits - what a collaboration between these two geniuses.

    Bjork, always inspirational and proudly different (or just I guess necessarily so, what I mean by that is that this is true art - a itch that needs to be scratched by the artist, no pandering to what may or may not sell). One of my favourite Bjork songs is headphones, and this album needs just those to be fully appreciated.    … Expand
  4. MichaelPaints
    Dec 20, 2017
    9
    A stunning, lush, and love-filled album from Björk. One of her best yet and proof that her passionate search for new sounds, ideas, and collaborations is never-ending and ever-rewarding.
  5. Evic21
    Dec 5, 2017
    8
    At first, Utopia presents itself as a challenging body of work. With time, it unravels into something more accessible than Vulnicura. Filled with vibrant flutes and scattered electronics, it's probably her most sparse album. It demands attention and if you make it to "Future Forever", you'll realize even though it's deeply empty, it's a reflection of the present, the environment andAt first, Utopia presents itself as a challenging body of work. With time, it unravels into something more accessible than Vulnicura. Filled with vibrant flutes and scattered electronics, it's probably her most sparse album. It demands attention and if you make it to "Future Forever", you'll realize even though it's deeply empty, it's a reflection of the present, the environment and learning to love again. Rather than being in Utopia, it's about trying to get there, and it's never what you think it will be.… Expand
  6. homowifi
    Nov 26, 2017
    10
    Can you believe bjork invented flutes? Also she took my wig and I don't think she's ever giving it back because I saw her pawning it for rent money. Bjork is eating good this era ladies!
  7. marcosarf
    Jun 13, 2019
    8
    There's something about this album that I can't explain. I see the flaws, but at the same time, it's not like they want to hide it: it's the human part n this eccentric album.
    the only thing I really think is off is the name: Utopia. I do not think it represents the album. I could divide the album in 3 different parts: the Utopian Dimension , a vessel of love - from arisen my senses up to    There's something about this album that I can't explain. I see the flaws, but at the same time, it's not like they want to hide it: it's the human part n this eccentric album.
    the only thing I really think is off is the name: Utopia. I do not think it represents the album. I could divide the album in 3 different parts: the Utopian Dimension , a vessel of love - from arisen my senses up to utopia... then , you enter another dimension: the women vs men in an endless love-pain relation from body memory up to tabula rasa. Then, you enter earth, where you celebrate it, with music that heals and embraces a positive future. The name should give another perspective, more accurate of the 3 topics . Good album, very different in it's 3 dimensions.    … Expand
  8. iohn
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    First of all, **** YOU THE INDEPENDENT UK. Now, Just an absolutely piece of art. The way Björk mix different elements from her past albums it’s just amazing. Such a brave woman standing against the hate, the Trump government and standing up for the women and the love. Every song is connected to each other and the animal and flutes sounds make a whole new experience in bjorks music.First of all, **** YOU THE INDEPENDENT UK. Now, Just an absolutely piece of art. The way Björk mix different elements from her past albums it’s just amazing. Such a brave woman standing against the hate, the Trump government and standing up for the women and the love. Every song is connected to each other and the animal and flutes sounds make a whole new experience in bjorks music. Definitely one of her best jobs.… Expand
  9. paulovegajr
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    Clearly the album of the year 2017. It's the closing for what can be considered "the love trilogy", composed by Vespertine, Vulnicura and, now, Utopia. The birth, the death and the reflourishing of love.
  10. marcmyworks
    Nov 25, 2017
    7
    Utopia is somehow complex and simple in its presence. On the one hand we have an intimate orchestral sound, produced by the brilliant Arca with Björk's voice effortlessly waving in and out; on the other we have easy-going positive and love filled lyrics. At times this can feel slightly tedious and more like a caricature of Björk and at others be a gorgeous piece of meditation andUtopia is somehow complex and simple in its presence. On the one hand we have an intimate orchestral sound, produced by the brilliant Arca with Björk's voice effortlessly waving in and out; on the other we have easy-going positive and love filled lyrics. At times this can feel slightly tedious and more like a caricature of Björk and at others be a gorgeous piece of meditation and self-reflection. Download: The Gate, Claimstaker, Future Forever.… Expand
  11. hipnose1
    Dec 2, 2017
    10
    Transcendental, lírico, produção única, definem o mais novo trabalho de Bjork. Uma resposta para seu antecessor "Vulnicura", em que seu coração fora partido e ela cantava sobre sua luta sentimental para se manter de pé, traçando um cronograma de acontecimentos para o que levou ao fim de seu relacionamento conturbado, Utopia trata a superação desses acontecimentos, onde ela cria umTranscendental, lírico, produção única, definem o mais novo trabalho de Bjork. Uma resposta para seu antecessor "Vulnicura", em que seu coração fora partido e ela cantava sobre sua luta sentimental para se manter de pé, traçando um cronograma de acontecimentos para o que levou ao fim de seu relacionamento conturbado, Utopia trata a superação desses acontecimentos, onde ela cria um personagem de um jardim ninfa que emprega desde a sonoridade do album (Flautas e cantos de pássaros), a suas letras, que não fazem rodeios, são direto ao ponto. A sonoridade pode ser desconexa e fora dos padrões ocidentais, bem comum para as produções do arca, porém o que define sincronia? Ela canta na sincronia que ela criou e quando nos acostumamos com isso passamos a escutar na sincronia dela, formando assim um album muito bem elaborado dentro do seu mundo.… Expand
  12. Sendy
    Nov 29, 2017
    7
    2015 saw a great light in the dark with the release of Vulnicura. Sure, ten songs with nine of them in the length of more than five minutes sure looked tiring. In surprise, we got amazing, easy-to-enjoy lovables that can be as everlasting as heck, at least for five years from the release.

    2017, there is the eclectic electro singer with her new album, Utopia. It's kind of amazing that it    2015 saw a great light in the dark with the release of Vulnicura. Sure, ten songs with nine of them in the length of more than five minutes sure looked tiring. In surprise, we got amazing, easy-to-enjoy lovables that can be as everlasting as heck, at least for five years from the release.

    2017, there is the eclectic electro singer with her new album, Utopia. It's kind of amazing that it is released in the length of 71 minutes, with a lot, and a lot of songs. The minutes I spent away with this song, let's be honest.

    I love Bjork.
    But this album is too much and unbalanced, it lets me down.

    I would blame it pretty much in the arrangements. The music arrangements felt a little too much, the songs become hard to be enjoyed and interpreted. In a lot of the songs, Bjork's voice was as intriguing and beautiful as usual, but tends to be overshadowed by the music . As example the song 'Courtship' is actually a neat song, just if the arpeggio of flutes doesnt go too pitchy and then blurred the lyrics; 'Losss' are actually CATCHY AS HECK ( yes, in capital ), but the metallic bangs and booms overmixed the song, it becomes an uneasy listen. And other songs, as example 'Sue Me' (with the screams) and 'Utopia' (with the flutes) faces the same fate.

    Some of the songs felt too dark to be called 'full of love'. This might only be my far-fetching, but it is kind of true. 'Features Creatures' aren't that lovely to be listened to, 'Body Memory' is a no, and 'Future Forever' is also, eventhough it's not as dark, and a warm tune when looked at other perspective.

    While that is some of the problems in the music, some song also contain too much of Bjork's voiced layered into a series of multiple, delayed voice. Not something too problematic in aestheteic, but it becomes harder to interpret than Vulnicura. Somehow, half of the songs ('Arisen My Senses', 'Utopia', 'Courtship', 'Claimstaker', 'Blissing Me', 'Saint', 'Sue Me') is experiencing this.

    If i have to pick the songs that I like and enjoy, my personal picks would be:
    1. 'Blissing Me' - Beautiful, minimalistic, not over the top, romantic.
    2. 'The Gate' - Simply a silent sound, and it felt nurturing.
    3. 'Arisen My Senses' - Because of its generously packed arrangemet.
    4. 'Future Forever' - Eventhough it's kind of dark, another approach would be said as love.

    The album 'Utopia, felt good as an instrumental album, rather as a Bjork song album. It is worse than 'Volta', to be honest. If all of her voice was removed, we got a solid instrumental album. But no, we are hearing Bjork singing, and that's just a total loss of her voice; the instrumentations beats her voice to death, it hurts. The blood is everywhere. If Bjork built her utopia with this formula, sure it becomes a beautiful city really fast, but it also becomes a dystopia really fast. It just felt like we need another Bjork album immediately this year. I love Bjork, but i would only give four.

    [EDIT : 30/11/2017]

    Okay, i'll just tell you, it actually grew on me slowly and carefully. It tends to be a slowburner album. If you only listened to the album 2-3 times, the songs doesn't make sense. When you actually hear them like for 7-8 times, it turns into such vulnerable, delicate experience. The sounds built their way in part per part. Like, if you are trying to decipheran original Arca album. It takes a lot of digestion process, you know.

    I changed my list of favorite songs:
    1. 'Loss' - The beat BOOMS through my ears.
    2. 'Courtship' - Its arrangements are funny, i just can't.
    3. 'Utopia' - Soft, confusing, holistic.
    4. 'Tabula Rasa' - PLEEEEEEASEEEEE

    From the score of four, i changed my scoring on giving at least seven. While this is actually a delightful album, the slow-burner aspect is inhibiting the effort.    … Expand
  13. Felipecritic
    Nov 24, 2017
    8
    Que CD lindo. Ainda bem que existem artistas como Björk e ainda com destaque na indústria musical, se não estariamos perdidos. Ótimo CD, politizado, relaxante e nostálgico (mesmo sendo tão atual).
  14. IsmaelNTC
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    This is clearly he album of the year, outstanding in every single aspect. Incredibly rich in sounds, ranging from birds, to alien sounds to harp, flute and beats. It's a natural continuation of Björk's latest's projects Vulnicura and Biophilia. Very honest and hypnotic.
  15. Marian22
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Alien opera music at its best! Her voice hasnt sound so cocoonish like 15 years now.. The sonic landscapes she creates are so futuristic and brilliant!
  16. dextralwolf
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    One hell of an amazing sensory experience. The productions here are sublime. Maybe not everyone will get it per se, but the essence of this album lies in the discordance of the harmonies; the way that the harsh electronic sonic landscape crashes with the airy and heavenly soundscape. Both of these elements are constantly fighting for dominance in many songs, most notable is 'Losss' andOne hell of an amazing sensory experience. The productions here are sublime. Maybe not everyone will get it per se, but the essence of this album lies in the discordance of the harmonies; the way that the harsh electronic sonic landscape crashes with the airy and heavenly soundscape. Both of these elements are constantly fighting for dominance in many songs, most notable is 'Losss' and 'Courtship'.

    For those without the patience to process it, many songs seemed to fall apart in discord, but for those patient enough to process a lot of things going on in many of the compositions, they will find unexpected harmony in the dissonance; amidst the clashing of the harsh beats and airy flutes, the songs worked in unexpected ways.

    Outstanding tracks: Utopia, Losss, Saint, Body Memory    … Expand
  17. CharlieGray
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    What a great album, magnificent from start to finish, every song floats into the next, and it truly creates a sense and atmosphere of utopia and paradise.
  18. gustavolsb
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    "Björk is full of love again". "Utopia" feels like a mix of her previous musical identities to create a place everyone must go - full of birds, tiny little creatures and flute sounds creating the soundtrack to the listeners' imaginary landscapes.
  19. Estarque
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    It's already one of my favorite Björk's albums. So touching, inspirating, very contemplative and ethereal. If Vespertine sounds like winter, Utopia is completely like spring for me.
  20. OznR
    Nov 28, 2017
    9
    Is not better than 'Vulnicura', but is a success for the optimistic traumas, typical of singleness and an escape to the electronic spring of the femininity. It's a telephatic journey to the "hidden place".
  21. andrevictor
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Com certeza esse é o melhor álbum de 2017. Björk nunca decepciona em seus trabalhos, principalmente este em colaboração com o Arca. Composições e produção musical incríveis, que nos fazem ir além do nosso plano, chegando assim em sua Utopia.
  22. skunkape
    Nov 27, 2017
    10
    The low reviews are from people who don't understand it. That's fine. I don't like their music most likely. This is one of the best releases of the year IMO and if you don't agree you don't agree. For the record this isn't pop music. It's experimental electronic music. Stop confusing the two because you're a sexist with preconceived notions.
  23. fjordside
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Conceptually and musically, Utopia is like the twin sister of the Björk's previous record "Vulnicura" and the album as a whole -with arrangements, themes, motives-, Björk's takes us on a wonderful journey which she discovers love in her life again. With her unique vocals and the music, she describes what Utopia really is in an excellent way. This record is one of the most inspiring andConceptually and musically, Utopia is like the twin sister of the Björk's previous record "Vulnicura" and the album as a whole -with arrangements, themes, motives-, Björk's takes us on a wonderful journey which she discovers love in her life again. With her unique vocals and the music, she describes what Utopia really is in an excellent way. This record is one of the most inspiring and wonderful pieces of hers.… Expand
  24. Music_Observer
    Nov 28, 2017
    8
    Perhaps being the most sonically beautiful album I’ve heard all year, this work creates one connected, alien world through important transformations and daring experimentation in the timbre with switches of unique synthesizer and flute dominance, and while there wasn’t a strong balance in quality between the sound and the less spirited melodic layer, the balance of musical priorities wasPerhaps being the most sonically beautiful album I’ve heard all year, this work creates one connected, alien world through important transformations and daring experimentation in the timbre with switches of unique synthesizer and flute dominance, and while there wasn’t a strong balance in quality between the sound and the less spirited melodic layer, the balance of musical priorities was perfect, shaping an experience that those not intimidated by music as an art will love. My Score: 145/180 (Great) = 8.1/10… Expand
  25. aleppo
    Nov 25, 2017
    8
    After listening to the poignant Vulnicura, Bjork's Utopia became a highly anticipated release for me. I must say that it did not disappoint. Having collaborated with Arca for the second consecutive album, the Icelandic singer decided to explore a different, folkier sound on this record, as opposed to the classical route taken on her previous one. The result is a work simultaneously organicAfter listening to the poignant Vulnicura, Bjork's Utopia became a highly anticipated release for me. I must say that it did not disappoint. Having collaborated with Arca for the second consecutive album, the Icelandic singer decided to explore a different, folkier sound on this record, as opposed to the classical route taken on her previous one. The result is a work simultaneously organic and forward-thinking in its production. While somewhat of a follow-up to Vulnicura in terms of topics addressed, Utopia is markedly more optimistic and empowered (occasionally of a feminist nature) than its cousin album. This record finds the artist open to new love and an overall fresh start for both herself and her children, and is characterized by its lyrical and sonic expansiveness. Bjork succeeds in striking the balance between poetic and plain-spoken expressions, seamlessly treading that line. My only complaint is that the production sometimes strays from the songs' existing structural elements, essentially functioning as a separate entity on 'Sue Me'. Also, 'Features Creatures' failed to resonate with me, and I thought 'Paridisia' to be sonically redundant within the body of work's greater context. All in all, though, this release is a worth-the-wait gem and another strong addition to Bjork's already impressive discography.

    Highlights include 'Blissing Me,' 'Body Memory,' and 'Tabula Rasa'.    … Expand
  26. joaopedrodias
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    Simplesmente um álbum lindo! Com toda uma história para contar, Björk nos surpreende mais uma vez com seu talento musical e artístico. Todos esses sons de flautas, pássaros, harpas e a produção conjunta invejável com seu amigo Arca (e Rabit em losss) deixaram esse trabalho ainda mais belo, é uma pena que ainda há quem prefira o venezuelano longe dos projetos da islandesa.
  27. ayshaadab
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Curious, creative, baffling.

    The album has a unique sound and at the same time refers to other previous works of the singer.

    Wonderful.

    One of the best releases of the year.
  28. Javiz92
    Nov 28, 2017
    9
    Eargasm!! this record takes you to magical places, I feell her emotions, she is healing from a dark Vulnicura journey, the birds and the flute are the perfect match to this original masterpiece.
  29. rodrigoaraujoo
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    Such a beautiful, magical and original album... takes you to a new world as the purpose. Love all that wild-animal-nature sounds... truly beautiful and relaxing
  30. Vincent
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    An inspired work full of amazing moments and wonder. A truly captivating journey with Bjork as our guide, who imbues the album with a sense of humor and heart throughout. Don't miss out on this masterpiece!
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Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best Album of 2017
21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2017
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Mixmag
    Jan 5, 2018
    90
    It’s an album you’ll want to return to again and again.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Dec 22, 2017
    90
    Utopia is the perfect whooshing winter record, just in time for the bitter chill. [No. 149, p.53]
  3. The Wire
    Dec 19, 2017
    90
    The Icelandic icon moves ever closer to the Platonic ideal of what it means to be Bjork. [Dec 2017, p.50]
See all critic reviews »