Valtari
by Sigur Rós
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 63
  3. Negative: 2 out of 63

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  1. luckystriker
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    Sigur Ros is a band of many talents. Rock, ambient, pop, choral, them seem to be able to do it all. On Valtari, Sigur Ros takes a step back from their poppier side and see them revisiting themes last explored on ( ) to magnificent effect. Valtari is lush, gorgeous, melodic and grandoise, all in 60 minutes. Is this Sigur Ros' most graceful and mature work to date? I would say certainly say so.
  2. BenPlaster
    Jul 10, 2013
    10
    This album is what made them great. Every track is almost percussion free, and brings a sense of calm understanding to their often flatteningly powerful tracks. It's the next step in their evolution, and is masterfully crafted. Every track gives me chills.

    This is my favorite album they have made, and most likely my favorite album ever released. As a listener and longtime fan of    This album is what made them great. Every track is almost percussion free, and brings a sense of calm understanding to their often flatteningly powerful tracks. It's the next step in their evolution, and is masterfully crafted. Every track gives me chills.

    This is my favorite album they have made, and most likely my favorite album ever released. As a listener and longtime fan of Sigur Ros, this is as minimalist and evocative an album as they have released.

    Nothing is better than this album at night. Ekki Mukk is the best track they've ever made in my opinion.

    That's my jumbled collection of thoughts. Take from it what you may.    … Expand
  3. antoniodelphi
    Jul 12, 2012
    10
    I could say that I wished that people would stop panning this album. I could argue for people to cut Sigur Ros a break...they're artists, man...cut them just a little friggin' slack! But, I won't say these things. And I can't say these things. From listen #1 of Agaetis Byrjun, it has been apparent that Sigur Ros were something that lay just outside the scope of conventionalI could say that I wished that people would stop panning this album. I could argue for people to cut Sigur Ros a break...they're artists, man...cut them just a little friggin' slack! But, I won't say these things. And I can't say these things. From listen #1 of Agaetis Byrjun, it has been apparent that Sigur Ros were something that lay just outside the scope of conventional expectation. The challenge is...YOU, THE LISTENER, have to bring something to the table to get anything out of listening to an album like this. YOUR thoughts. YOUR emotions. YOUR dreams. That's what this album does...very much like '()' did...it challenges you to complete the picture. YOU have to work. And like anything that you have to work at to achieve, the payoff, when it makes sense, given the ingredients you've added, is beautiful...and so damned enjoyable.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    Jun 8, 2012
    8
    The usual and unmistakable multi-layered, richly-textured Sigur Ros sound is on show again here, however we get alot less "songs" on this record then ever before. It's mostly made up of orchesteral and choral compositions. In many places this record is closer to his Jonsi's Riceboy Sleeps collaboration record than previous Sigur Ros work. There is some really beautiful stuff on here butThe usual and unmistakable multi-layered, richly-textured Sigur Ros sound is on show again here, however we get alot less "songs" on this record then ever before. It's mostly made up of orchesteral and choral compositions. In many places this record is closer to his Jonsi's Riceboy Sleeps collaboration record than previous Sigur Ros work. There is some really beautiful stuff on here but it's definitely not up with their best work. I think I'd prefer if Jonsi kept his Sigur Ros work and his other side projects seperate whereas I feel they cross over a bit here. The combo of Vardeldur and Valtari, 2 similarly haunting pieces that flow seemlessly together, is the albums highlight for me.… Expand
  5. Manik_Music
    Jun 6, 2012
    8
    Check out Manik Music's full review at http://www.manikmusic.net/reviews/sigur-rose-valtari/

    Sigur Rós is one of those bands that are hard to pin down. However, explaining who they are and what they do is very simple. Theyâ
  6. satori99
    May 31, 2012
    0
    I love Sigur Ros. Saw them live many times. Followed them since day one. Have everything. Have my little name on Med Sud.... But no, please no. This is not possible. There is no way anyone would ever eve notice this album it if wasn't published by Sigur Ros. It's a 5 mins soundtrack. It's something you'd expect from MUM. There is zero energy, no vision, no depth. I am listening andI love Sigur Ros. Saw them live many times. Followed them since day one. Have everything. Have my little name on Med Sud.... But no, please no. This is not possible. There is no way anyone would ever eve notice this album it if wasn't published by Sigur Ros. It's a 5 mins soundtrack. It's something you'd expect from MUM. There is zero energy, no vision, no depth. I am listening and listening, hoping something happens and then it gets to the last song, so quickly and it's all empty. Radiohead keep moving on and experimenting and pushing barriers forward, despite criticism. I hope Sigur Ros have not stopped pushing forward. I expect more, demand more, demand magic, not silence. There are little glimpses of beauty, but gee, one really has to be patient. No, it's not a grower. It stays in the background and it does not take you anywhere. When I fly somewhere, I want to fly with Agaetis or () or Takk. They take you great places. Live they have a power and a delicate touch that are both sublime and unique. This album simply does not exist. Not buying special silly blanket either!… Expand
  7. OriginalReet
    May 31, 2012
    10
    After the poppier Með suð í eyrum, its refreshing to hear the slow, ambient work of Sigur Rós that originally made us all fall in love with them. Varuð stands out as being not only the greatest song on the album, but quite possibly Sigur Rós´s greatest song to date.
  8. AlexxTrusc
    May 31, 2012
    10
    Valtari is a compilation of works from unfinished projects, arranged in a characteristic - pompous style of Icelanders. On the album elements of the avant-garde classical music continues to lead, however band decided to introduce more electronic motifs and clearly indicate role of backing vocals - which is even visible in the "Ã
  9. utjazzfan
    May 30, 2012
    10
    This definitely takes multiple listens to get used to, as it's not as accessible as Takk... or Med Sud I Eeyrum. It's definitely a grower and overall, ranks among the best work they've done thus far, for me at least.
  10. PeRV
    May 30, 2012
    10
    Valtari may not be direct in where it should be going, but it is direct in where it _is_ going. This can not compare to one of Sigur Ros' earlier albums, Agaetis Byrjun or ( ), in that it is not a thick-hazed atmosphere with shoegaze textures or a slow post-rock measurement. This album is much further ahead from anything around. The hollowness of the album makes it seem soft andValtari may not be direct in where it should be going, but it is direct in where it _is_ going. This can not compare to one of Sigur Ros' earlier albums, Agaetis Byrjun or ( ), in that it is not a thick-hazed atmosphere with shoegaze textures or a slow post-rock measurement. This album is much further ahead from anything around. The hollowness of the album makes it seem soft and light-hearted. However, here that is not the case for the album's first half. The second half is what will take a bit more of listening to completely understand where it sits as opposed to where others think it should sit. This release begs to not be pegged as a typical Sigur Ros release, and it isn't. It's their newest sound yet, and it's their most powerfully moving one to date.… Expand
  11. Apart
    May 30, 2012
    9
    There is only one thing that Sigur Rós can't do and that is make a bad album. This may not be their boldest record, or the poppiest, but it's definitely one of their most intimate and warm.
  12. speedybill47
    May 29, 2012
    10
    Genrally a very Murky, layered album that is a definite grower by the second listen through. Those who listened to their 2002 album "()" and thought is as an Ambient/Soft Post Rock masterpiece will find a great and beautiful new land of shimmering textures, Jonsi's unearthly vocals, and Foreign pianos.
    Much more electronically driven than the Bracket Album, I felt this also took a lot    Genrally a very Murky, layered album that is a definite grower by the second listen through. Those who listened to their 2002 album "()" and thought is as an Ambient/Soft Post Rock masterpiece will find a great and beautiful new land of shimmering textures, Jonsi's unearthly vocals, and Foreign pianos.
    Much more electronically driven than the Bracket Album, I felt this also took a lot from the Ambient work of lead singer Jonsi and current Boyfriend Alex. Thinly Structured but still all the emotions, darkness, and beautiful Sounds that will bring people back to a moment in time, sad or happy. In the end, comparisons never really matter to em to describe it. It simply is something that exists somehow miraculously quite well together (Majority of the songs come from dropped projects and ideas from the years on) and bring this new Gem glittering into your ears. I have yet much to really describe as theres little to describe it with that can't be said, but its a pretty little collection of tunes.
    All i can really say, is have some good headphones, a good memory to remember it by, and an open mind to what you like in a Sigur ros Album.    … Expand
  13. brandonandress
    May 29, 2012
    8
    reviewing the work of Sigur Ros is tough because too many people evaluate their work relative to their previous work... rather than the merits of the album alone or comparatively against the work of
    other artists. the truth is that Valtari is a different kind of gem from Sigur Ros that many critics will try evaluate versus their previous work... which in my humble opinion is unfair.    reviewing the work of Sigur Ros is tough because too many people evaluate their work relative to their previous work... rather than the merits of the album alone or comparatively against the work of
    other artists. the truth is that Valtari is a different kind of gem from Sigur Ros that many critics will try evaluate versus their previous work... which in my humble opinion is unfair. Valtari is still light years beyond what other artists are doing (or even dreaming of)... and based upon its own merits is a beautifully, transcendant album that, once again, evokes a great range of emotions. Valtari is the right album at the right time for Sigur Ros. had they taken another step forward from their last album, they very well may have been regarded as "to poppy" or "too mainstream." Valtari pulls us back and reminds us of the foundations that made Sigur Ros great.    … Collapse

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Discussed Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Beats Per Minute
    Jul 10, 2012
    79
    With Valtari, the band has returned in some ways to the sounds it made its name with.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Jun 26, 2012
    60
    Ekki Mukk is a gossamer-light, if strangely riveting voice in the wilderness, while Varoelder drifts agreeably off into softly chiming waves of yearning desolation. Less stirring are the ambience-flecked, tympani-tickled meanderings that fill out much of the rest of the hour. [Jul 2012, p.90]
  3. Q Magazine
    Jun 19, 2012
    60
    In the past, they have demonstrated the power to leave people flattened: Valtari, however, just falls a little flat. [Jun 2012, p.94]
See all critic reviews »