Vespertine
by Björk
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 510 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 463 out of 510
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 510
  3. Negative: 34 out of 510

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 25, 2022
    8
    8.8/10
    For long I couldn't really fathom the attention and attachment most people had towards this record. Not because it was bad or boring but because it is usually thought of as her career best by a large majority of her fandom. It felt flimsy pale and sonically indifferent. But I finally got it,after listening to the live version I began to hear it differently . I appreciated the    8.8/10
    For long I couldn't really fathom the attention and attachment most people had towards this record. Not because it was bad or boring but because it is usually thought of as her career best by a large majority of her fandom. It felt flimsy pale and sonically indifferent. But I finally got it,after listening to the live version I began to hear it differently . I appreciated the painstaking layering, the soaring vocals and senual intimacy that wafts off of the record like vold perfume. I now appreciate the complex longing of "pagan poetry " that dissolves into crazed hoarse,i love him's. Vespertine is not about lust but instead intimacy, desire being met. It's cuddling after sex,holding hands after kissing a union.

    Favourites:cocoon,aurora, sun in my mouth ,pagan poetry    … Expand
  2. brockcheese
    Apr 23, 2022
    9
    Bjork has such a beautiful creepy voice. Every syllable clings on to her melodic voice. The music is purposefully choppy and kind of static sound. Beautiful.
  3. marcmyworks
    Oct 5, 2016
    8
    Vespertine was one of the first albums in mainstream music to use stripped down beats, static and 8-bit sounds. This album was definitely different for the time, but following the strides of Radiohead’s “Kid A” artists became more open to experimentation. Download: Pagan Poetry, Unison, Harm of Will.
  4. someonewhocares
    Oct 5, 2022
    3
    Could've been better than it is! Vespertine was such a disappointment for me as a hardcore Bjork fan. Unlike her first three albums and others that came after this, I don't seem to connect with Vespertine on any level and most of the songs feel dragged out and wasted to me. However, we did get one of my most favourite songs from her discography - Pagan Poetry, which is the only accessibleCould've been better than it is! Vespertine was such a disappointment for me as a hardcore Bjork fan. Unlike her first three albums and others that came after this, I don't seem to connect with Vespertine on any level and most of the songs feel dragged out and wasted to me. However, we did get one of my most favourite songs from her discography - Pagan Poetry, which is the only accessible songs on this album that can connect with a human.… Expand
  5. thaleslucas
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    This is a powerful album!!! I cannot explain who I felt when I listened this one for the first time. All the harmony is lovely and how it sound is amazing, so awesome and greatest beauty. This is one of the best albums of all time! ♥
  6. Evic21
    Nov 3, 2015
    10
    Stunningly beautiful, intricate and complex. An incredible achievement for the music industry as a whole. A classic and a MUST listen. Bjork can do no wrong, especially on Vespertine.
  7. asjklasjklas
    Aug 1, 2014
    10
    Besides her inaccessibility to mainstream audiences as always -- "Hidden Place" has to be Vespertine's poppiest moment, highlighted by instantaneously memorable melodies, shuffling beats, and sampled choir vocals -- Bjork's 2001 masterpiece has to be one of her weirdest, most sensual, and timeless records to date; it ages as well as her accompanied swan dress she wore on the album coverBesides her inaccessibility to mainstream audiences as always -- "Hidden Place" has to be Vespertine's poppiest moment, highlighted by instantaneously memorable melodies, shuffling beats, and sampled choir vocals -- Bjork's 2001 masterpiece has to be one of her weirdest, most sensual, and timeless records to date; it ages as well as her accompanied swan dress she wore on the album cover and at the Academy Awards that very same year. Although it's composed with some of Bjork's most signature sounds, most commonly her use of experimental electronica and scat singing, Vespertine favors more minimal yet ethereal effects to accompany the very, very sexual -- or rather, sensual -- feel in its lyricism and most importantly, Bjork's breathy vocal delivery on every track.

    The highlights: "Pagan Poetry" has one of the most memorable melodies -- and most, ahem, NSFW music videos -- of the '00s, which has Bjork writing some of her most deliciously dark and desperate lyrics to the accompaniment of Asian teahouse-esque melodies, music boxes, harps, and Bjork's extraordinarily emotional and equally powerful vocals. The mood throughout the duration of Vespertine typically remains as melancholy as it is wintery ("Frosti" is a one-minute instrumental interlude that tributes the snowy season through and through to the crossfading sample of footsteps in the snow at the beginning of "Aurora"). "Cocoon" is one of the most minimal moments on the album, choosing suggestive and seductive whispers to lure the listener into a momentary coma, while "An Echo, A Stain" is its darkest; the distorted bleeps, bloops, mumbles, and choir vocals are something you'd expect to hear on an early Evanescence record.

    Bjork might be more memorable for her early-'90s house music and her swan dress in the early-'00s, but Vespertine is a testiment to just how important she truly is in a music industry where "artists" cannibalize on each other's ideas instead of cooking up their own material. I'd go as far as to call Vespertine the greatest album since Bjork started her solo career in music, but I'd call it one of the greatest, most grandiose albums I've ever heard in my life. Then again, I was born in 1993 and grew up on Bjork's '00s material, but that doesn't mean I don't stand by that sentiment.    … Expand
  8. Felipecritic
    Nov 24, 2017
    8
    Eu amo esse CD e sua capa também. Esse álbum é bem mais intimista, erótico e pessoal de Björk. Resultou sendo considerado um dos melhores álbuns da cantora.
  9. CharlieGray
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Amazing album, my favorite by Björk, it´s just so freaking amazing it hurts, you know?
    Björk produces that feeling. She really does.
    .....................
  10. LuizCC
    Jul 26, 2012
    8
    As a continuation to the inspired "Homogenic"- as she said- "Vespertine" sounds like the shy face of a two-headed double-disc. Despite the metaphors, it's an agreement that her songwriting improved a lot at this album, but her melodies experimentation sounds a little boring. The atmosphere is too calm and dull based on Bjork's previous (and next) work. But at the same time it sounds like aAs a continuation to the inspired "Homogenic"- as she said- "Vespertine" sounds like the shy face of a two-headed double-disc. Despite the metaphors, it's an agreement that her songwriting improved a lot at this album, but her melodies experimentation sounds a little boring. The atmosphere is too calm and dull based on Bjork's previous (and next) work. But at the same time it sounds like a statement to nature, to her subconscious. Ambiguous, yet good.… Expand
  11. gagaforever
    Sep 22, 2010
    10
    LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!! Best Bjork album! "Unison" was the best song on the album...All other tracks equally great. If you havn't already check it out!!!
  12. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    9
    Arguably her best album, Vespertine show cases such intimacy through sexual verses and enchanting instrument arrangements that create imagery and concept that artists will find difficult to match. 'Undo' and 'Unison' are easily among the best of her music.
  13. potasioxd
    Aug 29, 2020
    7
    tiene muy buenas canciones, solo que algunas desde mi punto de vista se parecen mucho porque tienen los mismos sonidos, pero fuera de eso es muy buen álbum
  14. lovemusic
    May 12, 2011
    8
    i liked it but i thought homogenic was way better than this one. but i still liked this album. .............................................................................................................................................................................
  15. joethealien
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    her second best album (Homogenic being the best), Vespertine is stunning in its diversity, with poppier tracks such as "It's Not Up to You" and "Undo," and outstanding more experimental cuts such as "An Echo, A Stain" and the unbelievably eerie "Generous Palmstroke" (which is without a single doubt in my top 5 Björk songs)
    absolutely one of the best albums of the aughts
  16. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    A flawless, life-affirming, transcendent, deeply moving, perfectly executed masterpiece!
  17. Aijixe
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Vespertine is a personal and erotic adventure through Bjork's life, and it really works. Confidently her best album next to her previous effort, Homogenic.
  18. nobodyknowsme
    Dec 13, 2015
    9
    Simple.Warm.Beautiful.These three words describe the modern time classical Vespertine.Opening track Hidden Place feels like a fairytale orchestra.Following track Cocoon is a lullaby with that glitch sounds and magical vocals all over it .It's Not Up To You is another Björk classic with the very fierce chorus.Undo is very silent and patient.Pagan Poetry is very violent but calm at theSimple.Warm.Beautiful.These three words describe the modern time classical Vespertine.Opening track Hidden Place feels like a fairytale orchestra.Following track Cocoon is a lullaby with that glitch sounds and magical vocals all over it .It's Not Up To You is another Björk classic with the very fierce chorus.Undo is very silent and patient.Pagan Poetry is very violent but calm at the end.Björk screaming in Icelandic language makes it interesting.These 5 tracks opens up the album very well.Rest of the Vespertine is darker.Album is splitting with the interlude Frosti a very charming instrumental song.First song from the second half of the album is Aurora.Aurora is very dreamy and wintry.Next track An Echo A Stain is the darkest track on the album.It has very dark vocals and creepy instruments.Sun In My Mouth is very short and simple.I think it's the weakest track on the album but it's still good.Heirloom is kind of a pop song.It is like a never ending tale.It's one of my favourites.Harm Of Will is beautiful and angelic.And finally closer track Unison is an good example for how to close an album.It has a dreamy vibe.I know i used words dreamy,simple and beautiful too much.These are the words to describe Vespertine.I think Vespertine is the second best album Björk made after Vulnicura.

    Masterpieces:Cocoon,Hidden Place,Undo,Unison

    Standout Tracks:Pagan Poetry,Heirloom,It's Not Up To You

    Weak Tracks:Sun In My Mouth,An Echo A Stain

    Score:9 out of 10    … Expand
  19. ewertonmm
    Jul 25, 2019
    10
    This is, no doubt, a highlight for Bjork in the decade of 2000. You can only see this much quality from her in the years to come, should I say on her "Vulnicura" would? Y'all know what I mean.
    The record is entirely cohesive, I must highlight the tracks "Aurora" and "heirloom". Even without the video artistry of "Pagan Poetry" , both those tracks seems to get their own shine. It's not    This is, no doubt, a highlight for Bjork in the decade of 2000. You can only see this much quality from her in the years to come, should I say on her "Vulnicura" would? Y'all know what I mean.
    The record is entirely cohesive, I must highlight the tracks "Aurora" and "heirloom". Even without the video artistry of "Pagan Poetry" , both those tracks seems to get their own shine. It's not like every Bjork album isn't a '10'. But this is a 10 10! If I could give 10000000000000 I would!    … Expand
  20. FELIPEFERREIRA
    Jun 23, 2016
    7
    Vespertine foi o primeiro álbum da Björk que eu consegui gostar de fato, depois de várias tentativas de ouvir a artista em questão. Há faixas que eu não gostei, como An Echo, A Stain, mas há outras que são maravilhosas. como Hidden Place, Heirloom e Unison. É um álbum de extremos, e você precisa estar meio que preparado pra ouvi-lo.
  21. wallofjericho42
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    Vespertine is a near masterpiece in musical intimacy. Combining unique, complex melodies with Bjork's soft and sensual voice, Vespertine becomes a total emotional experience. Love and Lust, Guilt and Shame Bjork takes the listener on an intricate ride through the dark recesses of the human experience. Bjork's not only puts her whole heart into this album, she puts into it a piece of herVespertine is a near masterpiece in musical intimacy. Combining unique, complex melodies with Bjork's soft and sensual voice, Vespertine becomes a total emotional experience. Love and Lust, Guilt and Shame Bjork takes the listener on an intricate ride through the dark recesses of the human experience. Bjork's not only puts her whole heart into this album, she puts into it a piece of her entire being. Experiencing Vespertine is also experiencing Bjork. The poetic, intimate, and sometimes dark lyrics resonate with you long after they're through, chilling you with each remembrance.

    A musical masterpiece. An Artistic Masterpiece. A Human Masterpiece.    … Expand
  22. Joyasanactofres
    Sep 9, 2022
    10
    This album features oceans of gorgeous sounds that wash over my ears. These songs have a nice progression to them; with each additional bit of instrumentation, the songs grow prettier and more orgasmic. This album has a calm meditative, yet transcendental feel to it - it's almost outworldly.
    Bjork's voice has a lot of character and plays a vital role in these songs. This is a must-listen    This album features oceans of gorgeous sounds that wash over my ears. These songs have a nice progression to them; with each additional bit of instrumentation, the songs grow prettier and more orgasmic. This album has a calm meditative, yet transcendental feel to it - it's almost outworldly.
    Bjork's voice has a lot of character and plays a vital role in these songs. This is a must-listen for every art-pop fan out there.    … Expand
  23. federicobenny
    Aug 29, 2012
    10
    This Bjork's best album. It leads into a magic-winter atmosphere and, while listening to it, you won't return to reality until it ends! Best tracks: "Aurora", "Sun In My Mouth", "Pagan Poetry", "An Echo, A Stain", "Harm of Will" and "Unison".
  24. triangles19
    Jul 24, 2017
    9
    One of the most precious record of all time, songs like "Hidden Place", "Harm of Will" or "Pagan Poetry" are part of the biggest indie/pop legacy in today's world.
  25. perUmbram
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Pretty much the equivalent of entering a self-contained dimension filled with big-time sexuality and utter beauty. But also with incredible understanding of the darker sides of sexuality and the roleplay always involved in sexual relations.

    Who would have known that shimmering harps, glitchy electronics, subdued strings and tingling music boxes would be the perfect soundtrack to that?
  26. DiogoOliveira
    Jan 2, 2018
    9
    atemporal, única, álbum incrível, rompendo barreira da arte sonora, Bjork sempre vai me surpreender, ela é tão corajosa e verdadeira no que faz que muitos não compreende sua arte, Bjork quando morrer será estudada, ela faz um som único, que chega a ser de outro mundo. eu sou completamente apaixonado por ela, ela sempre ira toca meu coração.
  27. rllllstr
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Björk became one of the most talented artists just by her sophomore album, with Homogenic she proved the same and with Vespertine she reached her peak in talent. An album that teleports you into a cold, sensual, magical world. The visuals for the album alone are a pleasure for the human eye. The production, the lyrics just shows how good Björk is as an artist.
  28. indiegirly
    Apr 10, 2023
    10
    Her best work, I will forever be amazed by the beautiful sounds and songwriting on this album.
  29. Melomaniac
    Jun 5, 2015
    9
    Vespertine proves that subtlety and introversion can strike as heavy as locomotive and neurotic beats, in almost an hour of precise and beautifully cohesive lullabies and sweet manifestos.

    9.4/10
  30. vicxxx
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    I love everything on this album is all so pure and magical, the concept and the production are perfect, hidden place seems to have been carved by angels, I love it.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2001
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2001
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. CDNow
    90
    With Vespertine, Bjork has constructed a whispering wall of wonders, and instead of forcing everyone out, has invited the world to look through the cracks.
    Read full review
  2. Sonicnet
    80
    1997's Homogenic, also a mixture of heavy beats and strings, was not as varied or complete as this album, and while Selmasongs, last year's soundtrack to "Dancer in the Dark" (in which Björk starred), was lovely in its own sweeping, cinematic way, Björk has surpassed herself with this new work.
    Read full review
  3. Neumu.net
    80
    Björk continues to mine the fine line of minimalist lushness that her last album gave birth to; with tiny, crackling, skittery beats weaving open-toned ambient beds in which her breathy, pushed-forward vocals lithely lay, the closeness and drama of her every syllable commanding attention.
    Read full review
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