Volta
by Björk
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 8, 2007
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 317 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 242 out of 317
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 317
  3. Negative: 29 out of 317

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  1. someonewhocares
    Oct 5, 2022
    7
    Volta lacks consistency and catchy melodies. Apart from "Earth Intruders" and the masterpiece "Declare Independence", none of the other songs are catchy at all and it kinda proves that the album isn't as well thought out as Bjork thought it to be. Yes Indeed a bold experiment that somehow went well as well as going wrong, the sounds from throughout the world added to the songs and theVolta lacks consistency and catchy melodies. Apart from "Earth Intruders" and the masterpiece "Declare Independence", none of the other songs are catchy at all and it kinda proves that the album isn't as well thought out as Bjork thought it to be. Yes Indeed a bold experiment that somehow went well as well as going wrong, the sounds from throughout the world added to the songs and the flawless transitions, help put this record back together for a semi-solid project. Volta isn't her best, but die-hard fans should definitely find this record bold and unique.… Expand
  2. Tchierbatsky
    Dec 2, 2020
    10
    Mostly of the songs have a nice miss of sounds and instruments , lirycly it's embrace a more wide range of subjects and is poetically crafted to assure the reality and the fantastic of the Bjork universe that in each sound never goes pedantic.
  3. potasioxd
    Aug 29, 2020
    9
    es uno de mis álbumes favoritos y por el que descubrí a björk. la implementación de las trompetas es sublime. desde mi punto de vista lo considero conceptual. es perfecto tal y como es. mis canciones favoritas son todo el álbum.
  4. ManuelContreras
    Apr 7, 2018
    8
    Posiblemente el album mas infravalorado de la cantante, y no se porque, el album es demasiado bueno
  5. adk012
    Nov 27, 2017
    8
    An interesting piece of art from beginning to end, at some points falling lower than others but worth a listen. The instrumentation is one of the most intriguing qualities, a cultural exploration.
  6. Felipecritic
    Oct 31, 2017
    7
    Em Volta é possível ver uma Björk nova: trabalhando com Timbaland e mesclando seu estilo com o dele. Isso resulta em uma batida R&B com a sonoridade e dramaticidade de Björk.
  7. triangles19
    Jul 24, 2017
    10
    Volta is the pop-album of Björk's discography. Each song have a different volume. From the slowest intimate ballad ("Pneumonia"), to the biggest electronic dance rhythms ("Declare Independence"), the album is the reflect of the human feelings rainbow. "Vertebrae To Vertebrae" is a highlight in her discography.
  8. arteanjo
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    O melhor álbum da Björk sem dúvida nenhuma, não possui nenhuma falha. Uma pena ser esquecido pelos fãs pela sonoridade mais puxada ao pop e produções de Timbaland e Danja.
  9. Juan12353
    Aug 7, 2016
    9
    1. Earth Intruders 10/10
    2. Wanderlust 9.8/10
    3. The Dull Flame Of Desire 9/10
    4. Innocence 10/10
    5. I See Who You Are 9.5/10
    6. Vertebrae By Vertebrae 9/10
    7. Pneumonia 9.1/10
    8. Hope 10/10
    9. Declare Independence 10/10
    10. My Juvenile 9.8/10
  10. arcanjo
    Jan 28, 2016
    8
    I like how its both thoughtful, introspective at sometimes like in Pneumonia and My Juvenile and both energitic and effortless like Earth Intruders and Wanderlust. The thing about this album that make it seem bad for some, are the way the music flow throught the album. there are many inteeruptions like I See Who You Are right after the Explosive Innocence, Veertebrae by Vertebrar rightI like how its both thoughtful, introspective at sometimes like in Pneumonia and My Juvenile and both energitic and effortless like Earth Intruders and Wanderlust. The thing about this album that make it seem bad for some, are the way the music flow throught the album. there are many inteeruptions like I See Who You Are right after the Explosive Innocence, Veertebrae by Vertebrar right before the reflexive Pneumonia.… Expand
  11. melanieuk
    Jan 28, 2016
    10
    Declare independence
    Don't let them do that to you
    Declare independence
    Don't let them do that to you
    Justice
    Start your own currency
    Make your own stamp
    Protect your language
  12. Evic21
    Nov 15, 2015
    7
    Although Bjork's vocals are on point, I find this album to be a weaker effort than her previous work; however, it is still good. The main issue I have with this album is that the horn sections in the songs all kind of sound the same which makes this album seem redundant. On the bright side, I love the spunk and energy of this album especially on tracks like "Innocence" and "Wanderlust".Although Bjork's vocals are on point, I find this album to be a weaker effort than her previous work; however, it is still good. The main issue I have with this album is that the horn sections in the songs all kind of sound the same which makes this album seem redundant. On the bright side, I love the spunk and energy of this album especially on tracks like "Innocence" and "Wanderlust". It's not her best, but it is still worth the listen.… Expand
  13. CharlieGray
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    This album it's soooooo good. Not my favourite by Björk, but it stills being amazing.
    Freaking amazing, just as she wants to.
    ........................
  14. Melomaniac
    Jun 5, 2015
    9
    I doubt Volta is Björk's best album to date, but is arguably her most organic, viscerally transparent, sonically challenging and fully-textured; and that's more than enough to call it just brilliant.

    8.7/10
  15. jasonhicks23
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    I honestly cannot believe that people call this her worst album when Biophilia exists. This is the one that got me introduced to her work and I find it funny that people say "stay away from this album if you want to start listening to her! Terrible introductory album." To each their own, I guess.
  16. vicxxx
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    I love this album, it is not one of her best but also it is still bad because of it, declare independence is the best oh god music I want to go crazy when I hear this song, björk is the best.
  17. perUmbram
    Oct 29, 2013
    8
    Exuberant, adventurous, sometimes a bit overindulgent narrative of a globalizing world. Contains some of Björks best lyrics (like Innocence) yet is sometimes marred by a somewhat overenthousiastic Timbaland-beat (Earth Intruders and Innocence). The more overt Björk-tracks have been criticized of being adrift and not having any direction but there's a superb beauty in this moreExuberant, adventurous, sometimes a bit overindulgent narrative of a globalizing world. Contains some of Björks best lyrics (like Innocence) yet is sometimes marred by a somewhat overenthousiastic Timbaland-beat (Earth Intruders and Innocence). The more overt Björk-tracks have been criticized of being adrift and not having any direction but there's a superb beauty in this more narrative-like style. Collaborations with Antony Hegarty (The Dull Flame of Desire) and Mark Bell (I See Who You Are, Declare Independence) take centre-stage here while the overly present Timbaland-collaborations fade a bit.… Expand
  18. ernis_v
    Oct 28, 2013
    8
    Volta is as crazy as the artwork the first part is energetic, thumping and all over the place, while the the second is more mature, pensieve and philosophical.
  19. AlessandroOdo
    May 12, 2013
    9
    A very confusing album (when we talk about the lyrics), the sound is enough to please whatever person who enjoy Bjork's work. Each song is completely different from the other at the sound. The best is Wanderlust, it makes you dance in your room. I think she could do a better work with the last songs, at the last part the album turns a little boring, but this is a really good CD.
  20. LuizCC
    Jul 30, 2012
    7
    Her sixth album, I felt, it was a recap of all the work she had done until. It brings up the vicious beats from 'Debut' and 'Post', the high level songwriting of 'Homogenic' and the passionate voice tone from both 'Vespertine' and 'Medúlla'. That said, she sounded a bit tired along the songs, as if she knew it was just a big remix of all her other albums. But even Bjork in herHer sixth album, I felt, it was a recap of all the work she had done until. It brings up the vicious beats from 'Debut' and 'Post', the high level songwriting of 'Homogenic' and the passionate voice tone from both 'Vespertine' and 'Medúlla'. That said, she sounded a bit tired along the songs, as if she knew it was just a big remix of all her other albums. But even Bjork in her lowest levels can stand out making an album better than other artists.… Expand
  21. ykii
    Jun 24, 2011
    10
    Fantastic, massive, true, limitless, full of hope, full of energy... Volta has a beauty in not a normal way, it lives not in you ,but, through you, all around you... It`s eternal like energy itself.
  22. OlegV.
    Feb 2, 2009
    10
    Dull Flame Of Desire is an incredibly amazing and touching tune - my favourite in last 5 years. It brings me to tears every time I listen to it (ok, now - not but first 20 listens it did :). I See Who Your Are is another tune here which brings to tears. Declare Independence is an amazing electroindustrial energetic, but Pheumonia is one of her most beautiful "quiet" songs. The whole album Dull Flame Of Desire is an incredibly amazing and touching tune - my favourite in last 5 years. It brings me to tears every time I listen to it (ok, now - not but first 20 listens it did :). I See Who Your Are is another tune here which brings to tears. Declare Independence is an amazing electroindustrial energetic, but Pheumonia is one of her most beautiful "quiet" songs. The whole album is as good as her other work, here are only two songs which did not work for me: Wanderlust and My Juvenile. Interesting a lot of fans claim Wandelust as on the the best :) And I think Innocence is too poppy and has too much of Timbaland but it's fine. Earth Intruders shows a perfect balance betweet Timbaland's and Bjork's producing.… Expand
  23. ChrisK
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    Bjork is my favorite singer of all time. The only problem with her is that she is soo ahead of her time it is ridiculous and that is why alot of people(including myself when i first heard her) don't get her music.... but after seeing her live performing volta i was blown away..... if you want to hear volta at its best download the mp3 of her at coachella 2007.
  24. KhalidB
    Aug 12, 2007
    10
    First time i listened through the cd, i thought it was a complete dissapointment, then i listened it again, it was possibly one of the most amazing things ive listened to this year (besides The Con,Ga Ga Ga,Maths and English etc.) i think a high light is the duets with Anthony, it showed how much emotion she can sing with, it was soo haunting, so original, it almost brought a year to my First time i listened through the cd, i thought it was a complete dissapointment, then i listened it again, it was possibly one of the most amazing things ive listened to this year (besides The Con,Ga Ga Ga,Maths and English etc.) i think a high light is the duets with Anthony, it showed how much emotion she can sing with, it was soo haunting, so original, it almost brought a year to my eye when i first heard the song, it was soo amazing. Bjork, good job, another great success. I hope you put the dull flame on your greatest hits cd (which i expect will be out in the following years)… Expand
  25. QimmahN
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    I am a big fan of Volta. But like all of her last 3 albums -it had to grow on me as I grew in my ability to appreciate such a unique musical mind. I truly see her music as an inspirational, heart melting brilliance. She is consistently genius and if you can see that, you just don
  26. lorenas.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    Well as this one, bjork has a special feeling of doing different things and it has a reason, her reason, and it's very funny listening different instruments each time every single album and real satisfactory to listening something weird and hard to digestion, just for some of us
  27. arianiu.i
    Jun 22, 2007
    9
    i hate politics! so i loovvee this album (; and "earth intruders" is very suitable for this "global warning" moments.
  28. RyanJ.
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    This is most definently one of Björk's best albums. It's magnificently human and ultimately beautiful. As emotionally raw and glorious as 'Homogenic'.
  29. TristramC
    Jun 16, 2007
    8
    God bless Bjork Guðmundsdóttir! Bjork contribution to pop & avant garde in the last 15 years has been among the most interesting stories of that time. No artist has more deftly balanced fearless adventureousness with consistantcy. An artist like Bjork you'd assume would have by now discovered the dark side of following every fanciful whim, producing a turkey or two. Yet God bless Bjork Guðmundsdóttir! Bjork contribution to pop & avant garde in the last 15 years has been among the most interesting stories of that time. No artist has more deftly balanced fearless adventureousness with consistantcy. An artist like Bjork you'd assume would have by now discovered the dark side of following every fanciful whim, producing a turkey or two. Yet looking back over her catelog each of her proper studio releases and both of her soundtracks has its own soul, statement & meaningful contribution as a definative chapter to Bjorks legacy and gift to the world. This record is no different. It takes time to hear it (it took me about 15 spins) but just about everything you've ever loved about a past Bjork release is on this record. Admittedly, some of the child-like exhuberance that used to light up a room has been dulled by the weight of our times. It burns still but feels labored like she has to work at keeping it lit. That aside, who Bjork is to us - planet earths finest offering of avante garde melded with pop music, is better defined on this record than anything previously. Both houses are represented here equally only its avante garde who opens the door first this time around. If this surprises you read the extensive guest artist list for Volta. Aside from Timbaland the most mainstrean contributor is the Tazmanian who flails & kicks behind the kit for Lightning Bolt. Any grumblings you've heard are merely due to the fact there are more pop fans who listen to Bjork than avant garde ones and pop fans are lazy and don't want to put in the work. To be a Bjork fan though is to enjoy the work - to enjoy the embrace of wonder, release the attachment of expectation and letting Bjork guide you to its Volta's purpose. Your beloved ice-pixie has not forsaken you with Volta. Its her most challenging, rewarding album yet.… Expand
  30. CMUTZ
    Jun 8, 2007
    7
    a little deception !
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2007
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Rolling Stone
    70
    Volta is arguably Bjork's loosest and most ruminative record, and though it touches on everything she's ever done, it's not as gripping or coherent as her best stuff.
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  2. Observer Music Monthly
    70
    Listen intently, repeatedly, and you'll hear much to widen your consciousness... But listen for, you know, enjoyment and you'll be left wanting.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    70
    Every song on Volta sounds like it was birthed in no fewer than 10 months, if not five years. "Fun" hardly has an opportunity to enter the picture when Björk's now seemingly permanent fastidiousness remains her métier.
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