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. MichaelR
    Jan 9, 2004
    10
    A lot of depth and introversian on this album. Good stuff.
  2. frenghyv
    Jan 27, 2005
    10
    Absolutely Gorgeous!!!! Pagan poetry is my favourite track of ever!!!
  3. BorghiA
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    So delicate so beautiful
  4. izata
    Jun 3, 2006
    10
    Pagan Poetry! Pagan Poetry! This is ultimately her best album, yet!!! It's 1000000x times better than the next one, Medulla....
  5. MikeH
    May 2, 2008
    10
    My personal favorite album of any musician I have ever come across. It can not be beaten (in my opinion) in craft, compositional complexity and perfection, pure hearted, genuine, soulful, painful, euphoric expression, and down right love. This album inspects the inner workings of our bodies, the introspection that comes with being human -- our minds, hearts, and even subtle physiological My personal favorite album of any musician I have ever come across. It can not be beaten (in my opinion) in craft, compositional complexity and perfection, pure hearted, genuine, soulful, painful, euphoric expression, and down right love. This album inspects the inner workings of our bodies, the introspection that comes with being human -- our minds, hearts, and even subtle physiological phenomena in a single micro beat. Everything is included in an infinite, yet minute space, crafted by sound in an arrangement to beat all arrangements. This album feels, breathes, loves, and lives. The closest music comes to mirroring primal human life.… Expand
  6. DarylD.
    Feb 19, 2002
    10
    Bjork is simply divine, there are no words to describe her music... just enjoy!!!
  7. RG
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    this is one of the best records i have heard in recent memory. hidden place sets the track for the record and cocoon portrays one of the sexiest songs. its not up to you is a glorious and revealing pop song and undo works in the same manner. i cant talk about every track but they all complement each other and feed of each other. sun in my mouth repeats hemingway with sparse music. Unisom this is one of the best records i have heard in recent memory. hidden place sets the track for the record and cocoon portrays one of the sexiest songs. its not up to you is a glorious and revealing pop song and undo works in the same manner. i cant talk about every track but they all complement each other and feed of each other. sun in my mouth repeats hemingway with sparse music. Unisom is one of the best closers of the new mellenium. bjork keeps stretching herself and her music with refreshing themes and sounds. not many artists can do that and this a great age we live in where an artist of her calibour can be soo popular around the world… Expand
  8. RobbieC
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    A phenomenon.
  9. Bruno
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    One of the best ones ever done!
  10. DavidO
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    Like Kid A with a soul.
  11. EnzoP
    Oct 31, 2008
    10
    The best album I've ever heard so far. Amazing, perfect, emotional... words cannot describe it. Good job, B!
  12. BrunoD.
    Oct 25, 2001
    10
    It's... perfect. It's magic. It's wonderful. One of the best records *ever* released.
  13. HenryH.
    May 25, 2002
    10
    Full of magic of laptop music and harp and choir and the strangest symphony and Bjork's sensational vocal. The most heavenly perfectly of the decade.
  14. LockneO
    Mar 13, 2005
    10
    "Vespertine" shows the more mellow side of Bjork. This album is pure genius! I believe "Heirloom" and "Aurora" are her most deepest tracks. Her albums get better as we go along. "Debut", "Post", "Homogenic", and "Medulla" are also reccommendations of mine. Even "Selmasongs" is worth listening.
  15. NeezaamR
    May 9, 2007
    10
    My personal favourite Bjork album,transports you to a very beautiful sensual place.
  16. OlegV.
    Nov 8, 2001
    10
    i like this album sooooooo much, this is her surrealism at its best
  17. HarryH.
    Aug 23, 2001
    10
    The small pixie girl just sounds devine and you would wouln't you.
  18. MelodyM.
    Aug 27, 2001
    10
    I am the HUGEST Bjork fan...I love everything she does. She's unique! Perfectly. And it always shows in her works.
  19. Charly
    Jul 24, 2002
    10
    Absolutely wonderfull, it's really a masterpiece that everybody that appreciate good music should have. Bjork again shows that she is very creative.
  20. JoseJ
    Nov 16, 2005
    10
    About as beautiful album of music i know, like the shards of sublime noise rotating, suspended in the air, knocking into each other and reverberating with warmth and humanity. Quite simply the album of our time.
  21. TonyS
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    that i live in such a time when music like this is made will always be a source of real and lasting personal satisfaction
  22. PedroT
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    AMAZING...this is probably her most beautiful work to date. This is the album that made her a legend.
  23. Clif
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    I really don't give easily a 10 for an album (it's extremly rare), but this one even deserves a 11! It surpasses everything we had heard. For the first time until 2001 (maybe we can consider "Selmasongs" as the tourning point) Björk delivers us minimalist (in a good way), spiritual and introspective parts of her soul. Even if I've always admired what she's done I really don't give easily a 10 for an album (it's extremly rare), but this one even deserves a 11! It surpasses everything we had heard. For the first time until 2001 (maybe we can consider "Selmasongs" as the tourning point) Björk delivers us minimalist (in a good way), spiritual and introspective parts of her soul. Even if I've always admired what she's done previous to this album (the excellence and lava-ish "Homogenic", the breathtaking "Post", and so and so), she has reached the culminate point of her career with "Vespertine". Maybe because of the facts of 1997 (for example, when she smashed a journalist in Bangkok; one retarded fan who wanted to kill her; ...), paradoxally she gained a certain tranquility (and the best is that she accepted to get that), something she had never explored in her previous albums. Since then, we can consider that she has done (almost) everything in her music career. ... Facts are... Even if she's too modest to accept that, she has released, I think, the greatest album ever, by any artist. Music blessed and embarrassed her!… Expand
  24. djonim
    Sep 8, 2010
    10
    This is just one of the best albums of the first decade. It's delightful, beautiful, harmonious... just a classic. Sometimes I wonder why there's so much people listening to Justin Bieber, having such great non-commercial music right here. :/
  25. 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!!!
  26. babaganush96
    Oct 8, 2010
    10
    After dabbling with 90's pop, jazz and experimental punk, it seems Bjork has finally found her Icelandic feet with Vespertine. The delicate beats and swooping vocals are almost chilling at times, Vespertine is a brilliant album. There was only one song (Sun in my Mouth) that I didn't really care for. The rest are as beautiful as one another- so emotional they make you feel as though youAfter dabbling with 90's pop, jazz and experimental punk, it seems Bjork has finally found her Icelandic feet with Vespertine. The delicate beats and swooping vocals are almost chilling at times, Vespertine is a brilliant album. There was only one song (Sun in my Mouth) that I didn't really care for. The rest are as beautiful as one another- so emotional they make you feel as though you just want to scream. Pagan poetry and Aurora are my favourites, but only just, as this album is one that I recommend anyone to hear.… Expand
  27. Sammoniac
    May 10, 2011
    10
    I won't attempt to describe this work too much with words, as it is impossible. Let's use ideas instead. Some artists are able to create music that is simply more than just music. The way they blend sounds, melodies, moods, energy and words together become catalysts for the human psych, enabling our mind, body and soul to reach states that are unattainable otherwise. Björk isI won't attempt to describe this work too much with words, as it is impossible. Let's use ideas instead. Some artists are able to create music that is simply more than just music. The way they blend sounds, melodies, moods, energy and words together become catalysts for the human psych, enabling our mind, body and soul to reach states that are unattainable otherwise. Björk is one of them. Vespertine is not just a collection of good songs that usually make an album an "album". Its a voyage into ourselves, through herself. As much as I totally love Homogenic, I feel that Vespertine feels more complete. Despite being less varied in style than its predecessor, it explores a unique genre all the way to its core. Lay on your bed in the dark with a good pair of headphones and listen to this before going to sleep. If you truly love music, you'll wish the experience never ends.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. breadley
    Oct 8, 2011
    10
    One of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. Björk's voice sounds heavenly. It's an emotional battle, her overwhelming voice vs the beautifully arranged insturmental and minimal beats. Indeed, one of the best albums ever.
  30. Danikun
    Oct 13, 2011
    10
    This is easily my favorite album of all time, it has a trascendental beauty that is hard to describe with words and just has to be felt. A masterpiece.
  31. Reeeth
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba sumba
  32. Equiknocks
    Dec 3, 2011
    10
    CLASSIC. This album is a nonstop ride through heavenly clouds. The album opens with the Erie but rhythmically unique sample of hidden place. It almost seems to awaken your poor bored soul from hibernation to enjoy one of the best albums produced in human history. The album proceeds to serenade with Bjork one of a kind sweet vocal and soft electronic beats. This album for Bjork isCLASSIC. This album is a nonstop ride through heavenly clouds. The album opens with the Erie but rhythmically unique sample of hidden place. It almost seems to awaken your poor bored soul from hibernation to enjoy one of the best albums produced in human history. The album proceeds to serenade with Bjork one of a kind sweet vocal and soft electronic beats. This album for Bjork is like the wild beast being tamed into the most proficient cold assassin. This is her best.… Expand
  33. 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".
  34. Modlive
    Dec 22, 2012
    10
    Vespertine is an unique album, probably her best until date. Songs like "Hidden Place" and "Pagan Poetry" are simply divine, and "Unison" is her best song.
  35. Nanga
    Nov 14, 2012
    10
    Vespertine is her best work to date, as being the most carefully prepared in refined in sound matters, also her voice couldn't be better with highlights as "Undo" "Hidden Place" "Unison" and "Pagan Poetry".
  36. dollface
    Nov 28, 2012
    10
    Bjork's most intimate album ever. The shy twin of the outspoken" Homogenic" must be acclaimed about its sublime poetry.Other highlights are Bjork's unique voice and sound combinations which give a taste of heaven...
  37. 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
  38. 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.
  39. 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?
  40. biffyspoink
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt, the most beautiful album I have ever heard, and the first of hers I ever heard. No words can describe how I feel when I listen to this.
  41. gabrieur
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    Listening to this album is like listening to the sound of angels, it is really a beautiful trip to the high above. I love all the elements in the songs, while listening to it I feel from calm to passionate and a lot more, that's why I love this album so much, it gives me a lot of feelings.
  42. Reflektor
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Björk's Vespertine transcends this verse of reality as she puts the listener inside a ethereal and calm universe that at the same time has the energy and beauty of a supernova. While the record unravels, we can see a pattern of minimal daily sounds that were boosted to give melodies to each song. This album sounds winter-ish and quite "domestic". It gives a "home" feeling, which I can relate to Björk's homeland, the exquisite and cold Iceland. It talks about the most variate of subjects, from (lots of) sex, family care, snow, winter in general, and even losing keys (B-Side "Domestika"). It all starts with "Hidden Place", a song that talks metaphorically about sex, love, and sort of a shelter. It samples classic music and shows some really out of this world instrumentals, that feature sounds from full choirs to shuffling cards. "Cocoon" is another one that talks about shelter, about home in a sort of way, on the way of finding home in someone else, specifically on the warmth of a kiss between two lovers standing on a melting iceberg. "It's Not Up To You" shows quite the concept of the album: the song is about a day at home, "how to master the perfect day", and how to get whatever the narrator is longing so much for. "Undo" is a jewel. The songwriting and the choir wraps it into a shell of exquisiteness. "Pagan Poetry" is the best song on the album. The crude emotions on Bjork's voice, the lyrics, the strings arrangement, her high notes, everything makes it one-of-a-kind. The song is purely about sex, extremely metaphorical. "Frosti" is a instrumental, but sounds like heaven. The melody could only be made by Bjork's skills. It's a great introduction to one of the gems of the album, "Aurora". The melody and the progressions makes it stand at the top 10 of her best songs ever. It features sounds from ice being smashed. "An Echo, A Stain" is quiet and minimalist, and need to be taken attention for one to like it. "Sun in My Mouth" has lyrics borrowed from E. E. Cummings' poem "I Will Wade Out" and it's one of the highlights from the album. The arrangement and her voice makes it sound somewhat ethereal. It should be longer. "Heirloom" has the whole instrumental sampled from "Crabcraft" by Console, and it talks about how her family takes care of her when she's sick. It has oniric lyrics and envolving melodies. "Harm of Will" has co-writing from the director Harmony Korine, and is another highlight. Divided in several parts, it puts Bjork's voice in evidence and can make one very emotional. "Unison" wraps the record with a 6-minute envolving track that is a favourite amongst several fans. It closes the album with hability only Bjork could pull out. "Generous Palmstroke" is a bonus track that should have been included on the full album. It features only Bjork's voice and a harp played with sheer talent. This album is absolutely amazing.… Expand
  43. Giza
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    Definitely her best album so far.
  44. terrmith
    Jan 25, 2014
    10
    Best album ever made. So different than anything I heard before this. It completely shifted the way how I perceived the music. Only thing that surpassed it was live performance of this album in Royal Opera House.
  45. AlanAraneda2014
    Mar 7, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the greatest things that Björk has, it's her ability to create very different kinds of music, and this record is not a exception: An album which takes you to the peaceful universe that she wanted to take you from the beginning to the end of this album. With a lot ot bizarre, delicate, relaxing and melancholic electronic sounds, Björk presents you the amazing sound of her beautiful house at the top a mountain in Iceland.
    If you may have insomnia and you can't concentrate, Vespertine is the perfect solution for a good night sleep. Totally recommended    … Expand
  46. susinger
    May 29, 2014
    10
    The first Bjork album I fell in love with was "Homogenic." I thought, "How the hell is she going to follow this up?" She brought in the strings on "Vespertine," but they're used differently - whereas they were icy on "Joga" and "Bachelorette," they are used in a soft and sensual manner, providing a sense of warmth among the wintry soundscape. Bjork proves that some of life's mostThe first Bjork album I fell in love with was "Homogenic." I thought, "How the hell is she going to follow this up?" She brought in the strings on "Vespertine," but they're used differently - whereas they were icy on "Joga" and "Bachelorette," they are used in a soft and sensual manner, providing a sense of warmth among the wintry soundscape. Bjork proves that some of life's most beautiful moments are quiet. I literally can't say anything else about this album, because words aren't able to adequately capture its stunning brilliance.… Expand
  47. 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! ♥
  48. LittleMatthew
    Jan 16, 2015
    10
    The intimate, erotic and romantic sound of Vespertine is just breath-taking. This album just shows why Björk should be a symbol of creative freedom, and why she'll always be one of the greatest artists ever.
    Songs like "It's Not Up To You" and "Unison" sound like a little musical piece from Heaven on Earth, while the lyrics are extremely well written, as in Pagan Poetry.
    This album is timeless.
  49. RafinhaPps
    Jan 21, 2015
    10
    An intimate album.
    Vespertine, no doubt, is a minimalist album.
    All tracks lead us to unknown places and deep.
    Speaks of the love of a very simple and unique way.
    Great work!
  50. 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.
  51. larohayami
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    Esse é um dos melhores e mais lindos álbuns que eu já eu ouvi em toda a minha vida, desde os arranjos até os vocais e as letras de alto nível poético. É possível sentir bem o amor (e outros sentimentos) da Björk através das músicas, cuja mistura de arranjos com os "microbeats" eletrônicos cria uma atmosfera confortável, carinhosa e sexual junto dos vocais, às vezes acompanhados porEsse é um dos melhores e mais lindos álbuns que eu já eu ouvi em toda a minha vida, desde os arranjos até os vocais e as letras de alto nível poético. É possível sentir bem o amor (e outros sentimentos) da Björk através das músicas, cuja mistura de arranjos com os "microbeats" eletrônicos cria uma atmosfera confortável, carinhosa e sexual junto dos vocais, às vezes acompanhados por gemidos. As músicas que o abrem já te poem nas nuvens e mostram os sentimentos amorosos profundos de Björk, "Hidden Place" e "Cocoon" com sua sexualidade explícita. O ponto alto do álbum - na minha humilde opinião - é "Pagan Poetry", que me prende todas as vezes que ouço devido à sua letra enigmática e batidas hipnóticas e sua transição deliciosa para "Frosti" - que apesar de instrumental é uma música muito interessante - e então "Aurora", que nos faz relaxar após a explosão de emoções das músicas anteriores. A letra de "Sun In My Mouth", composta por um poema de E. E. Cummings, mostra bem um dos propósitos do álbum que é mostrar o amor e o sexo - nesse caso a masturbação - em suas formas mais poéticas. "Unison" fecha bem álbum, não permitindo quem estiver ouvindo-o se canse até o fim da música, que se inicia com batidas e vocais calmos e então muda para um refrão mais forte e expressivo. É sem dúvidas um dos melhores, mais marcantes e pessoais trabalhos de Björk! Mas, apesar de ter sido o foco nesse review, sexo é apenas um dos temas apresentados no álbum, há outros que talvez se sobreponham, além das diversas maneiras de interpretar suas letras. Para quem assim como eu tem esse álbum como favorito, ouça o "Vulnicura", que é como um irmão para o "Vespertine".… Expand
  52. 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.
    .....................
  53. 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.
  54. 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
  55. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    A flawless, life-affirming, transcendent, deeply moving, perfectly executed masterpiece!
  56. minimaldead
    Oct 24, 2016
    10
    An amazing and surrealistic album that is an alternative music icon. After her brilliant almbun "Homogenic" and "SelmaSongs" Bjork express what an alternative/electronic album would be!
  57. ArthurLynch88
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This is not an album. This is a mood, honey. Transcendental and a half. I love winter.
  58. 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
  59. darksecret
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    This is her best album where she shows every part of her relationship with transparent visuals, lyrics and sounds. It is her most personal album that portrays her struggles with her husband and feelings towards him.
  60. carsfilho
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Best album Ever
    Bjork is definitely the most powerful artist in the hole world such an amazing album like deservers everything
  61. vesper_wolf
    May 29, 2020
    10
    This is probably my favourite album of all time. Don't be fooled by the crtitics coming off a high horse of Homogenic with their expectations and preconceptions - this is Bjork at her most personal. It's like Hyperballd transformed into an entire album, intimate, nurturing, blissful experience.
  62. dakizu
    May 5, 2021
    10
    The best album from one of the best artists of the last few decades as well as possibly the best electronic art pop album ever released. This is a very consistent release with every track being of exceptional quality with the highs of the album being some of the best pop music ever written.
  63. N4thanC0re
    Oct 20, 2020
    10
    dam it go harddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
  64. 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.
  65. lustforlfe
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    this should be “the white album”
    homogenic and vulnicura are better but whatever, still a 10
  66. 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
  67. AvoidedRat
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Quite literally the best album of all time. There isn’t much to elaborate on, just listen for yourself.
  68. luanchoa
    Mar 16, 2022
    10
    O Album mais lindo que já ouvi, único, profundo e romântico. Bjork provavelmente fez o álbum insuperável da historia.
  69. iirreall
    Jun 23, 2022
    10
    one or probably her best work to the moment.The instrumentals an lyrics are so beautiful, there so ethereal and magnetic, they envolve you
  70. Jonnn555
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    Best album of all time, nothing else to say, it’s brilliant, amazing, show stopping, spectacular
  71. adanisgualberto
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of her best albums! It's incredibly calm and powerful at the same time!… Expand
  72. bejaminarnold
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    Millennium Album, innovation, creative,love,passion, lyrics,cold,work of art
  73. nami2
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    One of my favourite albums and one of her best ever. The layering on this album is amazing with the "micro-beats" setting the base for songs and the strings, vocals, and other instrumentals adding to the absolute beauty of this album. Throughout, there are amazing instrumental crescendos (It's Not Up To You, Undo, Unison), and the pairing of these amazing instrumental moments with lushOne of my favourite albums and one of her best ever. The layering on this album is amazing with the "micro-beats" setting the base for songs and the strings, vocals, and other instrumentals adding to the absolute beauty of this album. Throughout, there are amazing instrumental crescendos (It's Not Up To You, Undo, Unison), and the pairing of these amazing instrumental moments with lush vocals make for a listening experience that is akin to hearing angels performing for you. This album is simply amazing, and easily one of the best of all time.… Expand
  74. indiegirly
    Apr 10, 2023
    10
    Her best work, I will forever be amazed by the beautiful sounds and songwriting on this album.
  75. Elquansa
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    Such a classic, Bjork's production is so cold and cloudy but her voice and lyrics are so warm and inviting. Beautifully formed album with not a single thing to change.
  76. JuliaA
    Sep 19, 2006
    9
    Bjork sung with both love and secrets to its core in this record.very feminine,gentle,but also dark and hidden.an album that tells about being a woman in lots of perspective.
  77. BryanS
    May 7, 2005
    9
    Frankly, a very few artists are capable of even touching the base of the metaphorical Everest Bjork has scaled with the release of Vespertine. 55.5 minutes of, incontestably, some of the most beautiful and stunning music to have been released in the last decade. Layer after layer...after layer of flawless immaculacy. And then you have Bjorks lyrics, --heaven help us-- the lyrics! Given Frankly, a very few artists are capable of even touching the base of the metaphorical Everest Bjork has scaled with the release of Vespertine. 55.5 minutes of, incontestably, some of the most beautiful and stunning music to have been released in the last decade. Layer after layer...after layer of flawless immaculacy. And then you have Bjorks lyrics, --heaven help us-- the lyrics! Given Bjorks fetal grasp of the English Language, these lyrics are literally an expressive testament to her unbounded talent. An Essential own from one of the most incredible and versatile musicians alive on the planet today.… Expand
  78. EstebanV
    Jul 18, 2007
    9
    This album is beautiful. The best track is Unison, with her voice at its peak and the interlude Frosti sounds magical. Although a few tracks sound similar if you understand music you can find each tracks uniqueness beyond the lyrical context.
  79. SethB.
    Sep 17, 2001
    9
    Fantastic!! Easily her best stuff. She's the most incredible and strangely beautiful singer that there is. I gave her a 9 only so she'll have room to grow.
  80. 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.
  81. 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.
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. Iker
    Jul 28, 2018
    9
    La versatilidad de Björk en cuanto a sus trabajos se denota mucho y con la llegada del nuevo milenio hizo un cambio detonante en ritmos de “electrónica experimental” a “Art pop”;Vespertine nos muestra una cara de Björk más tranquila es un álbum de amor pero no es cualquiera es el álbum de amor de Björk nos muestra otra faceta del artista,con una producción más orgánica se siente unaLa versatilidad de Björk en cuanto a sus trabajos se denota mucho y con la llegada del nuevo milenio hizo un cambio detonante en ritmos de “electrónica experimental” a “Art pop”;Vespertine nos muestra una cara de Björk más tranquila es un álbum de amor pero no es cualquiera es el álbum de amor de Björk nos muestra otra faceta del artista,con una producción más orgánica se siente una atmósfera de tranquilidad muy notoria.… Expand
  87. Francesco98
    Feb 8, 2019
    9
    This is one of my favorite album of Bjork. The production is perfect and the lyrics are very deep. A masterpiece!
  88. Iconicyas
    Dec 13, 2021
    9
    Doubtlessly Björk's finest album, The lyrics that are powerfully evocative and the intrepid music videos of that era.
    I'd say it's her best album it is so confidential and certainly intimate.
    From the enigmatic swan dress the artist wore at the 73rd Academy Awards that was also worn for the cover of the album, The swan embodies vespertine, A swan, swans usually attempt to mate for life    Doubtlessly Björk's finest album, The lyrics that are powerfully evocative and the intrepid music videos of that era.
    I'd say it's her best album it is so confidential and certainly intimate.
    From the enigmatic swan dress the artist wore at the 73rd Academy Awards that was also worn for the cover of the album, The swan embodies vespertine, A swan, swans usually attempt to mate for life but also vespertine scientifically means something that blooms at the evening, which as we know the artist's lyrics are about love and sex, so it's unequivocal what the artist means since she had always connected with nature and love, so far i think it's her smartest album title.
    The album opener 'hidden place'' which got positive reviews from music critics at the time
    I'd personally say it's one of her best songs, raw emotions, great melodies her music always leaves us inarticulate as usual.
    The greatest songs too that are bold and audacious, such as 'Sun in my mouth', 'aurora' 'cocoon' 'Pagan poetry' 'undo', 'Harm of will' and many plenty other songs that are about the same topic, love and sex.
    And of course, this is album is idiosyncratic, melodies made out of harps, music boxes, microbeats and her sterling and intimate vocals.
    It is a cohesive entry in Björk’s discography. It would come to be known as one of her most empowering and subversive albums.    … Expand
  89. lovemusic
    May 12, 2011
    8
    i liked it but i thought homogenic was way better than this one. but i still liked this album. .............................................................................................................................................................................
  90. 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
  91. 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.
  92. 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.
  93. 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
  94. 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.
  95. 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
  96. arteanjo
    Dec 18, 2016
    5
    O álbum mais fraco e sem graça da Björk já feito, consegue ser pior que até o Biophilia. Uma verdadeira superestimação em um álbum tão ruim cujo ponto alto é apenas Pagan Poetry. Tantos álbuns melhores feitos pela Björk para terem essa altíssima nota e o Vespertine é quem recebe, uma verdadeira vergonha.
  97. ivanl
    Dec 17, 2003
    4
    i love "Post", i just dont get this one
  98. 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

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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