A Review or Something #5: Björk - Homogenic

It feels like everyone has said everything there is to say about Björk, yet there's never any shortage of even more things to say? A trailblazer for the art pop girlies who never shied away from sonic experimentation and exploration, her work going as far back as the 90's proves her staying power; and Homogenic might be her most shining example of that.

Her first two records (as a solo and adult-aged recording artist), Debut and Post, are still enthralling listens to this day. From her whimsical gushing about a masc paramour in "Venus as a Boy" to her abrasive industrial assault against learned helplessness on "Army of Me," Björk's exploration of musical possibilities scratched many stylistic surfaces. However, Homogenic bridges any and all previous gaps in her musical fabric.

Conceptually, Homogenic is multilayered with Björk making a conscious decision to adhere to a more consistent style throughout the project. Filled to the brim with icy electronic soundscapes and decorated with dynamic classical strings, Björk forged a sound completely her own, wanting to evoke images reminiscent of her home, from suffocating snowstorms to billowing volcanic smoke. Lyrically, it details a tumultuous breakup of a relationship founded in hopes of fulfillment. She acts as the Hunter, seeking romantic recompense for lost time through stabbing synths and drilling jungle beats. As you listen, you find that her efforts are in vain, but it's not without lessons learned!

This is the yearner's album. Joga literally calls for a "state of emergency" with frenetic rhythms cascading over Björk's horn-like vocals. Unravel is a plea for bridging the gap between distant lovers. The hypnotic call and response of Björk's vocals really pull you into her torrential headspace. All Neon Like will have you transfixed on the pulsating drums piercing synth leads which act as the tonal representation of her "luminous beam." Bachelorette paints unorthodox scenes of uneven transactions between two codependent souls, with epic classical flourishes over sensibly trip hop breaks. 5 Years has her essentially bargaining with this person, calling them out for cowardly behavior through harsh industrial snarls.

Ultimately, Björk is able to shake this unsavory person with sober thoughts, chastising herself for being Immature. This realization acting as an Alarm Call, shouting from a mountaintop to bring joy to everyone, which may ultimately be her coping with her circumstances. As frigid as Pluto, she aims to explode this body off her in a cathartic release of her anguish. Finally, she sees All is Full of Love, strings draping you like a warm blanket by a fireplace. The binaural bass lulls you into a relaxed state; now you are at peace... You get the picture. Or you don't, which in that case, listen to the fucking album. Thank you and good night. Happy Halloween.