Björk is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, and composer who has been captivating audiences with her innovative and experimental music for over three decades. Known for her unique vocals, eclectic style, and groundbreaking music videos, Björk has become one of the most influential and iconic artists of our time.
Choosing the top 10 best Björk songs of all time is no easy feat, as she has created so many incredible works of art throughout her career. However, there are certain songs that stand out as particularly memorable and impactful. From the soaring beauty of “Hyperballad” to the explosive energy of “Pluto,” Björk has a diverse and impressive catalogue of music that showcases her singular vision and creative talent.
Other standout tracks include “Army of Me,” a powerful anthem of empowerment, and “Venus as a Boy,” a dreamy and poetic exploration of love and gender. “Bachelorette” is a surreal and haunting masterpiece, while “Big Time Sensuality” is a joyful celebration of life and connection.
Whether she’s exploring themes of love, identity, or social justice, Björk’s music is always unique, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional. The top 10 best Björk songs of all time represent the very best of her diverse and extraordinary career, showcasing her singular vision and creativity.
1. “Hyperballad”
“Hyperballad” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 1995 as the lead single from her fourth studio album “Post”. The song is a beautiful blend of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, featuring a mix of strings, keyboards, drums, and Björk’s soaring vocals.The lyrics of “Hyperballad” describe a daily routine of the singer where she wakes up early in the morning and walks to the top of a mountain, where she throws objects off the edge while fantasizing about jumping herself. The song explores themes of loneliness, the search for identity, and the desire to break free from routine and experience something new.
2. “Army of Me”
“Army of Me” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 1995 as the lead single from her second studio album “Post”. The song is a powerful blend of rock, electronic and industrial music, featuring a driving beat and Björk’s distinctive vocals.The lyrics of “Army of Me” convey a message of empowerment, urging the listener to take control of their life and not let others bring them down. The song features metaphors of war and strength, as Björk sings about being an “army of me” and standing up to face life’s challenges.
3. “Venus as a Boy”
“Venus as a Boy” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 1993 as the second single from her debut solo album “Debut”. The song is a beautiful blend of trip-hop, jazz and electronic music, featuring Björk’s enchanting vocals and a soothing melody.The lyrics of “Venus as a Boy” describe the singer’s fascination with a lover who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities, using imagery of mythology and nature to convey her feelings. The song explores themes of love, desire, and the blurring of gender boundaries.
4. “Pagan Poetry”
“Pagan Poetry” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 2001 as the second single from her fifth studio album “Vespertine”. The song is a haunting and ethereal blend of electronic and orchestral music, featuring Björk’s signature soaring vocals and intricate instrumentation.The lyrics of “Pagan Poetry” explore themes of love, passion, and sexuality, using powerful imagery to convey the intensity of the emotions involved. The song features themes of pain and vulnerability as well, describing the physical and emotional wounds that can come with love.
5. “Big Time Sensuality”
“Big Time Sensuality” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 1993 as the fourth single from her debut solo album “Debut”. The song is a danceable mix of electronic, house and pop music, featuring Björk’s energetic and expressive vocals.The lyrics of “Big Time Sensuality” celebrate the joy of living in the moment and experiencing life to the fullest, encouraging the listener to let go of their worries and dance. The song features themes of liberation, self-expression, and the importance of connection with others.
6. “Sun in My Mouth”
“Sun in My Mouth” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 2001 as a track on her fifth studio album “Vespertine”. The song is a beautiful blend of orchestral and electronic music, featuring Björk’s delicate and ethereal vocals.The lyrics of “Sun in My Mouth” explore themes of love, transcendence, and the beauty of nature, using vivid imagery to convey the feelings involved. The song features a spoken-word section by writer and musician David Tibet, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning to the lyrics.
7. “Pluto”
“Pluto” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 1997 as the fourth single from her third studio album “Homogenic”. The song is a frenetic and intense blend of electronic and rock music, featuring Björk’s powerful vocals and a driving beat.The lyrics of “Pluto” explore themes of power, anger, and destruction, using vivid imagery to convey the intense emotions involved. The song features a repetition of the line “I’m a volcano”, emphasizing the explosive and destructive nature of the feelings being expressed.
8. “Bachelorette”
“Bachelorette” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 1997 as the second single from her third studio album “Homogenic”. The song is a lush and orchestral blend of electronic and classical music, featuring Björk’s distinctive vocals and a sweeping, cinematic melody.The lyrics of “Bachelorette” tell a surreal and symbolic story, using imagery of mythology and fairy tales to explore themes of love, betrayal, and the search for self-identity. The song features a powerful chorus, with Björk singing the repeated line “I’m a fountain of blood in the shape of a girl”.
9. “It’s Not Up to You”
“It’s Not Up to You” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 2001 as a track on her fifth studio album “Vespertine”. The song is a haunting and ethereal blend of electronic and orchestral music, featuring Björk’s signature soaring vocals and intricate instrumentation.The lyrics of “It’s Not Up to You” explore themes of love, control, and surrender, using powerful imagery to convey the complex emotions involved. The song features a repetition of the line “it’s not up to you”, emphasizing the idea that some things in life are beyond our control.
10. “Family”
“Family” is a song by Icelandic singer Björk, released in 2001 as a track on her fifth studio album “Vespertine”. The song is a haunting and ethereal blend of electronic and orchestral music, featuring Björk’s signature soaring vocals and intricate instrumentation.The lyrics of “Family” explore themes of love, connection, and the importance of family and community. The song features a repetition of the line “is there a place where I can pay my respects for the death of my family”, emphasizing the importance of honoring the people who have shaped us and made us who we are.