Homogenic
Smoldering like the volcanoes of her native Iceland, Bjork\'s music fully erupted on her 1997 release *Homogenic*. For a decade, international audiences had been beguiled by her uncanny voice, first as singer with the Sugarcubes, then as a solo artist. As her talents matured, Bjork gained greater mastery over her astounding vocal range, defined by its piercing highs and growling lows. *Homogenic* finds her shape-shifting into a jazz diva, a cooing child and a desire-wracked lover--often within a single song. Whether she\'s stalking her dreams (\"Hunter\"), declaring unshakable passion (\"Jura\"), or trying to wake up the human race (\"Alarm Clock\"), her vocal presence never ceases to startle. Co-produced by Bjork with Mark Bell (among others), the album\'s atmospheric arrangements combine electronica textures with string arrangements and acoustic touches. A work of mesmerizing grandeur and volatile emotion, *Homogenic* remains a sonic genre all its own.
Homogenic is the third studio album by Icelandic recording artist Björk It was released on 22 September 1997 in the United Kingdom by One Little Independent Records and in the United States by Elektra Entertainment. Produced by Björk, Mark Bell, Guy Sigsworth, Howie B, and Markus Dravs, the album marked a stylistic change to her artistry, focusing on similar-sounding music combining electronic beats and string instruments with songs in tribute to her native country Iceland. Homogenic was originally to be produced in her home in London but was later recorded in Spain. It marked the first of several production collaborations between Björk and Mark Bell, whom she would cite as a major influence on her musical career.
Homogenic embraced all of Björk’s most provocative contradictions. The main theme is the wish to rush headlong into a life lived to the fullest—an unbridled yearning for the sublime.
By the late '90s, Björk's playful, unique world view and singular voice became as confining as they were defining.
'Homogenic' is an album that proves that Björk’s musical evolution is best measured vertically. Read our review.