Björk - Debut (2025 Remastered) (1993) [Hi-Res]

When this Icelandic prodigy stormed the hearts of the music world in 1993, it was already clear that Björk Guðmundsdóttir didn't fit into any category: Eccentric vocals layered over synthetic beats, reconciling indie fans with electronic music enthusiasts through her melodies – the multitalented Björk doesn't even need violence for that, as the single "Violently Happy" playfully demonstrates. (Fun fact: In the crazy clip by photographer and director Jean-Baptiste Mondino, "Walking Dead" star Norman Reedus plays one of the imprisoned "lunatics").

"The sheer diversity of this debut is demonstrated by Björk's passion for the theatrical and musical, as in the tender love song "Like Someone In Love," which sounds like a slightly tipsy Marilyn Monroe staggering through an abandoned film set. Finally, the ballad "Venus As A Boy" is touching yet radio-pop-friendly, with the Indian instrument tabla gently and mysteriously driving the percussion. However, this seemingly romantic track should not be misunderstood as innocent or tame, as the opening lines read: "His wicked sense of humor suggests exciting sex!" (Kerstin Kratochwill, tonspion.de)

"Her extravagance invites you to dance: For her solo debut, the former Sugarcubes nightingale Björk bid farewell to her band and her enchanting surname, Gudmundsdottir. With groove guru Nellee Hooper (Soul II Soul) as her chief engineer, the Icelandic chanteuse navigates between dancefloor-smashers ("Crying"), ladies' restroom-recorded obscurities ("There's More To Life Than This"), and sophisticated nightclub skulks (the magnificent "Venus As A Boy"). While the pop princess from the far north indulges in a few too many exalted squeals, that's easily forgotten with so much charm and character. (Stereoplay)

Björk, lead vocals, arranger, programmer, basslines, keyboards, brass programming
Garry Hughes, keyboards, Hammond organ, programming
Oliver Lake, music arranger, reeds
Corky Hale, harp
Gary Barnacle, brass
Marius de Vries, keyboards, programming
Nellee Hooper, percussion, drums
Luís Jardim, bass, percussion, drums
Talvin Singh, director, tabla
Bruce Smith, percussion, drums
Martin Virgo, keyboards, programming
Paul Waller, keyboards, programming
Jon Mallison, guitar
Mike Mower, brass
Jhelisa Anderson, backing vocals

Digitally remastered