Review 1 of 14

MattyKB26 writes:

3of 5 Stars

The thing about Bjork is that you either love hermusic, or you hate it. There's no middle ground. After 2001's 'Vespertine' (by far her best effort yet), Bjork seemed to be hitting her stride. Then came 2004's "Medulla", which was simply bizarre and confusing. The premise was creative, granted (making an entire a cappela record) but failed to grab the listener. Now comes 2007's 'Volta'. It appears as if Bjork is starting to get back on track, but if your looking for another concept album, you will not find it in this venture. The album, frankly, is all over the place. From the duet-ballads with Antony Hegarty to the outer space electronic clash pop, it's unclear of what her objective was with this disc. The lead off track 'Earths Intruders' is simply out there, and Bjork is somewhat overpowered by all of the drumkits and synthesizers. 'Wanderlust' is beautiful (although one could do without the foghorn solo which serves as the intro). 'The Dull Flame Of Desire' is simply too long, too boring, and without depth. 'Innocence' (produced by Timbaland along with 'Eart Intruders') is the most mainstream hit we've heard from Bjork in a while, and it is one of the stand-out tracks on the album...which is unexpected given the choice of producer. Then she goes into a full downswing, singing a song about suicide bombers which is, well, let's face it, stranger than Bjork herself. On 'Declare Independence', Bjork channels Yoko Ono's screeching punk rock style (5 minutes of Bjork screaming "declare independence...don't let them do that to you", louder and louder until you basically just want to turn your stereo off. For the most part, an improvement from the Medulla era, but Bjork needs to come back from Jupiter if she's going to hit her stride again.

Aug 16, 2008 03:47:31

Review 2 of 14

andremonteiro writes:

4of 5 Stars

I was about to give up on her, but she is finally back to our world.The last album Medulla is a totally introspective search for something I could quite figure out. But with Volta (Comeback) in Portuguese, my native language she regained her deserved place as one of the most inspiring artists of all.I particularly like "Wanderlust" ( "I have lost my origin, and I don´t want to find it again").Love those words. And there´s also Earth Intruders with amazing drums and beats. Hope is a cry for peace. And the whimsical lyrics of I see who you are and The dull flame of desire. Welcome back!

Oct 11, 2007 16:39:17

Review 3 of 14

Gillian writes:

4of 5 Stars

Energetic! Bom Bom Bom!

I know that Album Vespertine is many people's favourite. But you can't compare any of her albums with each other because THIS IS BJORK. She does not make similar stuffs simply because people like it. This album fills you with energy, positive energy overall, though it's swaying between bright and dark. For the two duet songs, well, I still prefer her singing alone because it's hard to find a person who can get along with her distinctive style properly. "The dull flame of desire" is acceptable, but far from a great match. My best love is still "SelmaSongs - I"ve seen it all".

I give it a 4 not because "THIS IS FROM BJORK", but due to the fact that I like African percussion very much. Taking away that factor, this one is around 3 - 3.5 for me.

Aug 30, 2007 10:22:20

Review 4 of 14

Noctambulo writes:

3of 5 Stars

I was desperately waiting for Björk's new album, and i have to say that it is not what i was waiting for, i like it, but just that. It has only 3 or 4 really good songs, which are: "Earth intruders", "Innocence", "Declare Independence" this three songs, sounds like out of the Volta concept, if there is one. The album has ups and downs, relax songs, and others really "heavy" in a noisy meaning. Japanise sounds, and electronical beats, long and slow vocals, but what the hell, BJÖRK is still rockin' out! I'm just kind of mad because she has never been here, in MEXICO, and that's a big mistake...

May 21, 2007 16:05:29

Review 5 of 14

Caravaggio writes:

3of 5 Stars

The Woman's back. And this time, she's bringing some funny machines with her (thanks God, seems like the Medulla era has ended). Everybody knows about Bjork's creativity (also about her irregularity): nobody can deny the bravo-maestro-like "Homogenic", or her very-intimate-utero-like "Vespertine", but "Médulla" and the japanese film experiment were more than difficult, they were openly boring.

"Volta" is not a bad album at all; anyway, not the great diamond we all were dreaming of. The word "volta" reminds me of spanish "vuelta", which means "comeback". But I'm not really sure if she has really left that place called Boredom. Irregularity roses just when you're starting to have fun: "Earth Intruders" is dangerously sticky, "Wanderlust" shows how high can Bjork get when she tries hard, and "Innocence" is basically her best song in years. But in the other hand, her duets with Antony Hegarty are dispensable, "Declare Independence" sounds naive and out-of-place and that weird ballad about suicide bombers ("Hope") too repetitive.

Funny and genious Bjork sometimes roses (specially on the Timbaland-ish tracks and the impressive horn-trilogy "Wanderlust", "Vertebrae by vertebrae" and "Pneumonia") but don't look for "Début" like anthems or "Post"'s gems here, because she has really lost it (whatever it was).

May 19, 2007 04:05:10

Review 6 of 14

nvcameron writes:

2of 5 Stars

Will someone put a fork in Bjork & turn her over, she's done. This album starts off great(first 3 songs)then takes a turn for the mundane. Innocence belongs on the Timbaland Shock Value album but Bjork fans & critics will lap this garbage up & say its bold & original(If you thinks this you really need to be listening to more music) Bjork could release an album featuring 45 minutes of dead silence & Bjork fans would find it captivating. Bjork needs to get back with the Sugarcubes get in the studio & make a new album. Shame on you Rolling Stone for buying into this crap but then again most of your reviews have been crap over the years...lol (First 3 songs of Volta are great though)

May 16, 2007 04:19:35

Review 7 of 14

pinea writes:

4of 5 Stars

fantastic album. the brass arrangements alone were inspiring. as always never a disappointment.

May 15, 2007 11:15:36

Review 8 of 14

blurrypush writes:

4of 5 Stars

this album grows on you. At first listen i just got my hopes down but while listening to it more I just came to love it. Great album, another great album by björk. Her voice is wonderfull and her songs all got something in them that sticks with you. One of her better albums.

May 9, 2007 15:59:21