Utopia
by Björk
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 365 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 285 out of 365
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 365
  3. Negative: 52 out of 365
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  1. Vincent
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    An inspired work full of amazing moments and wonder. A truly captivating journey with Bjork as our guide, who imbues the album with a sense of humor and heart throughout. Don't miss out on this masterpiece!
  2. Fabricio70
    Dec 23, 2017
    10
    Bjork again shows that doing his thing is unique. Any other musician can be placed in a specific space, except her. She shows again with this album, full of nuances and much more oppressive than his previous Vulnicura. It is the longest of his career and it really is appreciated that it is so. It has beautiful and soft themes, other aggressive and challenging and a handful that make youBjork again shows that doing his thing is unique. Any other musician can be placed in a specific space, except her. She shows again with this album, full of nuances and much more oppressive than his previous Vulnicura. It is the longest of his career and it really is appreciated that it is so. It has beautiful and soft themes, other aggressive and challenging and a handful that make you cry. Thank you for once again demonstrating that we are not facing someone trying to "shape" the critics and leave their career stagnant. (Sorry my english)… Expand
  3. fjordside
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Conceptually and musically, Utopia is like the twin sister of the Björk's previous record "Vulnicura" and the album as a whole -with arrangements, themes, motives-, Björk's takes us on a wonderful journey which she discovers love in her life again. With her unique vocals and the music, she describes what Utopia really is in an excellent way. This record is one of the most inspiring andConceptually and musically, Utopia is like the twin sister of the Björk's previous record "Vulnicura" and the album as a whole -with arrangements, themes, motives-, Björk's takes us on a wonderful journey which she discovers love in her life again. With her unique vocals and the music, she describes what Utopia really is in an excellent way. This record is one of the most inspiring and wonderful pieces of hers.… Expand
  4. hipnose1
    Dec 2, 2017
    10
    Transcendental, lírico, produção única, definem o mais novo trabalho de Bjork. Uma resposta para seu antecessor "Vulnicura", em que seu coração fora partido e ela cantava sobre sua luta sentimental para se manter de pé, traçando um cronograma de acontecimentos para o que levou ao fim de seu relacionamento conturbado, Utopia trata a superação desses acontecimentos, onde ela cria umTranscendental, lírico, produção única, definem o mais novo trabalho de Bjork. Uma resposta para seu antecessor "Vulnicura", em que seu coração fora partido e ela cantava sobre sua luta sentimental para se manter de pé, traçando um cronograma de acontecimentos para o que levou ao fim de seu relacionamento conturbado, Utopia trata a superação desses acontecimentos, onde ela cria um personagem de um jardim ninfa que emprega desde a sonoridade do album (Flautas e cantos de pássaros), a suas letras, que não fazem rodeios, são direto ao ponto. A sonoridade pode ser desconexa e fora dos padrões ocidentais, bem comum para as produções do arca, porém o que define sincronia? Ela canta na sincronia que ela criou e quando nos acostumamos com isso passamos a escutar na sincronia dela, formando assim um album muito bem elaborado dentro do seu mundo.… Expand
  5. gustavolsb
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    "Björk is full of love again". "Utopia" feels like a mix of her previous musical identities to create a place everyone must go - full of birds, tiny little creatures and flute sounds creating the soundtrack to the listeners' imaginary landscapes.
  6. IsmaelNTC
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    This is clearly he album of the year, outstanding in every single aspect. Incredibly rich in sounds, ranging from birds, to alien sounds to harp, flute and beats. It's a natural continuation of Björk's latest's projects Vulnicura and Biophilia. Very honest and hypnotic.
  7. CharlieGray
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    What a great album, magnificent from start to finish, every song floats into the next, and it truly creates a sense and atmosphere of utopia and paradise.
  8. Deivide
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    "Utopia" comes at the right time, as a sequence of "Vulnicura", without necessarily putting a stone in what happened. Described as the "Tinder album," the new record comes as a resurgence of breath after the gale, as if the singer sought shelter in her own music to create a fantastic world, and in times of Trump and Temer, in which humans need to act to turn the world into a better place"Utopia" comes at the right time, as a sequence of "Vulnicura", without necessarily putting a stone in what happened. Described as the "Tinder album," the new record comes as a resurgence of breath after the gale, as if the singer sought shelter in her own music to create a fantastic world, and in times of Trump and Temer, in which humans need to act to turn the world into a better place to live, it becomes even more urgent. It is from the junction of an emotional and political reality that the concept of "Utopia" arises. This practice is not something new for the singer who composed "Declare Independence" that at the same time encouraged oppressed in a relationship, encouraged civilizations to rebel. BRIGHT, YEAR'S ALBUM!… Expand
  9. Estarque
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    It's already one of my favorite Björk's albums. So touching, inspirating, very contemplative and ethereal. If Vespertine sounds like winter, Utopia is completely like spring for me.
  10. homowifi
    Nov 26, 2017
    10
    Can you believe bjork invented flutes? Also she took my wig and I don't think she's ever giving it back because I saw her pawning it for rent money. Bjork is eating good this era ladies!
  11. DJbustajuan
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    'Utopia' is one of Björk's most majestic and revealing albums yet, a little long but the beauty is infinite and the production is disturbing. Resolutely avant-garde!
  12. paulovegajr
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    Clearly the album of the year 2017. It's the closing for what can be considered "the love trilogy", composed by Vespertine, Vulnicura and, now, Utopia. The birth, the death and the reflourishing of love.
  13. andrevictor
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Com certeza esse é o melhor álbum de 2017. Björk nunca decepciona em seus trabalhos, principalmente este em colaboração com o Arca. Composições e produção musical incríveis, que nos fazem ir além do nosso plano, chegando assim em sua Utopia.
  14. DiogoOliveira
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Cantora que esta além do seu tempo, incompreendida pelo publico e pela critica, exaltada por um publico selecto de ouvintes que amam sua arte, que entende sua mensagem, uma cantora ATEMPORAL, a nota por mais grande que seja e insuficiente de descrever o talento incalculável da Björk, apenas estou sem palavras.
  15. joaopedrodias
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    Simplesmente um álbum lindo! Com toda uma história para contar, Björk nos surpreende mais uma vez com seu talento musical e artístico. Todos esses sons de flautas, pássaros, harpas e a produção conjunta invejável com seu amigo Arca (e Rabit em losss) deixaram esse trabalho ainda mais belo, é uma pena que ainda há quem prefira o venezuelano longe dos projetos da islandesa.
  16. Marian22
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Alien opera music at its best! Her voice hasnt sound so cocoonish like 15 years now.. The sonic landscapes she creates are so futuristic and brilliant!
  17. iohn
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    First of all, **** YOU THE INDEPENDENT UK. Now, Just an absolutely piece of art. The way Björk mix different elements from her past albums it’s just amazing. Such a brave woman standing against the hate, the Trump government and standing up for the women and the love. Every song is connected to each other and the animal and flutes sounds make a whole new experience in bjorks music.First of all, **** YOU THE INDEPENDENT UK. Now, Just an absolutely piece of art. The way Björk mix different elements from her past albums it’s just amazing. Such a brave woman standing against the hate, the Trump government and standing up for the women and the love. Every song is connected to each other and the animal and flutes sounds make a whole new experience in bjorks music. Definitely one of her best jobs.… Expand
  18. Seidel
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Talented. Brilliant. Incredible. Amazing. Show stopping. Spectacular. Never the same. Totally unique. Completely not ever been done before.

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  19. dextralwolf
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    One hell of an amazing sensory experience. The productions here are sublime. Maybe not everyone will get it per se, but the essence of this album lies in the discordance of the harmonies; the way that the harsh electronic sonic landscape crashes with the airy and heavenly soundscape. Both of these elements are constantly fighting for dominance in many songs, most notable is 'Losss' andOne hell of an amazing sensory experience. The productions here are sublime. Maybe not everyone will get it per se, but the essence of this album lies in the discordance of the harmonies; the way that the harsh electronic sonic landscape crashes with the airy and heavenly soundscape. Both of these elements are constantly fighting for dominance in many songs, most notable is 'Losss' and 'Courtship'.

    For those without the patience to process it, many songs seemed to fall apart in discord, but for those patient enough to process a lot of things going on in many of the compositions, they will find unexpected harmony in the dissonance; amidst the clashing of the harsh beats and airy flutes, the songs worked in unexpected ways.

    Outstanding tracks: Utopia, Losss, Saint, Body Memory    … Expand
  20. pnikk
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Absolutely wonderful, but I expected more. The fresh/experimental aspect of the album can't make up for the lack of melodies, and the repetition of the existing melodies. The album is too long, and most of it is filled in with reciting, not singing. It's
  21. Acriomano
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    It´s different to everything she has done before, but at the same time it gives me some homogenic, vespertine, selma songs vibes. she is already tired of making pop, radio friendly music. It needs more than one listen to get the point. Not new in her.
  22. ayshaadab
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Curious, creative, baffling.

    The album has a unique sound and at the same time refers to other previous works of the singer.

    Wonderful.

    One of the best releases of the year.
  23. Yerim
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    álbum do seculo.
    florence enterrada, humilhada, massacrada e esmurrada pelo utopia. diria o mesmo da lana, mas essa daí ja nasceu morta e em decomposição.
  24. UkeBoi
    Nov 26, 2017
    10
    We have been blessed by yet another creative rocket from the artist, launched into the sky to show off unseen before colors to all of us. Björk is infamous for using a combination of strings + beats + vocals to produce her music as we've witnessed before on records like "Homogenic" and her recent "Vulnicura". For "Utopia" she trades her beloved strings for a flute orchestra and someWe have been blessed by yet another creative rocket from the artist, launched into the sky to show off unseen before colors to all of us. Björk is infamous for using a combination of strings + beats + vocals to produce her music as we've witnessed before on records like "Homogenic" and her recent "Vulnicura". For "Utopia" she trades her beloved strings for a flute orchestra and some magical harps, however she keeps the feeling of her own music and songwriting - an instantly recognizable Björk record. She has done it again - reinvented herself, evolved and presented something brand new and fresh on the table while still appeasing her fans and what they are here for.

    Björk isn't someone who listens to opinions, she's as unapologetic as they come and this is one of her best qualities as it contributes a great bit in her musical work. - " Urban didn't tame me" as she sings in one of the highlights of the album "Body memory". Björk sings about a new beginning and chapter of not only her own life, but the lives of all of us. "Tabula Rasa" finds her wishing on a star for a better beginning for children, she mourns all the bad things that children have to face in today's world ( Cough the trump administration cough ) and wishes to make it easy on everyone, giving her own children " the least amount of baggage" . Other highlights for me are the single "Blissing me" , "Claimstaker" and the track where she calls out her own ex-husband "Sue Me"

    Sound-wise the production does not dissapoint - Arca knows his beats and he collaborates 50/50 with Björk to create the feeling and atmosphere of the record for which they obviously share the same, strong vision.

    My only criticism is that vocally, it is missing Björk's infamous vocal runs, screams and rawrs, however I respect her honoring the fact her voice has aged and she no longer wishes to show off vocally the way she used to back in her "Bachelorette" days.
    Overall, one of my favourite Björk albums, right after "Vespertine" and "Vulnicura" - she's on top of her game. I bet you didn't see Björk going all Enya on your ass, huh?    … Expand
  25. skunkape
    Nov 27, 2017
    10
    The low reviews are from people who don't understand it. That's fine. I don't like their music most likely. This is one of the best releases of the year IMO and if you don't agree you don't agree. For the record this isn't pop music. It's experimental electronic music. Stop confusing the two because you're a sexist with preconceived notions.
  26. rodrigoaraujoo
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    Such a beautiful, magical and original album... takes you to a new world as the purpose. Love all that wild-animal-nature sounds... truly beautiful and relaxing
  27. FranciscoReview
    Jan 13, 2018
    10
    amo el album, es hermoso me cautiva, lo mejor que e escuchado este año, merece grandes permios.
  28. juliandcardona
    Jan 4, 2018
    10
    Adéntrate a la aterradora atmosfera que este álbum te ofrece, rico en sonidos y rico en contenido lírico. Establecido e inigualable.
  29. I_Trick_Myself
    Jan 19, 2018
    10
    What a gem! This is absolutely Bjork coming back with an Icelandic vengeance. I would admit that albums such as Volta didn't really do it for me, and while the last album was an improvement, I was still harping back to 'the good old days' - hate that! But this is for me her finest work - good proof of this is the number of times I get all tingly, the singing is so evocative, and the musicWhat a gem! This is absolutely Bjork coming back with an Icelandic vengeance. I would admit that albums such as Volta didn't really do it for me, and while the last album was an improvement, I was still harping back to 'the good old days' - hate that! But this is for me her finest work - good proof of this is the number of times I get all tingly, the singing is so evocative, and the music just so suits - what a collaboration between these two geniuses.

    Bjork, always inspirational and proudly different (or just I guess necessarily so, what I mean by that is that this is true art - a itch that needs to be scratched by the artist, no pandering to what may or may not sell). One of my favourite Bjork songs is headphones, and this album needs just those to be fully appreciated.    … Expand
  30. Thonny
    Oct 26, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Moderna, llena de vida, una experiencia alucinante. Para mí es musicoterapia.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best Album of 2017
21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2017
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Mixmag
    Jan 5, 2018
    90
    It’s an album you’ll want to return to again and again.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Dec 22, 2017
    90
    Utopia is the perfect whooshing winter record, just in time for the bitter chill. [No. 149, p.53]
  3. The Wire
    Dec 19, 2017
    90
    The Icelandic icon moves ever closer to the Platonic ideal of what it means to be Bjork. [Dec 2017, p.50]
See all critic reviews »