Post

I already went in-depth into Björk's history in the review I did of Debut, an album with the same name that marked her big start as a solo artist. Therefore, I’d like to skip that introduction and go straight to the album, Post.

Post appeared after Björk found her way both sonically and lyrically, as well as after finding a producer she felt comfortable with. This album was quite risky, as it had to live up to her marvelous debut and the albums from the band she started with, The Sugarcubes. Their first release was widely discussed, receiving good reviews and great success. With all these expectations, the initial idea for Post was to be a conceptual album, a letter to each of her distant family members who would constantly ask how she was doing, as she was still living in London (that’s where the title and the cover come from, as they were meant to resemble a stamp from letters). However, this idea slowly faded away, almost as if the name itself was recycled, because encapsulating the album in that concept did not fulfill what Björk truly wanted. Under the supervision of her trusted sound professional, Björk practically produced the entire album herself, with the final say always hers. This is how the conceptual idea slowly shifted into a more free-flowing vision.

The first song, "Army Of Me", conveys a powerful sense of empowerment, in which we no longer need others and recognize our own value, learning to empower ourselves and become self-sufficient. The rhythm is aggressive from the start, and her singing is like someone ready to attack. With the lyrics, we realize she’s in a powerful moment, capable of facing anything. The second song, "Hyper-Ballad", is perfect in many ways for me. Not only is its meaning beautiful—about the introspective struggles we face to live day to day and survive in an arid reality while maintaining a loving relationship—but its rhythm is flawless and contrasts beautifully with the previous song, giving us a softer, more emotional, and somewhat nostalgic side.

"The Modern Things", the third song, is incredibly interesting, as its meaning is based on Björk's belief that technology always existed in a latent form, waiting for the right moment to emerge from the mountains where it was hidden, only to emerge when the time was right. In terms of rhythm, there isn’t much to say—it’s quite typical of Björk and very calm, which is overshadowed by the masterpiece that follows. "It's Oh So Quiet" is not just the fourth song, but one of the experimental sides within the already experimental nature of the album. In this song, Björk chooses a rhythm that gives off theatrical vibes, almost like something out of Broadway or very burlesque, which intensifies with the shouts she lets out at certain moments, which, to me, are literal works of art. In terms of meaning, it explores how complicated love can be, considering its highs and its lows.

Continuing with perfection, "Enjoy" appears, with sounds that are difficult for me to describe, weaving a song that mysteriously keeps me attentive every second. Her voice also shines flawlessly, making it a real pleasure to listen to in full. In terms of its meaning, it speaks of the beauty of simplicity and the longing for belonging, or how, as humans, we feel that nostalgic obligation to be in love.

Skipping the sixth song, "Isobel" appears as the seventh, with an interesting rhythm that combines experimental and acoustic elements. In it, Björk addresses the conflicting relationship humans have with nature, as well as self-worth. "Possibly Maybe", the eighth song and the penultimate one I’ll discuss, has a mystical and mysterious rhythm that takes us on a journey through thoughts and questions that arise from the heart of a love relationship. The repetition of the song’s title could refer to how anything can be a "possible maybe" and how, sometimes, we simply have to live with that uncertainty and face it.

Finally, "Headphones", the last song, is what I would call a "ballad" (although, when you listen to it, you’ll understand why I’m using quotes). It’s one of the slowest songs on the album, but it also carries great emotional meaning. It delves into the artist's relationship with music, using metaphors that aim to transmit how music can provoke reactions in our bodies, connecting it to our essence and personal experiences.

It’s said that Post is the album every person who doesn't know Björk should start with, and I couldn’t agree more. While it maintains its experimental and ethereal essence, its construction is so open that it could capture the attention of most listeners who try it for the first time. However, I think this is also one of its problems, as the extensive experimentation might feel a bit forced. At times, it becomes so overwhelming within its experimental roots that some songs might overshadow each other in an unfavorable way.