Volta

Medúlla was considered a very unique album from critics and it received positive reviews. Meanwhile, Björk decided to skip touring in promotion of the album, and got back to work with her upcoming sixth record. Apparently, Timbaland is producing this one, alongside well-known Björk collaborator Mark Bell, and a producer named Danja. This anticipated album has been in the works since 2005, so it surely will be worth it. On May 1, 2007, we got Volta. You know what? It’s good!

Volta has this more evolved sound that has been derived from Homogenic, especially the rawness of that album on songs like Wanderlust, Innocence, and Vertebræ by Vertebræ, but there’s one more called Declare Independence. If you haven’t listened to that song already, summarizing it, it hurts your ears and it kicks ass. Meanwhile, other songs on here have elements from world music incorporated into them. Earth Intruders is a good example of what sounds are included on these songs. Finally, for the first time in a Björk album, there is a brass section. It is really emphasized in The Dull Flame Of Desire, a collaboration with ANOHNI. There is another song with the both of them on it called My Juvenile, which mainly focuses on world music elements. After all that, there’s just the pure classic Björk sound that has been crafted since 1997, like in a song I See Who You Are. So, that’s Volta. It was an enjoyable experience. Just the only problem that I have with it is that compared to Debut, Post, Homogenic, Vespertine, and Medúlla, this sounds mediocre at best.

Look, I do like this album, but here are my reasons on why it’s (for a lack of a better term) the “worst” album so far:
1. Some of the songs are seven minutes, and they feel like they drag on forever
2. Earth Intruders should only be four minutes long, I don’t know why they recorded the Titanic sinking for a minute and then put it in
3. Production doesn’t really sound Björk-ish (it’s hard to pull off an album that sounds completely different from what you usually do, i.e. Vespertine)
4. A couple of songs are quite forgetful, all I remember is Earth Intruders, Innocence, Vertebræ by Vertebræ, and Declare Independence (meanwhile, I know Post front to back)

Moral of the story, always try to make a good album, just don’t make it sound subpar compared to your previous material. That doesn’t mean it’s not good, though. Don’t forget that!

Favourite Tracks: Earth Intruders, Wanderlust, Innocence, I See Who You Are, Vertebræ By Vertebræ, Declare Independence

Least Favourite Track: Hope