The Vinyl Brew: Björk - Debut

On the player this week we find one of the most innovative and talented artists of the last 20 years. Although she is often overlooked when I chat with people about top artists of the last two decades, she has every right to be considered for these lists. We are of course talking about the multi-talented Björk and her appropriately entitled debut album Debut.

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By Trevor CareyOct 30, 20220 comments

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Shiny Day Brewers,

This week we find ourselves in a more sombre mood; with the days getting shorter and the weather worsening, I thought this week we’d enjoy something a little more mellow. On the player this week we find one of the most innovative and talented artists of the last 20 years. Although she is often overlooked when I chat with people about top artists of the last two decades, she has every right to be considered for these lists. We are of course talking about the multi-talented Björk and her appropriately entitled debut album Debut.

Released in 1993, Debut was Björk’s first solo album after her split with previous band the Sugarcubes. A departure from the rock sound she had developed with the band this album was an exploration of many styles including trip hop and electro pop. The rock sound that people had come to associate with her had completely vanished and with a self-assurance of someone who knows exactly what they want, this album forms a beautiful masterpiece. This album seems to drift in and out of memory and then Björk will release a new album and I’ll remember to revisit Debut and be blown away all over again. Even as I listen now it’s hard to believe this album is nearly 30 years old.

Over the years Björk has taken musical inspiration from every genre imaginable and somehow always made it work. A key feature to her music for me has always been her vocals and it is in full effect on Debut. Coming from a rock background is hard to believe when first listening to her sing, with a soft whispering almost breathless voice, it is almost childlike. But as is often the case with such vocalists, if you listen for long enough you can hear the strength behind the voice. Sure, we’ve heard her wail plenty of times but it’s those soft little moments that make her stand alone for me.

What Björk has achieved since Debut is incredible with ten studio albums under her belt as well as composing, producing and acting. A multi-talented artist who still pushes boundaries and ideas with each new release but for me Debut, as well as being where it all started, I think it paints a picture of what we can come to expect from this artist. When it comes to her music she creates whole new worlds and then lets us visit them.

The Final Word

So, who is Debut for? Well, don’t let the trip hop and electro pop tags throw you off by thinking it’s dance music - it is ambient flows with the breathy vocals of someone who is insanely confident in what they are producing. A songwriter of the highest calibre and an easy addition to any collection. Filled with themes of love and relationships, let’s finish up today with the track “Venus as a Boy”.

“He believes in a beauty  
He's Venus as a boy
He believes in a beauty and gentle"

Till next time Brewers,
T

Next Week's Brew

Next Sunday's brew is The Doors' self-titled album. Why not add this gem to your collection so we can listen together next week!

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