What Do Musicians Think About Bj?rk?
I’m a fan! Love all of her stuff but the Vespertine album is on my “deserted island” list of albums. Truly great, in my humble opinion.
Music Composition in the Pop Realm
The music I have listened to by Bj?rk often resonates with an ethereal, deeply emotional, and rhythmic quality, akin to the music by other notable artists. As a composer, I find myself compelled to address the question of what makes Bj?rk so distinctive. However, I haven't actually discussed her work with other composers, so this perspective is purely personal.
Today, I'll set aside the exceptional vocals and focus on her composition skills. The line between songwriter and composer in pop music is quite blurred, and Bj?rk's unique approach to melody stands out as distinctly Icelandic. I find it intriguing that there might be a distinct and non-Western structure to the Icelandic musical tradition, a theory that I'm still exploring. Listening to Bj?rk, Sigur Rós, and Gus Gus will provide a good starting point to understand what I mean.
Complexity and High Concept
Bj?rk's use of rhythm can be quite complex, and her dedication to high-concept projects like the entire album Medulla, created using only human vocal sounds, is both fascinating and occasionally challenging. These ambitious endeavors elevate her music to the realms of brilliance, but they also make a few listeners feel off-put. She is a true individualist, and her music is viewed with a mix of love and disdain by the public.
Personal Reflections from a Composer
As a composer, I find Bj?rk's videos and original, themed lyrics to be quite captivating. However, if you were to write her melodies on a lead sheet, you would likely see that there isn't much of a melody to most of her songs. I admire her marketing talent and the creativity behind her video-clips, but the question remains: who will still play her songs in 40 or 50 years from now, or who will still appreciate her video-clips? I think there will be quite a few people who will continue to show interest.
Hers is a music that sounds, to my ears, a bit like rap but with a superficial attempt to write some kind of melody. Unfortunately, that attempt often falls short. However, Bj?rk undeniably knows how to attract attention and has been consistently striking and inspiring since her debut.
While Bj?rk's style might not have the long-term staying power of some artists, such as Lady Gaga, who can write memorable and singable melodies, I do respect her for knowing how to captivate audiences. This admiration, coupled with her innovative and unique approach to music, makes her a composer to watch in the industry.