Björk "Jóga"

The first single of "Homogenic" is finally released. "Jóga" is quite a traditional Björk-tune. The string-opening is really great (as always) and when Björk starts singing it gets even better. The chorus reminds me a bit of "Hyperballad". Howie B has added some really great distorted drum programming and one of the coolest bass-lines around. "Jóga" sounds like a cross between "Hyperballad", "Hyperballad (Over the edge)" and "Headphones" and it's quite similar to the songs on the "Post"-album. The song is very beautiful but it's the least interesting one on this single. The B-side "So broken" is in fact a lot better.  It brings you about six minutes of Björk singing along to a flamenco guitar. She has added some wonderful distortion on her voice, which makes it sound even better. The song is very minimalistic and melancholic and the lyrics are probably the gloomiest ones she has ever written. The atmosphere is very spacey and dark. Björk writes even better songs when she's depressed. "So broken" has already become one of my ten favorite Björk-songs and it sounds very different from her earlier works. No words can do this song justice, you just have to hear it yourself!

"Immature" is another minimalistic melancholic (and brilliant) Björk-song. This single brings you an alternative version of the song containing only Björk's voice and a piano. The amazing vocal-arrangements makes the atmosphere quite spooky. "Immature" reminds me a bit of "Oxygen", the song Björk recorded together with Evelyn Glennie earlier this year. It's just about as dark and beautiful.

I don't think all of you are going to like the new "Jóga"-single. Those of you who prefer Björk's cheerful up-tempo-tunes such as "Big time sensuality" and "Violently happy" might get dissapointed since none of the songs on this single are danceable. If you prefer Björk's sad, minimalistic tunes such as "Visur vatnsenda-rosu" or "Oxygen", you'll love this single over a healthy degree. I know I do!