Released 24 years ago this November
It's in Our Hands
Björk · 2002
13 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of electronic textures and orchestral arrangements that invites introspection and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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It’s in Our Hands — This track serves as the album's title piece, encapsulating its themes of agency and emotional vulnerability through its layered production and compelling vocals.
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Cocoon (Retangled by Ensemble) — Offering a reimagined take on one of her earlier works, this version highlights the lush orchestration and intimacy that characterize Björk's sound during this era.
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All Is Full of Love (live in Brussels) — This live rendition brings a raw, authentic energy to the beloved track, showcasing Björk's vocal prowess and her ability to connect with an audience in real-time.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases intricate arrangements and strong vocal performances, but its brief length limits overall cohesion.
What we noticed
- The title track features a gradual build-up of layers, starting with a simple piano line that evolves into a complex arrangement with strings and electronic elements.
- The second track reinterprets 'Cocoon' with an ensemble, emphasizing orchestral textures over the original's electronic focus.
- The live version of 'All Is Full of Love' showcases Björk's vocal delivery in a raw setting, contrasting with the polished studio versions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A notable single showcasing Björk's sound, but not a primary entry point or breakthrough.
- Themes
- intimate connection· ethereal landscapes· personal empowerment
- Career context
- Released on November 25, 2002, It's in Our Hands followed Björk's critically acclaimed album Vespertine, marking a continuation of her exploration into intricate soundscapes. At this point in her career, she was deepening her artistic identity as an avant-garde musician, further blurring the lines between pop and experimental music.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It’s in Our Hands
The shift from personal reflection to a collective call to action encapsulates a profound sense of urgency.
This transition illustrates the thematic depth of the song, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual and communal responsibility.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It’s in Our Hands 4:17
- 2 Cocoon (Retangled by Ensemble) 5:04
- 3 All Is Full of Love (live in Brussels) 3:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
LP1
FKA twigs
Shares a similar ethereal soundscape with haunting vocals and themes of intimacy and empowerment.
Two Suns
Bat for Lashes
Combines electronic textures with mythical storytelling and introspective themes of love and connection.
Visions
Grimes
Explores experimental sound design and personal empowerment through an ethereal, otherworldly lens.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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