Utopia cover

Utopia

Björk · 2017

71 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A lush tapestry of electronic soundscapes intertwined with themes of love, healing, and the search for paradise.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Gate — This track serves as the emotional core of the album, encapsulating themes of vulnerability and openness while showcasing Björk's haunting vocal delivery layered over ethereal instrumentation.
  • →
    Arisen My Senses Start here — Opening the album, this track introduces listeners to a world of sensory exploration, merging intricate beats with lush harmonies that set the tone for the journey ahead.
  • →
    Blissing Me — With its intimate lyrics and gentle melodies, this song captures the essence of connection and longing, offering a poignant reflection on love amidst digital distractions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Utopia showcases innovative compositions and rich production, creating a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a series of tracks that build gradually in intensity, culminating in the title track, which features layered vocal harmonies and intricate electronic arrangements.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Losss', which shifts between different musical motifs without a clear verse-chorus format.
  • The final three tracks create a serene atmosphere, using minimal instrumentation and echoing vocals to evoke a sense of closure and reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • ethereal soundscapes for exploration
  • immersive experience with organic instrumentation
  • meditative moments of connection
  • vibrant textures for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic shift towards optimism and exploration in Björk's catalog.
Themes
celestial soundscapes· emotional connection· nature-inspired healing
Career context
Released in 2017, Utopia marks Björk's ninth studio album and her first since the emotionally charged Vulnicura in 2015. This album represents a significant shift towards optimism and exploration of connection after a period of personal turmoil, showcasing her evolution as an artist navigating both emotional landscapes and innovative production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors
FKA twigs· Arca· Kate Bush

Tracklist

  • 1 Arisen My Senses Start here 4:59
  • 2 Blissing Me 5:05
  • 3 The Gate 6:33
  • 4 Utopia 4:42
  • 5 Body Memory 9:46
  • 6 Features Creatures 4:49
  • 7 Courtship 4:44
  • 8 Losss 6:51
  • 9 Sue Me 4:57
  • 10 Tabula Rasa 4:42
  • 11 Claimstaker 3:18
  • 12 Paradisia 1:44
  • 13 Saint 4:41
  • 14 Future Forever 4:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata