Is Volta a good place to start with Björk?

Yes, Volta is recommended as a starting point for new Björk listeners. A vibrant fusion of electronic soundscapes and organic instrumentation, reflecting Björk's innovative spirit and emotional depth. Released in 2007, Volta marked Björk's seventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed Medúlla. At this point in her career, she was known for her genre-defying approach, blending elements of electronic and orchestral music. The album showcased a shift toward a more rhythmic and politically charged direction as she collaborated with producers like Timbaland and Mark Bell.

Volta works well if you're into captivating sonic landscape exploration, immersive rhythmic journey and haunting vocals for introspection.

How many songs are on Volta?

Volta has 21 tracks, running approximately 106 minutes.

Volta

Björk · 2007

106 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of electronic soundscapes and organic instrumentation, reflecting Björk's innovative spirit and emotional depth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Earth Intruders Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its pulsating beats and urgent lyrics about global upheaval, showcasing Björk's commitment to social commentary.
→
Wanderlust — This track features sweeping orchestration paired with intricate electronic elements, embodying the album's exploration of human emotion and existential themes.
→
Declare Independence — A rallying cry for autonomy, this track combines aggressive beats with empowering lyrics, making it a standout anthem that resonates with themes of personal freedom.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Björk's 'Volta' showcases innovative structures and diverse vocal techniques, though its cohesion suffers from an extended tracklist.

What we noticed

The first five tracks build a rhythmic intensity with layered percussion and synths, while the sixth track shifts to a more subdued atmosphere with minimal instrumentation.
Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as 'Earth Intruders,' which employs a call-and-response format between vocals and instrumentation.
The album incorporates a wide range of vocal techniques, from spoken word to operatic singing, particularly evident in 'The Dull Flame of Desire.'

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

captivating sonic landscape exploration
immersive rhythmic journey
haunting vocals for introspection
dynamic shifts in emotional tone
engaging tribal beats for movement

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek immediate musical gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Volta features a vibrant fusion of sounds, marking a departure from Björk's previous styles.
Themes: tribal rhythms· self-assertion anthems· electronic textures· exploration of freedom
Career context: Released in 2007, Volta marked Björk's seventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed Medúlla. At this point in her career, she was known for her genre-defying approach, blending elements of electronic and orchestral music. The album showcased a shift toward a more rhythmic and politically charged direction as she collaborated with producers like Timbaland and Mark Bell.
Stylistic neighbors: FKA twigs· Arca· Kate Bush

New to Björk? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Declare Independence

Björk commands listeners to take control of their lives through bold declarations addressed directly to the audience.

This direct address creates an engaging call-to-action that contrasts with the more introspective tones found throughout the album.