Vulnicura Live cover

Vulnicura Live

Björk · 2015

84 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

An emotional tapestry of live soundscapes intertwining orchestral elements with Björk's haunting vocals and electronic intricacies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Stonemilker Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Black Lake — This track stands out for its sweeping orchestration and emotional intensity, perfectly encapsulating the core themes of grief and healing present in the album.
  • →
    Lionsong — With its delicate balance of electronics and strings, this song exemplifies Björk's innovative fusion of genres while delivering poignant lyrics about vulnerability.
  • →
    Family — This track features a striking vocal delivery that conveys deep emotional resonance, serving as a powerful exploration of familial bonds amidst personal turmoil.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

82 /100
Summit
Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Vulnicura Live showcases Björk's innovative arrangements and emotional depth in a compelling live format.

What we noticed

  • Björk's vocal delivery is dynamic, often shifting from soft, intimate moments to powerful crescendos, reflecting the intensity of the material.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and interaction between musicians, which adds to the live experience.
  • The setlist primarily draws from the Vulnicura album, with each song flowing into the next without interruption, maintaining a cohesive emotional narrative.
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
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

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

  • haunting vocals that evoke emotion
  • long, immersive emotional exploration
  • cathartic release through vulnerability
  • intimate live performance atmosphere
  • reflective moments of deep connection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat tempos
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Captures the emotional depth of Vulnicura, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes
grief and loss· intimate healing· post-breakup reflection
Career context
When Vulnicura Live was released in 2015, Björk was navigating the aftermath of her deeply personal album Vulnicura, which explored themes of heartbreak and loss. This live recording captures the raw emotion and innovative arrangements of those songs, showcasing her evolution as a performer, particularly following her previous studio album in 2015.
Stylistic neighbors
FKA twigs· Arca· Kate Bush

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Stonemilker Start here 7:24
  • 2 Lionsong 6:35
  • 3 History of Touches 3:19
  • 4 Black Lake 10:44
  • 5 Family 7:50
  • 6 Notget 5:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Come to Me 5:16
  • 2 Undo 6:10
  • 3 I See Who You Are 3:52
  • 4 All Neon Like 5:53
  • 5 Quicksand 4:04
  • 6 Wanderlust 6:18
  • 7 Mutual Core 4:58
  • 8 Mouth Mantra 6:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata