Homogenic

Smoldering like the volcanoes of her native Iceland, Bjork's music fully erupted on her 1997 release Homogenic. For a decade, international audiences had been beguiled by her uncanny voice, first as singer with the Sugarcubes, then as a solo artist. As her talents matured, Bjork gained greater mastery over her astounding vocal range, defined by its piercing highs and growling lows. Homogenic finds her shape-shifting into a jazz diva, a cooing child and a desire-wracked lover--often within a single song. Whether she's stalking her dreams ("Hunter"), declaring unshakable passion ("Jura"), or trying to wake up the human race ("Alarm Clock"), her vocal presence never ceases to startle. Co-produced by Bjork with Mark Bell (among others), the album's atmospheric arrangements combine electronica textures with string arrangements and acoustic touches. A work of mesmerizing grandeur and volatile emotion, Homogenic remains a sonic genre all its own.