Björk, The Dull Flame Of Desire | Wacky Wednesday

In the fifth edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “The Dull Flame Of Desire,” performed by Björk.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  So, with the background established, in the fifth edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “The Dull Flame Of Desire,” performed by Björk. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

“I love your eyes, my dear / Their splendid, sparkling fire.” And thus begins “The Dull Flame Of Desire”. Grammy-nominated (should be winner ) Icelandic singer/songwriter Björk enlists ANOHNI of Antony & the Johnsons for the assist. “The Dull Flame Of Desire” is the third track from Björk’s seventh studio album, Volta, released in 2007. A lengthy song, it runs seven-and-a-half minutes long. It is worth every second of his duration! Björk penned the song alongside Russian poet and diplomat Fyordor Tyutchev (1803 – 1873).  The lyrics are translated in English from Tyutchev’s poem. The musical accompaniment is utterly sublime.  The orchestration is gorgeous, particularly the brass, arranged by Björk. Another key feature of the backdrop is the pummeling drums.

The hypnotic, mesmerizing nature of the music is a big reason why “The Dull Flame Of Desire” is epic. Another reason is the elite vocal performances by Björk and ANOHNI.  Both musicians bring distinct, unique-sounding pipes.  The vocal chemistry between both is electrifying.  Furthermore, the melodies are radiant, shaped by their exquisite singing.  Early, Björk and ANOHNI trade lines.  After Björk sets the tone in the first verse, ANOHNI responds, “When suddenly you raise them so / To cast a swift embracing glance.” They also trade lines during the first chorus: “And through the downcast lashes / I see the dull flame of desire.  Both singers also get their respective moments to shine in extended solos.  Björk sings the second verse and the chorus that follows, rejoined by ANOHNI in the post-chorus.  ANOHNI then performs the third verse and chorus before being rejoined by Björk in the post-chorus.  They collaborate once more in the fourth and final verse and chorus before Björk concludes.  The lyrics by Tyutchev shine throughout, executed superbly by both. Also, I can’t neglect to shout out the layered vocals – decadent! “The Dull Flame Of Desire” is one of many masterpieces by Björk, who is way overdue for a Grammy. Notably, this gem has been remixed.

Björk // Volta // One Little Independent / Wellhart Limited // 2007

Björk, The Dull Flame Of Desire: Wacky Wednesday No. 5 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; One Little Independent / Wellhart Limited; Rich The Barber Font from Font Space; Wendel Natan from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]