Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Björk, Utopia © One Little IndianAlways ‘one of a kind,’ Icelandic alternative pop musician Björk returns with a mysterious, intriguing single, “the gate.”

The first word or thought that comes to mind when you hear the name Björk and GO! “One of a kind.” The Icelandic alt-pop singer is simply in her own lane, beating to her own drummer.  No one, NO ONE, sounds like her.  After years and years of music, she continues to compel.  The case is the same on her newest offering, single “the gate.”

From the jump, “the gate” is mysterious to the nth degree.  Lyrically, initially, you can’t decipher what she’s is singing.  That said, we’d have it no other way from Icelandic musician. Luckily, nearly one-minute-and-a-half in, Björk begins to sing clearly, in English (the verse).  The vibe remains enigmatic, but her tone is pure, compelling, and beautiful.  She follows the verse with a simple, but expressive chorus, that ends up being varied as the song progresses.

“And I care for you, care for you
I care for you, care for you...”

While “the gate” is bizarre, it’s also ear-catching at the same time.  Even after a number of years in the game, there’s no one that come close to sounding like Björk, which is amazing. Lyrically and emotionally, she certainly sounds authentic – invested in what she’s offering musically.  If the listener gets nothing else from “the gate,” they know that Björk “cares for you” and he, presumably, cares for her as well.


Final Thoughts 

Honestly, “the gate” and the artistry of Björk were summarized sufficiently above.  The biggest rub is length, approaching the seven-minute mark, but that’s also come to be expected from the artist and hand.  Even though this one is longer listen, it’s certainly a worthwhile one.  You don’t hear this everyday…

4 out of 5 stars


Björk • The Gate – Single • One Little Indian • Release: 9.15.17
Photo Credit: One Little Indian

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.