As most of the UK alternative music fans were in the throes of Britpop, Bjork released her second album of the 90s with Post. Immediately, “Army of Me” comes in like a bomb, flying through the air and crashes into a throbbing bass line. A personal song, Bjork is defiant as she tells another to stop complaining and get to work. The deep bass weaves itself through most of the album and on the Nellee Hooper produced “Hyperballad” adds a jittery beat as Bjork sings of the little battles we have in relationships that our partners know nothing about. The protagonist throwing objects off a mountaintop before her boyfriend wakes, “I go through all this before you wake up”.
Sixth single, “I Miss You” is a propulsive Howie B produced track that projects horn stabs and tumbling drums as Bjork sings of her next love. “Isobel” feels cinemantic with strings and jungle drums. The cinema is drummed up even more with “It’s Oh So Quiet”. The memorable Spike Jonze directed video sees Bjork dance through the streets while the song is an inspired remake with hushed verses and explodes into colour for the chorus. In contrast, “Possibly Maybe” starts with the sound of a computer connecting to make a data transfer. She remembers an old love, the beat taking over in spots, trip hop from Bristol bringing a dark melancholy beat.
Remembered as one of the finest albums of the 90s, Post is definitely of it’s time but remarkably does not sound dated. It’s a testament to Bjork’s songwriting/producing that she standouts among other 90s artists, inhabiting her own world. Darker than her Debut album, the colourful album art makes Post look cosmopolitan as Bjork takes in sounds from all over the streets of the UK.
9/10
The Light Appears 