"Homogenic" is the third studio album by Icelandic artist Björk, released on September 22, 1997, by One Little Indian Records. This album marked a significant stylistic shift for Björk, blending electronic beats with string instruments to create a sound that pays homage to her Icelandic roots.
Originally intended to be produced in her London home, the project was delayed due to intense media scrutiny following a stalker-related incident. Subsequently, Björk relocated to Spain, where she collaborated with producers like Mark Bell, Guy Sigsworth, Howie B, and Markus Dravs. This album was the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Björk and Bell, who became a significant influence on her music.
Upon its release, Homogenic received widespread acclaim, topping the Icelandic albums chart and reaching number 28 on the US Billboard 200 and number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. It spawned five singles: "Jóga," "Bachelorette," "Hunter," "Alarm Call," and "All Is Full of Love," and was supported by the Homogenic tour from 1997 to 1999. The album has since been hailed as one of the greatest of all time, frequently appearing on critics' lists and maintaining its status as a landmark in Björk's career.
After completing an extensive tour for her 1995 album Post, Björk returned home to Maida Vale, feeling a pressing need to write new music as a form of therapy. In her home studio, she began collaborating with audio engineer Markus Dravs in casual sessions, where she often cooked for both of them while Dravs helped shape her ideas. One of the early songs developed was "5 Years," inspired by a fast beat Dravs created.
However, work on Homogenic was disrupted by media frenzy following the suicide of her stalker, Ricardo López. To cope with the stress of this attention, Björk imagined herself as the lead character in a Spanish soap opera, which inspired the song "So Broken," later included on the album's Japanese import.
Seeking privacy, Björk relocated to Málaga at the suggestion of her tour drummer, Trevor Morais. There, she intended to meet flamenco guitarist Raimundo Amador but ended up recording the entire album. While visiting Iceland for Christmas, she wrote additional songs, including "Jóga."
As the project progressed, Björk decided to part ways with producer Nellee Hooper, feeling they had stopped surprising each other. She initially aimed to produce the album solo but enlisted collaborators like Dravs, Howie B, Guy Sigsworth, and Mark Bell. Notably, Wu-Tang Clan almost contributed to the album but were unable to due to their own project delays.
Björk primarily composed melodies herself, often using a Casio keyboard for string arrangements before bringing them to programmers for rhythmic input. She expressed deep trust in Mark Bell, crediting him with much of the album's production, including key tracks like "Pluto" and "Alarm Call."
The recording process included unconventional methods, such as recording outside and involving non-professionals, like babysitter Rebecca Storey, who contributed to production after showing interest in the equipment. String arrangements were added late in the process, with Eumir Deodato conducting and the Icelandic String Octet providing a thematic connection to Björk's roots. By June 1997, as the album neared completion, Björk faced delays and uncertainty about the final track listing and some recorded vocals.
