Ágætis Byrjun cover

Ágætis Byrjun

Released

It’s translated as ‘A good beginning,’ though Ágætis Byrjun was Sigur Rós’s second proper album as such. But given its breakthrough status internationally, it might as well have been the start, where the still-young band embraced a shift from ambient mood to rich orchestrations, the end results striking a chord that led to increasing attention in the following years. It can also be ascribed to the notable falsetto of Jónsi Birgisson, whose serenely powerful delivery on songs like “Svefn-g-englar” rapidly led said song to become a major subcultural and soundtrack hit.

Ned Raggett

Recommended by

Suggestions
Hiraeth cover

Hiraeth

Lisa Gerrard, David Kuckhermann
The Pearl cover

The Pearl

Brian Eno, Harold Budd
Wanderers: Astrology of The Nine cover

Wanderers: Astrology of The Nine

Spectral Lore, Mare Cognitum
Heroes cover

Heroes

David Bowie
Requiem Settings cover

Requiem Settings

The Silverman
Living Room cover

Living Room

The Life Force Trio, Dexter Story, Carlos Niño
Garbage cover

Garbage

Autechre
Polysomn cover

Polysomn

Kairon; IRSE!
A Lie Of The Mind cover

A Lie Of The Mind

Mark Nichols, Carla Torgerson