Björk // All Is Full Of Love - musical analysis

Björk is an angel and her voice is the bright star in her music's dark sky! Something that doesn't get talked about as much is how the expressive instrumentation supports and interacts with her powerful voice, and what we can learn from it. Even if you're not familiar with this song, I think there's something deep here that any musician or music lover can appreciate. So that's what this video is about. Hope you enjoy the video, my costume...and my little mini rant about music theory terminology 😬
🎹 My Homogenic "All Is Full Of Love" improvisation: • Björk "All Is Full Of ...
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[@joelkulesha8284]

Yes! The world needs more analysis of bjork songs! They're so powerful and beautiful while being delicate and intensely genius.

[@scottend5239]

If you do 'Joga', I will be indebted to you for life. And will probably cry.

[@Jenavee26]

Omg yes. I was gonna mention Hunter, but I feel like it's a little simpler than these songs

[@jasonryan74]

Pagan Poetry 🙏 I cannot believe how huge Bjork’s voice is. I remember being mesmerized listening to her in the 90’s. Absolutely beautiful 🌀

[@JoeDiducaPhotography]

“All Is Full Of Love” has saved my life more times than I care to admit. It’s pulled me out of a really dark, self destructive place over and over. Bjork’s vocals knife way deep into the very depths of the psyche. A lot of people bandy around the word “genius” way too much these days BUT Bjork IS a genius within the parameters of her genre.

[@avedic]

Same x 1000. Particularly the "radio edit" with the drums. Mannny of Bjork's songs speak to me, but this song cuts so deep. It's achingly...hopeful actually. Pure catharsis. Alanis Morisette's Thank U conjures a similar feeling in me. Yearning aching gratitude despite all the pain. I adore the part of the song where she's singing "maybe not from these sources.." where the chord from the previous measure stays the same. It's such a simple thing, but so harmonically devastating. Gah...

[@avedic]

Another song that heals me like this and Thank U is Aurora's A Different Kind Of Human. Destroys and rebuilds me every time.

[@joyejohnsonauthor]

I too heard the album version first. It feels like a mother singing to her baby while it’s in utero, but from the baby’s point of view. The video version sounds like the baby has grown up and the mother’s words have stayed with them in spite of the grind and setbacks of real life. I think the two versions are meant to be heard together, not as one being better than the other.

[@knew_man]

Came for the Aphex Twin, stayed for the Björk. Great analysis. Subscribedt!

[@Listeningtomuzak]

More Björk analysis please :) I’m subscribing because of this video

[@iximusic]

Thank you!

[@augustreju3176]

Me too

[@JiggyGnorrus]

Same

[@augustreju3176]

@@iximusic ♥..Your analysis gave me a deeper perspective.

[@nicolasbautista3599]

Me too

[@rognvalduringthorsson7727]

So rewarding to see something that isn't quick and dirty. Something that a lot of thought has gone into creating. Something with real quality. 28 minute video (requiring an unknown number of hours to create) to explain the brilliance of a C note in the right place (as well as other brilliant nuances). Thank you!

[@pugsofsmallstreet5858]

“ I bought this in Tokyo…. It was made in China” You’ve done NIN, RH, and here you are doing one my all time fav songs ever! Thank you so much for your work!

[@jtvj8423]

Cried to this song more than a few times. Utter brilliance. It takes you into it's arms and delivers a message of understanding your pain and assuring you that you are and will be given love. The instrumentation and her voice really do give those who want to find beauty and love in the world a fitting muse.

[@experimentalsoundrecordings]

Wow your Bjork outfit is so cute! I want to see the Swan dress next!

[@hebehall]

On a musical level I can’t express how much I appreciate what you do. You pitch your analysis in the perfect place, not too complex or too simple. The way you express yourself is so endearing and engaging. 😊

[@TomServo_MST3K]

Yes, please, I'd love a lot more of this. Personally, I find Biophilia and Vespertine to be my two favorite Bjork albums, but I think there's a lot of analysis to be uncovered in the Selmasongs soundtrack as well. I look forward to where you go with this Bjork branch of analysis.

[@avedic]

Interesting.... I adore Bjork....and Vespertine, along with Homogenic and Medulla, are my favorite albums. But Biophilia does absolutely nothing for me....quite sadly. It's odd how music works....because, on paper, that album should speak to the core of my soul. But...nope. Kinda frustrating tbh, I feel like I'm missing out....that somehow I'm not getting it. Maybe one day....

[@augusto7681]

These are my favorite albums two. Its rare to find people that enjoy biophilia as much as me.

[@tomasandrew9354]

@@avedic the songs from Biophilia came alive on that tour. I went back to the album after going to the concert with a different impression. It bumped up my appreciation of the album.

[@DerekPower]

As far as album sequencing goes, the track before hand was “Pluto”, which is incredibly aggressive. Hearing “All Is Full of Love” in that form afterward is, in this case, a much welcome balm of relief =]

[@FernieCanto]

The whole sequencing and structure of the album is impeccable. Homogenic is a monolith, and at this stage, it might be my favourite album from 1997. More than OK Computer, more than Mogwai Young Team.

[@DerekPower]

@@FernieCanto 1997 was an excellent year for music 😁

[@estebanrodriguez1456]

That's why I don't like Pluto. It just messed up all the structure of the album, when I eliminated that song from the sequence, I felt relief 😌😌

[@cooleroconnor4504]

@@estebanrodriguez1456 heresy

[@estebanrodriguez1456]

@@cooleroconnor4504 :v

[@misubi]

I love how you describe things in emotional terms in music. It makes total sense but so rare.

[@chlorangst]

Thank you for analysing such a beautiful peace of art. I really

[@tawfiq5741]

the humor, editing, analysis, the passion and love for bjork... it's all so spot on! I'm so happy I found this video! This song means a lot to me

[@iximusic]

I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@contraomnes]

i subscribed because of your nin covers. when i saw this analysis i got very excited because is my most favorite bjork song. I know nothing about music theory but the way you explained it, made so much sense to me and gave all of the sounds i was feeling an explanation. It made me really happy to watch this video thank you so much

[@MattiasAnderssonOne]

WOW! I love this, I am a huuuuge Björk fan and a songwriter with basic music harmony knowledge, your analysis connecting the theory to the emotional significance made me understand this song so much more. THANK YOU so much! Plleeeeaase make this a series, would love to see you analyze all different kind of Björk songs

[@Lestrela]

I thought I couldn't love this song more... thank you for this.

[@julioranzini799]

PLEASE keep going! She has soooo much secrets hidden in her composing style, the fans need to know! Utopia, Vespertine, Biophilia and Medulla seem to be the richest in musical complexity for me

[@LeePinna]

I have no idea what you just said. But watched the entire video, and had no idea how much effort it takes to create beautiful piece like this song. Music is just another dimension for me, mind blowing form of art

[@queerpunker]

Ixi, YOU ROCK! I know this is old, but... The "Plaid" version HANDS DOWN, AMAZING... Blessings... Hope you're well ALL IS FULL LOVE!

[@paulromans3917]

Loved this song for years and years. Now I understand (some of) why. Thank you.

[@8628416]

Thank you for this. There's few songs with this impact in my life.

[@aureliedelphine]

she is most definitely a creative genius

[@lt_johnmcclane]

I love that you pointed out that there’s definitely something extraordinary about the way Björk belts notes! I’ve always thought this but couldn’t quite pinpoint exactly what it was that had me so enamored with it. I’d love an explanation on why her belts are different and effect me in ways that other, very capable singers don’t

[@katerice9552]

Bjork and All is Full of Love specifically were so important to me as as adolescent. Thanks for bringing more love to this song. I even had the title tattooed on me

[@callumbourne]

My favourite bjork song by far - and how rare to find an analysis that is not only engaging and concise to the point but with a healthy dose of humour too! You’re so good not just with transcribing music but have a wonderful way with words using perfect visual metaphors and adjectives to tie it all together. I think that’s so important when learning how to internalise the music and understand it fully Just really engaging content , easy to follow that everyone from beginners to experts can benefit from. You can really see how much you love the music and how it makes you feel which is something so many are afraid to show. So many videos like this are a chore to watch, but you make it fun from start to finish. Thank you for that. Love it And I need that kimono in my life

[@djangoone]

This is one of the best music theory videos online. I’m new to theory, but a Bjork fan for 20+ years. This is so well produced and explained I keep coming back to it over and over and over.

[@sampatterson2434]

Whenever I hear Björk I always remember I love Björk and need to listen to her a lot more than I do.

[@miei4253]

I`m so happy to see your great analysis for this beautiful song!! I like this song even more now!! Looking forward to see more analysis of Bjork`s stuff especially from 90 and 00 era;-))) Thank you again for your great work!!

[@marcedemora]

More Bjork please! Im studying her music and you are awesome!

[@RiderOfKarma]

I’m a hobbyist musician, mainly guitar, who has been trying to learn piano for over a year. The way you explain things makes it all make so much more sense finally. Like how chords work on piano; I friggin get it! I can’t thank you enough. Lifechanging. [head explosion meme]

[@ronaldkoralewski4377]

Yeah! Totally please more Bjork analysis.

[@rjd9041]

Thank you for this video, ixi. Homogenic was pivotal in my college days upbringing ;) Aside from her ethereal/elevated form of disjointed but delicious vocals and contemporary lyrics, it’s the unique beats which is distinctly Bjork, that makes this GOD in song form. Please, kindly do the song Stonemilker next. Keep on posting and continue to send love and inspire people ixi 🤘😎❤️

[@dsoke9959]

this video was so good, it inspired to to hop on my piano so quick, your style of editing is perfect

[@iximusic]

Yay so glad you're feeling inspired! 🎹

[@Bleepurchin]

A stunning breakdown. Thank you so much for expressing yourself so beautifully. ❤

[@b_wrecka]

This is my most special song. Have it tattooed (with bjork ducks of course). It was playing the first time they put my son in my arms. I so appreciate your analysis. It deepened my love. Didn’t think that was possible. Looking forward to watching more videos.

[@matthewd6306]

Bjork is one of the rare artists whose work is Medicine for the soul.

[@markwilliams3174]

Been listening to Brazil's MPB genre "Nascente" (1985) by Flavio Venturini. I know U focus on contemporary material but love this song at the moment for it's remote key modulation using Minor 9th chords, Introduction and then soaring melody and contrary motion in the bass in the harmony for the main A section. The late USA Jazz Saxophonist, Michael Breaker loved this song and recorded it too. Brazil's MPB (Música popular brasileira) is rich in Beatles-type melodies and remote key modulation and complex harmonic structures, 7ths, 6ths, 9ths, 11th chords.

[@cristianovia]

This analysis is really interesting and professional. My compliments

[@alanm.thornton4055]

Randomly came across your channel yesterday and watched Perfect Circle analysis, and loved it. Thought, "huh.....she's on point on music, and her own vocals are awesome.......wonder if she would do someone like Bjork.".......oh.....oh look, you did, and it's my favorite song. Thanks!!!

[@whitestplayer3014]

Just discovered your channel when searching for the theory behind NIN. I'm a fan of Björk as well and feel she and NIN really are their own genres. It's wonderful how theory can explain a lot why some songs sounds so incredible. Love what you're doing, as well as 8bitmusictheory, another great channel!

[@josephmchugh4719]

Your taste in music is fantastic!

[@tehpickle1250]

Man I absolutely love the crunchy beats all over this album. Mwah 😘👌 While I like the album version of this track in its own way, I was always sad that the frankly more interesting single version was absent.

[@avlisauak]

richa djames

[@Atlas65]

@@avlisauak Wait what am i missing. Did he do the instrumentals for this version?? I never knew! And I am an Icelander. So Björks music has always been echoing somewhere in the background, as well been sounding in the forefront, as I growing up.

[@TonGolem]

Until now I have appreciated Björk's genius intuitively. Your analysis adds a whole new, conscious layer to it. Thank you!

[@timoraymo]

This is great! Haha. Not only are you funny, but you nail it. This song is like three chords but when you add all of the beauty that surrounds each chord, it’s simply magical. Thanks for this video. Truly enjoyed it.

[@mirroredheart7292]

I love the outfit & lipstick color so much!

[@10mimu]

Your analysis, especially your remarks about the C belt in the outro, is spot on! That note really is so important, and creates a gorgeous melodic pattern. It's very emotional to me too, and I'm glad someone else noticed it ❤ Subscribed

[@rogertaylor5732]

Love this. The original, you’re breakdown, makes me very happy 😊

[@lynnpehrson8826]

YES. You went from analyzing my 2nd fav songwriter to analyzing my fav

[@Tognar]

You are SO insanely good at song analysis!

[@iximusic]

Appreciate that, thanks for subscribing!

[@GoldcoastSurfCam]

Wow, Bjork too! Love your work ixi!

[@djsharpmclive1221]

It’s Such a moving sound

[@sofiac3774]

I'd also love more Bjork analysis please!!! Vespertine is my favorite album and especially with how many tiny musical parts there are to it I'd love to hear your analysis

[@ljdobles8104]

Awesome analysis ❤ Now I love the song even more.

[@brettmarlar4154]

Love the Kimono and hair choice!!! My introduction to Bjork was her son "Army of Me" for the Tank Girl soundtrack. I'm sure you remembered this after the fact, but a m7 add 9 is actually just a m9. Any 7th chord win a 9 or 2 added to it (not in place of the 3rd) is a 9th chord, be it major, minor, or dominant.

[@FrenchSupreme]

There´s a Commodore 64 (old homecomputer) version here on youtube which is minimalising the song down to three chiptune voices while still preserving the full essence of the song.

[@iximusic]

Now that is impressive!

[@kevenpeoples]

Excellent! So interesting to hear a break down from a musical standpoint. We all hear it as music lovers but don’t understand how it’s put together. This gives me even more appreciation for the songwriting and production.

[@rodrigotellom]

"Like humans" - Ixi. Thank you so much Ixi, for everything you share.

[@renecarrillo9393]

You’re awesome for pointing out where you bought it and where it was made! Loved this album. It’s the first Bork album I bought but the first song I heard was Human Behavior which I also loved.

[@Countachockula]

I love your content. Your explanation of music theory is so easy to understand.

[@HomiliaTV]

oh i just fell in tears several times during the video. it reminds me of that very first time i hold a score of Tavener's The Bridegroom and saw its simplicity just with my eyes). just a few chords and this "you just ain't receiving" message make up such a huge thing in my life, this Bjork song. the Plaid remix is also so awesome and such a jewel to its harmony as well the intro with horns to "Guy Sigsworth Mix" that i playes in a loop when i had a cd in childhood. i wonder if you can analyse this saint simplicity of some other touching, tear extractor songs like Arca's No Queda Nada, and some by Radiohead, Fka twigs and Sophie, you name them

[@nicoladuckk8917]

i just discovered you AND THIS IS AMAZING THANKU omg

[@augustreju3176]

I love this!! 1st time viewer. Thank you for sharing your analysis on bjork. Her music is a gift to the world and understated.

[@aureliedelphine]

just discovered your channel.. loving this!!

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

Your videos are fabulous. Grateful for you and hope you’re thriving musically and financially and that all is indeed full of Love.

[@kaliced9588]

Oh wow, I love hearing your piano beneath this track! I’d love to see an analysis/breakdown of Hidden Place. The beat, chanting, choir, and strings (or synths) make me cry almost every time I listen lol

[@kuyper]

To me, the "reverse clarinet" always sounded a bit like a muted accordian burst. Fantastic analysis! Thank you for this, and the Massive Attack Teardrop breakdown. I've learned so much.

[@iximusic]

I think you're right that it's an accordion! Glad you are enjoying the videos :)

[@cAndyshackcats]

Definitely an accordion.

[@MRBRIANBATISTA]

More 😍

[@oryangoat5915]

You summed up the exact reason I love björk in this video.

[@Alvarengabriel]

Loved toure vídeo, made me cry baby! Sensible and acurrate, but mostly heart ❤️ suggest analise of "the gate" and "black lake" 🌠🥰

[@andrewshiff2004]

wow! 16:15 the C natural demo and the clarity of sound ixi plays has really re-elevated my enjoyment of this song. Been a big Björk fan since mid 90's with POST and Debut being my favourite albums of hers. Really nice surprise to have this video review posted today. Also the reference to float tank experiences as well was another level of mindful appreciation and self care.

[@Shen_YouTube_]

Fascinating. Great video!

[@MrStarchild3001]

This movie kills me everytime I watch or listen to it. The music, no different.

[@CutleryWonder]

Bjork is a genius. Great breakdown btw. 👍👍

[@MrJohnnyklef]

Thank you so much for this! 💙💙

[@MatthewCClarke]

ixi, your language is so sympathetic to this song. I love the rich adjectives you choose. They show such a warm appreciation of Bjork's intention. Thank you.

[@bgnelson6821]

All is Full of Love is a very close 2nd to Bachellorette for my favorite Björk song. A lot of that for both songs is her powerful belt. Like you said, not many people have that. Her vocal phrasing in this song feels more conversational than if she sang strictly on the beat. It makes me feel more like she's talking (singing) to you. And her tone of voice feels like she's trying to comfort you. Glad you did this one. Thanks.

[@brucanthwood]

YOUR MUSIC TASTE IS IMPECCABLE OMFGGGGG

[@H.F.Jimenez]

anybody remembers 'Gling-Gló?' I know ixi doesn't analyze jazz, but I sincerely recommend it

[@mrgamegirl2011]

This was great! So needed and such a long video I loved it all. I Would Love To See more Bjork song Analysis videos. Thank You So Much *

[@dialyons]

you´re adorable 🌠, thank you for this analysis.

[@deaddilf6804]

I loved this so much and loved reading the comments of everyone having similar experience with this song.

[@dvus1977]

Great job ☺️☺️. I appreciate the In depth analysis from the perspective of a Knowledgeable Musician who can truly Appreciate and Decipher the arrangements and composition of Bjork's Music (aka her Musical Brain) since she basically Composes everything. It takes a certain Innate musical genuis ability to be able to conceive such complex yet Intimate music , while incorporating Unexpected sounds and beats .

[@gilligan80]

You've achieved hero status.

[@denisfuenzalida3746]

Great analysis as always. Definitely would love you to continue reviewing Björk's music in the future. Regarding the "reversed clarinet" at 12:48, I think it's an accordion (maybe recorded and processed), according to the notes in en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Is_Full_of_Love#Credits_and_personnel

[@joncoish]

I don’t really like the album version, but I love the video version. The beats just add so much!

[@BillyBobJoeSnr]

Loved this, every time I've seen bjork preform her classical training shines through, don't let her early punk career distract. I enjoy her use of percussion and percussive textures which drags me around and slightly off balance, without these untethered sounds everything would more ordinary. Yet she can create something beautiful with layers on layers of sounds or near empty space. So many great songs you could look at....find one that envelopes wholly.

[@Bertramvanalphen]

Loved this video, please dissect more Björk songs!

[@tonicaleca]

pleaseeee do a series of song analysis like this! would love to see you break down other artists too!!

[@iximusic]

Heee glad you liked it! I have a couple videos about a Radiohead song, some livestreams going over Radiohead & Tool, and then way too many videos about Nine Inch Nails :) Massive Attack is up next.

[@tomgoodson345]

Wow! Great analysis.

[@jejealin]

Excelnte trabajo con Nin, Tool y Bjork!!!GRACIAS

[@ryansylvia9710]

Ohhh I need more björknalysis in my life! I think what you point to as being a clarinet is a melodica(?). It’s the thing that is a harmonica type instrument with a little keyboard allowing the air through. Idk, if I’m describing that correctly

[@ryansylvia9710]

Oh well I saw someone else’s comment that it’s an accordion so that would make sense too. Similar sound being generated. It’s great to dissect what’s happening and what’s doing what. Thank you for this analysis that looks like it was a lot of work. It was greatly appreciated

[@plummetplum]

This song is a masterpiece, I love it.

[@JamesSmith-kn1by]

Good stuff more bjork please

[@LoganWolf]

ixi, this is beautiful! thank you so much.

[@iximusic]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

[@LoganWolf]

@@iximusic i love your content, and i'm a big nin fan, but bjork is another level and it's amazing to see you breaking down her music. give us more bjork, or w/e, just don't stop making content. ^_^ and again, thank you!

[@eyemoeba]

a beautiful tune; and a couple of years later, a supreme electronic reworking and a stunning video by genius director Chris Cunningham. one of my all-time favourites. thanks for breaking it down for us.

[@tomrojas2055]

Yes please do more of bjork