Sigur Rós is an Icelandic post-rock band that has been captivating audiences with their ethereal and atmospheric soundscapes for over two decades. Their music is characterized by the use of bowed guitar, cello, and violin, as well as Jónsi Birgisson’s distinctive falsetto vocals that are sung in a language called “Hopelandic,” a form of gibberish that emphasizes the sound of the words rather than their meaning.
Over the years, Sigur Rós has released numerous albums, EPs, and singles, each one showcasing their unique sound and style. Their music has been described as emotive, otherworldly, and haunting, and has gained a cult following around the world.
In this article, we will be exploring some of the best Sigur Rós songs that have stood the test of time and continue to enchant listeners. From their early releases like “Svefn-g-englar” and “Ágætis byrjun,” to their more recent works such as “Varúð” and “Ekki múkk,” we will be delving into the band’s discography and highlighting some of their most iconic and influential tracks.
Whether you’re a die-hard Sigur Rós fan or a newcomer to their music, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to some of the best songs by one of the most innovative and captivating bands of our time.
1. ‘Svefn-g-englar’
“Svefn-g-englar” is a masterpiece of a song by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós. It is the lead single from their 1999 album, “Ágætis byrjun,” and has become one of the band’s most beloved and iconic tracks. The song’s title translates to “Sleepwalkers” in English, and its dreamy and ethereal sound perfectly captures the feeling of being lost in a dream world.
At over 10 minutes long, “Svefn-g-englar” takes the listener on a mesmerizing journey through layers of shimmering guitar, soaring strings, and Jónsi Birgisson’s haunting falsetto vocals. The lyrics are sung in the band’s signature “Hopelandic” language, which emphasizes the sound of the words rather than their meaning, adding to the song’s dreamlike quality.
The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, and has become a beloved classic in the post-rock genre. “Svefn-g-englar” is a transcendent and beautiful piece of music that continues to captivate listeners with its otherworldly sound and hypnotic atmosphere.
2. ‘Untitled VIII’ (“Popplagið”)
“Untitled VIII,” also known as “Popplagið,” is a stunning instrumental piece by the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. It is the final track on their 2002 album, “( )”, and is often considered one of their most intense and epic compositions.
Clocking in at over 11 minutes, “Untitled VIII” is a sprawling and dynamic track that builds to a powerful crescendo. It begins with quiet, atmospheric guitar and gradually adds layers of percussion, strings, and brass, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. As the song progresses, it becomes more and more intense, with thundering drums, distorted guitar, and Jónsi Birgisson’s soaring vocals.
The title “Popplagið” translates to “The Pop Song” in English, which is ironic given that the song is entirely instrumental and eschews traditional pop structures. Instead, it is a masterful example of Sigur Rós’s ability to create emotional and evocative music without relying on conventional songwriting techniques.
“Untitled VIII” is a powerful and mesmerizing track that showcases Sigur Rós’s unique sound and style. Its epic scale and emotional depth make it a highlight of their discography, and a must-listen for fans of post-rock and experimental music.
3. ‘Untitled IV’ (“Njósnavélin”)
“Untitled IV” is a hauntingly beautiful song, also known as “Njósnavélin” which translates to “The Spy Machine” in Icelandic. The song begins with a soft, melodic piano that sets a tranquil atmosphere. Soon, the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar enters, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
As the song progresses, the vocals come in, sung in Icelandic, adding a layer of mystery to the already ethereal track. The lyrics are enigmatic and open to interpretation, but they evoke a sense of yearning and longing. The singer’s voice is delicate and almost fragile, conveying the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The instrumentation of the song is minimal but effective, with subtle drums and atmospheric sounds adding texture and depth to the mix. The production is clean and polished, allowing each element of the song to shine through.
One of the standout features of “Untitled IV” is the use of a musical saw, adding an eerie, otherworldly quality to the track. The saw’s haunting sound creates an almost ghostly feeling, elevating the song to another level of ethereal beauty.
Overall, “Untitled IV” is a stunning piece of music that combines minimalist instrumentation, haunting vocals, and a sense of mystery to create a captivating listening experience. It’s a song that transports you to another world and leaves you with a sense of awe and wonder.
4. ‘Glósóli’
“Glósóli” is a mesmerizing song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The title translates to “Glowing Sole” in English, and the song is known for its dreamy, atmospheric sound and emotionally charged lyrics.
The song begins with a soft, ambient intro featuring a shimmering guitar melody and subtle electronic sounds. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, incorporating the band’s signature use of bowed guitar, creating a wall of sound that envelops the listener.
The vocals are sung in Icelandic, with lead singer Jónsi’s distinctive falsetto adding an ethereal quality to the track. The lyrics are poetic and emotive, exploring themes of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The song’s climax is a soaring instrumental section, with the band’s trademark use of orchestral strings adding to the track’s emotional intensity. The music reaches a powerful crescendo before fading away into a gentle, atmospheric outro.
“Glósóli” is a masterful example of Sigur Rós’ unique sound and their ability to craft deeply affecting music. The song’s combination of atmospheric instrumentation, soaring vocals, and emotional lyrics create an immersive listening experience that is both uplifting and introspective.
5. ‘Starálfur’
“Starálfur” is a beautiful song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The title translates to “Staring Elf” in English, and the song is known for its emotive sound and poignant lyrics.
The song begins with a gentle, atmospheric intro featuring a delicate piano melody and Jónsi’s distinctive falsetto vocals. As the song progresses, the instrumentation gradually builds, incorporating bowed guitar, strings, and a haunting choir.
The lyrics are sung in Icelandic, with Jónsi’s vocals conveying a sense of longing and melancholy. The lyrics themselves are open to interpretation, but they suggest a sense of yearning for something lost or unattainable.
The song’s climax is a soaring instrumental section, with the orchestral strings and choir adding to the track’s emotional intensity. The music reaches a powerful crescendo before fading away into a gentle, atmospheric outro.
“Starálfur” is a masterpiece of Sigur Rós’ unique sound, featuring their trademark combination of atmospheric instrumentation, soaring vocals, and poignant lyrics. The song’s emotive power is undeniable, creating an immersive listening experience that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
6. ‘Untitled I’ (“Vaka”)
“Untitled I” is a breathtakingly beautiful song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The track is also known as “Vaka,” which translates to “Waiting” in Icelandic, and the song is characterized by its haunting sound and evocative lyrics.
The song begins with a simple piano melody, accompanied by Jónsi’s ethereal vocals. As the song progresses, the instrumentation gradually builds, incorporating bowed guitar, strings, and a choir. The music ebbs and flows, creating a sense of anticipation and longing.
The lyrics are sung in Icelandic and are open to interpretation. They suggest a sense of waiting and watching, of longing for something or someone to arrive. Jónsi’s vocals convey a deep sense of emotion, with his distinctive falsetto adding an otherworldly quality to the track.
The song’s climax is a soaring instrumental section, with the orchestra and choir creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and emotional. The music reaches a powerful crescendo before fading away into a gentle, atmospheric outro.
“Untitled I” is a stunning example of Sigur Rós’ unique sound and their ability to create music that is both beautiful and deeply affecting. The song’s combination of atmospheric instrumentation, haunting vocals, and emotive lyrics creates an immersive listening experience that is both poignant and transcendent.
7. ‘Kveikur’
“Kveikur” is a dark and intense song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The title translates to “Candlewick” in English, and the track is characterized by its brooding sound and powerful lyrics.
The song begins with a menacing bassline, accompanied by distorted guitar and pounding drums. Jónsi’s vocals are forceful and intense, conveying a sense of urgency and desperation.
The lyrics are sung in Icelandic, but the emotion behind them is palpable. They suggest a sense of anger and defiance, with lines like “I will not forget / What was taken away from me” and “We are standing on the edge / We are reaching for the sky.”
The instrumentation is heavy and intense, with the band incorporating elements of rock and metal into their post-rock sound. The music builds to a powerful crescendo, with the drums and guitars reaching a frenzied peak before abruptly dropping out.
“Kveikur” is a departure from Sigur Rós’ usual sound, but it is no less compelling. The song’s brooding intensity and powerful lyrics create an immersive listening experience that is both dark and cathartic.
8. ‘Flugufrelsarinn’
“Flugufrelsarinn” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The title translates to “The Fly Freer” in English, and the track is known for its ethereal sound and poetic lyrics.
The song begins with a delicate piano melody, accompanied by Jónsi’s distinctive falsetto vocals. As the song progresses, the instrumentation gradually builds, incorporating bowed guitar, strings, and percussion. The music ebbs and flows, creating a sense of wonder and mystery.
The lyrics are sung in Icelandic, but their meaning is open to interpretation. They suggest a sense of freedom and liberation, with lines like “Fly, fly little bird / Far, far over the sea.” Jónsi’s vocals convey a deep sense of emotion, with his falsetto adding an otherworldly quality to the track.
The song’s climax is a soaring instrumental section, with the orchestra and choir creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and emotive. The music reaches a powerful crescendo before fading away into a gentle, atmospheric outro.
“Flugufrelsarinn” is a stunning example of Sigur Rós’ unique sound and their ability to create music that is both beautiful and deeply affecting. The song’s combination of atmospheric instrumentation, haunting vocals, and poetic lyrics creates an immersive listening experience that is both introspective and uplifting.
9. ‘Festival’
“Festival” is an uplifting and energetic song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The track is known for its vibrant sound and dynamic instrumentation, incorporating elements of rock and electronic music into the band’s signature post-rock style.
The song begins with a pulsating beat and Jónsi’s distinctive falsetto vocals. As the song progresses, the instrumentation gradually builds, incorporating guitars, keyboards, and percussion. The music is lively and upbeat, creating a sense of excitement and celebration.
The lyrics are sung in a mixture of Icelandic and Hopelandic, a language invented by the band that is meant to convey emotion without the constraints of grammar or syntax. The lyrics suggest a sense of joy and exuberance, with lines like “You and me forever / You and me together” and “Let’s go outside / We can run free.”
The song’s climax is a triumphant instrumental section, with the guitars and keyboards reaching a frenzied peak before dropping out to a gentle, atmospheric outro.
“Festival” is a departure from Sigur Rós’ usual sound, but it is no less powerful. The song’s vibrant energy and positive lyrics create an immersive listening experience that is both uplifting and invigorating.
10. ‘Ný batterí’
“Ný batterí” is an intense and brooding song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The title translates to “New Batteries” in English, and the track is known for its dark sound and emotive lyrics.
The song begins with a droning bassline, accompanied by distorted guitar and pounding drums. Jónsi’s vocals are forceful and intense, conveying a sense of urgency and desperation.
The lyrics are sung in Icelandic and are open to interpretation. They suggest a sense of isolation and despair, with lines like “I am locked in my own world / But you are the key” and “I can’t see the meaning of this life I’m leading.”
The instrumentation is heavy and intense, with the band incorporating elements of rock and metal into their post-rock sound. The music builds to a powerful crescendo, with the drums and guitars reaching a frenzied peak before dropping out to a quiet, atmospheric outro.
“Ný batterí” is a powerful and emotive song, showcasing Sigur Rós’ ability to create music that is both dark and cathartic. The song’s brooding intensity and raw emotion create an immersive listening experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
