Sigur Rós is an Icelandic post-rock band formed in 1994. Their music is characterized by ethereal vocals, atmospheric soundscapes, and a blend of classical and modern instrumentation. The band’s name comes from Jónsi Birgisson’s sister Sigurrós, who was born the same day as him and died shortly after birth. Sigur Rós’s music often deals with themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition.
One of the band’s most well-known songs is “Hoppípolla,” which was used in the BBC’s nature documentary series “Planet Earth.” The song’s uplifting melody and soaring vocals captured the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Another notable track is “Untitled #1 (Vaka),” a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally powerful music without lyrics.
Sigur Rós has released a number of critically acclaimed albums, including “( )”, “Takk…”, and “Ágætis Byrjun.” Their music has been described as “otherworldly” and “transcendent,” with a sound that transports listeners to a dreamlike state. The band’s use of the Icelandic language and mythology adds to the mystique of their music and sets them apart from other artists in the post-rock genre. Sigur Rós is known for their captivating live performances, which often include stunning visuals and lighting effects that enhance the ethereal quality of their music.
10. ‘Ný batterí’
Sigur Rós’ “Ný batterí” is a hauntingly beautiful song that is sure to transport you to another world. The track begins with a brooding bassline before erupting into a flurry of distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums. The band’s ethereal vocals float over the top of the instrumental, adding to the dreamlike quality of the song. The lyrics, sung in Icelandic, are enigmatic and mysterious, further adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. Overall, “Ný batterí” is a mesmerizing piece of music that showcases Sigur Rós’ unique blend of post-rock and ambient soundscapes.
9. ‘Festival’
Sigur Rós’ ‘Festival’ is an epic and atmospheric track that builds slowly from delicate, ethereal tones to a grand, powerful climax. The Icelandic band’s use of lush strings, soaring falsetto vocals, and cascading percussion create an otherworldly atmosphere that transports the listener to a place of wonder and mystery. The lyrics, sung in a made-up language called Hopelandic, add to the dreamlike quality of the song. The instrumentation and dynamics are masterfully arranged, creating a sense of tension and release that is both dramatic and cathartic. ‘Festival’ is a breathtaking musical journey that showcases Sigur Rós’ unique sound and artistic vision.
8. ‘Flugufrelsarinn’
“Flugufrelsarinn” is a hauntingly beautiful song by the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. The song, whose title translates to “The Fly Freer,” is an atmospheric and ethereal piece that features the band’s signature blend of haunting falsetto vocals, strings, and atmospheric sounds. The track is a journey in itself, with its slow build-up, climactic moments, and introspective interludes. The song was initially released on the band’s debut album “Von,” which means “Hope” in Icelandic, and has become a staple of their live shows. With its dreamy and otherworldly sound, “Flugufrelsarinn” is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that transports listeners to another realm.
7. ‘Kveikur’
“Kveikur” is the title track and opening song of Sigur Rós’ 2013 album. It is a haunting and intense track that showcases the band’s ability to create a sense of epic drama through its use of atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals. The song starts with a foreboding bassline and builds to a powerful climax, featuring intense percussion, soaring strings, and singer Jónsi’s unmistakable falsetto vocals. The lyrics, in Icelandic, speak of impending change and transformation, adding to the sense of unease and anticipation created by the music. Overall, “Kveikur” is a powerful and unforgettable listening experience.
6. ‘Untitled I’ (“Vaka”)
Sigur Rós’ “Untitled I” (also known as “Vaka”) is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases the Icelandic band’s signature ethereal sound. The song is driven by a slow, dreamy piano melody that is accompanied by frontman Jónsi’s otherworldly falsetto vocals. The lyrics are sung in a made-up language called Hopelandic, adding to the song’s otherworldly feel. The song builds slowly, with additional instrumentation and vocal layers being added throughout, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that leaves the listener feeling emotionally moved. “Untitled I” is a stunning example of Sigur Rós’ unique and captivating sound.
5. ‘Starálfur’
“Starálfur” is a hauntingly beautiful song from Sigur Rós, an Icelandic post-rock band. The song features the band’s signature sound of ethereal vocals, bowed guitar, and atmospheric textures. The lyrics are sung in Icelandic and the title means “staring elf”. The song is known for its use in the 2001 film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”, which helped to introduce the band to a wider audience. “Starálfur” has been described as a melancholic yet uplifting track that captures the essence of Sigur Rós’ music – evocative, otherworldly, and emotionally stirring.
4. ‘Glósóli’
Sigur Rós’ ‘Glósóli’ is a mesmerizing track that starts off softly, with delicate guitar chords and Jonsi Birgisson’s hauntingly beautiful falsetto. The song gradually builds up to a crescendo of drums, horns, and strings, creating an epic soundscape that’s both ethereal and powerful. The lyrics, sung in a mixture of Icelandic and Hopelandic, are enigmatic and abstract, adding to the dreamlike quality of the music. ‘Glósóli’ is a standout track on Sigur Rós’ album ‘Takk…’, and it showcases the band’s unique ability to create music that’s both otherworldly and emotionally resonant.
3. ‘Untitled IV’ (“Njósnavélin”)
Sigur Rós’ “Untitled IV” (“Njósnavélin”) is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases the band’s signature sound of ethereal vocals and atmospheric instrumentation. The song features lead singer Jónsi’s falsetto vocals over a sparse piano melody, before building to a climax with the addition of strings and electronic elements. The lyrics, sung in a made-up language known as “Hopelandic,” add to the dreamlike quality of the song. “Untitled IV” has been featured in several films and TV shows, and has become one of the band’s most beloved tracks, cementing their reputation as pioneers of post-rock and ambient music.
2. ‘Untitled VIII’ (“Popplagið”)
“Untitled VIII” (“Popplagið”) is a hauntingly beautiful song by Sigur Rós, an Icelandic post-rock band known for their ethereal soundscapes and incomprehensible vocals. The song starts with a gentle piano melody that gradually builds up into a crescendo of crashing cymbals, distorted guitars, and soaring strings. The climax of the song is an intense, cathartic release of emotion that feels like a journey through a stormy sea. Although the lyrics are sung in Hopelandic, a made-up language created by the band, the emotional power of the music transcends language and speaks to something deeper within the listener. “Untitled VIII” is a prime example of Sigur Rós’ ability to create cinematic soundscapes that are both otherworldly and deeply human.
1. ‘Svefn-g-englar’
“Svefn-g-englar” is a beautiful and ethereal song by Sigur Rós that showcases the band’s signature sound of layered vocals and atmospheric instrumentation. Sung entirely in Icelandic, the song’s title translates to “sleepwalkers” and reflects the dreamlike quality of the music. The track builds slowly with a gentle piano and a minimalistic drumbeat before erupting into a soaring chorus that is both haunting and uplifting. The use of bowed guitar and bowed cymbals adds to the otherworldly feel of the song, creating a hypnotic and almost spiritual experience for the listener. “Svefn-g-englar” remains one of Sigur Rós’s most popular and iconic songs, with its emotive and atmospheric sound continuing to captivate audiences.
Edward Tomlin 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.
