Evening vs. Vespertine

Attribute	Evening	Vespertine
Definition	The period of time at the end of the day	Relating to or occurring in the evening
Etymology	From Old English ǣfnung, from ǣfnian ‘approach evening’, from ǣfen ‘evening’	From Latin vesper (evening)
Usage	Commonly used to refer to the time of day between afternoon and night	Less commonly used, often in poetic or formal contexts
Associated Activities	Dinner, relaxation, socializing	Twilight, stargazing, reflection

Introduction

Evening and Vespertine are two albums by Icelandic artist Björk, released in 1999 and 2001 respectively. Both albums showcase Björk's unique blend of electronic and experimental music, but they each have their own distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Evening and Vespertine to explore the differences and similarities between these two critically acclaimed albums.

Production

Evening was produced by Björk herself, along with Mark Bell, who also worked on her previous album, Homogenic. The production on Evening is characterized by its lush orchestral arrangements and intricate electronic beats. In contrast, Vespertine was produced by Björk in collaboration with various producers, including Matmos and Valgeir Sigurðsson. The production on Vespertine is more intimate and minimalist, with a focus on delicate textures and intricate soundscapes.

Lyrics

The lyrics on Evening are introspective and poetic, with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Björk's lyrics on Evening are often abstract and metaphorical, inviting listeners to interpret their meaning in their own way. On the other hand, the lyrics on Vespertine are more personal and intimate, with Björk exploring themes of love, intimacy, and vulnerability. The lyrics on Vespertine are often more straightforward and confessional, reflecting a more introspective and emotional tone.

Sound

The sound of Evening is characterized by its grandiose orchestral arrangements and sweeping electronic textures. The album features a mix of lush strings, pulsating beats, and ethereal vocals, creating a rich and immersive sonic landscape. In contrast, the sound of Vespertine is more intimate and delicate, with a focus on intricate electronic textures and subtle melodies. The album features a mix of glitchy beats, delicate harp arpeggios, and Björk's signature ethereal vocals, creating a dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere.

Collaborations

Evening features collaborations with various artists, including the Icelandic String Octet and the Brodsky Quartet. These collaborations add a lush and orchestral quality to the album, enhancing its grandiose sound. In contrast, Vespertine features collaborations with artists such as Matmos and Zeena Parkins, who bring a more experimental and electronic edge to the album. These collaborations add a unique and innovative element to Vespertine, enhancing its intimate and minimalist sound.

Reception

Evening received critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising its lush production and introspective lyrics. The album was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. In contrast, Vespertine received even greater critical acclaim, with many critics hailing it as one of Björk's best albums to date. The album was also nominated for several awards, including a Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album.

Legacy

Evening has since become a cult classic among Björk fans, with many considering it to be one of her most underrated albums. The album's lush production and introspective lyrics have stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with listeners to this day. In contrast, Vespertine has become a landmark album in Björk's discography, with many critics and fans considering it to be a masterpiece of electronic and experimental music. The album's intimate sound and confessional lyrics have cemented its legacy as one of Björk's most iconic works.