8/10

While her 2015 album 'Vulnicura' was written and produced in the wake of a bitter break-up, we got to see the frontwoman engage in a far more dark and brooding intention on that full-length. But with two years passed, it certainly seems that Björk is fully mended from her emotional turmoil as she returns with her ninth studio album 'Utopia', one filled with optimism and a sense of joy.

Although her previous releases in the last few years have seen her experiment with contemporary ideas and styles, 'Utopia' is very much a back-to-basics release for her. Leading very rarely down an avenue of over-production, Björk prefers a more delicate touch this time round. Tracks like 'Blissing Me' and lead single 'The Gate' prove solid selling points for this record, displaying not the tone of the release but also showing the dream-like ideas and intentions of what this album represents.

But just like everything she releases, 'Utopia' sits as another forward-thinking full-length from a woman that is always keen to push the boundaries of contemporary music. It's wistful dispositions may seem a slight tangent when compared with her other releases this decade, but still manages to engage in a way only she knows how.