Björk’s music has always been known for its experimental and avant-garde sounds. This Icelandic singer-songwriter has been praised for pushing the boundaries of the contemporary music scene and creating a unique style that cannot be emulated. One of her most popular songs, “It’s Oh So Quiet,” perfectly captures the quirkiness and off-the-wall nature of her music. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the song’s popularity and the factors that make it so unique.
The Background of “It’s Oh So Quiet”
“It’s Oh So Quiet” was originally composed by Hans Lang and Bert Reisfeld in 1948. It was an upbeat, jazz-pop tune that went on to become a hit in several countries. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Betty Hutton, who recorded the most popular version in 1951. However, in 1995, Björk released her own interpretation of the song, which to this day remains one of her most popular tracks.
Björk’s version of “It’s Oh So Quiet” features her signature style of incorporating unexpected sounds and experimental melodies that blend seamlessly with the song’s upbeat rhythm. The song starts off in a whisper, with Björk singing softly and sweetly before it explodes into a cacophony of sounds, including horns, bells, and drums. The song’s quirky nature perfectly captures Björk’s style, and it quickly became an instant hit with audiences around the world.
The Quirky Lyrics
One of the most unique aspects of “It’s Oh So Quiet” is its lyrics. Unlike most popular songs, the lyrics do not tell a story or convey a specific message. Instead, they reflect the song’s quirkiness and oddness, using nonsensical phrases and playful language that draw the listener in.
The lyrics to the song start off softly, with Björk whispering “It’s oh so quiet, shh, shh.” The tone quickly shifts, and the lyrics go on to describe a world that is anything but quiet. Björk sings about “violins and trumpets” and “crashing cymbals and trumpets.” The lyrics are almost childlike in their simplicity, yet they perfectly capture the frenzied nature of the song.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable part, with Björk singing, “It’s oh so quiet, it’s oh so still, you’re all alone, and so peaceful until…” The lyrics are playful and invite the listener to join in, especially when the song transitions back to the quiet beginning.
The Quirky Music Video
The music video for “It’s Oh So Quiet” is just as off-the-wall and eccentric as the song itself. Directed by Spike Jonze, the video features Björk dancing through the streets and interacting with passersby who break into song and dance with her. The video’s minimalist sets and understated costumes perfectly capture the song’s whimsical nature, and Björk’s quirky performance adds to the overall feeling of the video.
The most memorable scene in the video is the one where Björk stands in the middle of a busy street, singing the song’s chorus as pedestrians stop and stare. Suddenly, a car drives by and nearly hits Björk, causing her to jump out of the way. The scene perfectly captures the song’s sudden shifts and unexpected surprises, and it has become a classic moment in music video history.
The Impact of “It’s Oh So Quiet”
“It’s Oh So Quiet” was a huge success for Björk and remains one of her most iconic songs. The song’s quirky style and unexpected shifts in tone and melody have influenced countless musicians and inspired a generation of artists.
The song has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials, including the 2005 film “Ice Princess” and a 2017 commercial for Google Pixel phones. It has also been covered by several artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, who sang the song in a duet with Björk in 1999.
“It’s Oh So Quiet” was also a turning point for Björk’s career, allowing her to reach a wider audience and solidify her place as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking artists in music history. The song’s popularity and success paved the way for her to continue experimenting with sound and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the music world.
The Conclusion
“It’s Oh So Quiet” is a classic example of Björk’s quirky and experimental style. The song’s unexpected shifts in tone and melody, playful lyrics, and whimsical music video perfectly capture her unique style and have made it a timeless classic that continues to inspire artists today. From its origins as a jazz-pop tune in the 1940s to Björk’s iconic interpretation in 1995, “It’s Oh So Quiet” remains one of the most beloved and recognizable songs in music history.
