Go Do -Jónsi 

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jónsi  

Iceland is notoriously known for it’s beautiful scenery and the volcano that caused so much uproar this year. There is another thing hailing from the land of ice that should be causing uproar, but in a positive light. The album,Go, is a musical masterpiece bestowed from Sigur Rós‘s lead singer, Jón Þór Birgisson(Jónsi). This album is a result of his solo work, and it is extraordinary. Some of you are probably asking the question: What in the world is a Sigur Rós? Sigur Rós’s music is unique in many ways. For starters, their lyrics aren’t in English. In fact, some Sigur Rós tracks are not in purely Icelandic language. Jónsi has a chilling unique voice that illuminates beauty and freedom. The music Sigur Rós creates puts listeners in a relaxing trance and is great music to fall asleep to. It feels as if you’re running through open fields, conquering the world, watching fireworks, and going on an adventure. 

Jónsi’s solo album creates a similar message but is very different as well. Go has several tracks in which Jónsi sings in English. “Go Do”, “Boy Lilikoi”, “Tornado”, “Around Us”, “Sinking Friendships”, and “Grow Till Tall” are tracks in which he sings in English. It was fascinating to hear him speak in an understandable language. That being said, the other tracks that aren’t in English are just as captivating. “Go Do” is a particularly motivating song with lyrics that inspire you to go out and explore the world (“make an earthquake”, “make your own lake - let it flow”). In “Boy Lilikoi”, Jónsi tells listeners to “use your eyes, the world goes and flutter by”. He invites you to understand and learn from the world around while utilizing freedom. Most of the songs on Go are fast paced and are definitely recommended for your biking playlist! My personal favorite single on the album is Hengilás. Hengilás is slow and calming but creates the biggest smile on my face. The lyrics are not in English but the song is able to convey emotions beyond words. 

True beauty never seemed so evident than the times when I listen to Sigur Rós or Jónsi. If you’re not into the whole “different language lyrics” thing and never could listen to Sigur Ros, nows your chance to experience Jonsi’s voice! You should definitely give Sigur Rós and Jónsi a chance though! It will shock you in a number of different ways. To fans of Sigur Rós: If you haven’t checked out Go already, go do it! Jónsi doesn’t fall short on this solo record. 

Recommended for fans of: Sigur Rós, Parachutes, Seabear, and Yeasayer.  

Recommended Songs for Jónsi virgins: “Go Do”, “Grow Till Tall”, “Tornado”, and “Hengilás”

“You wish fire, would die and turn colder, 

You wish, your love, could see you grow older, 

We should always know that we can do anything

Go drum, do go out, 

Make your hands ache- Play it out, 

Go march through crowds, 

Make your day break…”  

- Sara Azoulay