"Army of Me" is a song by Icelandic musician Björk, released as the lead single from her second studio album, Post (1995). The track was written and produced by Björk and Graham Massey. The song is characterized by its aggressive industrial rock and techno-pop style, dominated by a heavy bassline, with trip hop elements and a drum pattern sampled from Led Zeppelin’s "When the Levee Breaks"567.
Themes and Meaning
The lyrics are inspired by the problematic behavior of Björk's brother. In the song, she urges him to take responsibility for his actions and regain control over his life. The chorus delivers a blunt warning: "And if you complain once more / You'll meet an army of me!" The song reflects Björk's frustration with people who dwell on self-pity, encouraging self-reliance and strength. Björk herself described it as a call to get things done and stop self-indulgence, comparing the feeling to leading a polar bear rampage:
"The lyric is about people who feel sorry for themselves all the time and don’t get their shit together. [...] The only thing that’s going to sort them out is themselves. It’s time to get things done."567
Release and Reception
- Release Date: 24 April 1995
- Label: One Little Indian
- Album: Post
- Length: 3:55
- "Army of Me" became Björk’s first single to reach the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart and was widely praised by critics for its darker, more assertive sound compared to her earlier work567.
- It frequently featured in her live performances, including her Debut and Post tours, as well as television appearances, notably her first Top of the Pops performance with Skunk Anansie567.
Music Video
Directed by Michel Gondry, the music video is surreal and symbolic. It features Björk driving a massive vehicle through a city, confronting a gorilla-dentist to retrieve a diamond stolen from her mouth, and ultimately bombing a museum to free a boy5678.
Legacy and Remixes
In 2005, Björk released Army of Me: Remixes and Covers, a charity compilation for UNICEF featuring covers and remixes by artists worldwide 5679.
"Army of Me" remains a defining track in Björk’s discography, notable for its bold, unconventional production and its empowering message of strength and self-determination.
