"This is my favorite Bjork song of all time - and I own ALL of her CDs. This single is exceptionally good value (especially considering the price of most Bjork singles), and the 6 mixes are all great.Video Version - Beautiful reconstruction of the original that works great with the music video. If you have to listen to one, listen to this.
Funkstorung Exclusive - Interesting in that it sort of rearranges the words. Definately the most liberal of the mixes, it may be hard to love for some, including purists.
Strings - My favorite of the six, I believe this version (which at first seems quite similar to the Video version) perfects the balance between Bjork's beautiful trademark orchestration, the beat, and the vocals.
Album version - I actually heard the video version before I bought Homogenic, and didn't realize that this original was a different version. I personally don't care for it much.
Plaid mix - Very soothing and intimate. Well done.
Guy Sigsworth mix - Adds a beautiful saxophone (as another reviewer mentioned, it seems to allude to Debut's standout, 'The Anchor Song'). Also adds a couple of other intesting elements to the mix. I still prefer the strings version, but this certainly is very good, especially the surprise ending (!).A note - the copy I received had a different cover than www.amazon.com's image. The cover is similar to that of the second UK single. I'm not sure what this is supposed to mean, just letting you know. I certainly don't mind.Overall, highly reccomended. ..."
Bjork's Absolute Best
C. Heath | Seattle, WA USA | 12/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I initially bought Bjork's Greatest Hits album, I listened to "Big Time Sensuality" over and over again. I finally decided I would listen to the other songs, and I was completely stunned upon hearing the first track. The video version of "All Is Full of Love" blew me away, and I found myself repeating it.
This is (in my opinion) Bjork's best song, hands down. Vocally, she has sounded better. But there's an innocence, honesty and loveliness about this song that you just can't ignore. It's inspiring, transcending and bright, and it portrays the newness of a spring day perfectly. There is indeed love all around you; you just have to open up your eyes to see it. Every version of the tune offers the listener a new mood.
Video Version: First, I just have to be honest and say this is the most sensual song I have ever heard. The sugary warm chords, the magical sitar, Bjork's longing vocals and the persistent drums take you on an emotional ride. A clarinet, playing simple arpeggios, adds a hint of optimism and playfulness. For music lovers this will undoubtedly give you goosebumps: it's that moving. I always think of kisses and hugs listening to this. It just makes you feel warm and fuzzy about everything. 6/5
Funkstorung Exclusive Mix: While I enjoy the syncopated drums and beats in this tune, I was disappointed that the chorus and verses are not heard intact here. Her vocals are edited, warped and mixed up to produce random vocal patterns. Though it's a very interesting and sometimes fun remix, I began to tire of it after the first two minutes. However, it is a charming version with light harp melodies and occasional wispy chords. 4/5
Strings: This is the same recording as the Video Version, however the strings are greatly amplified. This mix effectively adds more impact to the instrumentation of this song, without drowning out Bjork's vocals. Combined with the original emotion produced in the Video Version, the strings make this a tearjerker. It's even more longing and simply divine. 6/5
Album Version: The quietest of the mixes here, I have always adored this version. A gentle pulsing electronic bass beat continues through the song, as heavenly sweeping chords and the original sitar arrangement sparkle. There is no percussion to be heard here, but it produces a wonderfully enchanting effect. On the album "Homogenic", this song appears after the harsh dance track "Pluto", and it's soothing to the ears. It truly sounds like the flowers gently pushing through the last of the winter snow. 6/5
Plaid Mix: Everything about this version is sparkly and magnetic. Opening with tender echoes and clarinets, I assumed this was going to be a subdued mix. I was pleasantly surprised as this mix gently moved from soothing to emotionally soaring in the chorus. And don't judge by the audio preview of this version: it doesn't do the song justice. The beat is very stripped and simple, but the carefully arranged instruments in this version are what truly shine. I would have loved to hear Bjork's vocals echo here, but they're beautiful just as they are. 6/5
Guy Sigsworth Mix: This is the perfect conclusion for such a divine single. A combination of fluttering saxophones opens this number, and carry peacefully throughout. There's a higher level of emotion here; perhaps it's because the saxophones themselves sound as if they're longing for happiness. I can't really describe it, but it truly casts a spell. The instrumental depth is fantastic here; it's very deep and moving. The beat (not as strong as the Video Version) is just intense enough to be effective. This version feels a little more structured vocally: Bjork's vocals are split apart to create a second verse. The surprise ending in this song somehow works: it leaves much to be desired, but you really feel like Bjork couldn't top herself anymore. 6/5
Also included on this single is the infamous video, which is artistic, innovative and impressive. This is well worth the money, and I highly recommend it, especially if you adore Bjork such as I do.
"You'll be given love; you have to trust it.""
Bjork is full of luv...
Dogville | Sunny Island | 12/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bjork's releases a 5th single from the acclaimed 1997 album Homogenic. A hanuting and poigant song about love, Bjork lapses into a slow and serene mood here. The video version which is a slightly altered album version, contains extra beats which enhances the original. The video to this single is included here and as usual, an excellent one with two robotic Bjorks falling in love with each other. Mechanical yet emotive is what director Chris Cummingham (Madonna's Frozen) achieved. The Funkstorung Mix is a dark and trippy mix while the Plaid Mix is a more upbeat version of the song. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from the Icelandic queen who demonstrates a whole diverse range of music genres!"
Twist Your Head Around...It's All Around You....
Kyle Araujo | RSA | 05/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Honestly, I'm no big fan of Bjork...But there is something about this song...I don't think there's a true way to describe it, it is one of the most haunting songs I've ever heard. In the same genre; songs like-Evanescence's - ''Hello''
Dido's - ''My Life''
Annie Lennox's - ''No More I Love You's''
Massive Attack's (Tracy Thorn's) - ''Better Things''
Cher's - ''You Take It All''
Madonna's - ''Power Of Goodbye''
Delerium's (Sarah McLachlan's) - ''Silence''Those tracks are 7 of the most haunting songs I've heard, but Bjork's ''All Is Full Of Love'' beats them down, her voice is so beautiful that it sounds a bit unnerving and gives you the chills. The Video Version is the one I like the most, while the Strings has the same sense of term just slightly enhanced, they're both downright trip-hop tracks, which proves that Massive Attack's influence over the Icelandic Phenomena (Bjork) is flawless.Funkstorung's mix is definitely the most unlistenable mix I've ever come across throughout the history of music.The Album version, is however more laid back and very brooding. Note: this is for more serious listeners.While the real treat comes from the (Plaid Mix), a optimistic and upbeat trip-hop influenced track. This is my second favorite after the video version. And The Sigsworth mix, is equally enjoyable, it however gives the CD a nice boost.Then you get a video, which is very cool I think, one of my favorite videos ever, it features two robot's, both of which are her...and it gets even better, not the kind of video kids should watch, not like it's anything really heavy- just I wouldn't think it's suitable for children, it's very confusing at first, but you have to watch it at least 3 times to understand the concept of it, which goes clearly with the lyrics of the song.Bjork definitely hit her best chapter with this song..."
I thought I was dreaming...
mfpb4000 | 10/14/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I know it is hard to believe but Elektra has actually done something for Bjork fans here in the states. I couldn't believe it myself, but there it was: a domestic cd single for ALL IS FULL OF LOVE. This contains:*Video Version *Funkstorung Exclusive Mix (not as good as the mix that is on Funkstorung's "Additional Productions" cd on !k7, but nice to have) *Strings mix *Album Version *Plaid Mix *Guy Sigsworth Mix.This is also an enhanced CD that features the full video, which makes this well worth the purchase for any Bjork fan. BUY IT!"