Human Behaviour
"Human Behaviour" is a song by Icelandic recording artist Björk, released on 7 June 1993 by One Little Indian and Elektra as the lead single from her debut studio album, Debut (1993).[3] Produced by Björk's longtime collaborator Nellee Hooper, it reflects upon human nature and emotion from a non-human animal's point of view. The song and video were inspired by British broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough.[4]
Not to be confused with Human Nature (Michael Jackson song) or Human Nature (Madonna song)."Human Behaviour"
Critics praised "Human Behaviour" and called it a highlight of Debut. The song was an underground smash that peaked at number two on the dance charts[5] and reached number 36 on the UK Singles Chart. Its music video was directed by Michel Gondry and is the first time he and Björk collaborated. The music video, like the song, is a story about the relation between humans and animals from the animal's point of view.[4]
Critical reception[edit]
The song was well received by music critics. In an retrospective review, Terry Nelson from Albumism said it is "brilliant", noting it as "a smart and quirky observation of us very strange humans as seen through the eyes of an animal."[13] For AllMusic's Heather Pares, the song's "dramatic percussion provides a perfect showcase for her wide-ranging voice".[14] Upon the single release, Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that it "has her ripping that harsh and distinctive voice over a stark, militaristic dance beat. Alternative programmers surely will be captivated by the mystical combo of what eventually become mantra-like vocals and an insinuating bassline."[15] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report stated that here, Björk "gets off to an awesome start", adding that "it's time to introduce her to Top 40 audiences, who can't help but be blown away by the lyrical power and originality of this fresh entry."[16] Caroline Sullivan from The Guardian said, "Its combination of smoky, jazz-club vibe and a sound that's often more a laryngeal reflex than a voice is addictively strange. In a year of female experimentalism, Bjork is out there on her own, and sounds just fine."[17]
In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton felt it's "unfortunately a cacophonous mess".[18] Dave Simpson from Melody Maker named it Single of the Week, writing, "This is wonderful, the sort of spooky and unique experience I thought pop had abandoned long ago. [...] Mostly, though, it's The Voice that gives "Human Behaviour" its near-intangible sparkle. I can't remember the last time I heard a voice so laden with intrique (sexual tension, outrage, fear—they're all in there) or an avant-garde record that made such sense as pop."[19] In their review of Debut, Music & Media commented, "This solo album succesfully [sic] marries eccentricity to accesibility [sic]. The musical-esque song "Like Someone In Love" and the current single "Human Behaviour" with those thundering timpani are prime examples of this."[20] Martin Aston from Music Week rated it four out of five, calling it a "sensual, subtle dance track that bodes well for the future."[21] Simon Reynolds from the New York Times described the lyrics as a "parallel between the beastliness of humanity and the bestiality of nature.[22] Johnny Dee from NME noted that "a swampy kettle drum jazz vibe circles around Bjork's rasping larynx, trying to find a melody but eventually settling for the search."[23] Tom Graves from Rolling Stone wrote, "Only on the opening track, "Human Behavior", do we get a glimmer of what the fuss was all about."[24] Siân Pattenden from Smash Hits gave it two out of five.[25]
Live performances[edit]
Björk promoted the song by a series of TV appearances. She performed the song and "Big Time Sensuality" on MTV's Most Wanted while dressed in a pink skirt and yellow tee, accompanied by a Hammond Organ and Tablas.[31] On 13 October 1993 she performed a set of three songs, including "Come to Me" and "The Anchor Song" on Planeta Rock.[32] The song was part of her MTV Unplugged setlist, and was performed with a harpsichord solely. She also performed the song and was also interviewed on an October 1993 episode of the then-new talk show Late Night with Conan O’Brien. At the 1994 Roskilde Festival, Björk joined Underworld on stage to perform the Underworld remix of the song.[33]
Björk performed the song in all of her tour. During the Vespertine world tour, the song featured a more electronic arrangement accompanied by a more classical Orchestra. During the Volta tour, the song was performed only once[34] and featured a brass arrangement. She performed a new flute arrangement of the song during the Utopia tour.