It’s translated as ‘A good beginning,’ though Ágætis Byrjun was Sigur Rós’s second proper album as such. But given its breakthrough status internationally, it might as well have been the start, where the still-young band embraced a shift from ambient mood to rich orchestrations, the end results striking a chord that led to increasing attention in the following years. It can also be ascribed to the notable falsetto of Jónsi Birgisson, whose serenely powerful delivery on songs like "Svefn-g-englar” rapidly led said song to become a major subcultural and soundtrack hit.

– Ned Raggett