Complete List Of The Sugarcubes Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Paul Cox; Distributed by Elektra Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sugarcubes were formed in Reykjavik in 1986. The band’s lineup included Björk Guðmundsdóttir (vocals), Einar Örn Benediktsson (vocals, trumpet), Sigtryggur Baldursson (drums), Þór Eldon (guitar), Bragi Ólafsson (bass), and Einar Melax (keyboards), with Margrét Örnólfsdóttir later joining on keyboards. The band’s unique sound, characterized by Björk’s distinctive vocals and a mix of punk, pop, and avant-garde elements, quickly garnered international attention. Their debut album, Life’s Too Good, released in 1988, was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 54 on the Billboard 200 and number 14 on the UK Albums Chart. The album’s single “Birthday” became an underground hit, establishing the band as a significant force in the alternative music scene.

The Sugarcubes released two more studio albums: Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! in 1989 and Stick Around for Joy in 1992. Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! showed a more polished sound and reached number 70 on the Billboard 200 and number 15 on the UK Albums Chart. Their final studio album, Stick Around for Joy, included the single “Hit,” which became one of their most successful songs, reaching number one on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. The band dissolved in 1992 as the members moved on to other projects. Björk went on to achieve substantial success as a solo artist, further elevating her status as an iconic figure in music. The Sugarcubes later reunited for a one-off concert in Reykjavik in 2006.

Throughout their career, The Sugarcubes released three studio albums, two principal compilation/remix albums, several other archival and box-set releases, and a number of singles that charted internationally.

THE SUGARCUBES STUDIO ALBUMS

Life’s Too Good (1988)

Released: April 25, 1988

Life’s Too Good is the debut studio album by the Icelandic alternative rock band The Sugarcubes. The album was recorded in Reykjavik and London, with sessions at Stúdíó Sýrland, Berry Street Studio, and Orinoco Studios. Produced by Derek Birkett and Ray Shulman, the album reached number 54 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 14 on the UK Albums Chart. It includes the hit single “Birthday,” which garnered international attention and critical acclaim.

CD Track Listings:

“Traitor” – 3:10
“Motorcrash” – 2:23
“Birthday” – 3:59
“Delicious Demon” – 2:41
“Mama” – 2:56
“Coldsweat” – 3:15
“Blue Eyed Pop” – 2:37
“Deus” – 4:08
“Sick for Toys” – 3:13
“F***ing in Rhythm and Sorrow” – 3:11
“Take Some Petrol Darling” – 1:45

Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! (1989)

Released: September 20, 1989

Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! is the second studio album by The Sugarcubes. It was recorded in 1989 at studios in London and Reykjavik, including Stúdíó Sýrland, Berry Street Studio, CBS Roof Top, Liquidator Studios, Orinoco, and Strongroom Studios. The album was produced by The Sugarcubes and Derek Birkett and reached number 70 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 15 on the UK Albums Chart. The album saw a stylistic shift toward a more polished sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Tidal Wave” – 2:56
“Regina” – 4:05
“Speed Is the Key” – 3:18
“Dream TV” – 3:12
“Nail” – 3:18
“Pump” – 4:25
“Eat the Menu” – 3:44
“Bee” – 2:27
“Dear Plastic” – 3:23
“Shoot Him” – 2:10
“Water” – 3:01
“A Day Called Zero” – 2:38
“Planet” – 3:23
“Hey” – 3:22

Stick Around for Joy (1992)

Released: February 10, 1992

Stick Around for Joy is the third and final studio album by The Sugarcubes. The album was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, and Summa Music Group in Los Angeles. Produced by Paul Fox, it reached number 95 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. The album includes the single “Hit,” which became one of their most successful songs, reaching number one on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart.

CD Track Listings:

“Gold” – 3:40
“Hit” – 3:56
“Leash Called Love” – 3:42
“Lucky Night” – 4:03
“Happy Nurse” – 3:37
“I’m Hungry” – 4:33
“Walkabout” – 3:48
“Hetero Scum” – 3:08
“Vitamin” – 3:41
“Chihuahua” – 3:31

Read More: Top 10 Sugarcubes Songs

SUGARCUBES COMPILATION ALBUMS

It’s-It (1992)

Released: October 5, 1992

It’s-It is a remix compilation album by The Sugarcubes, featuring remixed versions of songs from their previous albums. The album includes various interpretations by renowned remixers and DJs, providing a new twist on their well-loved tracks. This compilation celebrates the band’s innovative sound, reimagined through the lens of electronic and dance music. It’s-It reached number 47 on the UK Albums Chart and offered fans a fresh take on The Sugarcubes’ music.

CD Track Listings:

“Birthday (Justin Robertson 12″ Mix)” – 7:32
“Leash Called Love (Tony Humphries Mix)” – 6:26
“Blue Eyed Pop (S1000 Mix)” – 6:39
“Motorcrash (Justin Robertson Mix)” – 6:48
“Planet (Graham Massey Planet Suite Pt. 2)” – 4:42
“Gold (Todd Terry Mix)” – 6:09
“Water (Bryan ‘Chuck’ New Mix)” – 4:13
“Regina (Sugarcubes Mix)” – 5:11
“Mama (Mark Saunders Mix)” – 5:09
“Pump (Marius de Vries Mix)” – 4:29
“Hit (Tony Humphries Sweet & Low Mix)” – 7:10
“Birthday (Tommy D Mix)” – 6:41
“Coldsweat (DB/BP Mix)” – 4:10

The Great Crossover Potential (1998)

Released: July 14, 1998

The Great Crossover Potential is a greatest hits compilation album by The Sugarcubes, featuring a selection of the band’s most popular and influential tracks. This album serves as an introduction to the band’s work for new listeners and a comprehensive collection for longtime fans. The compilation spans their entire career, showcasing the band’s evolution and unique sound. The album was released by One Little Indian and Elektra Records and reached number 16 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.