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 consisted of Björk Guðmundsdóttir (vocals), Einar Örn Benediktsson (vocals, trumpet), Sigtryggur Baldursson (drums), Þór Eldon (guitar), Bragi Ólafsson (bass), Einar Melax (keyboards), and Margrét Örnólfsdóttir (keyboards, joined later). 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 15 on the UK Albums Chart. The album’s lead 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 5 on the UK Albums Chart. Their final album, Stick Around for Joy, included the single “Hit,” which became one of their most successful songs, reaching number 1 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. Despite their initial success, internal tensions and the members’ desire to pursue other projects led to the band’s dissolution in 1992. Björk went on to achieve substantial success as a solo artist, further elevating her status as an iconic figure in music.

Throughout their career, The Sugarcubes released three studio albums, several compilations, and a number of singles that charted internationally.

THE SUGARCUBES STUDIO ALBUMS

Life’s Too Good

Released: April 1988

Life’s Too Good is the debut studio album by the Icelandic alternative rock band The Sugarcubes. The album was recorded at Hljóðriti and Southern Studios in 1987. Produced by Derek Birkett and Ray Shulman, the album reached number 54 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 15 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!

Released: September 1989

Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! is the second studio album by The Sugarcubes. It was recorded at The Townhouse, Olympic, and Livingstone Studios in London in 1989. The album was produced by Paul Fox and reached number 70 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. The album saw a stylistic shift towards a more polished sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Tidal Wave” – 3:15
“Regina” – 4:06
“Speed Is the Key” – 2:28
“Dream TV” – 2:06
“Nail” – 3:20
“Pump” – 4:30
“Eat the Menu” – 2:26
“Bee” – 2:12
“Dear Plastic” – 3:15
“Shoot Him” – 2:31
“Water” – 3:01
“A Day Called Zero” – 3:30
“Planet” – 3:24
“Hey” – 3:06

Stick Around for Joy

Released: February 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, in 1991. 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.

CD Track Listings:

“Gold” – 3:20
“Hit” – 3:54
“Leash Called Love” – 3:38
“Lucky Night” – 4:08
“Happy Nurse” – 2:44
“Walkabout” – 3:49
“Hetero Scum” – 3:34
“Vitamin” – 3:27
“Chihuahua” – 3:32
“I’m Hungry” – 3:27
“Cold Sweat” – 3:16

Read More: Top 10 Sugarcubes Songs

SUGARCUBES COMPILATION ALBUMS

It’s-It

Released: October 4, 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 serves as a celebration of the band’s innovative sound, reimagined through the lens of electronic and dance music. It’s-It reached number 90 on the UK Albums Chart and offered fans a fresh take on The Sugarcubes’ music.

CD Track Listings:

“Birthday (Justin Robertson 12″ Mix)” – 5:24
“Leash Called Love (Tony Humphries Mix)” – 6:27
“Motorcrash (Justin Robertson Mix)” – 5:13
“Planet (Graham Massey Planet Suite, Pt. 1)” – 4:35
“Gold (Todd Terry Mix)” – 5:45
“Water (Bryan ‘Chuck’ New Mix)” – 4:33
“Regina (Sugarcubes Mix)” – 4:53
“Mama (Mark Saunders Mix)” – 3:56
“Tidal Wave (Jim and William Reid Christmas Eve Mix)” – 4:04
“Plastic (Dominique Mix)” – 5:14
“Deus (808 State Mix)” – 5:21
“Pump (Marius de Vries Mix)” – 4:53
“Birthday (Tommy D Mix)” – 6:54
“Coldsweat (DB/BP Mix)” – 4:43
“Blue Eyed Pop (S1000 Mix)” – 3:57

The Great Crossover Potential

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 Elektra Records and reached number 39 on the UK Albums Chart.