Icelandic Pop: Then, Today, Tomorrow, Next Week

by Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen

Iceland punches well above its weight in the world of music, producing global icons like Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, and Laufey, while at the same time nurturing a vibrant local scene. This book explores how Iceland’s unique social habits, institutions and everyday practices contribute to its thriving music culture.
Tracing the development of Icelandic popular music since the rock ’n’ roll era, it examines key influences shaping the scene, from Reykjavík’s musicians to national institutions like radio and concert venues. With engaging explanations of sociological factors, the book sheds light on why Iceland has become a powerhouse in music. An illuminating journey through Iceland’s music history, this is a celebration of the artistry and cultural forces behind its global impact.

208 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2025

Reviews

[Chris Colman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided a fascinating look at the history of modern Icelandic pop music, and was at its best when illustrating how music scenes develop in a small country.

I was immediately drawn to the Sugarcubes reference in the title, and was sold once I saw there was a chapter on Björk's world domination. While I know plenty has been written about Björk, I was disappointed that she along with her previous bands received relatively short shrift.

I admire the author's passion and enthusiasm, and I was along for the ride up through the '90s, but the later chapters felt a bit over-exuberant and promotional. The conclusion, focusing on the "why" behind Iceland's fertile music scene, was interesting and could have been longer to give a deeper context to the book. By the end, it felt a bit more like a phone book or shopping list.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s much I really enjoyed about this book, including it’s focus on debunking myths about Icelandic culture in music while putting forth a more realistic analysis of what shapes music from Iceland. I also wish that it had done a bit more analysis; at one point, Thoroddsen writes, “this is not a phonebook,” which I then couldn’t help compare it to in my mind due to the number of artists mentioned. It was a quick and enjoyable read overall though.

[Móheiður Hlíf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this very insightful an informative book!