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Grown Backwards
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Grown Backwards Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

  • Summary: This is not my beautiful opera. The Talking Heads most verbose member returns with one of his more eclectic solo albums to date (and that's saying something), featuring covers of Lambchop, Bizet and Verdi (we're talking arias, people) scattered amongst originals that range from AfricanThis is not my beautiful opera. The Talking Heads most verbose member returns with one of his more eclectic solo albums to date (and that's saying something), featuring covers of Lambchop, Bizet and Verdi (we're talking arias, people) scattered amongst originals that range from African rhythms to doo-wop. The Tosca Strings and Rufus Wainwright guest.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    A vital, winning album.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Byrne's affectless tenor is a perfect match for the delicate bob-and-weave grooves on this CD. [26 Mar 2004, p.74]
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  3. The Guardian
    80
    These are wonderful exercises in songcraft: full of metaphors, twists and punchlines, couched in sprightly string arrangements and sung with rare flamboyance.
  4. Logo
    80
    Young pretenders beware: this old dog isn’t so much learning new tricks as inventing them.
  5. Pitchfork
    76
    It fits alongside the best of his career and adds another solid release to a solo catalog which will hopefully become more cherished in time.
  6. Q Magazine
    70
    Extends the with-strings concept of last year's Lead Us Not Into Temptation and is equally arresting in its breadth of content and creativity. [Apr 2004, p.107]
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  7. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    58
    His voice devoid of Newman-Waits grit, his eclecticism even and controlled where theirs bristles with jokes, oddity, and gusto, how does he expect to connect with anyone but other likable progressives, and rather detached and inscrutable ones at that?

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. joshdkaye
    Mar 3, 2018
    10
    This album is truly a one of a kind. Baudrillardesque in fashion. Beautiful aesthetic. His best solo album (if you discount Bush of Ghosts).
  2. WillTheThrill
    Mar 23, 2004
    10
    David Byrne is the greatest songwriter i will know in my lifetime
  4. JohnB
    May 21, 2004
    10
    Outstanding. A masterpiece.
  5. michaele
    Mar 23, 2004
    9
    these songs never bore, aslways stimulate, a rare mixture of deep thoughts, comedy and elegy
  6. AshleyM
    Feb 26, 2005
    9
    David Byrne is in perfect vocal condition on this album. The opener "Glass, Concrete and Stone" is a beautiful track, with strings and David Byrne is in perfect vocal condition on this album. The opener "Glass, Concrete and Stone" is a beautiful track, with strings and percussion that brings to mind an elephant defying the laws of physics and dancing on a metal rooftop in a rainstorm. The opera tracks were a big and welcome surprise.… Expand
  7. GordonR
    May 21, 2004
    9
    Quality and varied songwriting throughout and inspired cover versions too which he carries off superbly. His singing has never been better. Quality and varied songwriting throughout and inspired cover versions too which he carries off superbly. His singing has never been better. The arias even tempted me to buy my first opera cd.… Expand
  8. KeithG
    Apr 20, 2004
    8
    Take the journey........don't be afraid

See all 9 User Reviews