I Am A Bird Now
by Antony and the Johnsons
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 271 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 229 out of 271
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 271
  3. Negative: 30 out of 271

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  1. SteveR
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    What's not To Like? this is a haunting and utterly beautiful masterpiece, nothing less. no one else has done this, ever, and this was THE album of 2005, no doubt.
  2. tino
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    to feel to know to infuse to perceive to resonate in the god-given voice of mozart stuck in [that] "middle place between light and nowhere" is to beathe, grieve and love robustly ethereal ANTONY may love always overflow your painful heart
  3. Lola
    Nov 2, 2005
    9
    I woke up to my radio alarm with Antony singing on NPR. I burst into tears. It's so beautiful. And I'm a jaded old broad. Passed him around and everybody loves him. My friend played him to her mother on her deathbed and then she died, hearing Antony as her last sounds on earth. That seems right to me.
  4. RickyS
    Nov 4, 2005
    9
    If you are one of the people who don't like this album. Let it be known that I ABSOLUTELY LOATHE this album. You know why? Antony has to be one of the most talented songwriters and/or musicians I've heard ever, really ever. What holds the album back is his voice. Although some love it and some hate it, it is definitley divisive. It took six or seven listens to the whole album If you are one of the people who don't like this album. Let it be known that I ABSOLUTELY LOATHE this album. You know why? Antony has to be one of the most talented songwriters and/or musicians I've heard ever, really ever. What holds the album back is his voice. Although some love it and some hate it, it is definitley divisive. It took six or seven listens to the whole album until I got used to it, now I love it. It was worth the work to like it because the music happens to be amazing. Back to my point before, when I say I loathe the album, I mean that I hate how this album could be one of the best ever made if it was easier to listen too. Disregard what anyone else says are the best tracks, after MULTIPLE listens, these are the best...they are all great though 1. What Can I Do (With Rufus Wainwright) ~Short but beautiful, when I first heard this, I listened to it 16 times that day. 2. Man is the Baby ~Just plain out beautiful 3. Bird Gerhl ~The reason why I believe Antony could successfully write Broadway music 4. Spiralling (With Devendra Banhart) ~This song is just GORGEOUS. Unfortunatley, the first 30 seconds or so are excrutiating. Mrs. Banhart obviously cannot sing at all. I think the best lyrics belong to For Today I Am A Boy. They are wrenching, especially when you try to appreciate what he must be going through. Plus its a good song. Enjoy the album, but PLEASE give it a chance. I have found that I can love a group even if the singers voice annoys me at first. The perfect example of that is Wolf Parade. Best Albums of the Year so far: This one, Mezmerize by System of a Down for a change of pace, Illinois by Sufjan Stevens probably my favorite artist, The Mysterious Production of Eggs by Andrew Bird who you also may need to give a chance to, and The Magic Numbers by the Magic Numbers. On Mezmerize, listen to Question! On Illinois listen to Casimir Pulaski Day and John Wayne Gacy Jr. On The Mysterious... listen to Tables and Chairs and MX Missles On the Magic Numbers listen to This Love and Mornings Eleven Enjoy, I hope Ive been useful… Expand
  5. BobL
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    Who said, "Popularity breeds contempt?" The backlash to this is disheartening. What a fantastic record this is.
  6. yorid
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    ayone that doesnt like this album should just shut their mouths and head over to walmart where they can purchase ashleigh simpson's album and stay in their microscopic universe of music.have a great day.....lol
  7. JoeMc
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    Heartbreaking
  8. SWM
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Unspeakably beautiful and impossibly cathartic and pure. While albums of musical sophistication are a great thing, this album is one of emotional sophistication, to a degree that sometimes seems too mature and trasncedental to really understand. Easily one of the best albums of the year.
  9. TerryTickle
    Dec 2, 2005
    10
    I believe the combination of each word in the bands lyrics are naturally positioned, showing combination of emotion and litrature has been mastered - John Lennon was one such an artist as well as Van Morrison, it is beautiful to hear. The lead singer is somewhat of an aluf style character. My only wish this xmas is that this band stay around for a long time pumping out such great vocal I believe the combination of each word in the bands lyrics are naturally positioned, showing combination of emotion and litrature has been mastered - John Lennon was one such an artist as well as Van Morrison, it is beautiful to hear. The lead singer is somewhat of an aluf style character. My only wish this xmas is that this band stay around for a long time pumping out such great vocal and equally great music. I was brought up with 60s,70 blasting out from the record player and it is natural for me to be heard singinging such historic hits, if the Johnsons can survive this unforgiving world then I believe that my children will be bellowing out these tunes. It would also be good to hear some cover version in antony unique vocal style. theres not much out there that is orignal but this pop pickers is, long may it continue.… Expand
  10. HunterH
    Dec 26, 2005
    10
    His voice warbles like that of Etta James or Billie Holiday; the opening track, "Hope There's Someone," melodically drops your heart thirty feet off a pier into a dark ocean of despair.
  11. AdrianC
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Majestic. Gorgeous. Lyrical. Moving. Oh my God. Great songwriting. Great voice. Torch songs that will stir you like nothing in recent times.
  12. ChaqellaZ.
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    A musical equivalent to half a bottle of vodka and a handful of pain pills, this album is sure to entrance all that listen to it.
  13. CharlotteC
    Mar 15, 2005
    10
    This album is brillaint, it might not be that amazing when you first listen to it, but once you re-listen to it, it touches the heart and soul... It is truely amazing, definitely worth buying in my eyes.
  14. clarae
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    this album had a visceral effect on me. i knew it was going to be good, but it surpassed my expectations. cathartic, intimate, vibrant, sorrowful, hopeful... this string of adjectives seems redundant though. go buy it. & if you dont like it the first time, play it again. and if you still dont like it then i dunno. check your pulse.
  15. Arethusa
    Mar 22, 2005
    9
    I absolutely adore this album. The lyrics and the music would sound saccharine and overly dramatic with anyone else except Antony, whose voice really is the leading instrument in this band. I've just discovered them with this album and I can't get enough. I think it's one of those polarising records that you'll either love or won't.
  16. PaulS
    Apr 23, 2005
    9
    Very Good but not Excellent as first album )
  17. JohnnyK.
    May 13, 2005
    8
    A great album, marred only by occasional creative misdirection and uneven songs. The album is a wholly great achievement, but, much like The Milk-Eyed Mender or perhaps Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus, the songs range from dazzlingly beautiful to plaintive, simple, and comparatively uninspired. Though songs like Spiraling and For Today I Am a Boy are both obvious in their metirs, A great album, marred only by occasional creative misdirection and uneven songs. The album is a wholly great achievement, but, much like The Milk-Eyed Mender or perhaps Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus, the songs range from dazzlingly beautiful to plaintive, simple, and comparatively uninspired. Though songs like Spiraling and For Today I Am a Boy are both obvious in their metirs, following the dynamic harmonization of My Lady Story and Fistful of Love… Expand
  18. TiagoR
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Probably the best album of 2005!!! 5 stars!!!
  19. sceptic
    Jun 17, 2005
    10
    Best album of 2005. Stunning. Emotional. Powerful. Quote: Matthew W "i could without a doubt sing the same way.". Well do it then. Or shut up. And next time, listen to the album yourself instead of playing it to your mother-brother.
  20. Shawn
    Jun 19, 2005
    10
    A stunningly beautiful masterpiece that manages to top Antony's also-brilliant debut.
  21. matta
    Jun 21, 2005
    7
    Really beautiful music and Antony really does have an incredible voice but after repeated listens I realize that the album is a little one-note and even a little repititious at times. Still, a fantastic and original sound.
  22. BillH
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    Rock music has been around now for well over 40 years and in that time we have listened to every kind and type of music -- until now that is. Nothing you have heard before will prepare you for this CD. No one sounds like Antony - not even close. His voice is a miracle of richness, vibrato and emotion. And then there is his amazing range, from the most exquisite falsetto ever to a deep Rock music has been around now for well over 40 years and in that time we have listened to every kind and type of music -- until now that is. Nothing you have heard before will prepare you for this CD. No one sounds like Antony - not even close. His voice is a miracle of richness, vibrato and emotion. And then there is his amazing range, from the most exquisite falsetto ever to a deep compelling lower register. His songs are wonders as well - every one of them. Antony is a breathtaking talent and it will be fascinating to see whether that talent can overcome his sublime strangeness and allow him and his music to gain commercial success.… Expand
  23. ThomasN
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    Prettymuch every song is destined to be on a movie soundtrack someday.
  24. drewt
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    absultely the most stunningly touching album released this year. i cannot reccomend it highly enough.
  25. rogerk
    Feb 19, 2006
    10
    one of the only cd's that i never get tiered of listing too
  26. KyleK
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Probably the most cohesive and moving album of the year.
  27. BrendanN
    Jun 11, 2006
    9
    Challenging, emotional, beautiful, haunting, and just th slightest bit disturbing, I Am A Bird Now will make you shed a tear, quiver in fear, and ultimately cheer.
  28. ChristianB
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    The most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Live even better.
  29. NavestK
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    Best Of The Year
  30. DaveB
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    This is as fragile, affirming, exquisite and incredibly sublime album you will ever hear. Hope There's Someone reduces human fear to its rawest elements and still makes it sound like something you want to listen to. Not since The Cure's Disintegration has it been this cool to be screwed up.
  31. TC
    Dec 22, 2005
    10
    Stunning, haunting and not for over analysis ;) one of the best of 05. Long live Antony....
  32. SimonB
    Dec 27, 2005
    9
    The most remarkable album I've heard since (the very different) Grace, by Jeff Buckley...and time will prove this to be every bit as much a classic as that one is now seen to be. Haunting and hurt, but ultimately uplifting.
  33. tq
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    This album is heartbreaking and stunningly gorgeous. But don't listen to those who fault it for bad reasons or defend it for reasons just as closeminded and immature (Michael B, you are extremely guilty here).
  34. MeyaC.
    Dec 31, 2005
    9
    I've only heard a few songs on this album, but his voice is so haunting. It's beautiful, exquisite and entirely different. Everything else, like the lyrics and the arrangements just make this record so much better. Though I'm usually a more hard rock person, Antony and the Johnsons just converted me.
  35. razakyn
    Oct 10, 2010
    10
    This album is simply one of the most beautiful listens I have had in quite some time. Antony's voice is uniquely breath-taking, and the lyrical content is both raw and deeply meaningful. Just wonderful!
  36. Vampire25
    Feb 20, 2013
    9
    This record completely hit me by surprise. Prior to listening to it, I actually had never heard even a single track from this band. So right off the bat, the opener "Hope There's Someone" showed me exactly what I was getting myself into. Antony has one of the most beautiful and passionate voices I've probably ever heard. It's truly unlike any voice I've ever had the pleasure to soak in andThis record completely hit me by surprise. Prior to listening to it, I actually had never heard even a single track from this band. So right off the bat, the opener "Hope There's Someone" showed me exactly what I was getting myself into. Antony has one of the most beautiful and passionate voices I've probably ever heard. It's truly unlike any voice I've ever had the pleasure to soak in and enjoy. The lyrics carry a dark and ominous sadness to them, and to an extent I could relate to them. This man has something to say, and he says it in the most artful and beautiful way he can say it. All In All, I Am A Bird Now is a sublime record, from the production to the lyrics, to Antony's voice. Almost pitch-perfect. A-… Expand
  37. Ricko
    Apr 4, 2015
    7
    Containing all the required ingredients to make a decent Antony and the Johnsons record, "I am a bird now" is very enjoyable. That said, I preferred at least 3 other albums from various periods of their career. The short running time helps the listener focus for the duration and gives the record a real sharp feel, never lagging. Every song is good and it is a really consistent album, itsContaining all the required ingredients to make a decent Antony and the Johnsons record, "I am a bird now" is very enjoyable. That said, I preferred at least 3 other albums from various periods of their career. The short running time helps the listener focus for the duration and gives the record a real sharp feel, never lagging. Every song is good and it is a really consistent album, its just that we don't get any truly mindblowing moments, evidence of real genius, that can be found on their other albums.… Expand
  38. piolhoso
    Apr 26, 2013
    10
    I can only think of one adjective to describe this album, 'beautiful', His voice is stunning, I saw him in London about 5 years ago and WOW.
  39. Syott
    Jan 9, 2015
    7
    Las composiciones de este maestro siempre han mantenido una lucidez de grandes proporciones. Y que así sea con Antony and the Johnsons y este gran trabajo. Este álbum tiene su manera de cómo transportarte a aquellas dimensiones en donde predomina la nostalgia, el amor sincero, y la tristeza en forma de melodías que, en sentido común, agradecerías de haberlas oído, pues te sentirásLas composiciones de este maestro siempre han mantenido una lucidez de grandes proporciones. Y que así sea con Antony and the Johnsons y este gran trabajo. Este álbum tiene su manera de cómo transportarte a aquellas dimensiones en donde predomina la nostalgia, el amor sincero, y la tristeza en forma de melodías que, en sentido común, agradecerías de haberlas oído, pues te sentirás relacionado estrechamente.… Expand
  40. Mikecael
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    The most beautiful album that I've heard in my whole life . So deep untouchable
  41. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 2, 2021
    8
    Haunting and affecting. Antony's voice being the clear standout. Beautiful and haunting, doesn't let you down even on repeated listening. There are several solid songs on this album but also quite a few clunkers. With songs almost wholly dependent on the quality of the lyrics (though I'd say one's appreciation of the album is wholly dependent on his understandably divisive voice), AntonyHaunting and affecting. Antony's voice being the clear standout. Beautiful and haunting, doesn't let you down even on repeated listening. There are several solid songs on this album but also quite a few clunkers. With songs almost wholly dependent on the quality of the lyrics (though I'd say one's appreciation of the album is wholly dependent on his understandably divisive voice), Antony walks a fine line between heartfelt authenticity and somber camp and, to say least, his foot is far from steady. Worth previewing if you have the means, but I feel a lot of people will ultimately be underwhelmed with this release.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2005
14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2005
36
#36 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Haunting and affecting.
    Read full review
  2. cokemachineglow
    74
    For what it lacks in consistency, I Am A Bird Now gains in being, even at its most tedious of moments, an interesting and thematically compelling listen.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    It could have been mawkish, but the sentiments--and Antony's trembling falsetto--are so honest, you love it despite your jaded self. [4 Feb 2005, p.133]
See all critic reviews »