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. Steven
    Sep 3, 2005
    0
    Hugely overrated album. I can't believe people actually listen to this snoozefest.
  2. salomey
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    still my album of the year beautifully done it all fits together (singing, music, songs, arrangements) through sheer beauty excellent, excellent
  3. jeffreychrist
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    Men Are From Mars, Anthony Is From Venus ~ Like the gospel drenched in raw spirit and soul, there is beauty incarnate seeping from the ravishing voice of each veil that creates who and what Antony is. His attestation willful and willed, his sacred writ both born and borne, the timeless transcendence in each poem translates to the very core of the human condition, life's frailties, Men Are From Mars, Anthony Is From Venus ~ Like the gospel drenched in raw spirit and soul, there is beauty incarnate seeping from the ravishing voice of each veil that creates who and what Antony is. His attestation willful and willed, his sacred writ both born and borne, the timeless transcendence in each poem translates to the very core of the human condition, life's frailties, it's death and resurrections. Boy George duets with his most powerful vocal ever, Rufus Wainwright as usually assured. Nothing will prepare you for the dramatic earthquake or heart-rendering impact. My grade: A+… Expand
  4. MightyMouse
    Aug 23, 2005
    9
    Wow... this album really surprised me! I wasn't sure what to make of Antony's "vibrato" voice at first ... but it sweetly complements the truly beautiful lyrics. FISTFUL OF LOVE is probably my favorite track, followed by HOPE THERE'S SOMEONE. I can understand some of the negative feedback, this is will not be to everyone's taste... but hey, give it a try... you might Wow... this album really surprised me! I wasn't sure what to make of Antony's "vibrato" voice at first ... but it sweetly complements the truly beautiful lyrics. FISTFUL OF LOVE is probably my favorite track, followed by HOPE THERE'S SOMEONE. I can understand some of the negative feedback, this is will not be to everyone's taste... but hey, give it a try... you might be surprised by what you hear.… Expand
  5. DavidM
    Aug 19, 2005
    8
    Definitely different from everything else out there, best tracks (HOPE THERE'S SOMEONE, SPIRALLING, FISTFUL OF LOVE) mesmerizing, but much of the albums middle sags. A solid album, but feel many of the reviews over impressed with the quality of Antony's voice as opposed to the quality of the songs, much as with Jeff Buckley's overpraised Grace. The middle section here Definitely different from everything else out there, best tracks (HOPE THERE'S SOMEONE, SPIRALLING, FISTFUL OF LOVE) mesmerizing, but much of the albums middle sags. A solid album, but feel many of the reviews over impressed with the quality of Antony's voice as opposed to the quality of the songs, much as with Jeff Buckley's overpraised Grace. The middle section here really sags. Download the three songs listed here, and maybe MY LADY STORY, and save yourself from purchasing full CD.… Expand
  6. SeyHaS
    Aug 17, 2005
    8
    An intimate and emotive meditation on the frailty of life, especially in the yearnings of childhood and the bleak prospect of death. This album has succeeded through both voice and music and is one of the rarest moments when it can transcend the sound and offer much more.
  7. JB
    Aug 15, 2005
    10
    Absolutely amazing....
  8. Benji
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    I heard this on radio 1, it caught my attention without me really liking it. The next time I heard it I fell in love with it. The best album I have bought in the last 10 years. Some of the subjects dealt with are a little alien to me, but musically this is audacious and fantastic, I'd recommend it to everyone. Class
  9. emem
    Aug 8, 2005
    1
    This album is a really kitsch and junk. For the first 2 songs I thought it is a parody. Suprisingly it is not. Really funny, what people are listening...
  10. si
    Aug 4, 2005
    10
    this album has become one of my favorites and i kthink will stay that way for a long time.
  11. EricM
    Aug 2, 2005
    3
    This disc is as overrated as they come. Aaron S. got it right when he noted this disc and M.I.A. are the worst discs to get good reviews all year. Melancholy vocals aren't always a good thing, folks.
  12. BlazM
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    This is an excellent album, Antony's voice being the clear standout. Beautiful and haunting, doesn't let you down even on repeated listenings. Thanks to CocoRosie and Devendra Banhart for discovering another true gem in the world of pop mediocrity :))
  13. ThomasN
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    Prettymuch every song is destined to be on a movie soundtrack someday.
  14. jyotirmayad
    Jul 22, 2005
    8
    Beautiful writing; the voice takes getting used to; boring in some areas; beautiful melodies; I dislike about 2 or 3 of these songs, but I have to agree with the praises -- a unique artist at the top of his gay.
  15. robbbbbb
    Jul 20, 2005
    10
    Best male voice I've heard since Jeff Buckley. Less swooping than Jeff, but more lovely; amazing balance to have such naked emotion without falling into excess a la Meatloaf and other overwrought big voiced singers.
  16. AaronS.
    Jul 10, 2005
    1
    A laughably bad disc. Next to M.I.A., this is the most overrated album of the year! The guy sounds like Tiny Tim. I simply can't believe this is getting good word of mouth. Simply awful.
  17. ChrisjT
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    Whether he seems to be singing for me, everyone or for himself, his languid, melancholic voice is always mesmerising, powerfully emotive and transcendental in its beauty - a rare and special talent!
  18. TykeC
    Jun 28, 2005
    10
    i think this album is kinda paralyzing in its beauty
  19. 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
  20. LucyS
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    beautiful
  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. Shawn
    Jun 19, 2005
    10
    A stunningly beautiful masterpiece that manages to top Antony's also-brilliant debut.
  23. PaulB
    Jun 18, 2005
    9
    Stunning; hard to imagine that anyone wouldn't be moved by this.
  24. 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.
  25. Brackish
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    A great record. More positive than his first. A masterpiece.
  26. DeanS.
    Jun 14, 2005
    0
    I Am A Turd Now
  27. EBow
    Jun 12, 2005
    0
    For the life of me I don't understand how anyone can listen to this. This is some of the worst music I have ever heard.
  28. Scott
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    There has never been an album that has moved me as deeply as this album. There has never been an artist who was capable of making me wanting to hold someone, and cry tears of joy at the same time. Get this album, and be blown away. Matthew W cannot sing like this, nor can anyone else. This is a truly unique voice that needs to be experienced.
  29. LawrenceP
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    They a moments in this LP that will make me cry and I don't think I have ever been happier in my life.
  30. MatthewW
    Jun 1, 2005
    0
    This music is laughable. I played this album for my mother and brother and they couldn't stand it. The guys voice sounds like he pinched his adam's apple and moved his hand in a vibrated fashion. Truly awful sounding. I don't understand the talk about his emotion through his voice. He sounds horrendous, i could without a doubt sing the same way. Critics and apparently This music is laughable. I played this album for my mother and brother and they couldn't stand it. The guys voice sounds like he pinched his adam's apple and moved his hand in a vibrated fashion. Truly awful sounding. I don't understand the talk about his emotion through his voice. He sounds horrendous, i could without a doubt sing the same way. Critics and apparently people alike seem to like this which boggles my mind. This is TERRIBLE music.… Expand
  31. ToddS
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Utterly spellbinding and gorgeous. "You Are My Sister" is the standout track but the whole album is haunting and deeply moving.
  32. TiagoR
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Probably the best album of 2005!!! 5 stars!!!
  33. 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
  34. SusieA
    May 5, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing. I heard For Today I Am A Boy on the radio and instantly had to buy it. Antony's voice is hypnotic, and I cannot stop listening to him.
  35. StevenL
    May 4, 2005
    10
    Outstanding
  36. JohnS
    May 3, 2005
    9
    A very beautiful way of presenting unconventional and often wrongly overlooked topics
  37. AndrewLB
    May 2, 2005
    10
    This album is hauntingly hypnotizing. The intensity of emotion in the lyrics and music is captivating. I keep listening to this album over and over again. I would drive 100 miles to hear this artist live in concert. I was turned on to this album by the NPR review that I happened to hear by chance.
  38. FranA
    May 2, 2005
    9
    I was transfixed when I first heard Antony played on Radio 1. I felt awe at the emotion heard in Antony's unique voice and lyrics - amazing!
  39. BarryC
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    God, where did this come from?
  40. mark
    Apr 29, 2005
    9
    i had never heard of antony and the johnsons until yesterday on radio 1. he made me stop what i was doing and listen, that hasn't happened for a long time. what a voice
  41. AntonioA
    Apr 24, 2005
    10
    sunshine for heart and soul
  42. PaulS
    Apr 23, 2005
    9
    Very Good but not Excellent as first album )
  43. thlda
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    Exquisite, Simply Beautiful
  44. aland
    Apr 16, 2005
    6
    Craig L doesn't like american idol. which is good, because people who'll find this record boring DEFINATELY dig american idol. pfft. ok, so, obviously, i'm not a huge fan of this, and it's not for the singing but utter lack of activity within this album.each song just cascades through your brain and the only impression it'll leave you was that you've had Craig L doesn't like american idol. which is good, because people who'll find this record boring DEFINATELY dig american idol. pfft. ok, so, obviously, i'm not a huge fan of this, and it's not for the singing but utter lack of activity within this album.each song just cascades through your brain and the only impression it'll leave you was that you've had enough melodrama until the next xiu xiu album. antony may have the greatest things in the world to say, but it fails to stimulate on the most basic level… Expand
  45. CraigL
    Apr 12, 2005
    7
    If you are a fan of the "successful" singers on American Idol, you will hate this CD. (I'm not in that category.) If you are one of those people who likes something strange and castigates others for not understanding something so obviously beautiful and lip-quivering, you will LOVE this. I find some of these songs to be beautiful in a Brian-Ferry-singing-gospel way. But I'm not If you are a fan of the "successful" singers on American Idol, you will hate this CD. (I'm not in that category.) If you are one of those people who likes something strange and castigates others for not understanding something so obviously beautiful and lip-quivering, you will LOVE this. I find some of these songs to be beautiful in a Brian-Ferry-singing-gospel way. But I'm not prepared to say I agree this is brilliant. Overly mannered? Yes. Brilliant? No.… Expand
  46. Dean
    Apr 11, 2005
    9
    I'm not really into my tenors, but this album really is very very good. Can't say it'll start off a whole movement, but it certainly makes a nice change.
  47. GlenP
    Apr 8, 2005
    9
    emotive, uncertain, souless. he needs faith.
  48. [Anonymous]
    Apr 1, 2005
    8
    Upon hearing a couple of clips, I hated this at first. But after listening to the full album, Antony won me over. His voice takes some getting used to, but the glam influences and strong melodies make this sucker hold up. If you don't mind hyper-dramatic pop music, give it a shot.
  49. LennyD
    Mar 27, 2005
    0
    Shockingly dull and highly overrated. Very reminiscent in style of Mick Hucknall: Simply red.
  50. JorgeS
    Mar 26, 2005
    5
    Just a good voice... but after to listen to this work it reminded me how a great band was The Platters (but not a hype in those years).
  51. 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.
  52. JamieK
    Mar 22, 2005
    4
    I don't think this album lives up to the hype- everyone seems to have been caught up in the swell of "if it's different, it's good".
  53. BjarneBoy.
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    This is the best cd I have heard in years. Antonys voice is SO beautiful ...
  54. PredragM
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    Unforgettable voice!
  55. 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.
  56. 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.
  57. D.F.Nicholas
    Mar 14, 2005
    2
    Vastly over-rated. The vocals become anoying about halfway through the first song and by track 3 you want to strangle the usually reliable reviewers who convinced you to buy this lousy CD.
  58. JimB
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    simply astonishing!!!
  59. JasonF
    Mar 8, 2005
    9
    His voice and music has an aching and melancholic beauty. Best album so far this year. I know it is a differnt kind of music, but this makes Bright Eye's lastest album(s), though very good, seem sophmoric.
  60. Johno
    Mar 7, 2005
    8
    Impressive stuff. Great songs. Great set of mates too. Shame his voice is so annoying after a while.
  61. CharlesM
    Mar 6, 2005
    10
    Awsome!
  62. 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.
  63. richardtoronto
    Feb 25, 2005
    10
    The only drawback to this cd is how short it is.
  64. AliK
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    best album this year with You are My Sister the standout track
  65. PeterG
    Feb 22, 2005
    9
    Amazing album. Great guests. Tender and sweet. Just look at the album cover.
  66. TimG
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    jesus I nearly cried after about the first ten seconds. Antony has the most amazing voice that gets right at you and you'll love this album after the first listen.
  67. sissy
    Feb 21, 2005
    2
    monotonous (emotionally and musically). really dull.
  68. Sydney
    Feb 20, 2005
    10
    desperately beautiful
  69. michaelp
    Feb 20, 2005
    10
    soaring throught tears, wonder and pure joy, i find myself speachless.....Antony has said it all, for now....
  70. chrisk
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    Easily one of the best albums of the year or any year.
  71. 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.
  72. Eddie
    Feb 9, 2005
    10
    poetic and heart-felt.
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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 »