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. 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
  2. Mikecael
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    The most beautiful album that I've heard in my whole life . So deep untouchable
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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!
  8. Jan
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    An outstanding beautiful voice, very good instrumentalists and some unbelievable touching lyrics. I like to listen to this songs a real lot from time to time. 10 points from me.
  9. Maiken
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    I just can't believe how beautiful this album is. It's .. stunning. I just don't have words.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. BernadetteD
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    All of the people who hated this album had nothing constructive to say>Criticism is supposed to be constructive,not just ignorant drivel.You all must be emotionally barren and bereft.This album is the best thing ever.Antonys voice would make you cry.For the person who claimed he could sing like antony if he wanted to;I don't think so mate,not in a million years.
  13. MichelNL
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    At first, when I heard some of the songs from this album through the PC speakers of my colleague, the sound really annoyed me. What kind of fake, drag-queen voice is this? OMG.. Yes, I do have some minor homophobic issues, sorry - can't help it yet but well that's me. Then, a few weeks later I started to look out for new music on several music review sites and played many of the At first, when I heard some of the songs from this album through the PC speakers of my colleague, the sound really annoyed me. What kind of fake, drag-queen voice is this? OMG.. Yes, I do have some minor homophobic issues, sorry - can't help it yet but well that's me. Then, a few weeks later I started to look out for new music on several music review sites and played many of the high-rated unknown CD's/artists in YouTube, hoping to find good vitamin M. Of course, there was Antony and the Johnsons and I recognised the drag-queen sound again. But now, being in the ambience of my living-room, I deceided to give it a fair chance and listened carefully without prejudice. I discovered that Antony has a stunning voice, actually. Initially I didn't want to admit it, but I just can't keep telling to myself that someting is yellow whilst it's clearly green. So a few days later I deceided to buy the CD I'm a bird now.. I have it for 2-3 weeks and I've played it maybe 6,7 times Everytime this music gives me shivers, which is actually quite rare for me. And it only seems getting better. Unfortunately I am not a native English speaker, hence I probably cannot find the right words to precise my enhousiasm. So I'll just write what I literally think when I listen to it: "Wooooow...This album is f*ck*ng gorgeous man!!!" I cannot imagine how a music album is getting any better than this. Different maybe, but rarely better. Giving it less than a 10 would be a matter of principles, not of absolute appreciation. I'm going to play it again guys, right now. I'm in love. Although I really don't want to be ;-)… Expand
  14. robinf
    Oct 16, 2006
    9
    A miracle !
  15. sean
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Easily the best album of 2005. Hands down. This is music that will take you on a journey to a place above yourself if you let it. Hope There Is Someone and Bird Gurl are the two best songs of 2005. BUY THIS ALBUM!
  16. ChristianB
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    The most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Live even better.
  17. 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.
  18. BronW
    May 28, 2006
    9
    Challenging, haunting and beautiful, it sends tingles down my spine every time. Ignore the killjoys, not all music is supposed to be easy. This is gorgeous stuff.
  19. JohnO
    Apr 22, 2006
    10
    Like nothing i've heard before. Fascinating vocals, with a live, unplugged feel. Quite amazing!
  20. paul
    Apr 8, 2006
    9
    not always easy to listen to. different . intriging and in parts truely amazing
  21. seamusm
    Mar 28, 2006
    9
    Singular voice that arcs high like a nightingale in flight. A lovely record. Check it out.
  22. Amanda
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    This album brings tears to my eyes every time. Also makes me smile like crazy.
  23. MarkB
    Mar 24, 2006
    10
    Amazing vocals! A must have for everyone! an absolute 10
  24. KyleK
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Probably the most cohesive and moving album of the year.
  25. anthonyb
    Mar 22, 2006
    9
    this album is amazing! there is no other artist like this. antony coveys all of his omtions through song, it is entrancing and beautiful....this album is a must have!
  26. AdolfoG
    Mar 21, 2006
    9
    Original, profundamente bello Una instrumentacion delicada que ensambla magistralmente con unas voces increibles
  27. MattB
    Mar 4, 2006
    9
    Bizarre how so many people say this is "overrated". Look at all the 10s. People love this album. It moves people. It moved me from the the opening chord to the end. Less deserving of the Mercury Award than the Kaiser Chiefs?!! Give me a break! Have you no hearts OR souls?
  28. catherinep
    Mar 1, 2006
    10
    he is the best. with a beautiful voice he turns their musics wonderful.
  29. rogerk
    Feb 19, 2006
    10
    one of the only cd's that i never get tiered of listing too
  30. DavidW
    Feb 16, 2006
    10
    An album that stops your blood flowing lest you miss one word or phrase from that incredible voice.
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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 »