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. JasonV
    Sep 24, 2005
    9
    An album full of sadness, regret, hopelessness and hope. Its a bright light in a world full of imposters, posers and the insincere. Never once does the music sound mawkish nor does it asscend into mopey, emo style 'torturous' voals. The pain is real, the confusion obvious. And yet amidst all this is all sounds transcendant and beautiful, flying high above the mediocrity in the An album full of sadness, regret, hopelessness and hope. Its a bright light in a world full of imposters, posers and the insincere. Never once does the music sound mawkish nor does it asscend into mopey, emo style 'torturous' voals. The pain is real, the confusion obvious. And yet amidst all this is all sounds transcendant and beautiful, flying high above the mediocrity in the music world and soaring to new levels of grace. Loads of superlatives i know but its just that kinda reoord and nothing i write here will do it justice. LISTEN NOW!… Expand
  2. AaronE
    Oct 17, 2005
    9
    Beautiful and haunting, i've never heard a voice like this before. If you enjoy the warbling vibrato of Devendra Banhart, listen to Antony, the true master. HIs beautiful floating voice is complimented by the piano dancing languidly under his fingertips.
  3. louisp
    Dec 1, 2005
    9
    I have just recently bought this album based on the numerous recommendations following the mercury prize awards. I can honestly say without any doubt that I have not heard anything this year or even this decade, as emotionally charged and with such a subtle undertone of chilling beauty, it defies any understanding as to what really moves and stirs the matters of the heart. This comforts I have just recently bought this album based on the numerous recommendations following the mercury prize awards. I can honestly say without any doubt that I have not heard anything this year or even this decade, as emotionally charged and with such a subtle undertone of chilling beauty, it defies any understanding as to what really moves and stirs the matters of the heart. This comforts the unrequitted love in all of us. amazing!!!… Expand
  4. RaulJulia
    Dec 26, 2005
    9
    awesome. this cd has called out the homophobes. scatter you cockroaches.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. GlenP
    Apr 8, 2005
    9
    emotive, uncertain, souless. he needs faith.
  9. PaulB
    Jun 18, 2005
    9
    Stunning; hard to imagine that anyone wouldn't be moved by this.
  10. LucyS
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    beautiful
  11. robinf
    Oct 16, 2006
    9
    A miracle !
  12. AdolfoG
    Mar 21, 2006
    9
    Original, profundamente bello Una instrumentacion delicada que ensambla magistralmente con unas voces increibles
  13. 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!
  14. seamusm
    Mar 28, 2006
    9
    Singular voice that arcs high like a nightingale in flight. A lovely record. Check it out.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. PaulS
    Apr 23, 2005
    9
    Very Good but not Excellent as first album )
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. [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.
  26. EdB
    Sep 8, 2005
    8
    Very good album, as much despite of as because of yr man Anthony's voice. He can sing when he wants to, but often he puts a rather melodramatic vibrato on which begins to grate after the third listen. Also, four of the tracks have an utterly superfluous guest star, which seems like a rather cynical attempt to boost sales. 'Hey, if you like Lou Reed, you'll like what Lou Very good album, as much despite of as because of yr man Anthony's voice. He can sing when he wants to, but often he puts a rather melodramatic vibrato on which begins to grate after the third listen. Also, four of the tracks have an utterly superfluous guest star, which seems like a rather cynical attempt to boost sales. 'Hey, if you like Lou Reed, you'll like what Lou Reed likes!!!'. Still, the actual music is pretty damn good, and the album is definitely worth a listen. I'm glad this pipped The Kaiser Chiefs to the prize, because whilst this album is a little overrated, their album is ridiculously overrated.… Expand
  27. andred
    Oct 17, 2005
    8
    Hoping beyond hope that this album wasn't WEIRD or BIZARRE or HERMAPHRODITIC or AN INSULT TO THE KAISER CHIEFS (because what, after all, could possibly be worse than that) I engaged an open mind and found an original, moving new sound. You can do it too maybe, unless your box of convention interferes with your ability to hear and feel.
  28. Johno
    Mar 7, 2005
    8
    Impressive stuff. Great songs. Great set of mates too. Shame his voice is so annoying after a while.
  29. MichaelB
    Dec 2, 2005
    8
    I can't help but think that the majority of the negative reviews are overtly trans-phobic ("if he wants the damn transexual (spelled incorrectly I might add) operation then he should just get it instead of crying to listeners about it!" Reeks of bigotry to me.)....and all of the people who disparage Antony's voice should resume listening to their insipid Bright Eyes albums in I can't help but think that the majority of the negative reviews are overtly trans-phobic ("if he wants the damn transexual (spelled incorrectly I might add) operation then he should just get it instead of crying to listeners about it!" Reeks of bigotry to me.)....and all of the people who disparage Antony's voice should resume listening to their insipid Bright Eyes albums in their parent's house while lamenting the fact that the derivative sonic fecal matter that passes as musical innovation (i.e. Kaiser Chiefs) is critically reviled for its mediocrity and poised to fade into the obscurity from whence it came.....This album is poignant and compelling but not necessarily consistent, it does require tolerance and patience (like an unruly child) so if you consider yourself to be a top 40 mainstream sycophant then perhaps you should just invest your money on more faux vintage clothing, and the new Coheed and Cambria album....(Claudio has an unconventional voice too, but at least he's a heteronormative misogynist with MTV promoting his pretentious prog-emo atrocities). Fistful of Love, My Lady Story, Hope There's Someone and Bird Guhl (or girl) are brilliant....but the duet with Boy George is overly sentimental and dull. Spiralling is ruined by Devendra Banhart's affected vocals, which sound nothing like he would usually, and the Rufus Wainwright song is only good if you perceive Wainwright as "the gay messiah" (I emphatically do not!!!) So borrow this CD from the library, sample sound clips at amazon, use soulseek, purchase the album if it appeals, but by all means do not post inarticulate diatribes about how Antony does not sound like Julian Casablancas (whose voice isn't that good either, but he's dirty-trendy, hip, and hetero and ripping off Gang of Four....) Because contemporary music is a grave robbing multi-million dollar industry that appropriates indie and marginal talent, bringing their music to any idiot with an eighth grade vocabulary and a keyboard.… Expand
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  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. 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
  35. KlausF
    Sep 6, 2005
    7
    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 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
  36. OrinocoA
    Dec 26, 2005
    7
    Not always, but if the mood is right...
  37. IvanF
    Feb 11, 2006
    7
    It must be a 7,because we all know what Mont Everest is, but trully beautiful, maybe he used to listen 1st Roxy Music album...
  38. 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
  39. 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.
  40. 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
  41. 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
  42. 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
  43. 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).
  44. ElizabethP
    Sep 27, 2005
    5
    There's only 3 good songs on the album: "Hope there's someone," "Fistful of love" and "Bird gurl." The rest is ANNOYING and WEIRD! The many references to hermaphrodites makes for bizarre subject matter. Listening to the some guest singers is EXCRUCIATINGLY PAINFUL!!!!!!!!!!! Guest singers on tracks 8 and 9 deserve to have their larynx ripped out and buried into the center of the There's only 3 good songs on the album: "Hope there's someone," "Fistful of love" and "Bird gurl." The rest is ANNOYING and WEIRD! The many references to hermaphrodites makes for bizarre subject matter. Listening to the some guest singers is EXCRUCIATINGLY PAINFUL!!!!!!!!!!! Guest singers on tracks 8 and 9 deserve to have their larynx ripped out and buried into the center of the earth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  45. JohnM.
    Sep 21, 2007
    5
    The voice is remarkable - the songs are not. The relentless focus on Antony's gender issues is just tiring - what is initially touching becomes beaten down after awhile. It would probably be just as irritating if it was heterosexual and so narrowly focused, for those ready to claim bias. Bottom line: everyone should listen to this album once and know this voice exists, but unless you The voice is remarkable - the songs are not. The relentless focus on Antony's gender issues is just tiring - what is initially touching becomes beaten down after awhile. It would probably be just as irritating if it was heterosexual and so narrowly focused, for those ready to claim bias. Bottom line: everyone should listen to this album once and know this voice exists, but unless you find yourself connecting personally with his sense of being ostracized, it is mostly a curiosity.… Expand
  46. 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".
  47. AndrewW
    Dec 21, 2006
    4
    I don't get it?! I have a wide-ranging taste in music. Roy Orbison to Thom Yorke to Johnny Cash to Nick Drake. Love Lou Reed. Love Rufus Wainwright. But I can't get into this album. It's not bad, but it doesn't really do anything. I've been trying to get this album for over a year now and I just give up.
  48. 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.
  49. belvedereh
    Dec 27, 2005
    3
    If you can ignore the excruciatingly awful vocals, the songs are quite nice.
  50. seanb
    Oct 28, 2005
    3
    the 3 is for originality! That is all this album is! anyone who wants to work hard to enjoy music give this one a miss!
  51. JLD
    Sep 15, 2005
    2
    I don't get it... Only like the song with rufus ! Won the Mercury Price ? Come on...
  52. sissy
    Feb 21, 2005
    2
    monotonous (emotionally and musically). really dull.
  53. 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.
  54. ChazN
    Oct 7, 2005
    1
    Don't know what everyone is getting excited about?? This idiot is almost as folorn and self indulgent as damien rice!!!!! Can someone tell me what is so good about him??
  55. WillyP
    Nov 18, 2005
    1
    Tiny Tim is alive and well, and scraping his nails down a chalkboard! I refuse to believe this music isn't a prank of some kind.
  56. 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.
  57. 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...
  58. ScottY
    Oct 31, 2005
    1
    Original...perhaps. Disappointing...definitely. Whoa...nothing on this disc jumped out at me. I lasted for 3 songs, my wife made it through 1, and the two friends I lent it to didn't get much farther, either.
  59. Jonnyw
    Oct 3, 2005
    1
    The fact that this bunch of seemingly no-hopers managed not only to make it tothe top but also deprive the excellent kaiser chiefs of the mercury music prize is a fact that i, like many i am sure, will take a very long time to get to grips with. Utter, utter trash!!
  60. TomA
    Sep 11, 2005
    1
    It's so whiney and painful to listen... i've never been a bully and in fact i was one of the kids that got picked on in school... but if i heard someone sing this crap, i would want to punch him in the face.
  61. KristannaP
    Nov 15, 2005
    1
    Is this what passes for music nowadays?! Antony's singing is whiny, his lyrics are short and stupid, his songs are either cut abruptly or drag on and on. If he wants the damn transexual operation then he should just get it instead of crying to listeners about it! This is nothing but TRASH! I WANT A REFUND!!!
  62. BlisterfishCafe
    Sep 13, 2005
    1
    Here we have it! The perfect album! Put this masterpiece on and plunge headlong into suicide. I listened to this CD while driving in my car. By the time I reached song 6, I began punching myself in the face in order to quell the pain in my ears. Thank goodness I had pulled off the road. Lord help us...Thinking of buying this CD? Picture Tiny Tim on acid talking about gender issues that Here we have it! The perfect album! Put this masterpiece on and plunge headlong into suicide. I listened to this CD while driving in my car. By the time I reached song 6, I began punching myself in the face in order to quell the pain in my ears. Thank goodness I had pulled off the road. Lord help us...Thinking of buying this CD? Picture Tiny Tim on acid talking about gender issues that you don't really care about. A mid-tempo nightmare from start to finish. Mono-tone vocals that should be used for crowd control or prisoner torture. Everyone loves this CD. If this is a joke, I didn't get the memo.… Expand
  63. ScottW
    May 11, 2006
    1
    It's not worth spending money for just one good song. Download "Fistful of Love" but don't waste your money on the rest of this crap!
  64. JasonS
    Sep 13, 2005
    0
    I don't get the love for his voice - sounds like he was kicked in the crotch and someone recorded the crying. Truly awful.
  65. Steven
    Sep 3, 2005
    0
    Hugely overrated album. I can't believe people actually listen to this snoozefest.
  66. LeonardoF
    Sep 7, 2005
    0
    Mommy, I want to be Nina Simone.
  67. MichaelR
    Nov 15, 2005
    0
    Don't submit your ears to unnecessary pain and torture.
  68. JonathanW
    Oct 20, 2005
    0
    Everybody has an understanding of the concept of originality. You take something that is different to many other albums, take a new spin on things, then try to get it published. However, many people fail to draw the line between originality and total lack of talent. I am trying to emphasise that too much emphasis is put on this in the field of people who believe in real music. If i was to Everybody has an understanding of the concept of originality. You take something that is different to many other albums, take a new spin on things, then try to get it published. However, many people fail to draw the line between originality and total lack of talent. I am trying to emphasise that too much emphasis is put on this in the field of people who believe in real music. If i was to release an album consisting of a mere collection of sounds strung together would this mean i was talented? No. I can honestly say i am disgusted that originality is so overemphasised in todays supposedly, in my opinion, very much musically-informed society. Dont get me wrong. I do not conform to the traditional ways.If i like a song, i like it-simple as that!! However, I can honestly say that i have never, in my long life, ever, ever, seen a better example of originality overrated by genuine talent than anthony and the johnsons. I will be forever sickened that a band like this could win such a prestigious prize as the mercury. I sincrelely hope that an utter, utter, travesty like this disgrace will never, ever, ever, happen again… Expand
  69. 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
  70. 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.
  71. DeanS.
    Jun 14, 2005
    0
    I Am A Turd Now
  72. LennyD
    Mar 27, 2005
    0
    Shockingly dull and highly overrated. Very reminiscent in style of Mick Hucknall: Simply red.
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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]
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