I Love You, Honeybear
by Father John Misty
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Feb 10, 2015
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 239 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 219 out of 239
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 239
  3. Negative: 9 out of 239
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  1. JeroDweebKing
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    Father John Misty, aka Josh Tillman, manages to top 2012's phenomenal Fear Fun with this incredibly beautiful, passionate, depressing, honest, and often hilarious account of his misadventures with his wife, Emma. He expands on the Folk sound that he cultivated on Fear Fun by going completely over the top, giving listeners a synth pop jam in "True Affection," or the extravagantlyFather John Misty, aka Josh Tillman, manages to top 2012's phenomenal Fear Fun with this incredibly beautiful, passionate, depressing, honest, and often hilarious account of his misadventures with his wife, Emma. He expands on the Folk sound that he cultivated on Fear Fun by going completely over the top, giving listeners a synth pop jam in "True Affection," or the extravagantly orchestrated title track. There is so much to this album, it gets better with every listen.… Expand
  2. baibhav97
    Feb 20, 2015
    10
    This is J. Tillman at his best. 2012's Fear Fun was brilliant but I Love You, Honeybear solidifies his position as an amazing singer songwriter. He clearly stands out with his brilliant songwriting skills and candidly discusses love, marriage, depression and heartbreak in his idiosyncratic style. This is perhaps the best album of the year till now.
  3. princesaetro
    Mar 24, 2015
    10
    Since the guitar sparks to promising and emotive vocals of Josh, from the title song to the Holy **** he is not lost, is so good that makes you reflect how people are not commenting on. Mastery in song, the current folk music apex. Modern, ingenious, benevolent and clean, are these words that I say that Father John Misty gave us one of today's best sound works.
  4. Jackoasta
    Sep 23, 2015
    10
    I really don't know what I can say about this fantastic album but to listen to it. It's just a wonderful piece of work that makes me smile from start to finish.
  5. beroau
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    There hasn't been a shortage of misanthropic, love-fueled, playboy singer-songwriters in recent memory, but Tillman's insightful and often explicit confessions bring a fresh perspective to a well-worn trail.
  6. ramdom
    Feb 11, 2015
    7
    It's really ABOUT TIME, that this site, the so-called MetaCritic, started separating their releases into:
    CURRENT & REISSUED releases. I'm getting terribly annoyed seeing 40 or 25 year old recordings dominating the Top O' the Charts while new efforts have to be picked through to discover what's actually new and exciting music. C'mon people - make the leap!
  7. Muddsjr
    Mar 7, 2015
    7
    not too dissimilar to John Grant, lyrics, vocals and all yet simultaneously an enjoyable album that moves folk in some aspects to more interesting places.
  8. Petrocelli
    Apr 4, 2015
    8
    This is a nice, listenable album with a lot of good songs. It may sneak into a top 10 list somewhere at the end of the year. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but it is certainly worth listening to several times. The lyrics are worth the price of admission.
  9. jyo_tirmaya
    Feb 10, 2015
    8
    Delightful in so many ways. ...his melodies, lyrics and instrumentation are more advanced/realized than his first release. This album comes so recommended!
  10. Hackskeptic
    Jun 11, 2015
    8
    Josh Tilman’s second album under the Father John Misty moniker lays down some of the most personal barbs and witticisms as he treats the listener to the most sincere confessional.
    The music that surrounds his life melodramatics is richly tempered, relaxed and a testimony to his idiosyncratic tenacity to honest songcraft.
  11. Ricko
    Oct 6, 2015
    8
    I have to admit FJM's debut has grown on me at an unexpected rate from when it first came out and by the time album number 2 arrived from Mr J Tillman, I had become a huge fan. "I Love You Honeybear" is the ideal and logical follow up to debut "Fear Fun". Again we have got the irresistible indie folk with the drug inspired and trippy lyrics but their is more self assuredness this timeI have to admit FJM's debut has grown on me at an unexpected rate from when it first came out and by the time album number 2 arrived from Mr J Tillman, I had become a huge fan. "I Love You Honeybear" is the ideal and logical follow up to debut "Fear Fun". Again we have got the irresistible indie folk with the drug inspired and trippy lyrics but their is more self assuredness this time around and the confidence is there to hear. "Chateau Lobby #4" is one of the songs of 2015 from what has to be one of the albums of the year. "True Affection" and "Bored in the USA" are other highlights. "While You'r Smiling and Astride Me" is another top quality effort. Throughout the album the listener is taken out of modern times and all that goes with it to a seemingly more simple yet stranger time. A great listen.… Expand
  12. imthenoob
    Dec 25, 2021
    8
    Treated as a loving tribute to his wife, I Love You, Honeybear captures the magic that made Fear Fun so good and is a creative masterpiece that will more than satisfy fans of his "debut" album.
  13. Mab_987
    Feb 15, 2015
    9
    A truly remarkable record, where Josh refocuses his unique lyrical chops onto love & relationships and, complete with that dry sense of humor, they end up all the more effective for it. And it all comes with a great vintage-meets-present sound backing it up. The first true landmark album of 2015 IMO.

    (For a long more in-depth review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)
  14. molecular
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    An absolutely beautiful album from beginning to end. One doesn't only get hooked on the great melodies, but lyrics also. This will be on my top ten at the end of the year.
  15. brockcheese
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    Father John Misty reincarnates himself once again as the depressing and recurring dream of J Tillman where he shows him his foils in love. The layered instrumental tracks really bring this entire album together, making it one of the best singer/songwriter albums I have ever heard.
  16. Custom_Concerns
    Feb 16, 2015
    9
    Extravagant songwriting and instrumentation coupled with Tillman's poignant lyrics and vocal delivery make I Love You, Honeybear one of the best folk rock albums released in these past few years. For someone very impatient for a new Fleet Foxes record, this album may very well tide me over until that time comes.
  17. CiphirSol
    Feb 17, 2015
    9
    If Beck won a grammy this year for "Morning Phase", then I would definitely expect Father John Misty's excellent "I Love You, Honeybear" to be one of the front-runners at the Grammies for next year.
  18. exodus9237
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    It is simply impressive, how the music sounds so nostalgic and in some cases romantic, and the lyrics, are made of a tough and critical expression, Tillman is a true artist, he speaks what he wants, in just the way he wants, adding that expert ability to make great music and thoughtful harmonies. He is a definition of a singer-songrwiter(-composer).
  19. Nahil
    Mar 24, 2015
    9
    Except for the occasional pothole, and some language I don't quite understand why it needed to be there, this album is great. Like, really good. Father John Misty weaves a gorgeous sound, sharp song writing, and expert musicianship. The happy go lucky atmosphere blended with realism creates beautiful contrast. Did I mention this album also being cohesive, smart, and detailed? Really,Except for the occasional pothole, and some language I don't quite understand why it needed to be there, this album is great. Like, really good. Father John Misty weaves a gorgeous sound, sharp song writing, and expert musicianship. The happy go lucky atmosphere blended with realism creates beautiful contrast. Did I mention this album also being cohesive, smart, and detailed? Really, it's hard to overrate this work and I've been loving it.… Expand
  20. Neilluj
    Mar 9, 2015
    8
    Ça prend un certain cran pour drainer la témérité issue des débauches amoureuses d'un homme; ça prend encore plus d'audace pour les traduire en musique. Josh Tillman a été en mesure de créer un équilibre assez intéressant sur I Love You Honeybear.

    En ce sens, les textes sont influencés par les expériences plus ou moins joyeuses de Tillman, le tout supporté par un folk/pop aux    Ça prend un certain cran pour drainer la témérité issue des débauches amoureuses d'un homme; ça prend encore plus d'audace pour les traduire en musique. Josh Tillman a été en mesure de créer un équilibre assez intéressant sur I Love You Honeybear.

    En ce sens, les textes sont influencés par les expériences plus ou moins joyeuses de Tillman, le tout supporté par un folk/pop aux arrangements sophistiqués.Tillman, ou Father John Misty, traite avec aisance de sa première expérience sexuelle sur Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins) pour ensuite dénoncer les inégalités dont souffrent la classe moyenne sur Bored in the USA : They gave me useless education/ And a sub-prime loan on a craftsman home/ Keep my prescriptions filled/ And now I can't get off but I can kind of deal. Les thématiques abordées reflètent la maturité artistique, et personnelle, de l'homme et rend I Love You Honeybear facilement accessible.

    Le contexte de l'album est on ne peut plus classique. La rencontre d'une femme aura finalement eu raison des soirées perverses de sexe de drogue et d'alcool de Tillman. Ceci dit, la livraison irrévérencieuse est totalement assumée avec humour et dérision ce qui assure une harmonie pour les sections plus sombres et dépravées du 2e opus de Father John Misty.    … Expand
  21. YungZulu
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    This will probably be one of my favorite singer-songwriter albums of the year. The lyrics on the album are hilarious, depressing, and overall very satirical. The instrumentation is extremely lush and well produced. The song Chateau Lobby #4 has beautiful horns and the song "The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apartment" has a wonderful Velvet Underground and Nico vibe to it. Overall, thisThis will probably be one of my favorite singer-songwriter albums of the year. The lyrics on the album are hilarious, depressing, and overall very satirical. The instrumentation is extremely lush and well produced. The song Chateau Lobby #4 has beautiful horns and the song "The Night Josh Tillman Came To Our Apartment" has a wonderful Velvet Underground and Nico vibe to it. Overall, this is a very well made album by Father John Misty,… Expand
  22. codyeff
    Apr 5, 2015
    9
    This album is brilliant. I don't typically listen to this kind of music, but it was recommended to me and it did not disappoint. Tillman crated a beautiful concept album about his life and it is executed with precision. I definitely recommend this to anyone no matter what kind of music one listens to.
  23. chickenbowl
    Apr 2, 2015
    9
    Father John Misty is lost in his own world. He is struggling with problems that I was not aware we're even problems. Somehow, I still love to listen to him. This album is beautiful and graceful and full of attitude.
  24. DRauchDoes2015
    Apr 21, 2015
    8
    One of the most hilarious folk albums I've ever heard. Tillman's lyricism is absolutely biting, occasionally a bit acidic even, and is backed by densely layered, euphoric instrumentation. His delivery, quality of voice, and pointed storytelling brings to mind a younger, more profane Don MacLean. Some of the tracks on here actually make me burst into laughter, really loudly. SimultaneouslyOne of the most hilarious folk albums I've ever heard. Tillman's lyricism is absolutely biting, occasionally a bit acidic even, and is backed by densely layered, euphoric instrumentation. His delivery, quality of voice, and pointed storytelling brings to mind a younger, more profane Don MacLean. Some of the tracks on here actually make me burst into laughter, really loudly. Simultaneously presenting himself as a complete romantic and a sarcastic misanthrope, Father John Misty's I Love You, Honeybear is a delightful confection.… Expand
  25. ItsClassyChris
    Apr 27, 2015
    10
    When I first heard this album I thought it was trash mainly because of the generational gap. This album is actually one of the best albums I've heard in awhile. Unlike modern chart toppers the Hooks, and Chorus aren't catchy but instead the melody and the verses. A highlight on this album is the satirical "Bored in the USA".
  26. jtucker
    Aug 14, 2015
    9
    A truly beautiful album. the melodies are great and the lyrics are even better. Probably going to be my favorite singer songwriter albums of the year.
  27. jtucker7
    Aug 19, 2015
    10
    A truly beautiful album. the melodies are great and the lyrics are even better. Probably going to be my favorite singer songwriter albums of the year.
  28. mau1
    Dec 3, 2015
    10
    This is J. Tillman at his best. 2012's Fear Fun was brilliant but I Love You, Honeybear solidifies his position as an amazing singer songwriter. He clearly stands out with his brilliant songwriting skills and candidly discusses love, marriage, depression and heartbreak in his idiosyncratic style. This is perhaps the best album of the year till now.
  29. Jumpman
    Jan 15, 2016
    9
    I cannot describe how much i love this album!!! Everyone likes it!!!!!!! It's great!!!!! 9/10!!!!!!! Father john misty is now my favorite artist!wow!!
  30. Absurd
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    This in my humble opinion is probably one of the best albums to come out of 2015. Father John Misty's song writing is marvellous to say the least, but what really hits this album home for me is the lyrics. John Misty's humorous and cynical poetry is fascinating to me and really keeps me concentrated on trying to figure out what he's trying to convey. The only weak point I find is theThis in my humble opinion is probably one of the best albums to come out of 2015. Father John Misty's song writing is marvellous to say the least, but what really hits this album home for me is the lyrics. John Misty's humorous and cynical poetry is fascinating to me and really keeps me concentrated on trying to figure out what he's trying to convey. The only weak point I find is the second song True Affection which although I like feels out of place and a bit of a experiment, which shouldn't have been put on this record. Apart from that this album to me is great.… Expand
  31. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    No other artist can speak directly to my cynicism, narcissism, depression, romanticism, and nihilism like FJM does
  32. VirangaPerera
    Nov 24, 2019
    9
    Amazing album.I love the organic production.Easily one of the best albums of the decade.FJM's lyrics are fantastic too.
  33. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 11, 2021
    8
    Sincerely remarkable. A love story filled with ludite distaste, over grown plantations and applause. It's Fjm best body of work which balances all his best qualities and his worst traits into the most honest love letter in recent memory. A must hear filled with gems and concluded with a autobiographical retelling of how he met the woman he'd marry
    Favourites: true affection, chateaux    Sincerely remarkable. A love story filled with ludite distaste, over grown plantations and applause. It's Fjm best body of work which balances all his best qualities and his worst traits into the most honest love letter in recent memory. A must hear filled with gems and concluded with a autobiographical retelling of how he met the woman he'd marry
    Favourites: true affection, chateaux lobby #4,holy **** went to the store    … Expand
  34. frightopia
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    Wow, this was an amazing album with no skips! This may be a 10 for me after some more listens!

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best Album of 2015
40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2015
48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Apr 23, 2015
    78
    You're inclined to not like the too-self-aware man of I Love You, Honeybear, rejecting his moodiness because you can't stand another white man taking himself so fucking seriously. Then again, making fun of him is just falling into his trap.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Feb 19, 2015
    80
    Musically, Honeybear is more polished effort than Fear Fun, with more production and horns to fill out the songs and an even bigger experimental streak. [No. 117, p.56]
  3. Mojo
    Feb 13, 2015
    80
    There are grand arrangements and barbed bon mots in the style of Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson, but what's most striking are the more restrained moments. [Mar 2014, p.94]
See all critic reviews »