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i Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: Stephin Merritt handles all of the vocal duties on Magnetic Fields' latest release (so named because each song title begins with the letter I), though the musicians who helped flesh out '69 Love Songs' return, including Claudia Gonson (also of Future Bible Heroes and the band's manager),Stephin Merritt handles all of the vocal duties on Magnetic Fields' latest release (so named because each song title begins with the letter I), though the musicians who helped flesh out '69 Love Songs' return, including Claudia Gonson (also of Future Bible Heroes and the band's manager), John Woo and Sam Davol.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    Beautifully melodic, quietly clever and painfully smart. [Jul 2004, p.136]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    83
    When the songs are not just clever but lively--most spectacularly on the unrelenting "I Thought You Were My Boyfriend"--Stephin Merritt's demo-ready monotone could pass for a singing voice.
  3. Splendid
    80
    The only real problem with i is the sheer volume of excellence we've all come to expect from Merritt.
  4. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Similar to Ben Folds and Aimee Mann, Merritt revives the lost art of inventing captivating fictions entwined with personal reflection.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Sometimes his lyrics are better than his melodies... and too often even his happy songs sound dreary. [7 May 2004, p.84]
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  6. Dusted Magazine
    70
    In brevity it betters the 1999 boxed set, in songwriting it plateaus.
  7. Uncut
    40
    A curiously uninvolving affair. [Jun 2004, p.95]
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See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. SaraL
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    Dark, cheerful, and catchy..."I don't really love you anymore" is my favorite.
  2. JimmyBuffett
    May 6, 2004
    10
    The best album Jimmy Buffett's heard all year!
  4. Shane
    May 29, 2004
    10
    2nd best CD of the year (to Franz Ferdinand.) Merritt's lyrics are just as powerful as ever, and the music is just as crisp.
  5. OtterKinderhaus
    May 10, 2004
    9
    Damn...what an enjoyable album. Highly recommended for one and all.
  6. AlexA
    Jun 22, 2004
    9
    The album seems to be a dreary return to the days of 80's british rock, the album is quite catchy. You may find your self reciting the The album seems to be a dreary return to the days of 80's british rock, the album is quite catchy. You may find your self reciting the amazingly simple lyrics over and over in your head with out realizing it, but the complexity of the melodies is something that will intrigue the critic who is searching for something a little bit deeper.… Collapse
  7. JohnA
    Feb 18, 2005
    8
    Do not be off-put by guarded and jaded Pitchfork reviews or those joyless imbeciles at Uncut. 69LS was untoppable, but Merrit's dewy Do not be off-put by guarded and jaded Pitchfork reviews or those joyless imbeciles at Uncut. 69LS was untoppable, but Merrit's dewy sentimentalism, flinty cynicism and appetite for seduction remain unstoppable.… Expand
  8. Ricko
    Aug 27, 2019
    6
    I can appreciate I. Stephen Merrit must laugh with some satisfaction when he sees people talking about this record. Like many Magnetic FieldsI can appreciate I. Stephen Merrit must laugh with some satisfaction when he sees people talking about this record. Like many Magnetic Fields efforts, I is a decent, a sometimes good record but ultimately one that falls well short of true greatness. "I" is ambitious in its own way, 14 songs revolving around the letter/noun I is always going to be a challenge. Tracks like "I looked all over town", "I thought you were my boyfriend" and "I don't believe you" invoke the spirit of 99 Love Songs - quirky pop with a dollop of eccentric genius on top. Then you have stuff like "Is this what they used to call love".… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2004