My Head Is an Animal
by Of Monsters and Men
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Apr 3, 2012
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 12, 2012
    81
    My Head is an Animal is a highly impressive debut that's full of emotional lyrics, lush, diverse instrumentation, and a powerful and dynamic male/female vocals.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Sep 4, 2012
    80
    My Head Is An Animal deserves the attention it is getting, because it is a well-crafted, spirited debut album with soaring choruses and delicious harmonies.
  3. The Guardian
    Aug 24, 2012
    80
    These songs are made to be sung by giant crowds at festivals: British success is already overdue.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 12, 2012
    80
    A strong-willed, beautifully composed piece of modern day indie-folk.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Apr 12, 2012
    75
    Even with a few skipable tracks, though, Of Monsters and Men bring an Icelandic exoticism and captivating energy to U.S. audiences on My Head is an Animal.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Sep 4, 2012
    70
    'My Head Is An Animal' doesn't disappoint. Endearing, exciting, and downright enjoyable throughout, it is one of the finest debuts of the year so far.
  8. BBC Music
    Aug 21, 2012
    70
    There isn't a bad pop song here, and the balance between whimsy, sensitivity and boisterous fun is expertly weighted.
  9. AllMusic
    Apr 12, 2012
    70
    Thoughtfully crafted and full of melancholic lyricism and quietly desperate romanticism, My Head Is an Animal should appeal to any fan--whether man or monster--of sweet and wide-eyed folk-rock.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Apr 24, 2012
    60
    This Icelandic six-piece pull off a neat trick: They make whimsical sound tough.
  11. Uncut
    Aug 30, 2012
    50
    On cutesy likes of "King And Lionheart," they're closer in spirit to the plague of emoters loosed upon the world by the success of Mumford & Sons. [Sep 2012, p.81]
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  12. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 27, 2012
    40
    The sextet's debut album is too empty to excite, its odder, quieter moments all but smothered by windy rock. A shame.
  13. Q Magazine
    Aug 1, 2012
    40
    There is talent here. If only it could've been matched to a few more original ideas. [Aug 2012, p.105]
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Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2012
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 170 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 162 out of 170
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 170
  3. Negative: 7 out of 170
  1. Falling_Hammer
    Mar 14, 2013
    10
    This is a great debut album. The lyrics are well put and are not repetitive. Reminds me of Sigur Ros which is not strange since IcelandersThis is a great debut album. The lyrics are well put and are not repetitive. Reminds me of Sigur Ros which is not strange since Icelanders know how to make music. Recommended for listening.… Full Review »
  2. saltc
    Apr 22, 2012
    10
    such a nice album. every song makes you feel so elated. i dont know why. its just amazing. with winding gorgeous duets and smooth acousticsuch a nice album. every song makes you feel so elated. i dont know why. its just amazing. with winding gorgeous duets and smooth acoustic guitar, the band really pulls it together in this debut album.… Full Review »
  3. mike4444
    Oct 31, 2013
    9
    While radio stations go crazy playing little talks, I believe mountain sound to be the most noted track on the album. Mountain sound is theWhile radio stations go crazy playing little talks, I believe mountain sound to be the most noted track on the album. Mountain sound is the best but he whole album is full of great tracks with mountain sound as the best and closely rivaled by little talks and king and lionheart. This is an album that I will remember for quite some time which I find even more spectacular due to it being performed by an Icelandic band who wasn't even a thought to me a year ago.… Full Review »
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