My Finest Work Yet
by
My Finest Work Yet Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

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  • Summary: The 12th full-length solo studio release for the singer-songwriter was produced by Paul Butler.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The A.V. Club
    Mar 22, 2019
    91
    he 10 tracks that make up My Finest Work Yet feel even more present, more in the moment, while never sacrificing any musicianship. Paul Butler’s production makes a gorgeous chorus out of the potential cacophony of a roomful of instruments and voices. The arrangements are as precise as ever, the track order gradually revealing a narrative that includes wrongdoings, incitement, and action.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 25, 2019
    86
    It may not garner the same kind of fond appreciation that fans have for The Mysterious Production of Eggs, or Break It Yourself, but this album is less a niche corner of the folk genre and more an illustrious banner for all to appreciate. In Bird’s vast canon of genre experimentation, there’s room for at least one big time indie-rock record--and this fills those shoes quite well.
  3. Exclaim
    Mar 20, 2019
    80
    Blending themes of politics and modern science into his fashion of storytelling, My Finest Work Yet is a true tour de force.
  4. Q Magazine
    Mar 20, 2019
    80
    My Finest Work is definitely a high watermark, and one that deserves to reach a bigger audience. [May 2019, p.117]
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  5. Under The Radar
    Apr 3, 2019
    80
    These 10 songs are some of his most musically straightforward and accessible.
  6. Pitchfork
    Mar 25, 2019
    76
    A pleasantly surprising return on My Finest Work Yet, his most plainly and darkly funny album in a long time.
  7. Mojo
    Mar 20, 2019
    60
    Rufus Wainwright-goes-to-grad-school lushness dominates, though, and despite Bird's Death Of Marat pose on the cover, My Finest Work is not quite revolutionary. [May 2019, p.93]
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See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Mmmmmkafka
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Every time I listen I love it even more. I’ve always tried to love Andrew Bird. This album made me a fan. I feel like I’ve been listening toEvery time I listen I love it even more. I’ve always tried to love Andrew Bird. This album made me a fan. I feel like I’ve been listening to him forever. Ugh every song is perfect.… Expand
  2. CapnBill
    Apr 22, 2019
    10
    I'm really surprised to not see more people citing this album as a companion piece to Marvin Gaye's What's Goin On? This album seem stoI'm really surprised to not see more people citing this album as a companion piece to Marvin Gaye's What's Goin On? This album seem sto bubble up from the cracked surface of a tapped out Mother Earth with the purpose of conviction that Bird wears well. Beyond the obvious possible read as a cautionary tale on the perils of letting your enemies effect your narrative, there is an earthiness to the instrumentation that feels both organic and ethereal simultaneously.

    Bird earns every peak in a fairly straightforward way that he hasn't used to this extent in prior long plays. This album builds into worthy crescendos and lush lulls in ways that lead a listener down a path of fulfillment and out of a fog of social media scuzziness. If Bird is signalling an era of post-anger, I am ready to join forces and reject the reactionary culture so in vogue. Our anger has been spun into profits for the few and I for one can jump from that train and live a fulfilled life by Cracking the Code.

    The beauty of Bird's melodies have never been in question. The complexity of his allegories have sometimes required a deep understanding of the classics, but on this one, his melodies payoff more than ever because the impact of the words is so direct. Pull away from the particulars of the trees and view the forest for what he has assembled. True that our enemies are part of that forest, but they don't need to drive our narrative if we choose.    … Expand
  4. mythras
    Oct 26, 2019
    10
    Album of the year. My favorite in years, and I’m looking (since Sturgill Simpson’s sailor’s guide to earth or nick cave’s lovely creatures,Album of the year. My favorite in years, and I’m looking (since Sturgill Simpson’s sailor’s guide to earth or nick cave’s lovely creatures, which as a compilation doesn’t compete). The critics really missed this one (surprise surprise). Hot singles: Bellevue Bridge Club, Bloodless (check the video), Manifest. An extremely cohesive album from open to close. This is art, what music and poetry should strive to be, that gets better with each listen. Hand’s down, Bird’s finest work yet.… Expand
  5. CiphirSol
    Apr 16, 2019
    9
    It's like Andrew Bird but the song structures are more Father John Misty, and that's a good thing. Plenty of nuance in the production rewardsIt's like Andrew Bird but the song structures are more Father John Misty, and that's a good thing. Plenty of nuance in the production rewards repeated listens.… Expand
  6. matheusvhs
    Apr 3, 2019
    9
    My Finest Work Here, it was Andrew Bird's first album that I listened to, if it's his finest work here, I don't know. But this is one of theMy Finest Work Here, it was Andrew Bird's first album that I listened to, if it's his finest work here, I don't know. But this is one of the best albums released this year so far, I'm sure!… Expand
  7. musicwizard636
    May 7, 2019
    8
    This new record "My Finest Work Yet" finds Andrew Bird channeling his inner Father John Misty with catchy yet bitter songs about life andThis new record "My Finest Work Yet" finds Andrew Bird channeling his inner Father John Misty with catchy yet bitter songs about life and love. Fittingly, it is his finest work yet.… Expand
  8. MusicMan72
    Mar 22, 2019
    6
    I am a big fan of Andrew Bird. But while I write this I am comparing the last album which was fantastic, I find this new one drags a bit. TheI am a big fan of Andrew Bird. But while I write this I am comparing the last album which was fantastic, I find this new one drags a bit. The pacing seems off. A couple of songs the first one and the last 2 on the album are good, not great. But the middle seems to be a mosh pit of ideas that are not going anywhere. Definitely not as catchy are prior albums (Noble Beast) Seems to be of a deep blues, deep jazz influence. I have listened to it 3 times, and I still get that feeling. Not the finest work but OK.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2019

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