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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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 Icelanders know how to make music. Recommended for listening.
  2. theahsanhaseeb
    Oct 6, 2012
    8
    What's good is this album is that it offers something you have already listened to in a fresh way. You really got to appreciate the lovely vocals of Ragnar Þórhallsson and Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and the entire band's effort into making this record possible. What's funny is that it's their debut album so I can expect them to be even better in their futureWhat's good is this album is that it offers something you have already listened to in a fresh way. You really got to appreciate the lovely vocals of Ragnar Þórhallsson and Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and the entire band's effort into making this record possible. What's funny is that it's their debut album so I can expect them to be even better in their future projects. People who keep on saying that they sound like Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros or even Arcade Fire are just ignoring the fact that they all incorporate the same genre and even if they sound similar, that's an achievement for Of Monsters and Men. Overall, it is a good album which really need a listen.… Expand
  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 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 beingWhile 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.… Expand
  4. 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 acoustic guitar, the band really pulls it together in this debut album.
  5. cameronmorewood
    Aug 13, 2013
    10
    Here's a joyous album that'll make you feel like a kid again. The songs are so rich and colorful, they're practically about imagination itself. Safe to say, these Icelanders know what they're doing.
  6. Slappydavis
    May 15, 2012
    1
    The band has nothing to say, and delivers. Cold and calculating where it should be genuine and warm. Like your friend saying they're completely random every day, it's pretension for the every-man.
  7. gtroyp
    May 3, 2012
    9
    In a crowded field of bands doing jangly guitar, two-vocal pop-folk, OMAM are still somehow special. It must be in the water in Iceland to make magical music. You read other reviews, and joy is the word you run into time and again. That's because this is a joy-filled endeavor, and listening to it will put on smile on your face; I promise.
  8. armour
    May 14, 2012
    8
    A fantastic album despite sounding just like a combination of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Mumford & Sons. Still, while not doing anything new, they do craft beautiful, jubilent songs.
  9. mdm389
    Jul 13, 2012
    7
    While a complete album, the thing holding it back is that one can listen to the entire way through without retaining much more than the hook of "Little Talks." In of itself, it's a solid outing, but it never truly impresses or does anything that countless other indie folk bands already have. Those who love the indie folk genre will probably love it, though, and should pick it upWhile a complete album, the thing holding it back is that one can listen to the entire way through without retaining much more than the hook of "Little Talks." In of itself, it's a solid outing, but it never truly impresses or does anything that countless other indie folk bands already have. Those who love the indie folk genre will probably love it, though, and should pick it up immediately. Others should at least give it a listen or two, there are many good tracks here.… Expand
  10. Zelda_Racer
    Mar 21, 2013
    9
    Oh man, I loved it whenever 'Little Talks' came on the radio, so I decided to check out the full album. I found that they're no one-hit wonder: he majority of the songs on the album are fantastic featuring excellent melodies and most songs have lyrics that tell a little story, something desperately missing from most popular music today. In addition, these folks really know how to make aOh man, I loved it whenever 'Little Talks' came on the radio, so I decided to check out the full album. I found that they're no one-hit wonder: he majority of the songs on the album are fantastic featuring excellent melodies and most songs have lyrics that tell a little story, something desperately missing from most popular music today. In addition, these folks really know how to make a song it's loud and complex during choruses, and simpler yet no less entertaining in verses. But trust me when I say that statement doesn't do the quality of the music justice. It's too bad the last few tracks don't carry the standard that the first 8 or so do, or it would've been a perfect 10.… Expand
  11. CJSlikesturtles
    May 19, 2013
    7
    A really happy and joyful LP. This album is full of some great folk-pop songs that really make you want to sing along, but there are some other songs on this album that are nothing more than mediocre. I good debut album for the band to get there name out there.
  12. GHopp8
    Oct 7, 2013
    9
    This is a great album. I love when I put in an album and get something I don't expect; a sound I haven't heard before. When listening to My Head Is an Animal I'm taking aback and find myself falling in love with a band again. This album encapsulates so many emotions in a sound complete unique to Of Monsters and Men. The ultimate chill album while studying.
  13. lewisnoel
    Jul 11, 2013
    8
    What I find most encouraging about My Head Is an Animal is the variety of what OMAM can produce. From the radio-fit pop sounds of Mountain Sound to the morose Love, Love, Love, to the rock-infused From Finner and the comtemplative Yellow Light. It's an eclectic mix of high-quality melodic pieces that at the same time doesn't feel like you're jumping across genres. I would have liked toWhat I find most encouraging about My Head Is an Animal is the variety of what OMAM can produce. From the radio-fit pop sounds of Mountain Sound to the morose Love, Love, Love, to the rock-infused From Finner and the comtemplative Yellow Light. It's an eclectic mix of high-quality melodic pieces that at the same time doesn't feel like you're jumping across genres. I would have liked to have seen more vocal harmonies at play since it worked so well in Dirty Paws, instead of having so many tracks with the back-and forth between Nanna and Ragnar. The best tracks are split four ways for me between Dirty Paws, Mountain Sound, Love, Love, Love and Yellow Light, whose three minute instrumental to finish left me scrambling to listen again and again. Less inspired is King and Lionheart, which brings you down from the high of the lead track, and Lakehouse, which just didn't work for me. 7.5/10… Expand
  14. jotaeseche
    Jul 29, 2014
    7
    Taking into account those precious hits that mark a basis for what's to come for OMAM (like Little Talks and Mountain Sound), the album itself spins around the same topics, lyrics, instruments, rhythms and nostalgic joy. At some point, while you're strolling in the woods trying to find the correct pathway and answer, you get to wonder if you're going to the right place, or you're justTaking into account those precious hits that mark a basis for what's to come for OMAM (like Little Talks and Mountain Sound), the album itself spins around the same topics, lyrics, instruments, rhythms and nostalgic joy. At some point, while you're strolling in the woods trying to find the correct pathway and answer, you get to wonder if you're going to the right place, or you're just still wandering around endlessly.… Expand
  15. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    9
    I don't get why this album is reviewed so poorly. I think it is a great debut album.
  16. MacsMusic
    Mar 25, 2018
    9
    MHisA honestly sounds magical - it takes the listener to another more magical, epic world. Few albums do that as well as this one. The music is incredible, especially on "Dirty Paws", "From Finner", "Little Talks", "Six Weeks", and others. The vocals on this album are unparalleled, with a sound unlike any others. Vocally, this album is better than BTS, thanks to the male singer gettingMHisA honestly sounds magical - it takes the listener to another more magical, epic world. Few albums do that as well as this one. The music is incredible, especially on "Dirty Paws", "From Finner", "Little Talks", "Six Weeks", and others. The vocals on this album are unparalleled, with a sound unlike any others. Vocally, this album is better than BTS, thanks to the male singer getting more attention on this album.

    "Love" fails in the lyrics department and is less impressive musically as it's peers. Lyrically, this album is strong. "Little Talks" and "Sloom" have beautiful lyrics that have real heart, amplified by the great music and vocals. The music and vocals are the real reason this album is amazing, and almost never fail. All in all, MHisA is an amazing, magical debut that almost never fails.    … Expand
  17. redcatsix
    Sep 5, 2019
    9
    Moody and atmospheric indie rock. This band has introduced a unique sound that will forever be remembered. It's both intimate and grand at the same time.
  18. luisfoiadelli
    Sep 10, 2020
    10
    the excellence of music. I love so much this band! Of Monsters and Men are incredible band.
  19. KhangLe98
    Jul 21, 2020
    10
    A great debut album, every song in the album is written with care, emotion and hard-work. Loved every songs in this album.
  20. humdrumdum
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    great album, would marry if could.

    hdfndsjnf,kmewnafkjsdvndnsvmdfkjvnsddvfdskjnvjafjdsnfjawufadfdfnkndfkjsdnfhndshfnsdhbfsdhjvnjskdcalkjsfkshfnscjvasnnamsnfaskcdnvndnvhkjdnvdvajdcnakjvmndamvnajvnkhdanvhkdsahvdnvkjndvjlknadvjnadnvkndavhjld
  21. cballow
    Oct 18, 2022
    9
    Very good album, as more of an alternative grunge kid I wouldn't expect to find such a interest in this foriegn indie album. However there are 4 songs on this album that I really like, Dirty Paws, Little talk, King and Lionheart, Love Love Love. I would actually rank them in this order, but if you haven't heard this band or you've just heard little talks I HIGHLY recommend a tleast trying
  22. bayas
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    A great album, with everything that could be asked: emotional resonance, delicious instrumentation, and great melodies. The formule is kind of repetitive, but that counts for the rest of the group´s trajectory, not for this amazing album. Is the kind of album I would have liked to listen as a kid. It is dark but sweet and symbolic. A children´s epic.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. 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]
See all critic reviews »