If beauty was to be somehow captured on a compact disk, it would be The Crying Light, the third album by Antony and the Johnsons. Straight down to the strangely awe-inspiring album cover (a portrait of Japanese dancer Kazuo Ohno, to whom the album is dedicated), this is a masterpiece; all that can compare to Antony’s stunning vocals are the elegant symphonic arrangements from composer Nico Muhly.
An album about human relationship with nature, the theme is particularly evident with “Another World,” a touching look at the landscape fading away and a plea for a world of peace and singing birds. Antony has an empowering voice one can believe in, and it is perfectly paired with his lyrics. This album truly showcases his vocal range and the power it has.
All ten tracks are individually magnificent and collectively brilliant, proving difficult for any standouts. The Crying Light is an album that must be listened to in its entirety, or part of its splendor might be lost.
--Rebecca Schiller [February 9, 2009]
