Reviews (page 11 of 13)
Nine inch Nails. More like Nine notes in every song
Never liked NIN……still dont. Hurt is the nearest we get to a highlight but unfortunately it serves to demonstrate the amazing vision of Rick Rubin and performance of Johnny Cash to elevate a good NIN song to something truly great
NIN are just not my thing, and the Cash take on “Hurt” absolutely wipes the floor with this original.
I only knew Closer (which has the unfortunate problem of my brain wanting to turn it into the Weird Al Alternative Polka version) and Hurt going into this. Hated the first track. Found the second track kinda interesting. By the third track, when Trent started yelling "God is dead and no one cares" and playing a very satisfying guitar riff, I came to the conclusion this was going to be a wild ride. I think I would need to listen to this album again to really form a proper opinion on it, but that's juxtaposed with the issue that I'm not sure I really want to do either. It's one of those occasions where I think the artist is talented but it's not enjoyable for me to listen to a good chunk of the time. Trent Reznor's later career has genuinely been fascinating though - who would have expected that the man who wrote the lyric "I wanna fuck you like an animal" would later go on to win multiple Academy Awards for his soundtrack work, one of which was for a kids film about a jazz musician in a coma. 2/5
This was a chore to go through, unfortunately. This album suffers from all the the tropes of the industrial rock genre. The distorted vocals, the needless electronica and sometimes too ambient forays to sound "serious". I don't like it. Shame... 2/5
stressig
lots of clashing in not much skazza fashion. saved one song to headbangaz tho so... thats a pleasant surprise
2,3/5
Not my jam. Couldn't even finish.
Some moments of brilliance, surrounded by what feel like unfinished ideas and baffling choices. (2.5)
Every song on this album is about killing someone or/and fucking/raping someone. Oh yes, and there will be a guy whispering in your ear during some random noise.
Weak.
I don't hate myself enough or in the right way to really get it. I really do like noisy music, I swear! And descriptions of this album from fans make it sound like it should sound really cool, but it ends up sounding kind of formless and smashed together, and overall I'd probably rather listen to Pretty Hate Machine.
Never managed to like this band. Some songs are fine but for most of them I just hear noise and disturbing melodies
As a concept album, I’m sure this is a work of genius. The downward spiral leading to the final track, Hurt, is certainly represented here. Unfortunately, apart from Hurt, the album is basically just noise. I could not bring myself to finish a single track before the last one. Two stars, only because of the narrative.
Too violent and dark for my taste.
Did not love this.
Not my cup of tea. A few tolerable songs, the rest is just noise and all very similar. I dont mind loud music but this lacks melody
Good music, but sometimes you just don't jive with a voice. Love Marilyn Manson, don't jive with NIN.
This guy should make movie sound tracks
Industrial is not my style of music and it was a struggle to get though this album. It's too aggressive and violent for me. But after the first half there were a few songs that were more interesting, even abstract and I admit this must've been pretty forwars thinking in 1994. Still, I can't give more than two stars for this album.
I think I only really liked 'Hurt'
I struggled with this. I don't enjoy the abrasive, industrial sound and nihilistic lyrics. I like hard rock, I like some nihilistic lyrics, just not an entire album of it.
abrasive
Not my sort of music, got a little better after a few tracks, but first impressions didn't really change
Took me a while to get through but I still enjoy a decent concept album
Couple songs are great
First song impression: Definitely not my thing.
It’s not for me. I hadn’t heard the original version of Hurt before, so that was fun and I did enjoy it. However, I felt like that song, as well as some others, had issues with the volume. Parts would be really quiet and others would get super loud, I had to keep making adjustments.
Gonna be honest, heard this before, and heard this now. Never was a big fan of Nine Inch Nails minus some songs. This still solidified it. Not sure why I can't like them? They scream, get intense, and such. Maybe just the day today that's causing it? 2/5.
Sound quality on Spotify is horrible.
Nope
Very angry album with a lot of heavy emotions. Not my personal go-to style of music, but I can appreciate it. Some iconic songs on here. After reading some more history about the album, it’s clearly a controversial album (not atypical of Trent Reznor). It raises the question “if art inspires individuals to commit acts of violence, should the art be made?”
Really rough to listen to this. I only gave this a 2 because of Hurt which I only care for thanks to Johnny Cash
I really hate the whispery, quiet vocals. Drives me nuts. But some of the songs were okay.
I'm not gonna lie, I've never really understood the hype behind Nine Inch Nails. I don't mind them, but they're one of those bands where I hear their music and think "That was certainly one of the songs of all time." The Downward Spiral just sort of came and went for me, like I listened to it and it honestly just went in one and ear and out the other. I think Trent Reznor's music just simply isn't for me.
I can tell it took some talent to make this but I can’t tell why someone actually would
2/5
Marb gold 100s
Not really a fan of anything except "Hurt" as Industrial Rock isn't my thing. 2/5
Closer is a formidable track but apart from it I'm not hooked.
Mixed emotions musically, great lyrically. Not sure if this is my kind of music. I like Trent Reznor's voice, though.
Zitten wel wat leuke nummers tussen maar overal iets te hard voor mijn smaak
Not my thing
Some of these songs are fine as background music - I like the strong beats and synths. But the overall vibe is a huge downer, there are many songs that are basically just screaming and/or noise, and the album is way, way too long.
Bit different but ok
Ohhhh. I think 'Hurt' is on this album? Slay. Haven't listened to them very much so should be good. edit: Okay, I had no idea what I was getting myself in with this. I just don't think this genre is for me. I was right though -- 'Hurt' was on here. Banger.
I’m sorry.. like yes NIN woo n such, but nah I don’t want to listen anymore please I just feel dark for no reason
This sounded like nine inch nails on a chalk board.
'Hurt' is good (The Johnny Cash cover)
I like closer, and that's about it.
I’ll give it credit for ambition. But I found this to be a pretty unemployable listen. Maybe in 1994 this would have been considered edgy, but I found most of it to be pretty juvenile. By “Heresy” I was actively rolling my eyes. Maybe if Trent Reznor had been, like, 16 when this came out I could understand the praise. But the lyrics were pretty lame for the most part. Seems like he is trying a bit too hard to piss off the social conservatives. I am far from socially conservative, and I found a lot of this album to be pretty cringy. And the Sharon Tate connection is honestly pretty gross and in really bad taste. Knowing the backstory of the album’s recording made the listening experience even more uncomfortable. If that is what Mr. Reznor was attempting with this album, I would say he has succeeded.
Ciekawe ale trochę bezjajeczne
Good album to get while my speakers are busted cause I can’t even tell. I thought with all the hype around them this band would be better. I didn’t like the Hurt cover so that was disappointing.
My brother was big into NIN. I haven’t heard this thing in decades…and now I remember why. The hits are good. March of Pigs is great, but the rest of the album is some noisy ass dork shit.
I can respect what Trent Reznor has done with this, but Nine Inch Nails has never been a favorite of mine. I kept an open mind going in, and the album does have a few highlights, but for the most part it just sat there. Faves: "March of the Pigs", "Hurt" Worst: Nine Inch Nails fans. My god, they are insufferable.
Yet Another Nineties Album Chapter 22 Are NIN overrated? Absolutey! Current 90s Album Spawn Ratio: 27%
Had low expectations going in and sad to say they were met. I generally like dirty/ industrial/noise - but it needs to be paired with a good tune/ some joy / great vocals. Unfortunately Trent's lyrics are pretty dumb (but not in fun way) and too low in the mix. Don't care for the drum machine and more more noise noise sonic overload. JC's version of Hurt far superior - although that song does show that Trent can write decent lyrics.
The Downward Spiral In the plus column: - The keyboards, synths, electro beats and hints of glam are more interesting than other bands in this genre, there’s slight textural difference, which is nice. - Closer, despite the cringe lyrics, is a very catchy bit of electro-alt rock - A Warm Place has a nice, elegeic sense to it - And of course Hurt is a great song (although the JC version is preferable) In the minus column - It’s quite boring - It’s too long - The edge-lord-ness of it all, even if it is done with genuine sincerity, makes it all feel quite hollow - when the rage and harshness becomes the point if it kind of loses its power - I’ve no real interest in the narrative and the protagonist’s descent into hell, he sounds like a bit of a pain actually. So while there are aspects of it I appreciate, and I found it nowhere near as execrable as much of the music in this genre, I really struggled to connect with it, and ultimately it's a bit of a slog, in huge contrast to Nevermind yesterday. Despite there being positives and certain aspects I can appreciate, I shan’t be listening again, making it a high 2. 💅💅 Playlist submission: Hurt
The 'woe is me' manifestation of baseless victimhood renders much of this album feeble. Indeed Reznor himself sounds like an anaemic bedridden teenager. In that way it's very much an antecedent to Linkin Park. Instead of turntable wankery though, here Trent has just turned on a load of hoovers in the background to give an industrial feel. In amongst all that are vague melodies. You just have to concentrate. Or it takes Johnny Cash to show you. Even 'Hurt' takes ultra-concentration given he's turned all the vacuums up. 'Heresy' has a Depeche Mode electro-beat, into a grungey chorus - a good track. Depeche seem a recurring influence (prominently 'Ruiner'). 'Closer' is a decent beat but the lyrics are highly incel. 'Hurt' does make me wonder if I'm missing something. The lyrics are quite profound when Johnny sang them, although slightly altered. But I can't really imagine Johnny singing 'fuck me like and animal' or 'shove it up inside', so it must be an outlier. An album with some draining lyrics; some annoying white noise; some narcissistic, whining attitude; and a touch of melody.
Varmaan ihan kuunneltavaa meteliä jonkun mielestä mutta ei sopinut yhtään tunnelmaan.
not my thing but i did like the challengers soundtrack
This is the first album where I remember liking it as a teenager but didn't care for it now.
Just not my genre unfortunately. Not as bad as the last album of this style I listened to
Got 5 songs in - not my cup of tea 2/10
I had heard “Hurt” before but never listened to this album in full. It was definitely a bit too angry and discordant for where I was at when listening which felt jarring. However, after reading that this is a concept album and looking into the background to the album (ie its recording location and the story its trying to tell) I viewed it from a slightly different perspective. Highlights for me were “A Warm Place” and “Hurt”. I think “Closer” has not aged well and the lyrics felt questionable, however, I acknowledge that this may be the ‘point’. I can hear the influences from David Bowie, especially in “Heresy”. Ultimately, I am not the target audience for this album and I am listening to it more than 30 years after its release and its societal context has shifted since then. I will always return to “Hurt”, although my preference is the Johnny Cash version. I’d say the highlight from this album is the production and the concept rather than the lyricism and the musicality. It’s also clearly very influential in its genre. I can understand why it has made this list, but I cannot give it a high rating as I frankly didn’t enjoy it as a whole.
inascoltable
me gustaron algunas canciones. me gustaría volver a escucharlo en otro momento para ver si me gusta más
I did not like this. On the rare occasion, a cover is better than the original. This is one of those cases. Johnny Cash’s Hurt is better then Trent’s
“Closer” is about it other than a bunch of noises
not my cup of tea
Never listened to NIN because I didn’t think I would like them, and I was right. Was interested in more of the slower, musical parts but there weren’t too many of those.
Boring - I couldn't stand to listen to the end
Never really warmed up to NIN
Not my jam
Mwah iets te heftig
Techno-adjacent Slipknot without the light relief of some actual musicality in more acoustic/vocals driven songs.
While I liked the sound, the lyrics are too much for me.
Odd blend. Its like grundge metal meets techno or something. First, I heard this band was at university as my house mate liked it. At that time, I didn't connect with it. I guess the same this time with the difference I critically listened to it. If I was to perform the part of a music critic I would give it a 3 as it is an interesting blend of music styles but for myself personally the music doesn't resonate with me and find it hard to connect with the rhythm of it.
Grindy noisy delightful. Didn't actually miss this one back in the day, the industrial stuff just isn't my thing.
I said the last one wasnt for me, this was absolutely not for me either. I can see the appeal just doesnt appeal to me.
Maybe not one to listen to just before bed!
I never thought I liked industrial music and this confirms it. It’s got some classics though. I don’t hate it but I don’t think I’ll ever reach for it again.
The abrasive nature of The Downward Spiral is what makes it unique. It’s unapologetically all up in your face and personal space for most of its one hour and five minute runtime. And, unfortunately, it’s the same reason I have a hard time listening to it. It’s not that I can’t enjoy some aggressive music because I can and do, but The Downward Spiral just couldn’t do it for me. This also came out during my college years and you couldn’t go out to any club without hearing Closer. That song was everywhere all the time. It honestly started getting on my nerves. Still, to this day, I will skip Closer if it comes on. To some degree, Hurt was the same way. Not as bad but it’s right there. I respect what Reznor was trying to do with The Downward Spiral but if I’m going to listen to some Nine Inch Nails, there are other albums I would chose over this one easily. There are a few songs I can pluck off here when necessary but to get through the whole thing is not something that will happen. This is a 2 rating for me. 2/5
Didn't get it. First listen, it sounded like noise. Couldn't relate to the music, which may be a good thing. Perhaps I need to listen to it again.
blimey. I admire anyone who can openly and willingly listen to NIN because this is.... Not everyday listening in my book. I also admire Trent's ambition to fuck everyone in the world but even that couldn't make me give this more then 2 stars
Their 2nd album. Recorded at the house where Sharon Tate was murdered by the Manson Family. A concept album, the downward spiral of a man into suicide. Techno, punk, heavy metal. Nihilistic, incel, dark, deliberately abrasive music. 90s rage, school shooter vibes. The concept is fine, the darkness and the journey etc but the delivery is average.
I had this album when it came out. Not something I want to listen to often. Pretty incredible album though.
Ugh this is actually quite shit
Hmmm … thought I’d like this one more. I think it was too long. I stuck it out because I was waiting for Hurt (and yes, the Man in Black does it better).
Disturbingly experimantal. Not the type of experiments I enjoy. But this impression is solely based on my listening experience. I should get into more context
I bought this album as a kid and didn’t like it at all. Nearly 20 years later, here’s my thoughts after revisiting. For me, three things are true at the same time: 1) Hurt is one of my all time favorite songs though I prefer Johnny Cash’s version. 2) Trent Reznor is a visionary and this album is a definite testament to this. 3) I do not enjoy this album. The sound is too industrial for my taste and the overarching concept doesn’t connect with me. Maybe I’ll try again in 20 years.
There’s a lot going on and not much at all. Whoever told Trent to stop trying to write lyrics really loved him.
I think we can safely say I don't like Nine Inch Nails...I can respect the album, and what it's trying to do, and the vibe it gives off....it's just not for me. And while I do like Hurt, Johnny Cash's version has just so overshadowed the original that its hard to come back to this one. Trent can keep doing movie sound tracks though, he good there.
Despite knowing their name forever I’ve never interacted with NIN music. Usually that is to my detriment, however this seems to be a rare beneficial instance. Yuck
Hurt is a banger, everything else is boring.
Could never get into NIN, It’s too much of a challenge. I didn’t like the electronic drums. Breaks barriers and I award points for the creativity, but on the whole unenjoyable. I prefer Marilyn Manson, but only a little bit.
Not mad about it overall, was interested to listen as I like what I have heard of Reznor's soundtracks. Hurt is an incredible song. Really a 2.5
Halt sehr industrial, auch wenn ich die Ansätze spannend finde bleibt es schwierig als Gesamtes zu hören.
Just not my thing.
The best way I can describe this is a mix between emo metal and noice rock. Music, vocals, lyrics - all is shit. And the recording sounds like shit, so that’s suitable.
Just not my bag really.
Jag respekterar det här, men det är ingen större njutning för mig. Vissa bra stunder
Yuck
To the commenter who said they see lots of NIN bumper stickers, I think that’s the Kia emblem.
cool instrumentation and some amazing ideas they present across the album. sadly not really for me :((
Load of nothing album. There's sound and its playing from the speakers but its never really music that captures my attention. There aren't really any hooks or songs, there's noise but not noise that keeps my interest. Quite dissapointed with this album. I like everything it inspired and what it was inspired by but this is a load of meh. March of the Piggies and Hurt are pretty nice songs but I struggle to really remember anything else.
While I admire the production to some degree, Trent Reznor's abrasive whisper has a one-dimensional flow, and his flimsy allusions to Nietzsche ('God is dead / and no one cares') don't even excite this hardened atheist. 'Closer' is a miserable ode to rough animal sex: 'I drink the honey / inside your hive / You are the reason / I stay alive.' His junky and unimaginative philosophizing is incredibly tedious, and tho the instrumental moments can sustain an authentic energy, too much of it sours from Reznor's annoying poetry: 'And nothing comes bleeding out of me / Just like the waterfall I'm drowning in.' In Romanticism, the child is revered. Reznor, however, is only childish. There is a huge difference.
Nine Inch Nails is not for me. This music just gives me school shooter vibes, unfortunately. I can't get over the creepy, unnerving feeling that a lot of these songs give. I understand it, but this isn't something I'd personally listen to for myself. There are some highlights on this album, like Hurt, but it doesn't redeem it all for me. Best Songs: Hurt Worst Songs: The Becoming
Heavier than I remember- like the o.g. Hurt.
Edgyä industriaalia. Ei tää nyt oikein lähde. Muistaakseni With Teeth on paremp NIN -levy. Emt. 2/5
Music to throw up to
2
I don't need this in my life. I can generate copious amounts of depression and anger without this added provocation.
Yeah, I've heard this one.
Three words: Death, Destruction, Diarrhea.
Quite monotonous, a bit without an idea - it has aged poorly.
Mystic monsterous
Rock with metal, onset of madness and rage - Can feel the anger and dark emotions - Difficult to listen to at times as it can be loud and abrasive to the ears (more of a personal preference thing) - "Hurt" is an outstanding track that gives the sense of deep pain culminating in death
not a fan tbh
3/10
I've known NIN, but not much of their entire music. This album is too distorted for my taste. Interesting to hear, but won't listen too often.
so much of the 90s sucked in this exact way
Wasn’t expecting much and it was worse than expected. Some kind of weird blend of hard rock and techno/electronica. Best songs are instrumentals and Hurt.
Review seven of the Easter blitz, Nine Inch Nails. Shoot me, I’ve never liked “Hurt”. And now that you’ve shot me, let my last words be “and the only song I liked-liked on this record reminded me of New Order’s “Elegia”, but after doing a bit more research it turns out it’s an almost note perfect reproduction of an obscure early 80s Bowie song that I now like way more.” And when I reach the pearly gates, let God be the one to tell me that “there’s plenty of room for both the Bowie track and the Nine Inch Nail’s … hold on, like the nails that held my son to the cross? I’m not fucking having that.” And let my first words in heaven then be, “that’s what you get, Trent. You and your sappy bloody masochistic song that got so massively overused by hack productions when they needed to emphasise a hero’s pain but hadn’t invested adequate time or storytelling resources to generating an appropriate level of pathos and yeah, you know what, I am including Johnny Cash’s actual life in that category because he might have made some astonishing music but he wasn’t a nice dude either – enjoy the stray, Johnny.” And then Johnny and Trent will appear in these portal window things – having been summoned by God, who is now just so angry – and before they get banished to purgatory while God calms down they’ll look me in the eye and mouth “see you in hell, kid.” I’ll then wake up with a jolt and it will feel like the whole messy, punch drunk episode must have been a vivid, non sequitur dream. Except, as it goes, it wasn’t. Hell is having the bad luck and poor taste it takes to hear “Hurt” every third week in a crappy drama. And I’ll just live that reality in perpetuity; forever making the same mistakes and never once having the basic intelligence to break the programming. The rest of the album’s fine. I prefer the bits that make me want to listen to Ministry over the bits that make me want to listen to Depeche Mode. No serious complaints though.
Is this just noise? It feels like just noise. How are there NIN tee shirts everywhere. Is this a bad NIN album? Is this the start of industrial? It gets a second star for the occasional break from fuzz to become melodies.
Regarding the genre, this album is to some extent tolerable and has a distinct sound. I sometimes like Trent Reznor, but most times not as NiN.
Really didn't like this kind of industrial noise, but "Hurt" is a good song. 2.5 stars
Not my cup of tea
Just not my style of music
Ei toiminut itselleni lainkaan tämä, kumma kyllä.
I loved this album in 9th grade, when I was an angsty teenager; I associate this album with the dark days of my teenage-dom (not a time I really want to revisit, though some of the music I listened to then I still listen to now). Returning to this album feels like returning to a time I don't want to revisit: full of seeming edginess, depression, anger, and darkness. (This, I believe, is the path to the Dark Side). The lyrics have not aged well at all, and make me cringe with their edgelord vibes. The music itself holds up well, albeit as a relic of this 1990s industrial sound; the sound itself is impressive, even if I can't really bring myself to revisit this album again after this re-listen for this project.
Hatte ich schon
Okay, I get it but I don't really like it or need it. 90's sound and right for the era but not for me in 2024
Pretty samey, the dog DID NOT like it and said (in words) ALL DONE.
It didn't resonate with me all that well. The beginning of it was pretty rough although some of the songs throughout the album were at least decent. The underlying themes of darkness, brutalism, and all the sort I didn't care for. On top of that you add the harsh (hard liquor without a chaser) vocals and the industrial production you basically get what is expected in this type of genre. I'll at least acknowledge that there were definitely some aspects of the production that separate it from the rest but I mean other than that this album was just not my cup of tea.
Sounds like angry incel music
It's alright
Realmente é um rock industrial.
Meio barulhento demais pra mim e as músicas acabavam soando iguais ???? tirando "Closer", que é massa, nenhuma outra eu consigo diferenciar.... segue em frente
Not for me. The guy screaming Kill Me over and over isn’t the music I want to start my day. Or really ever.
I can’t get into it
Deprimente, bueno.
I've given this a few listens and although there are some aspects of this that I like, overall it doesn't really do it for me. Not one that's going on my list.
otro clásico de lo 90. Rock industrial que marcó una época. Incluye Hurt antes de que Johnny Cash hiciera la versión definitiva. No es un estilo que me guste ahora, ni me haya gustado nunca, pero no quita para indicar que es un gran disco. Otros discos de 1994: BLUR: Parklife, PORTISHEAD: Dummy, MANO NEGRA: Casa Babylon, SUEDE: Dog Man Star, NAS: Illmatic, PAVEMENT: Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, OASIS: Definitely Maybe, NEIL YOUNG: Sleeps With Angels, AMERICAN MUSIC CLUB: San Francisco, R.E.M.: Monster, HOLE: Live Through This, JEFF BUCKLEY: Grace, MASSIVE ATTACK: Protection, THE AUTERS: Now I’m A Cowboy, NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: Let Love In, JOHNNY CASH: American Recordings, SEBADOH: Bakesale, UNDERWORLD: Dubnobasswithmyheadman, STONE ROSES: Second Coming, BECK: Mellow Gold, MARK LANEGAN: Whiskey For The Holy Ghost, TOM PETTY: Wildflowers, THE BEASTIE BOYS: Ill Comunication, KRISTIN HERSH: Hips And Makers, SABRES OF PARADISE: Haunted Dancehall, JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION: Orange, NIRVANA: Unplugged In New York, ALI FARKA TOURE & RY COODER: Talking Timbuktu, PULP: His’n’Hers, THE PRODIGY: Music For The Gilted Generation, VERUCA SALT: American Thighs, THE WALKABOUTS: Satisfied Ma, MANIC STREET PREACHERS: The Holy bible, Elvis Costello: Brutal Youth, Smash de The Offspring
March of the Pigs! Take me to the mosh pit immediately (where I would surely die, haha). Some good bits: liked the synthy vibe meets hard rock. But a lot of this is just a bit of a wall of noise. I did turn it down because it was getting a bit headache inducing. Monty was not impressed!
An odd one this. He writes, plays & produces everything and he's done film soundtracks so he's obviously talented. But the disaffected youth thing all seems a bit contrived, not genuine, overblown. It aims to shock and strays into Marylin Manson territory :( And the drum sound is dramatic but all too engineered for me. 'Piggy' is a cool sounding track but I hate the lyrics. 'Hurt' is obviously a great song. I like both versions but right near the end he goes OTT, he can't resist. My favourite track is 'A Warm Place', for me the most powerful track here, maybe because it stands out from all the noise all around it. I like noise, but not this noise! Maybe when I was young and alone I'd have been more into this, but I doubt it, whenever I wanted to drown in the depths of despair I had The Cure and The Smiths :)
A bit rough around the edges, shall we say.
Blimey
To be honest, it's not really my thing. Too electronic. There are some bits that I like - very small bits and I recognised one song. I can see why people like it but I can't really force myself to. It's clearly a concept album which is cool. I think that the sound is cool just not my style.
Ok, but a whole album again is too much NIN.
I've heard songs by NIN that I've enjoyed but, unfortunately, there weren't many on this album. Hurt was ok, although Johnny Cash's version was far superior (which isn't unusual). Besides that, there wasn't much. I think I prefer NIN when they're slightly more poppy and melodic.
I like some of Nine Inch Nails’ stuff, and I actually think the concept behind this album is pretty interesting. It’s dark, gritty, and clearly meant to push boundaries. You can tell Trent Reznor put a lot of thought into the storyline and atmosphere. But man, the music just didn’t land for me. It felt like noise for the sake of being edgy. I wanted to like it, especially with all the hype around it, but most of it was borderline unlistenable. Cool idea, rough execution.
Ein paar Songs die ich mag aber generell nicht sehr angenehm zum anhören
Me and charlotte listened to it in the car. I think charlotte liked it a bit more, some cool parts we both agreed things sounded quite good at times but not reallylyyyy our vibe. Charlotte guessed one of the songs 'CLoser', she said ahhh they remind me of that 'i wanna fuck youuu and feel ur insides' song, and turns out it was on there! we only got upto closer though. Kathryn said shed listen to it while running, which CHarlotte didnt rlly understand but overall made us feel like stomping around being sassy.
I thought this would be better than it was. In the end it was a lot of noise. Liked Songs Added: March Of The Pigs
Love Closer. Not a huge fan of the rest. Not into screaming and chaotic noises
shoulda been an instrumental album
Wow, this was a tough listen for me. Incredibly angry, dark and abrasive. Just a culmination of self-loathing and self-destruction. There’s so much distortion it made me feel like my headphones were broken. Really disliked the drum machines used throughout the album, it’s a dated sound at this point. I’ll give points for creativity, as it’s a very experimental piece of art, but I’d be shocked if I ever gave this another spin.
Starts out with a cacophony of sounds, and keeps that tone going for the 1st half of the album. To be honest, I almost stopped listening and was ready to write it off. But the latter half of the album was more coherent and calmer, and I felt like I was able to get a better sense of the lyricality and instrumental talent of the group. Overall- still not my favorite. I can see how people would enjoy it, but not for me
I really wanted to like this more than I did
Ridiculously intense. Most songs didn't have enough of a hook, and the verses were messy for me. There is definitely some great flowing across the album from loud and crazy to soft and quiet.
No
Just not my cup of tea. I don't enjoy the industrial sound very much, and the artistic decision to make the lyrics almost indecipherable didn't land with me. I'm sure it's an important album, and well loved by people who enjoy this genre, but I found it hard work.
I don't get Nine Inch Nails. Their music is abrasive, noisy, angry, industrial rock, built on layers of noise and textured sounds that feels both violent and dark, yet Trent Reznor played in a couple synth-pop bands before forming NIN.. Because of this list, I've been exposed to NIN more than I would have have, as the band is both fascinating and highly overrated. Some of the slower songs are accessible and shows that the band has some range and variety and maybe they mask over any sensitivity with the loud sounds to be more angsty. To me, The Downward Spiral is crass, boring "music" and challenging to wade through, it's not edgy is irritating.
Sorry, gillar inte nine inch nails. Shoot me
Hardcore elements Mixed with eerie techno sounds Odd cacophony
Tiring
Not really my thing
Interesting album. A couple songs I was familiar with. Not really a fan of industrial type music. 2/5 Probably won’t listen again
2 out of 5. Going into this I was not a NIN fan and I'm still not. Hurt is a good track and Closer was played on the radio a ton but those were really the only songs I resonated with. This album, and Industrial as a whole, doesn't float my boat.
Meh album. I wasn't really into this as a whole. It's a little abrasive. There's some cool aspects and nice moments on certain songs, but I just don't vibe with it. **
Hurt is a masterpiece of a song, but unfortunately it can not carry this album
vocals too rough and shouty for me
Overly bombastic, overproduced, unnecessarily long, miserable. I think it’s the screaming ear rape vocals and screeching distorted guitars that I despise the most. There's a few good songs, 'Closer', 'Hurt', 'March Of The Pigs', a couple of others. But mostly, this is a drag after the first half an hour.
No
Legit Lärm kann Rhythmen z. T. ganz gut aber die Zusammenhänge sind mehr.
too long and didnt really clicked with it... felt like a watered washed down version of deftones tbh
The fact that I was given this the day after 'Songs in the Key of Life's is a hilarious contrast. Sixty-five minutes; too long! I can picture the exact type of person this is made for, and knew a few of them myself. I don't want to be scared to turn the volume up for the quiet bits for fear of my ears. Occasionally enjoyed listening; and of course 'Hurt' alone is enough to add a star.
No.
Pretty Hate Machine was a phenomenal album for its time, but by time Closer arrived I had lost interest in Trent Reznor. Closer was overplayed in clubs and the industrial sound of NIN wasn’t anything special.
Had to skip some songs.
I respect the art but I just can’t get into it Edit: Ok, Hurt is a fantastic record!
This album should realistically be a 5/5 based on my music taste. I just don’t like it though, I‘m sorryyyy…
Paar gute Lieder. Aber insgesamt zu metal
Mr. Self Destruct 2 Piggy 1.8 Heresy 1.5 March of the Pigs 1.6 Closer 3.4 Ruiner 2.8 The Becoming 1.7 I Do Not Want This 1.4 Big Man with a Gun 1.5 A Warm Place 2 Eraser 1.8 Reptile 2 The Downward Spiral 1.8 Hurt 3 Score: 2.021428571
In every photo of Trent Reznor he has to be looking tortured haha. I can appreciate that NIN is expressive and captures a particular mood, but I can't help but feel like it's kinda corny since he was almost in his 30s.
the industrial rock is alright, but i feel like lyrically this album is really disconcerting and not in a clever or creative way but just in a crude and thoughtless one.
Very industrial Why is this album over an hour long Techno and pianos were crazy Wayyy too long for what it is
Heresy Closer I’m bored. Looped lyrics on top of weird beats. Not a fan
So, two women that broke my heart in seemingly irreparable ways were both big NIN fans. Tried approaching this without that bias, as I do like some industrial, mainly Ministry and Killing Joke. This is fine. For as batshit as the opener goes, the second track hits the E-brake and just changes the mood entirely. Then stretch that out a bit. Really, remove the bias, I'd probably skip this anyhow. Love the Johnny Cash cover at the end though.
dislike the genre so doomed from the start
It was ok not especially musical. Enjoyed it more as it went on
While well made and I'm grateful that this album gave us the song Hurt that was covered even better by Johnny Cash, much of it is just far too vulgar, nihilistic etc. for its' own good. I regret hearing songs such as Closer and Big Man With A Gun and would warn people against listening to most of this album. The NIN album Fragile is a much better balanced reflection on darkness in my opinion.
If you're into this genre, I'm sure this is great. I'm not though, and I don't want listen all the way through this. Too much screaming and loudness. 4/10 (2/5)
not the type of song I will listen to but its ok
2/5, nie podobało mi się, ale nie na tyle, żeby wyłączyć
NIN have never really grabbed me, but not really listened to them properly before so glad this came up. I didn't enjoy it particularly, that industrial sound and the jarring noises just doesn't do it for me. There's barely any melody to cling to in any songs. Don't think I get it. Know it's highly thought of, but not for me
It’s ok but would not have made it on my list of 1000 albums.
Don't feel his voice, but nonetheless the album excited me. Those intense sounds and extreme and aprupt changes between hard and soft made it a crazy ride.
⭐️ Heresy, Hurt 🫤 Mr Self Destruct, Closer Thoughts after 43 seconds: I hate this. Wasn’t as bad in the end. Would have probably loved this at 16. Alas, not really for me anymore.
Closer is a great track! The rest is a bit meh
Although the album has some interesting and creative parts, it is not really for me. Too dark and not really a fan of the vocals.
Not my thing and rather listen to Johnny Cash’s cover of hurt than this original
Nope
I thought I liked Nine Inch Nails. I had Pretty Hate Machine in heavy rotation when it came out. I just can’t get into this as an album. It’s too depressing and heavy at times without a melody. The exceptions of course, are Closer and Hurt. Those are classics from this album but cant save the entire thing.
The album has a lot of momentum as well as moments of contemplation, but it's a bit too edgy for me. The subject matter... Yeah, sometimes I don't get down with it.
Ugh, so much cringy lyrics in this, I think Closer takes the cake. Didn't really enjoy it but something they find a cool beat and it's just ruined by cringy lyrics (using the word fuck is cool right?). Angry but in a teenage way. I liked the industrial aspects and some riffs but that's all. At least "Hurt" got a redo with "Johnny Cash" to a much better song.
Good lyrics but bad music. Pretentious shit that RYM loves to suck off.
fuck noise, do better. or dont idc. i listened to the free bird solo instead.
This album is a little out there for me, but seems very ahead of its time (or prime for its time because this was 1994 and things were shifting?). 2* 'The becoming' gives Doom vibes. 'I do not want this' was too much angry white man rock (not that I'm against it, but meh). I think I'd need many listens to follow the concept, I'm too tired today. Highlights: closer
Turns out I just don’t like NIN all that much. Stopped short when there was a loop of people screaming.
edgy
The first time I listened to NIN, I really didn’t care for him/them. I’ve grown more interested in industrial music since then though, but it’s interesting that this wasn’t really my gateway, considering how The Downward Spiral is one of the most accessible industrial albums I’ve heard. I can’t really pinpoint why, but it doesn’t really appeal to me. Maybe it’s because of the alternating whispered and screeched vocals of Reznor or the weird cuts from very quiet to very loud or ending the song at an odd spot. But the instrumentals are brilliant, and I’m surprised I don’t like Reznor’s origins better considering how much I love what he’s done more recently composing film soundtracks. Hell, it’s crazy that the guy who wrote lyrics like “I wanna fuck you like an animal / I wanna feel you from the inside” composed the soundtrack to a Pixar movie (Soul, which is brilliant).
Hurt is obviously very good and I probably prefer the original but the rest was a bit messy for me
Kasvoin yli tästä jo 15+ vuotta sitten.
Obviously a very heavy record. I heard Closer and Hurt often when this was current and always thought they were cool. Older (cynical?) me now sees Closer and many of the other lyrical ideas (“you don’t know just how I feel!!!!!”) adolescent and amped up to 11 for effect (shock?), perhaps rather than true artistic purpose. But, who knows, maybe that’s the art of it. But, generally, I liked the music beds and tunes with longer instrumental sections much more than the vocals and lyrics. Hurt is truly an amazing song, still.
Das Album grenzt teilweise an konzeptlosen Krach als sogenannten Industrial Rock. Dank einiger ordentlicher Stücke und Passage „A warm Place“ wurde der Platz annder roten Laterne vermieden.
Industrial rockalternative rockindustrial metal.
both the music and the edginess are boring. a Hollywoodized version of what was happening in industrial music, depoliticizing & taking out any depth from the connection to transgressive art, complete with changing the creation narrative from collaborative projects to lone genius in a mansion. perfect soundtrack for a movie where somebody goes to a vampire nightclub. the vampires are torturing and eating humans right in plain sight!! doesn't the evil decadence have so much to say about the decay of the modern world? no. it's a fuckin vampire movie. do some kinda meta analysis of edgelord culture if you want but this itself has got nothing to say. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
At least it gave us Hurt
I am certain there were radio releases by this band that I liked. Apparently none of them were from this album. This is mostly junk.
Metal
Dissonant, hard techno sound
Unfortunately, this came out during my high school years and will never not sound like angsty suburban teens. I was excited to give it another try as an adult, but just remembered sad alternative teens shout-singing “God is dead and no one cares” and it made me feel sort of embarrassed for everyone involved.
All I remember from nine inch nails as a kid was a creepy video for closer. Only ever listened to a couple of their songs. This album is all over the place, and you can tell Trent had some issues going on in his life at the time. Not the best but was and experience
I can only listen to this in small doses. A little frenetic for me
Interesting and angry
I should appreciate Trent Reznor more than I do. On every album, there are a couple of good songs, but listening to the full thing sort of beats me up.
Downward spiral is correct.
https://youtu.be/vwKSN8pSq8g?si=Q5k2hvgcFxLrG1MM
I understand its groundbreaking nature and importance to the decade, but it’s not for me
This is like the third or forth time I've tried to listen to this album. I really wanted to like it but I just don't. Reminds me of some edgy kid that just says the weirdest shit to get a reaction and thinks that makes him cool. Obviously Trent is a talented musician and lyricists sometimes but it just doesn't do it for me.
NIN just has never been my thing. Some interesting industrial sounds but everything is too drawn out and overly dramatic for my taste. Too much screaming. The sexual lyrics are just flat-out cringey and did not age well. The only song that seems introspective as opposed to masturbatory is Hurt.
2 good songs. The rest weird and too grungy.
Didn't like this.
meh, its ok
Not very into this
Industrial angst.
Interesting album. More noise pop sound than I generally prefer. The album was best from "closer" on, prior to that it struggled to capture my attention.
Twas okay…some songs hurt my brain
too negative for "every day" consumption
Not a fan of industrial rock
Awesome
I found this better than I expected. There were parts that were quite entrancing. Was it good? Unsure. Did I want to seek it out again? Kinda. I re-listened to it after realising I had finished the album without remembering it, and that happened a second time. So, its background music that I barely remember. I think I would prefer to remember it than to find it forgettable. So, what to do now, is that a 3 star or a 2 star? Let's try 2 stars for now.
Still listening to it. Pretty meh
laut, langeweilig
Too heavy, too manic
Too much distortion on a lot of the songs for my tastes. The outro of Ruiner is pretty cool. The best songs are Closer and Hurt.
I can see how alt white people love this music. I wasn't drawn to most of it, but it wasn't TOO readily skippable. Although, if I wasn't working while listening to this, it probably would have been a different story.
it’s a good thing Reznor and Ross got into movie scoring because this shit SUCKED. 2 stars because at least it was cool at times
Stoked to see this come up, never really gave this a listen before. Anthems for grumpy incels. Or, should be the soundtrack to Fight Club -- which isn't a compliment.
Know the album from growing up. It grates on me and it's not enjoyable to listen to--it wasn't back then, it definitely isn't now!
Not fun, boring.
I listened to this near the end of my 11 hour flight to Honolulu when I kind of had a headache, and that was probably not the right decision. My note from the flight was that this is "Heavy metal meets alien invasion meets video game soundtrack. The sound only parts can actually be pretty interesting though". It has moments where I get it. "Hurt" is actually a really strong closer, it's legit a great song (though it drones on a bit long at the end). It's generally pretty abrasive though, and it's a bit of a tough full listen without really being in a bit of a angsty mood. "Closer" is the most famous song on the album, and I've added it to my playlist because I feel like I have to, but frankly it's a bit much. Apparently the music video is in the permanent collection at MoMA, will have to look for it next time I'm there. On partial re-listen I also just can't quite shake the "video-game-ness" of the sound. I don't know if it's necessarily a bad thing, but something just feels a little off to me. My rating on the plane was a 2, and while I'm tempted to bump it to a 3 I think I'm going to stick with my initial reaction. I can see the appeal, and it has some strong moments, but 65 minutes of this is a bit much overall for me. I do like it more than a lot of the very hard rock that I've gotten so far though. I'm also very glad I heard "Hurt", so there's definitely a positive from this one still. Favorite song: Hurt Other: Piggy, Heresy, Closer, A Warm Place 1/4/24
Not for me. I didn’t like it in the 90s but legitimately gave it another shot. I’ll give it a start for creating this vibe of music but it sure did inspire a lot of really terrible music in its wake. This album makes me uncomfortable, much like the kids who listened it in my junior high.
It's OK not my favourite Trent Reznor work, and I doubt I'll listen to it again, but the craft is to be respected
Ik had dus echt een ziek uitgebreidde review geschreven, maar die is niet opgeslagen. Samenvatting is als volgt: Veel herrie Lang geen fan van alles. Closer is mn favo maar verder is het erg depri en boos enzo. Vond de mixing op de eerste nummers meh en ook best wel vaak dat ze eerst fluisteren en dan schreeuwen. Iets wat ik na 1 keer al gezien heb. Hurt is een goed nummer, maar ze hebben echt de pech dat ik de Johnny Cash versie best goed ken. Dat is niet een eerlijke vergelijking, die verliezen ze keihard. FAVO: Closer
Sorry. Not my music…
Someone sleep w this man and put him out of us misery
It's just totally fine. Nothing I'll return to, but I didn't hate it, so
Noisy and irritating. Some familiarity with Closer and Hurt but I wasn't touched by any others.
Tô ligado que influenciou várias bandas e pa sei o que lá mas é sofrível de ouvir, com alguns raros lampejos
jo wtf wieso so lut jo wtf wieso so lieslig wtf isch dynamik vo brickwall zu noise level zu brickwall wa lauft mit eu, sind mini chopfhörer kabut?? Also, ich bin kein fan vo Mr. Self Destruct sein Mixing. Piggy fangt gad nomol mit z lislige vocals ah. Die lislig synth (?) melodie gfallt mir, de rest inkl. de Schlagzügstuff nöd sehr. Heresy: Vocals am afang wieder weird gmixt, wenns luut wird, wirds besser. Tönt nice. Aber alles isch so lut! Die nögste Lieder gfallet mir au, aber de mix verstohni immerno nöd. Closer goht recht hert solangs nur es paar luuti instrument sind. Geg de schluss wirds chli kabutter, aber au weniger schön für mich. De Jack Stratton het gfroget: Does mixing matter? jo mega i wött das nöd lose
Not my jam
Very industrial sounding. heavy use of distorting sounds. can be unpleasant for many to listen to. Not unlike Death Grips.
It's weird how much of my musical life has been Nine Inch Nails adjacent while not really listening to them. I'm intrigued and will listen to more, but immediate impression was "yeah, I know why I didn't gravitate towards Nine Inch Nails".
Closer is very good, but the industrial noise is in the rear view mirror for me.
Maaaaan. I wish I liked this album. I’m just not an industrial fan. The sound really ruined it for me. Lyrics/vocals were decent but I was honestly glad when it was over. Please forgive me for this rating.
There were some bits that I liked, Piggy was great. But I often found it too abrasive, and found myself hoping songs would be over soon. Great soundtrack for a serial killer.
I might've just not been in the right mood for this, but it was just way too noisy and chaotic for me. I do recognize why this album is so respected though as there were a LOT of cool sounds annd production throughout the entire thing. Doesn't seem like my thing now, I do want to give it another listen in the future though.
Not my style, never really was. I tried but just couldn’t get into it. It’s not terrible though & Hurt is iconic so.. 2/5
NIN never does it for me. Album did not age well.
I do not like industrial metal. I hear the brilliant songwriting, but I did not enjoy the brilliant songwriting.
I don’t like them
Ok New sound to me Liked the first song quite alot Rest not as much Too long
- industrial rock really is what it sounds like - a little too edgy for me - “god is dead” song - I can see why social conservatives didn’t like the lyrics lol - I’m not against some of it sonically but it’s not my cup of tea lyrically or the voice - it’s basically repeated whispering over a decent electronic rock beat - the becoming is the most decent song - why is the best instrumental muffled - didn’t realize Johnny cash was covering hurt in the previous album
I did not care for this album there was more screaming than I remember with Nine Inch Nails may comeback and try it again not first thing in the morning
Good industrial rock, the lyrics were lacking for me though. Favorite song was Ruiner
"Industrial" rock. Heavy, distorted sounds with big, echoey beats.
1. Mr. Self Destruct - very loud and heavy production, not loving it. 2. Piggy - i don't mind this one as much, it's less loud and i like the vocals. 3. Heresy - it's an ok sound 4. March of the Pigs - this one is a little less industrial. 5. Closer - i do not like the lyrics very much at all, so I skipped. 6. Ruiner - I like the sound of this one more. 7. The Becoming - didn't really like this one. 8. I Do Not Want This - don't mind this one, but a little long 9. Big Man with a Gun - again i dislike the lyrics and sound 10. A Warm Place - this was a nice break from the aggressive sound and it did well to break it up. 11. Eraser - skipped 12. Reptile - skipped 13. The Downward Spiral - skipped 14. Hurt - i didnt mind this one. Overall, it's an interesting sound but not my style, it's a little too loud and aggressive for me (which I know industrial sounds are) but some of them were ok and definitely very influential. the lyrics also don't resonate with me at all. towards the end i got sick of it, not for me.
Too much screaming for my taste.
Not really a fan of how screamy it gets, nor am I particularly fond of the emo sad vibe. However, it does kind of go crazy in some select moments and I like most of the instrumental parts, so I give it a 1.5, leaning towards 2.
I like the music more than the vocals. But overall, this is not really for me. Much as with RATM, I'm not saying this is bad, just not my thing.
Honest answer? Some interesting stuff but not my thing.
They do their thing and do it well. I just dont like it. Cover of "hurt" was most listentoable
2. I might have liked this had I first listened to it some years ago, but for now, it's just too angry-sounding for my taste. Turned it off after a few songs.
did not connect
Just ok on this album. I tried to like NIN when their first album came out. For industrial metal I'd rather listen to Ministry any day.
Not my fav
Just not my style
noise but not the good kind
Industrial rockalternative rockindustrial metal.
Solid, but I've never found NIN remotely enjoyable to listen to.
Tja, wat moet een mens hier nou weer mee? Een brij ruwe klanken, van ver weg over een oude telefoon ingezongen teksten, ik lees dat dit 'industrial rock' is, en inderdaad heeft het dat gruizige van een verlaten fabriekshal. Maar er is een reden dat de fabriek verlaten is, vrees ik.
Muzikaal misschien zo gek nog niet. Maar er wordt wel overdreven vaak gebruik gemaakt van ruis. Het is het ruige rock equivalent van bijvoorbeeld PJ Harvey, vooral bedoeld om artiest en luisteraar te helpen aan een kunstimago.
Sounds like Trent wrote the lyrics for these songs after getting stood up at the freshmen high school dance, sat on them for 15 years and said "Nah, this is perfect" and then made this album.
Nö
Wurde gegen später besser aber bis dahin Ohrenschmerzen. Mix wieder für die Tonne
Music for skinheads to do speed to while they consider their music taste to be peculiar.