Manic Street Preachers - Everything Must Go

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Free Music Notes for Everything Must Go

Free Music Review: Probably Their Best
Hit: 5 Stars

Both questions were answered with the release of the first single off the album, "A Design For Life", a song penned (as would most tracks on the new album) by bassist Nicky Wire. A rising anthem about Britain's working class, the song featured an impassioned performace by vocalist James Dean Bradfield accompanied by a string section that added to the power and emotion of the track. The song became a hit in the UK, won a songwriting award, and erased all fans' doubts about the continued existence of the band.

"Design For Life" was only a teaser off an album that would turn out to be the most focused and well-constructed album of the band's career. Wire's lyrics are less abrasive than were James's, though no less political in nature. Songs here touch on socialism and the plight of the working class, personal relationships, political perils, and the life and tragic death of Pulitzer prize-winning photographer Kevin Carter. Bradfield delivers his best overall vocal performance to date, as he shows his better-than-average range and emotional singing style. Additionally, he picks up the slack on the guitar as well and shows himself to be more than competent on the 6-string in the absence of James.

Highlights of the album include the aformentioned "Design For Life", "Enola Alone" (a tribute to James), the title track with its memorable melody and terrific string section, "Interiors", and the soaring, glam-influenced "The Girl Who Wanted To Be God". The album as whole, though, really doesn't have any filler (something the Manic's have been, and continue to be, accused of) and is the most cohesive album the band has ever made.

Many people cite the band's overtly political messages in their songs as a reason for not giving their music a fair chance. However, even though I don't agree with some of what they say and write about, it is refreshing to see a band penning tunes about tangible, real-world subjects and concerns, rather than the typical pop fluff. Additionally, the Manics create some of the most memorable, thoughtful music coming out of Britain today. Often wrongly lumped in with Brit rock stalwarts such as Blur, Pulp, and Oasis, the Manics prove here, as they have many times before, that they have a unique sound and thus are deserving of the respect and accolades given to them. A shame, then, that America has never caught on with this band, as they truely deserve a wider audience.

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