Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (Released 10/20/89 on TVT Records)
Nine Inch Nails is:
All music written by Trent Reznor, performed with a seperate band
Nine Inch Nails bio:
See "Trent Reznor bio"
Trent Reznor bio:
See "Nine Inch Nails bio"
I could go on like this for hours.
Anyhoo...
It is common knowledge that Trent Reznor is basically the only official member of NIN. In other words, Trent alone can be credited with bringing Industrial to the mainstream. Michael Trent Reznor (yes, Trent is his middle name that he went by to avoid being confused with his father) comes from a lifetime of dealing with computers/music. He played many instruments while growing up including saxaphone, piano, and tuba. He spent one year at Allegheny majoring in computer science and music, but dropped out to pursue music full time. He selected industrial as his point of interest because it allowed him to create heavy music while still working heavily with electronics. Trent formed and played with many bands, most of which were small time and local bands. After playing many gigs Trent finally settled down in 1988 to create his own brand of Ministry and Skinny Puppy influenced music. Initially, he had hoped to produce a simple 12" single on a European label. But after a number of american lables got a hold of that single, nearly every one offered him a record deal. He ended up signing with TVT, who would go on to release Pretty Hate Machine in 1989. That leads us to the review.
Head Like a Hole - 5/5
A true classic. Head Like a Hole is the heaviest song on the album, and probably the best as well. It starts off with a nice quick rhythm, and breaks into the chorus which proves some of the catchiest NIN lyrics ever. Hell, "bow down before the one you serve, you're going to get what you deserve" is pretty one of the more famous lyric lines period. This song should never be skipped, especially since it's the first song. a kickass way to start an album
Terrible Lie - 3.75/5
As well as the tracks after it, Terrible Lie shows more of the Industrial than the metal sied of Trent. It's a pretty slow track, with the title repeated over and over in the chorus with evident rage. As a whole, it's got a pretty gloomy sound. It's not too bad, but an obvious change in pace after Head Like a Hole. for some reason, this song always makes me think of germs - maybe it's just the Weird Al parody.
Down In It - 4.25/5
Back to the great rythms. Down In It flows nicely, but never really gets too heavy. Trent's voice seems work well with the drums in the background. It's pretty linear the entire 3 and a half minutes, so theres not a whole lot to say. Just have fun with this track.
Sanctified - 4/5
Crazy bass lines. That's basically what the song is based around. Random static sounds are thrown around, and Trent seems pretty angst-ridden (more so than usual) here. Again, not one of NIN's heavier songs. Near the end it picks up with heavier drums giving a reason to keep listening. The only drawback is that it seems to drone on repeatedly after a while.
Something I Can Never Have - 5/5
This song sounds truely amazing. It's a very soft, slow track with nothing but a muffled piano and Trent singing. The line "you make this all go away" seems to define the song. It's easily the softest, but also one of the best on the album. If anything, you should be skipping
to this track. Don't pass it up - It's a beautiful song.
Kinda I Want To - 3/5
Acchhhhhhhhhh. This song just doesn't do it for me. It's very industrialized, but ultimately sounds like a random jumble of noises. At parts it can sound good and heavy, but the main parts are just crazy and unpredictable. Yet for some reason, I still seem to listen. **** Trent is good.
Sin - 4.5/5
Alright, this feels good after the last song. Trent seems to portray the feeling of being very angry witthout making a really heavy song. The electronic sounds produce a nice flow and low tormenting feeling to the song. Not quite up there with Head Like a Hole (few are) but still a stand-out for the album.
That's What I Get - 3.5/5
Seems pretty similar to Kinda I Want To. The big difference is that this has more of a pronounced rhythm, giving it a more defined and flowing sound. Other than that, it's still a really low and relaxed song. It's pretty repetitive for the most part, but seems to stand out. not for good reasons, but unique ones. I can never sit through it, although it's not
all bad...
The Only Time - 3.25/5
Again with the psychotic bass lines. Sanctified is better though. This is one of the lighter songs (talking about mood) on the album. Not a whole lot of anger, so it's a pretty light sound too. The electronics seem to be talking to me, so I'm getting freaked out. On to the next song.
Ringfinger - 4/5
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. In the beginning sounds deceptively techno, but bounces back nicely with the vocals/lyrics. Trent sounds pretty angry and sometimes anti-Christ, which makes the song. The chorus has some of the most freakish sounding effects on the album. This track is pretty disturbing, but pretty cool at the same time.
This album is legendary. To be honest, it's for a good reason. Trent brought Industrial to the mainstream with this, an album that will last forever. It's got some of the most memerable moments in rock (Head Like a hole) as well as some truely frightening moments (The Only Time). Essential for any NIN fan, this album is recommended to any rock/metal fan in general. After this, NIN seems to get heavier, so this is a good way to ease into he band. Never underestimate the power of a debut album.
Recommended songs:
Head Like a Hole
Down In It
Something I Can Never Have
Sin
Overall rating - 4/5 :thumb:
No trouble enjoying this one.
