Melody driven.

Thats what comes to mind when I think of the new album by NIN aka Trent. With Grohl playing drums, its an obvious thing to say that the drumming is top notch, very inventive drumming (as ive always thought NIN has done so well)
The first track is very interesting "All The Love in the World".. its like a reflection of the 2nd disk to their recent live set (the acoustic album) and I must say its musically the most inventive song due to the transition at the end. I really dig the piano (classical goth sound) he's got going througout the song..
The album is not as loud and as intense as previous albums, but its a good balance of what makes Trent such a good songwriter.. These songs have more structure than usual. (I wouldnt say in terms of a pop song, but their hooks are strong and straight to the point) The album is more audience friendly than any album theyve ever released (thats my loose opinion on how easy it was for me to get into this album)
I wouldnt say its radio friendly, but this album welcomes new listeners and gives NIN a different overall feel than last album.
Fragile set sounds almost like a anthology of studio cuts if compared to this album. I wouldnt say fragile has half baked goods on it.. but the structure wasnt their (for me at least).. still one of my favorites by them.
Lyrically its abstract and talks heavily about misinterpretation about life.. Trent willl always have dark lyrics, and dark music (I heard someone enquire earlier about if his topics have changed) YES for trent they have, but the original concept of NIN is still present, and hauntingly beautiful.
The most stylish songs on the disk is his talking rant "Only" Funky drums and guitar hooks that are more catchy than anything ive heard from them in terms of this style of song.. Completley caught me off guard.
The best lyrical song is the final cut on the album "Right Where It Belongs".. its also one of the best written NIN songs ive ever heard. Distant piano driven, synth song that drives from rough sounding (Quality wise) to clarity with crowds of people cheering..
Overall its not what I expected, from the title of the album, I thought it was gonna be so raw sounding, it would be unlistenable.. I was wrong and im glad. This album is getting better with each listen. I know some will think its too "light" sounding for trent to do, but its got the elements that make a NIN album great, and the rough is still there.. just blended so intelligent with beautiful, funky and melodic songs that make trent one of the most talented songwriters of our generation.

4 out of 5 stars.
[Edited 4/18/05 19:49pm]

i love the dark themes in Trent's music. His Fragile helped me through rehab.


i have a huge crush on Trent

its really nice, very validating, to see the positive feelings on this album. its that good. i really hope trent gets back in the spotlight. he deserves it.

Is that coming out this week or next?

VinnyM27 said:

Release Date: May 3, 2005

thanks for the review

Thanks for the review. I can't wait to get my hands on it when it comes out!

For anyone who's interested or hasn't heard it yet, I wrote this song by song review thing last week:

http://www.prince.org/msg/8/141707

Neversin.