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If you are at all interested in alternative music, The Downward Spiral is an absolute must for your collection. While “Closer” made Trent Reznor a household name, namely for its notorious chorus, this one song is merely a part of the greater whole of the album, which is best listened to straight from start to finish. Doing this, though, can be a scary experience as you find yourself drawn into the dark psyche of a murderous persona. You might call it a concept album, riddled with violence and haunted by the presence of Charles Manson (the album was recorded at the Tate House), actually… you will find yourself hoping that it’s a concept album because it is truly horrific, now matter how cheerfully you will sing along “take the skin and peel it back, and doesn’t it make you feel better” in “March of the Pigs.” That’s the thing about this album. It DOES make you feel better. Like a good tear jerker or a manic roller coaster, The Downward Spiral is a massive purge. You can go along with Trent for the ride, beginning with self destruction and running through to the anthemic “Hurt,” a brutal yet beautiful way to slip away from the album. A personal favorite is “Ruiner,” where the guitar solo reaches musical brilliance, coming off like a big, fat, dirty strip tease. Those guitar strains deliver the release that “Closer” promises. “A Warm Place,” is an instrumental breather with gently throbbing electronics to soothe your ears before the hard hitting themes return to make your brain bleed some more. In “Reptile,” you will feel like you’ve been stomped on by a huge mechanical tyrannosaurus rex. Part of its chorus is the lovely phrase “oh my beautiful liar,” which isn’t quite an oxymoron. That sort of light contradiction is relevant throughout the album, the beauty in the decrepit, the truth in deceit, the light in the darkness, the hope in the midst of the apocalypse. Words can only say so much to describe The Downward Spiral. The awards and accolades only reveal so much. Like all great art, it simply has to be experienced. You need this album.Read full review
I saw it in my book albums to listen to before you die-I'm a Johnny Cash fan and I knew he'd covered Hurt. Being an old punk rocker the album has that almost exuberant energy and of course anger. But it is also very original. You have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to it- esp helpful if you are have one of those - I hate the world weeks. We all have those times and this album lays that bare. If you have a load of housework to do - wack this on it'll get you moving. A classic album.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Good CD, the paper cover is a bit bruised and stuff but it is a great price for it, no scratches, no nothing, brilliant!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
By far the best Nine Inch Nails album. The more you listen to it the more you will like it. This album has the classic tracks March Of The Pigs, Closer and Hurt which is the most perfect track to end this album. You can sense and feel the emotions coming through on The Downward Spiral, it is absolutely faultless.
The downward Spiral is one of those albuns you cannot just categorize and label it as rock, art rock, etc. It is simply full of extremes and painfully crafted. From the demoniac Heresy to the sensually charged Closer. One of the best albuns of all time. A masterpiece!