Manic Street Preachers released their latest album Critical Thinking this month, combining a rockier sound with the socially relevant commentary they’re known for.
This is the band’s 15th studio album. Recorded at the band’s Door to the River Studio and Rockfield, Monmouth, it was produced by long standing collaborators of Manic Street Preachers, Dave Eringa and Loz Williams. Excitedly the album features lead vocals by bassist/lyricist Nicky Wire for the very first time on the track Hiding in Plain Sight.
Starting at the beginning, I love everything about the opening track, Critical Thinking. From the funky baseline to the spoken word verses, the little synth riffs, and the reverb, it is pure Brit pop. Honestly I feel like I could go through this album track by track and describe what I love about each one. Decline and Fall has that signature Manic’s sound, People Ruin Paintings is preciously melancholy and the beautiful little Smiths references in Dear Stephen (a melodic track addressed to smiths lead singer Morrissey) are heavenly.
However, what I love most about this album is that, upon first listen, musically it sounds like the 90s music i grew up on, but when you delve a little deeper you can hear that softer, more stripped back vulnerability creep in that has permeated the industry in recent years. It’s genre-diverse yet still distinctly Manic’s sounding.
The album finds that perfect blend of restrained nostalgia with more modern sensibilities without feeling like it is trying too hard to shoehorn itself into a 2020’s musical sound that doesn’t represent who Manic Street Preachers are as a band. It’s a fine balance to hit and they hit it well. There’s enough difference to feel like you’re listening to something fresh and new whilst still retaining enough of their distinctive sound that it also feels comfy and familiar. A very well done release from these Welsh rockers.
Listen to the album here.
Buy the album here.