The Downward Spiral

While I don’t agree with the sentiment that this album is important to the world of music in and of itself, the negative review glazing the one hit wonder Kate Bush (whose only hit is overplayed fluff) is nuts. If you can’t handle this then stay away. I concede that this album is indeed one of the prime albums of the alternative movement, especially the industrial sector thereof. While I can’t stomach the extremely vulgar and obscene Closer, I’d be an idiot to say that it wasn’t a well crafted if catchy song. Why doesn’t anybody talk about Ruiner, though? It’s better than both Hurt and Closer combined, as is most of the album. While I’m taking about Hurt, it (pun intended) got hurt by the fantastic and legendary cover by Johnny Cash. Even Trent Reznor acknowledged that Johnny did way better, which is saying a lot because Hurt is nothing to sneeze at emotionally. 1994 was a great year for rock, metal, and alternative and this album showed that NIN was cranking out serious stuff. Its a great if brutally depressing album, but it’s abrasiveness makes it less of a downer and thus easy to like despite itself. Ugly, but also vulnerable at the same time.

In 1994, when this album came out, being “damaged goods” was an appealing concept. Now, in the 2020s, this concept album about an assaulter who deflects blame for his actions commits suicide to escape the consequences comes off as ham-fisted, narcissistic teenage poetry, like it always was. The only reason it is thought of in the terms that it is is because of the music, which never fails to sound every bit as excruciating as a washing machine trying to French kiss a lightbulb. Many say that Trent Reznor is a great singer because his voice is “human.” It isn’t. Kate Bush is a singer with a “human” voice; Trent Reznor shines and screams his way into the hearts of teens every bit as as smug and self-centered as he is because, like this album’s protagonist, they want to be able to commit horrible actions and never face the consequences. It’s time to let this despicable album be lost to the septic tank of history. Spend your money elsewhere.

It’s the same one hater!!! If I go hate Kate Bush how would you feel Huh??? (P.S. don’t spend money on Kate Bush, she’s too c***y!!!)

So many things have been said about this album since its release. I don’t want to be a broken record and repeat what everyone else has said, but this record is massively important to the world of music. You may have to play it a few times before the hooks hit you but they’re there. Albums like this that are textured, layered, and haunting have always been rare, now so more than ever. No one is ever going to make something like TDS again. This album is a complete gateway dr*g into an amazing world of art for many people, including myself. See NIN live if you can, its the best show i’ve ever been to. This album is wild ride that stays with you long after you finish it.

Closer is so cool sounding also if you got offended by this album go back to your cocomelon you little crybaby’s 👶

THIS music rocks actually I love it it’s very great personality and great voice! I love this and I use this is my edits music so I live it :D

A personal favorite.

Spectacular album. Closer is one of my favorite songs.

Contrary to whatever the Laney review says, this is a great album.

The album I happen to drop acid on for the time.