Holy Bible, The - Manic Street Preachers > Reviews > Better than the book

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	it's the manic street preacher's defining musical statement and a blistering assault on the senses
Disadvantages:	there is only one track that i don't absolutely love, it's almost the perfect album

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The Manic Street Preachers have been insurrectionary punks, cock rock disciples,pop mavericks, but have always stood out from the rest of the brit rock crowd with their intelligent politicial and personally motivated lyrics. This album is the last to be recorded with now missing guitarist Richey Edwards. His addictions, misanthropy and intelligence is writ large on the Holy Bible. The opening track 'Yes' is a blast of disgust, heavier than iron maiden and more literate than an english professor. Edward's lyrics tackle anorexia, the holocaust,right wing politics and the notions of sexual identity. The Manics always promised they'd never write a love song-and they certainly keep their promise. 'Faster' is the defining moment, a breackneck pace rocker with a riff that is achingly brilliant. The lyrics are incomparable to anything else.The music is reminiscient of the skids,joy division and gang of four, but remains uniquely brutal. The Holy Bible is simply one of the most startling records ever made and draws a line in the sand between the Manics and every other band.