Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: • Nine Inch Nails: March...
It's a testament to Trent Reznor's songwriting skills that his sophomore album, an abrasive and harrowing concept album about self-destruction, became a multi-platinum hit.
More classic reviews: • Classics
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NINE INCH NAILS - THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL / 1994 / NOTHING / INDUSTRIAL ROCK
CLASSIC/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@Rebazar]

teen me: this is the realest shit young adult me: actually it was kind of adolescent older adult me: this is the realest shit

[@martinbogadomartinesi5135]

me unironically lmao

[@bm2672]

So true ! I started to listen to it again when approaching my 30's

[@Michael-wp2bp]

I remember the first time I listened to this so vividly, I was in a pretty bad place at the time and I remember having to switch it off cause it scared the shit out of me, it was like reading someone's diary, someone who was on a one way path to total annihilation with no hope, and I remember thinking to myself that my problems maybe weren't as bad as they could be, it took me another 6 or so months to work up the courage to play it again. Love this album, and it got me curious about so many different genres of music too

[@pignoramous]

Adult me: Ó W T H E E D G E

[@BeartoeConCarne]

Its always been the realest shit. Downward Spiral is the reason why i got bitches.

[@henatatorplays]

It’s funny to watch this thinking about how Trent Reznor scored the last Pixar movie

[@6slayer6sam62]

He did?!

[@MiloMenta]

Yeah lol

[@fungifago]

and it is one hell of a good soundtrack

[@penguins0392]

Which movie?

[@Mmxxaamm]

It's even more amazing to think how could he succeed at both things, creating one of the most aggressive and darkest testaments of the decadence of humanity, and creating the softest most tender uplifting sounds for a Pixar film.

[@NemoK]

This album literally caused and cured my depression

[@rigoblues]

An album can't cause a depression, it can trigger it. But the root causes are somewhere else, my opinion, but I am glad to hear you consider yourself cured!

[@NemoK]

@@rigoblues I know haha, it was kind of a joke but I won't deny that this album was a big part of my life back then. But yes I'm better now :)

[@petersturgeon1585]

Frame from "The lighthouse" makes this message harmonize on so many levels

[@LandOfAbundance]

Lol

[@gigachad192]

@@rigoblues not only can an album not cause depression, but it also can’t cure it. OP’s comment was a joke too btw.

[@LukeAdamMiller]

I distinctly remember listening to Heresy in high school, and my mom overhearing the "God is dead" part. She said, "You know, son, these aren't exactly new ideas." I was like, "No shit, mom, but Nietzsche didn't write bangers."

[@echoradiata]

Fucking amazing comment

[@NationalPK]

You misunderstood Nietzsche

[@LukeAdamMiller]

@@NationalPK I don't think so . . . My understanding is that Nietzsche was talking about the implications for European moral philosophy in the wake of the Age of Enlightenment. (If I'm crudely reducing it to a single sentence.) Trent Reznor wasn't referencing any of that historical context, or discussing the impossibility of a system of objective morality based on religion, but the very simple notion of God being dead in modernity still seems present in the song. Obviously, Reznor isn't suggesting God is dead in the minds of all men, because the person to whom he's singing the chorus of the song is obviously still a believer, but I interpret the lyrics to still reflect/acknowledge a general decline in religious belief. Do you see it differently?

[@bzymek7054]

out al things that have never happened, this have never happened the most.

[@naccienac]

@@bzymek7054 r/nothingeverhappens

[@jamgrieve]

I like how he calls A Warm Place a "nice breather." I had the most difficult time listening to that track. I could not contain my emotions. An absolutely devastating track.

[@flowersbloom4262]

For me, it was the most tragic song on the album. After it, I was still sobbing when Reptile started playing.

[@syntheticreality549]

@@flowersbloom4262 literally what are you guys talking about. It’s there to chill you out before stuff gets intense again.

[@flowersbloom4262]

@@syntheticreality549 i doubt that was the intention. If you’ve ever been in a downward spiral yourself it feels like it never stops. The fact that it’s as musical as it is only drives home the rest of the ugliess around it. You can’t have light without knowing darkness, and the darkness after A Warm Place is *bleak*.

[@syntheticreality549]

@@flowersbloom4262 hmmm…perhaps you have a point. Different people experience the album differently and that’s part of the beauty✌️

[@nayalaa]

I feel like it’s the last bit of hope left and just as it fades into Eraser, it disappears and leaves the last bit of humanity left in him. Devastatingly beautiful.

[@t-boogie1782]

Fun Fact: The guitar noises at the end of Mr. Self Destruct, as well as the solo in Ruiner were done by Adrian Belew of King Crimson

[@xivivix7195]

I was surprised that Melon didn't mention that.

[@t-boogie1782]

@@xivivix7195 Same here

[@windmillCR]

He also does that screeching guitar solo after the quiet bridge of The Becoming

[@t-boogie1782]

@@windmillCR Oh shit really? That's awesome!

[@xivivix7195]

@@windmillCR That's a guitar? I've spent 25 years of my life thinking that was a synth.

[@Shah-of-the-Shinebox]

The Downward Spiral is a disturbing and enthralling masterpiece. Everytime I listen to it, it still feels so fresh. It's one of my top 25 favorite albums ever.

[@rorshack23]

Is like to hear the other 24 (pls)

[@okapilovers2]

Me too, man. Top 5 for me, actually.

[@SprinkleB0mb]

This is a 10 out of 10 for me, favorite album of all time

[@alicenestpasmonprenom5784]

Top 3 for me

[@LilDeuceDeuce]

Further Down the Spiral was one of the first ever albums I ever bought (mainly because it was super cheap for the time). I listened to it so much that some of those remixes are imprinted in my brain as the true versions of these songs and it feels weird listening to the originals

[@Rievax17]

"Everything's Blue in this world"

[@MyoticTesseract]

For some reason I wasn't expecting you to be into this lol

[@SlyHikari03]

Same. First album I ever listened to (For nine inch nails), weird first album for me to get into for the band…

[@brownfandango]

That remix album is reeeeally good

[@emomu]

the aphex twin remix was sooooo good

[@thatrandomcomment968]

Who think Anthony should do a NiN discography "Worst To Best" list?

[@ricksanchez1327]

Me

[@LuchaGangsta]

Me 2

[@warnerunterbrink9386]

Me

[@JetpackGamer456]

@skrapyard444 unfortunately, he doesn’t review older bands that aren’t household names 😔

[@user-lv6mu8er9z]

@@JetpackGamer456 That's not true. Skinny Puppy and Ministry are significantly more well known (at least where I live) than Converge, Cannibal Ox, Emperor, The Microphones, Slint, and Roland Kirk all of whom he did classic reviews for.

[@Gabe-qd4gz]

Trent has stated that Hurt was kind of an afterthought, the entire record was finished and all of the sudden one more song just came out of him out of nowhere, and he felt like it was a fitting end, an epilogue like you said.

[@illiaandriukhin5386]

Actually he didn't want to add Hurt to this album for quite a long time. He felt it was too personal.

[@Salad531]

As great as the downward spiral is to end the album off thematically, I can’t imagine this album ending without Hurt.Thank god he made that decision

[@helterskelter7499]

​​@@Salad531 agreed its like the album's purpose is reaching it's climax "hurt". If the album ended with track "the downward spiral" it wouldn't be appropriate. Hurt reminds me of radiohead's closure on okc where you find yourself catching your breath after all this pain and insanity. Hurt is the realisation and the most positive depressing song I've heard. He's not necessarily committing suicide... he's just regretful and wishes he could change the outcome of his actions. The protagonist realises he doesn't want to die.

[@baileymoran8585]

This album helped me not kill myself. I had a nervous breakdown back in 2015-2018 after a very traumatic event that lead to temporary homelessness, a lot of loss, and some awful living situations. I became very agoraphobic and struggled with a lot of PTSD issues. I had been a fan for years but it really hit me then.

[@sharium4926]

Feel you man

[@Rose_Tinted1]

damn same

[@paystation4pro15]

Had a nice wank to this a few last week it aight

[@KingCrimson68]

Hope you’re doing alright now.

[@WFly101]

Fish 🐟

[@lewisdean107]

Literally an album I'm scared to tell people I relate to, not for any reason other than people think relating to negative music makes you feel worse, when in reality (for most) it makes everything so much more bearable. Bless Tront Reznor.

[@DaAxiomatic]

Makes sense. You know you're not alone in how you feel...

[@mykeptyson9177]

Be true to yourself.

[@bigbrotherbeane]

Praise be to Tront!

[@isaacdebolt3637]

trontttt

[@stocktonjames888]

Agreed 100% man, plus you don’t want people thinking you’re mentally disturbed, or in need of help.

[@MisterBrimm]

The Fragile has aged really well and is just about as good and my personal favorite of his.

[@purplegnome396]

I personally think it's leaps and bounds better than TDS. Best NIN record by a long shot

[@chronic_johnson_a.r.a.b]

It could do without Starfuckers Inc.

[@meme6335]

I think so too expect for one track, Starfuckers has always seemed like such an odd track on that album to me, it really seems out of place whenever I listen to it. I think I rank TDS ahead by just a fraction of an inch because of that track. What are your thoughts on that track? What are your favourite songs on the fragile?

[@chronic_johnson_a.r.a.b]

@@meme6335 I think Marilyn Manson's influences were a bit too strong, thematically on that track. I don't know how much, if at all, he was involved in the creation of the song, but they were known to work together previously. The lyrics of Starfuckers Inc sound like something Manson would have wrote around that time. While I like some of Manson's early work, he's often been pretty annoying when it comes to his lyrics. And they've aged to be even worse than they were back then. Otherwise, The Fragile is a great album.

[@vasvas8914]

@@purplegnome396 first disc, definitely. Second, probably not. Has some filler.

[@korndud]

"extreme lust and extreme self hatred" is my aesthetic

[@busterb7482]

They go hand in hand lol

[@itstoxicrick9605]

Just my Life 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@theeoddments960]

Same Fidel.

[@spoonmeanie5644]

@Oinky the Class Traitor Most of the time, yea

[@torstenatterberg5788]

Agony

[@Krazie-Ivan]

Hip-hop head who got kicked-out on his 18th birthday, after school, on a Wednesday in early '96... I'd never listened to anything remotely like NIN, but a scrawny lil kid in my reading class who wore Docs with shorts, who I'd never really talked with, overheard my situation & offered to ask his patents if I could crash there. Every day Bret blasted some obnoxious wailing noise from the awful piecemeal blown out stereo in his room, which he'd used the EQ to completely drop out all highs & lows. Through the wall, I couldn't make any sense of it beyond obviously being the same few dozen songs. On my bicycle, on the way to night class to make-up credits, someone in a hatchback Civic was bumping the tightest & deepest baselines I'd ever heard, but I couldn't make out who the rapper was... till he got alongside in heavy traffic... & I realized it was the same song Bret had played a thousand times; Closer. I now give everything a chance listen. Been to all NIN shows in Phx since Fragile. Bret & I became brothers. He joined the army, served in Bosnia on duties related to uncovering & documenting genocide, became addicted, & struggled emotionally for 20+yrs until a final OD just over a year ago. I miss him & could never thank him enough for showing me what true unconditional empathy looks & feels like. Passionate music that truly means something is vital.

[@VojtaMarek]

shit, that was an unexpected plot twist. and a very sad one, obviously. i’m so sorry for your loss of Bret. also, thank you for your comment - i don’t know why, but the story kinda made my day.

[@danielbell579]

Thanks for sharing that wow.

[@wessaie]

remembering Bret with you man. all the love

[@whebshow6610]

love to bret, wherever he is. thank you for sharing that

[@robmoney]

I went to a Goth club some years back for their first 90s night. When the dj played Juicy the crowd went wild. They followed that up with Closer. The reaction was 10 fold.

[@soaribb32]

Juicy by whom?

[@towards_the_flame]

​@@soaribb32 biggie smalls

[@harrygood515]

@@towards_the_flame why would that play at a goth club?

[@zackzallie8735]

Goth chicks vibing to Biggie is such a plot twist to me.

[@mneri84]

@@soaribb32lol. I remember being in college and this was like a decade after biggie died and girls would still rush the dance floor for some reason.

[@TheFirestorm496]

We need a NIN Tier list or best to worst. Curious to see what Anthony thinks of the other albums

[@fungifago]

I agree would be interesting

[@chelseawitt6709]

Yes yes yes yes yes

[@etalex7074]

DO IT ANTHONY

[@13StJimmy]

I have a feeling he would put the fragile at the top, I think he’s mentioned that being one of his favorites and understandably so

[@BiLLz66614]

It would be interesting to see him go over albums like PHM, Broken and Fragile.

[@philly_sports1558]

I think the original version of "Hurt" is just as good as Johnny Cash's cover. I always was intrigued how different the song comes across in both versions. The NIN version is much more angry and bitter while Cash's version is much more regretful and remorseful. Both versions are incredible though.

[@thebatman1482]

Johnny Cash's version is an old man thinking about his life, his joys and his lost opportunities while realizing that his death is approaching. The original is a young man that is so fucking desperate and disturbed that he doesn't even want to become old because he knows he can't make it like that and there's no way out of there. Both incredible songs, but the original is spine-chilling to me.

[@LucTonnerre2000]

As solid and heartbreaking as Cash's version is - nothing beats the original by NIN. That one weird note in the verses that is seemingly totally out of key makes it so scary and beautiful at the same time. The way Reznor sings it or even whispers it is brutally intense. The way the chorus grows and gets bigger and bigger until the final three distorted chords that just fade out - what an epic masterpiece of a song that is.

[@bencraig1249]

I use the original when feeling empty and sad, the Cash version just doesn't work in the same way for me.

[@thebatman1482]

@@bencraig1249 I think the placement on the album is really what gives it its strength. It's like a big summary of the protagonist's downward spiral, replicating even the gunshot, and after all the listener has been through those dissonant chords and the final distorted sound really hit you like a train.

[@elisecunliffe1123]

I think a lot of people who have that self destructive urge can spot and empathise with each other very well. With cash having the benefit of experience over reznors angst at the time.

[@jordanarnold6783]

As soon as the little glitch sound starts at the beginning of March of the Pigs, I immediately feel the urge to jump and break stuff, 20 years later. Fuck this album is so damn good.

[@LukeAdamMiller]

If I listen to that song in a crowded space, the desire to start a mosh pit is ALMOST irresistible.

[@trevorburdine4463]

I've always interpreted hurt as a suicide note of some sort.

[@ballerplayapimphuztla]

The last few lines "If I could start again, a million miles away.... I would keep myself... I would find a way." really feels to me like the person finally giving up on trying to make things better and just resigning to suicide. Also the distortion at the very end some people have theorized is representative of what the character is hearing after shooting himself in the head.

[@GazB85]

There was gonna be another song after it called 'Just Do It' but someone who was working on the album with him and another person, not sure if it was a friend or another music person, told him not to put it on as it was about the protagonist committing suicide and that said that people would actually end up committing suicide to it and it's just lead to a load of shit. The lyrics haven't even been released for it.

[@asterism5768]

@@ballerplayapimphuztla The guy is already dead. The distortion is from the hole in his brain.

[@soaribb32]

The Downward Spiral is the song when he kills himself, with a spoken passage about a lot of blood running from a tiny whole. And then Hurt is like his *Soul* looking back at his life from the grave.

[@sleep6837]

​@@soaribb32there's a low whistling wind sound plaything throughout the song....like breeze blowing through the hole in the protagonist's head after he's taken his life. Fucking genius

[@Trainy2]

This album is a masterclass in musical texture

[@birberking6999]

yes but even moreso for the fragile

[@InfamousQwaQwaFruit]

Irrelevant to the Downward Spiral but that Big Business album is great and it's nice to see here

[@Tmanstext]

I read that as "musical torture" and honestly i kinda just ran with that for a few seconds like "yeah for sure"

[@pockit5107]

@@birberking6999 The Downward Spiral is better than The Fragile but both albums are good.

[@soaribb32]

And production And dynamics And songwritting

[@marstheleanvampirequeen696]

literally the album that really got me into music

[@Psztyk236]

Same. And Superunknown. Both released in 1994 which amazes me, just how packed that year was in terms of classic records

[@tornadorundo]

same here dude, this album is incredibly influential

[@sneakaholic011]

no exaggeration!! same

[@WobblyBits_X]

Even ~20 years after my first exposure to the album as a child, I still feel intense emotional reactions to it.

[@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield]

Closely related for me was "Antichrist Super" followed not long after by this.

[@chazlear3250]

In all seriousness, the '94 Woodstock performance of Closer is one of the best live performances I've ever seen

[@zerrothewolf8316]

the entire concert is great, that Pinion intro that segues into Terrible Lie is just something else

[@ngominh259]

The funny thing is: technically it wasn't anything to write home about, but emotionally/culturally/viscerally it was the most dangerous and gratifying performance ever.

[@wjlince]

You can find that melody from the outro of Closer in a few other places on the album, kind of like the recurring riff on The Wall. Most easily heard in the title track riff, but it's also the same chord progression in the chorus of Heresy.

[@theskulldoesntalk]

That's called a leitmotif

[@ihatehumans5185]

i believe it also appears on Piggy

[@soaribb32]

@@ihatehumans5185 on the outro and the organ on the second verse

[@waz3128]

@@ihatehumans5185 played in slightly varied notes, but definitely a nod to it

[@shrimpy420]

Fuck yes. The album that felt like home to me as an edgy angry teen. One of my all-time favorite albums and one of the best albums ever.

[@pseudonymous8702]

it feels like home to me as a depressed fuckup adult

[@HonkeyKongLive]

Bought this bad boy in 1995 to throw in my Sony Walkman. Listened to it until it basically broke lol.

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

Oh my fucking God, thank you so fucking much for reviewing this. Easily in my top 10 albums of all time. By the way, I think I’m gonna forgive you for the six for reviewing this.

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

@somedudeontheinternet 1 I agree, I love that album. The fragile would be nice as well.

[@tescobesco]

@somedudeontheinternet 1 with teeth is my second favorite NIN albums

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

@somedudeontheinternet 1 Radiohead has a flawless discography, at least five of their albums are perfect 10s. But I’m not a fan of the later NIN stuff... mostly post year zero. I liked hesitation marks, but everything after that just didn’t vibe with me. I think I should give it a second chance.

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

@somedudeontheinternet 1 I’ll have to give it another shot. And, With Teeth is CRIMINALLY underrated. Fucking love that album

[@macktaylordp]

NIN (love em) don't have the consistency of Radiohead. Still I quite like With Teeth, Ghosts, The Slip, NTAE - Bad Witch Trilogy. Year Zero I'm not a huge fan of - though fair enough if other people like it, I can get that

[@ganesha.k.s]

Trent Reznor is the kind of guy who can score movies like The Social Network, Gone girl and The girl with the dragon tattoo while also doing scores for movies like Pixar's Soul. That alone basically says a lot about his aesthetic. Dude was nominated for The Oscar 2 times in 2021 alone since he did the scores for both Mank and Soul. And won it. Which is impressive on its own until you realise that it's his second oscar victory. What a legend.

[@kornskater]

I once heard someone comment on this album saying “ you can’t listen to the downward spiral without being changed in some how.” My personal feelings is I just love how coherent the narrative is through out the whole album. The truest concept album I’ve ever experienced.

[@lauronamieltoral462]

Screaming "I wanna f you like an animal" while I was locked in the basement isn't a review Trenthony Reztano Jokes aside, this is absolutely a Classic/10

[@Nik.No.K]

I covered that song with my band as a teenager and my very Christian parents were in the audience at a show we played it at😂 They weren’t too happy about that

[@starropenisthe4th786]

@@Nik.No.K lmfao that’s amazing

[@yearnpill]

@@Nik.No.K I thought they would be happy with the line “you get me closer to God” ;)

[@jordan45453]

@@Nik.No.K cringe.

[@scotttape9327]

I’m sweating like i’m in a rave been in this room for 3 days

[@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield]

Think I'm hearing voices Paranoid and think I'm seeing ghostes, OH SHIT

[@Michael-wp2bp]

@crsor4 someone's gona come on here and be mad about that

[@tatwho]

@@Michael-wp2bp no one can be mad as Trent ‘borrowed’ a lot on this album ha ha. Now that may trigger some fans. Just wish he didn’t steal hurt from cash

[@Michael-wp2bp]

@@tatwho Yeah, Trent's cover ain't bad tho, gotta give him an A for effort at least

[@pseudipto]

been in this room for 365 days

[@elyssapalmer2298]

March of the pigs actually alternates between 3 bars of 7/8 and 1 of 4/4 which imo, makes it even more difficult to follow than if it was just 7/8

[@iximusic]

Yes totally agree!

[@MCLemonyfresh]

Yes! I had to learn this song on bass for a 90’s cover show and it was a freaking doozy

[@flowersbloom4262]

Yes 29/8 goes HARD

[@sncrch]

Surprised he didn't focus more on Reptile. For me the strongest track on the album and an industrial classic. The drums, machine sounds, the atmosphere the song creates is extraordinary.

[@Chilipotamus]

Reptile blew my mind the first time I listened through, I had to listen to it again

[@MyToasterIsMoist]

Damn I almost had a mini-stroke when I saw this in my notifications, I love when you do classic reviews man it fills my taint with joy

[@negativezer0591]

fills ur what

[@MyToasterIsMoist]

@@negativezer0591 fills my what?

[@mattcombssucks9326]

His TAINT

[@kiwibiird]

his what?

[@myusernameusedtobereallycr2075]

I want fantano to fill my taint with joy too

[@zackzallie8735]

Fun fact: They recorded this album in the murder site where Sharon Tate was murdered by the Manson family

[@bryanbeckett869]

That's not very fun.

[@zackzallie8735]

@@bryanbeckett869 Fun to know, not the situation itself.

[@saturnz7029]

trent lived there while recording the album, then when the album released he moved and the house got demolished

[@illiaandriukhin5386]

I wonder if this album's fixation on pigs does something with PIG written in blood over the wall on the night Tate was killed.

[@kirb_erus]

@@illiaandriukhin5386 Well Trent did name the house "Le Pig" when he was in there so he definitely knew about it.

[@dopey473]

It's MY mental breakdown and I get to choose the music! Edit: Also i'm pretty sure the becoming is more about the protagonist metaphorically becoming a machine AKA he has lost all feelings and has become 100% apathetic.

[@wickedhyperstyler]

I agree. I always viewed it as the protagonist numbing himself (probably with drugs and because of negative states like depression).

[@XNancyxBoyX]

My favourite record of all time, without a doubt. Thank you for reviewing this one! My interpretation of the last two tracks has always been that, throughout the story, the protagonist wants to eliminate everything that makes him vulnerable, what makes him human. He wants to rid himself of feelings, which is what he's referring to as "all of his bad parts". He's becoming more like a machine, which, to me, really starts happening during The Becoming. Then it becomes a struggle between his human part and his "machine", it goes back and forth until he realizes in A Warm Place that he fucked things up irreparably and regrets what he's become. Which leads to the final chapter, him (his human part) deciding he has to be erased. And finally, he kills himself. The downward spiral (track) is his emotionless, mechanical, "machine" part coldly describing what has happened. Then on Hurt, the human side that's dying or already dead reflects on what's happened. Anyway, this is incredibly long and I could keep going as this album is very close to my heart, but I'll shut up now. Just my two cents.

[@iximusic]

🖤

[@evanscruggs6037]

That is a really great interpretation. I've always felt like he might have somehow survived though, at least for a little while, based almost entirely on the "needle tears a hole" line in Hurt. What would that be if he's already dead? Maybe it's an IV going into his arm, reminding him in some distant way of his excesses on the way down the spiral. Maybe he actually survives an attempt, and goes on to be the person in The Fragile. Just my own musings. Either way, the fact that we can talk about these pieces of music in this way is a testament to their greatness

[@aman-mn6xj]

i agree otherwise but to me Hurt is the human in him and all the last emotions and feelings and their last moments before he shoots himself (the loud electric guitar bang which fades into silence) but yeah anyway such a great record in my top 10 for sure

[@Bandstand]

Had to come early for this one 🤝

[@TheHolySandwich]

Gross

[@luxmar1]

Genius

[@LeBeautiful]

Greatness

[@swingAE86]

You and william maranci are like the main TND comment crew

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

Me too

[@alexanderton5384]

I've never seen Anthony have such a hard time describing what the song sounds like. One of my favorite albums !

[@ChallockStudios]

I met a girl I liked and quoted "Closer" hoping she'd go out with me It didn't work but my cellmates pretty cool and thought it was funny

[@quantumpiss4206]

Hahahaha underrated

[@demun6065]

Cool album. Unfortunately Fantano didn't even do his research to understand that "god is dead, and no-one cares" is a quote from a famous German atheist philosopher.

[@soaribb32]

@@demun6065 cuz it's not really the quote by verbatum.

[@idith7403]

And now Trent Reznor is doing soundtracks for Pixar

[@JohnDoe-mj6cc]

They're fucking good though

[@idith7403]

@@JohnDoe-mj6cc even his soundtrack for Mank is awesome

[@berry11756]

@@idith7403 yeah I loved how I forgot he scored mank and then in the credits I had an “oh sh*t” moment and was even more impressed

[@oaktree2406]

Do you even Bad Witch brah?

[@ArgKaiser]

Now THAT is a downward spiral

[@korndud]

did you call "a warm place" an ambient interlude?! it's one of the greatest instrumentals of all time.

[@tornadorundo]

It is an ambient interlude, but definitely not just made for an interlude, it’s really an amazing song, I listen to it when I need peace

[@korndud]

@@tornadorundo it's not an interlude at all tho? it's literally a song.

[@milkburps6370]

@@korndud it acts like an interlude because it is so chilled out compared to the rest of the album

[@Lilnaomi3]

I mean, he also ignores things the original artist has said about their music, ya know the person who created it. I don't think intention behind the work is the focal point of this video but the authors interpretation of it. I don't agree that it is a musical interlude, but it certainly is transitional if one thinks about what it signifies during the chracters journey. I can see how someone would feel it is stylized to function as one or a break. It is very much a calm spot or an acceptance leading to conclusions.

[@lily91109]

There's some unofficial lyrics somewhere and I think about them a lot. The sun is a star in someone else's sky, the moon is making someone cry.

[@nicholasromig5506]

this record sounds like absolutely nothing else, ever. Reznor is my hero, and he always goes so hard.

[@Radi0he4d1]

Read some psychologist's book where one of her clients was into listening to NIN on her iPod and one-night stands with strangers, which made her sad, meaning more NIN and stray pеnis in a downward spiral of depression. That's the aesthetic of this album.

[@tonynittoli4792]

This is trents magnum opus period. So was the fragile though too. Nvm all his shit is his magnum opus.

[@dominiksvarietychannel]

I agree, people say he “fell off” but every record is brilliant. It just especially connected with people in the 90s

[@louisschofield5290]

Trent been waiting 27 years for this

[@ryanrutkoskie6943]

This album was recorded in the former house of the “Manson Family” murder where Susan Atkins wrote “Pig” on the front door in Sharon Tate’s blood. “Piggy” was also Trent Reznor’s nickname for Richard Patrick while he was in the band.

[@TipTheScales27]

Sharon’s aunt approached Trent and asked him why he recorded in that house. He said that he felt so guilty afterwards that he cried like a baby... he definitely regrets doing that

[@MrDieg999]

Wait this album was recorded in Sharon tate's house.

[@maxwellsdem0n]

@@TipTheScales27 Also one of the columbine shooters refer to the album, and Piggy specifically, I always wondered if he knew that, and how he felt about it. Not that it matters I just never heard anything about it, which is ironic considering the media massively went after Marylin Manson for the shootings even though he was never referenced in the diaries.

[@ryanrutkoskie6943]

@@MrDieg999 yeah Downward Spiral and Broken EP

[@MrDieg999]

@@maxwellsdem0n he always haved wash his hands about this, the history is like he bought the house and after that he realised what house was. even though he didn't think to much about it, till tate's sister ask him why he rent it to record the album, that's when reznor tell himself "what if this was my brutally murdered sister house, what i would think about it?", so he just leave the property.

[@derk486]

NIN Hurt is superior to Johnny Cash imo

[@joeldukes303]

Easily, even after “giving” Hurt to Johnny

[@fernandoirangph]

02:34 "Mr. Self Destruct" 03:33 "Piggy" 04:06 "Heresy" 04:48 "March of the Pigs" 06:01 "Closer" 07:10 "Ruiner" 07:47 "The Becoming" 08:29 "I Do Not Want This" 09:18 "Big Man with a Gun" 10:04 "A Warm Place" 10:20 "Eraser" 10:54 "Reptile" 11:21 "The Downward Spiral" 12:12 "Hurt" --------------------------------------------

[@luizaksnes.8374]

I really recommend "Earthling" by David Bowie. It's an underrated album

[@My_Anarchist_Superhero]

One if his most overlooked albums by the general public, and so out-there.

[@SB-jq8jj]

His most underrated album

[@salmon_wine]

Absolutely for sure. Both versions of Afraid of Americans, Earthlings on Fire, and Looking for Satellites are such fascinating songs- but Seven Years in Tibet might be one of Bowie's best tracks and feels almost foreshadowing of Blackstar's sound

[@superdupermcgee]

I like Earthling but I think Outside is Bowie's true crowning achievement from his 90s period. It is not as accessible so I feel it's an even less talked about album. Whereas Earthling is catchy and fun I find Outside to be dark and compelling and, coincidentally, a bit like Bowie's own TDS album (it's even a concept album). It's also aged better than Earthling, which sometimes sounds like Bowie's vocals are just laid over a corny techno beat. My second favorite 90s Bowie is probably Hours, another overlooked gem.

[@hollandscottthomas]

Interesting! I really love Bowie a lot but didn't connect much with his 90s stuff, maybe I'll go back and revisit.

[@theofficialksr05]

Who else agrees that their show at Woodstock 94' is one of the most batshit insane performances you've ever seen?

[@LastOneLeft99]

I watched it live, a friend of the family had got the pay per view.

[@andrewedwards1339]

Totally agree. Absolute peak watch.

[@countdooku7152]

Didn’t they perform their entire set covered in mud?

[@LastOneLeft99]

@@countdooku7152 Yeah the whole thing is on youtube, was a great show

[@GetAsCloseAsYouCan]

Supremely epic 🎯

[@anishsawan6496]

Transition more like Trent-sition. I will be here all night.

[@busterb7482]

Yooooo lets gooo

[@Descro382]

This comment was typed in front of a live ostrich

[@ItsPumaPuma]

You’re coming home with me

[@JamesBriano]

March of The Pigs is an utterly ferocious track; perfectly placed on this album.

[@maxiegil8226]

„The Downward Spiral” aka the album that gave me depression in 2020

[@Windows98.]

2002*

[@tylerhackner9731]

And into 2021

[@jd1800]

Next year will be Year Zero.

[@duhotatoday3277]

*Helped me to overcome my depression in 2020.

[@TipTheScales27]

It’s personally helped me deal with my depression

[@colefisher1240]

I remember hearing this for the first time in high school. It scared the shit out of me Hell it still does.

[@thetroubledmonk]

There is literally no album ever created that can define or capture the heart of depression and self hate as much as this one. I don't care how happy your life is, how rich you are, or how much you believe in the goodness of people, this album has the ability to suck that hopeful air right out of the fucking room. This is an 10/10 album, it is one of the greatest pieces of art ecer created, and it is also an album I cannot willingly listen to now that I have found some inner peace.

[@MiddayMantra]

“A Warm Place” is one of my favorite all time NIN moments and you ignored it :(

[@dopey473]

He didn't say it by name but he did talk about it.

[@Crossfoxcoon]

It's about f**ggin' time one of my favorite albums gets on your classics review! Idk if I should feel old now, but a solid assessment of this pivotal Trent Reznor/NIN release.

[@ElliYeetYT]

Never clicked so fast in a long time.

[@purplegnome396]

Was thinking the same thing

[@isabellasinclair8215]

Sgdgshsjsjs same

[@fingibb4723]

Same bro

[@rreznor660]

Cause he too busy reviewing Taylor swift and rap shit nowadays

[@hughmunro4577]

he knowwsss

[@Lepstick_-]

I cannot believe i slept on this album for so long, just listened to it for the first time and was just blown away

[@HotStrange]

Every time I listen to this album it blows my mind all over again. Idk how the fuck Trent did it. The title track gives me feelings that no other song ever has. It’s truly the sound of losing all hope.

[@PLAGUE-KARM]

Eraser has one of the most chilling endings to a song I’ve ever heard

[@_chipchip]

Yeah it’s pretty fucking intense. But I can’t help but yell along

[@PLAGUE-KARM]

@@_chipchip Same

[@orang3lazaru5]

It’s even creepier on Further Down the Spiral..

[@captainbarnark8709]

IMO Eraser is such a “final thought” album that it makes Reptile feel out of place. Why does Eraser end with the protagonist screaming “Kill me” and then he thinks of his ex girlfriend before ending it?

[@nathankrikke6849]

Same with The Becoming.

[@User-xw6kd]

My recs for classics week - Television - Marquee Moon New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies Popol Vuh - Aguirre/Hosianna Mantra Scott Walker - Scott 4/Scott 3 The Prodigy - The Fat of the Land Neil Young - Harvest/On the Beach Vangelis - Blade Runner

[@jonny9365]

Boards Of Canada - Music Has The Right To Children

[@naumchomsky8840]

Eh Fat of the Land is only a classic with nostalgia goggles. I love it to death but it's got some really bogus tracks throughout.

[@nathanieledwards7150]

Thats a great fucking list man. Im glad I'm not the only one listening to the Blade runner soundtrack in these here strange days

[@leorrocher]

Power corruption and lies ❤️

[@jens2049]

Blade runner Nice

[@buckofazoo]

people always talk about how sloppy and chaotic the drum outro of piggy is, but it always made sense to me. I think every hit is exactly where it's supposed to be.

[@waz3128]

Its one of my favourite parts of the record. I believe Trent was just doing a mic check on the drums while Flood was recording and they later decided to use it in Piggy

[@absaxoclar]

The chord structure for A Warm Place almost perfectly matches David Bowie's Crystal Japan and when played both songs during an interview with both Reznor and Bowie present apparently neither had put that connection together. Its also pretty similar to the main melodic line from Depeche Mode's song Stripped

[@waz3128]

I wonder if Alan Wilder / Martin Gore also heard the Bowie song

[@LastOneLeft99]

Was my favorite record as a teen in the 1990s. Ruiner is a very underrated song.

[@vladimirploppers5789]

Yeah but I guess they haven’t mastered it live I guess

[@stealthbeatle4945]

Also the FDTS Version absolutely slaps too.

[@JohnnyKnoxvil]

Amazing.... I was literally like “damn I haven’t heard this album in a minute let’s listen” and this was like two hours ago. Then BAM

[@colefisher1240]

bro fantano is following you

[@cainification]

Haha good one

[@ForbiddenFruit73]

"Equal parts frightening and sexy" is how I feel about Garbage's song Vow.

[@HMan2828]

I am the bullet in the gun I am the truth from which you run I am a silencing machine I am the end of all your dreams

[@luccacamillo]

"Much of the time, this album literally sounds like hell" --> The first thing that popped into my head was The Becoming's instrumentals.

[@gimmedataids]

Along with the constant screaming and wailing in the background. Incredible song

[@ikesours6558]

(T2) Cameron's Dante's Inferno

[@tonightsbigloser]

Anthony, why does your jacket say "SIMP"?

[@sugarrookieart]

I love that patch and its placement, I fixate on it whenever he wears this jacket ahaha

[@spoonmeanie5644]

The real question should be: Who is he simping?

[@vasvas8914]

He's simping for Reznor.

[@LetsGetHighOnMorris]

111 000 ha, gayyyyyyyyy

[@TELMEman]

PLOT TWIST: It actually says Emp DOWNWARD SPIRAL DOWNWARD SPIRAL DOWNWARD SPIRAL

[@flipppip1277]

A classic review of Alice in Chains "Dirt" would make me so happy.

[@nonsense2369]

Hurt is a suicide note. It lulls you into a sense of understanding since it bares the protagonists own thoughts. The final blast of music equals the gunshot. At least imo…

[@paragonofgood]

The Downward Spiral is the Neon Genesis Evangelion of the music industry.

[@cynical8330]

The Neon Genesis theme is one of the most popular and well known pop songs in the world and even more so in Japan. The Neon Genesis theme is the Neon Genesis Evangelion of the music industry.

[@JorgeGomez-hx5uu]

@@cynical8330 well put lol

[@paragonofgood]

@@cynical8330 Lol, I know that. I'm just referring to The Downward Spiral as being thematically similar to NGE since it touches on depression, self-destruction and existentialism.

[@andreasvarousiadis9464]

i learned from a comment that downward spiral synchronizes perfectly with the "end of evangelion"

[@_chipchip]

I love this.

[@peach_total]

the transition to robotics in The Becoming is metaphorical; it’s him deciding that he’s going to hide or destroy all of his vulnerability or insecurities (aka “bad parts”). it plays into the themes you see later in Big Man With a Gun: he’s putting up walls of power, violence, and sexual dominance because he couldn’t handle dealing with his sadness and insecurities

[@luna.37]

In a mid-90s interview, he spoke about Big Man with a Gun being written from the point of a r@pist... But he regretted it as some thought he was promoting such violence, when he was really implying such men are vile cowards. But seeing him speak recently, he talked about having become increasingly disinclined to talk about what songs meant to him as people imagine their own interpretations, andhe wants to let people have their own meanings.

[@ilobko]

He just loved Tetsuo movie at that time.

[@oldcat7]

One of the most heartbreaking stories ever told on an album. Hits all the emotions.

[@meltedyakkystick3891]

Yes, this album is great. I love how Hurt is this really quiet and emotional finale to the album and then the song just abruptly ends with these really loud sour notes like just as you're about to reach this moment of closure it slaps you in the face.

[@TheKingShyGuy.]

Downward spiral? Yeah that describes today pretty well...

[@0Enigmatic0]

The past 4 years really

[@thisisisabella3634]

Literally the perfect ending to the day.

[@nerdaitami7205]

@@0Enigmatic0 The past twelve years more like. maybe even more

[@philly_sports1558]

America has been on a downward spiral.

[@totlyepic]

If you're thinking today was really a "today" thing, you haven't been paying attention for a decade.

[@Joel-do4xs]

Lets agree: we need more classics weeks than one.

[@vaporeon1606]

I‘m completely obsessed with the downward spiral, it’s such an aggressive, attractive and all-encompassing album. One of my all time favorite albums!

[@baileymoran8585]

The theme of the ruiner and the becoming are very connected. The ruiner is basically someone doing something that ended up being the final straw. Either it’s directed at another person, or the protagonist is directing it at themselves. ‘You didn’t hurt me. Nothing can hurt me’ transitions into the becoming. The protagonist is now numb, and mistaking that for being ok, but they are still feeling their pain on some level in the back of their mind. They are numb by anger and almost convinced they are happy in their mental breakdown.

[@mx_untitled2376]

One of my favorite albums... It’s truly one where I feel like I’m going on the same dark, fucked up psychological journey as the protagonist. Hurt is one of the most emotionally painful songs for me to listen to...and I mean that in the best way possible.

[@rensopinto2139]

This album will always be harsh and abrasive af. Love it. Doesn’t age

[@robinsonnox9980]

I've never liked The Downward Spiral but I relistened to it not even a week ago, and it's effect on me still lingers. I have underestimated how striking and soul-piercing that album is.

[@ktfjulien]

The Becoming is the greatest song ever recorded

[@jd1800]

I don't know about that, but it's my personal favorite song.

[@xivivix7195]

That was my favorite song for about 9 months. That off-kilter beat and the heart-wrenching lyrics were pretty shocking and perfect for teenage angst.

[@shepherd_moons]

That's a bit too far

[@ktfjulien]

@@shepherd_moons nah I'm spittin

[@shepherd_moons]

@@ktfjulien spittin cap :p

[@-jessieh-]

one of the best written rock records ever imo

[@AzaelWorld]

FINALLY AFTER YEARS OF ASKING FOR THIS! NIN=GOAT

[@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield]

This and "Pretty Hate Machine" feel like they should've already been a part of the Classics segment.

[@Maxi-jr7sw]

@@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield and the fragile too...

[@zeemancan3713]

@@Maxi-jr7sw the fragile touches my heart in ways the downward spiral never will

[@Maxi-jr7sw]

@@zeemancan3713 same 😩😩

[@fert7921]

Yes

[@vivian8106]

I liked the contrast between the music from soul being so beautiful despite coming out in a dark time, vs downward spiral being incredibly dark and coming out in a time we're all currently nostalgic for...

[@taylorskidmore2760]

"The Becoming" is such a beautiful song. "Even when Im right with you, Im so far away"

[@misssarahsings]

I haven’t been this early since he was still posting on thatistheplan

[@eatfugu]

I miss right wing fantano

[@neoyuls]

@@eatfugu right wing? lmao what are you talking about

[@its_drez]

@@neoyuls it’s a meme you dip :^)

[@aledandrian]

Trent was on such a hot streak with this album, even the one quiet track for the sake of breaking the tension is one of the greatest ambient songs of all time

[@lily91109]

I love this album. I have cried so much to it. Fuck, my favourite lyrics are from The Downward Spiral (song) and they're not even spoken in an even pattern. This is really an album to think about, and I will keep thinking about it even when I'm better.

[@tycad8990]

Saw this online and I agree: Closer is just WAP for goths.

[@jd1800]

The lyrics to Closer have meaning beyond just being sexual though.

[@idith7403]

@@jd1800 nope nice try, Cardi B explains that she worked closely with Trent Reznor in creating a modern day “Closer” in terms of both lyricism and style. Some may say that “WAP” reaches further into human depravity than the entirety of Downward Spiral

[@mrpizza042]

Incorrect Wap is just closer for normal people

[@duhotatoday3277]

Except Closer is not about sex at all

[@grzyruth9205]

Except Closer is actually good lol

[@totalsurprise889]

Ruiner is my favorite track on this album. One of the best live.

[@davelabonte7806]

Mr Self Destruct is also wonderful live.

[@nekozombie]

Ruiner is probably my favourite song in existence alongside Planet Telex by Radiohead

[@BoySamusMetroid]

The guitar solo is just so, so incredibly good.

[@ptbempire]

it's my favorite next to Reptile

[@vladimirploppers5789]

It’s very rare to see it live

[@KaneK1234]

THIS IS THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME! HOLY COW!

[@CommanderWar64]

@@falo4043 it’s called an opinion dude

[@cedrikpelletier5735]

@@falo4043 dude, Trent Reznor is the modern mozart. He has such a wide range of music capabilities that it puts to shame almost every popular artists we hear nowadays. Sorry but the albums (and artist) you mentioned doesn't stand a chance agains NIN discography. However These artists are yes talented and greatly represent the music scene right now. Imo, today's rap won't age as well like an album such as The Downward Spiral, this record didn't age a second since it's release, 25 years ago.

[@falo4043]

@@CommanderWar64 I think you don't got the joke

[@falo4043]

@@cedrikpelletier5735 I'm just kidding bro, this is a joke, obviously none of them are better, you really think im serious saying kid laroi or nba youngboy is better than this?

[@cedrikpelletier5735]

@@falo4043 im glad to hear that! my faith in humanity has been restored (sorry for the beef hahaha)

[@KingGizzard673]

Because I’d this review, I listened to NIN for the first time. Thank you. This is why I love your classic reviews. What a great band.

[@projetocaoskako]

This album is fantastic. One of my favorites. The guitar solo in ruiner caught me completely off guard

[@iximusic]

During the bluesy breakdown?

[@projetocaoskako]

@@iximusic yeah

[@Paulito-ym4qc]

THERE'S A NEW NIN ALBU- oh, it's classics week, right...

[@davelabonte7806]

Ik it startled me when I saw it in my notifs for a second.

[@rocknrollrulesu2]

I hope he does the self titled Third Eye Blind album at some point

[@johnserrano8258]

How dare you put out a downward spiral review while I destroy my life with late night homework.

[@hummingwires9760]

The homage to Bowie's "Crystal Japan" during "A Warm Place" is my favorite moment off the album.

[@anotherfocus1227]

I know everyone knows this, but it cannot be overstated how brilliant of a song Hurt is. The production is superb and the songwriting is so devastating.