And then I heard... Nine Inch Nails - Head Like A Hole (First Time Reaction)

[@poloreacts27]

This is where I should have started with NIN. Sheesh!! If you enjoy what I do and want to continue to see MUSIC reactions on this channel consider supporting. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio every day, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family you guys keep me motivated. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts Much Love

[@atomictraveller]

i wonder what kind of response you'd get for the gen x bands we're supposed to have forgotten, like skinny puppy hexonxonx or coil love's secret domain, you know, where gen x was headed before NIN pop subversion.. throbbing gristle.. psychic t.v... scraping foetus off the wheel.. and you went with a guy named after an industrial AC unit?

[@atomictraveller]

...and that's the essence of NIN.. take all these 80s groups about social unrest, and use their sound to make songs about girls and personal feelings. if you think that went over your head, try the 1996 oj simpson coverup of the mku1tra child r4pe verdict... because even though it was the first case in u.s. court with video, 100% MK you forgot

[@samthompson2269]

A song called… Sunspots

[@TOYLETBOWLHUMOR]

@@atomictraveller that really is thoughtless when you consider how Reznor helped shine a spotlight on his influences. He even gave them work on his remix albums.

[@atomictraveller]

@@TOYLETBOWLHUMOR for sure you just want something you can never heave

[@ShannonHumphreys]

Head Like a Hole came out in 89 which is why you can hear both 80's and 90's in it. This was the first NIN song I ever heard. Been a fan ever since.

[@jessicamckinney9825]

Mine was wish which is still my favorite but there isn’t a song of theirs I don’t like!

[@beanvillen24]

Didn’t realize they came out in 89 wow

[@krisztianunpronounceable]

My favourite NIN song to this day is still Wish (Remix) by Jim Thirlwell, aka Foetus, from the album Fixed

[@krisztianunpronounceable]

@@beanvillen24 Yeah, Pretty Hate Machine

[@twiff3rino28]

Nothing changed from 1989-96. Music, technology, airplanes, cars, styles, etc...

[@GarnetJ]

Yes!! Thank you. This is honestly where your NIN journey should have begun. This song hit so hard as we transitioned out of the 80s into the 90s. I couldn’t even tell you how many times I listened to the entire Pretty Little Hate Machine album … and seeing them live took it to a whole new level. That doesn’t diminish where Trent Reznor went artistically in the following albums, but you get a fuller appreciation for those songs/albums by starting the journey here. NIN broadened the audience for the industrial music scene. Their music became a staple in dance clubs and party playlists.

[@IrisCorven]

This. His evolution throughout the following decade and a half was a goddamn journey. It just kept refining and changing as it went. And the weirdest part is that it all stayed *good*. Very few musicians can shift through styles and eras without losing some steam, and Trent never missed a step.

[@MorrisJoshua26]

THANK YOU! See everyone, start him where we started and he'll take the journey and fall in love thru the same proccess. Your favorite track was discovered along that journey. Polos turn.

[@ambiophonic]

My thoughts exactly. With some bands, you have to follow the path of their evolution, and it's no different with NIN. I remember buying this on CD when it was released and I have been hooked ever since. Will you like song by an artist? No. But Sometimes you just got to take that ride. Polo, if you were going to do another off of this album, Ringfinger would be my suggestion. That little 3-5 second guitar riff towards the end is so good. Enjoy the ride!

[@AK00777]

I love this comment, so perfectly articulated.

[@MorrisJoshua26]

@@AK00777 Thank you! That means a lot to me! Big smile today. 😀

[@cjonesufc]

To be clear Trent Reznor IS Nine Inch Nails. The album “Pretty Hate Machine” dropped in 89 and was written, performed by, recorded, and produced by him. NIN was on the original Lolapalooza tour with Jane’s Addiction and Trent was not only a heavy influence in music throughout the 90s, but continues to innovate and inspire to this day. My favorite video is “Burn” shot from the stage in Sydney. I’ve seen them repeatedly. Every time the live show proved to be as close to an original experience as I’ve ever had.

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

OMG!!! I totally forgot about Burn 🔥 That's a such a great song!

[@Judymoe]

I've loved Burn since I first heard it.

[@chinard]

This song perfectly captures the transition from the 80's alternative scene to 90's alternative scene Got to see them on this tour and their stage show was just as crazy as what you see here

[@sonnybarry]

This is where your NIN journey should have started. The way it started for the rest of us.

[@kimberdawn_2]

well said

[@revolutionday1]

You ain't shittin'!! I saw this video when I was rather young, and immediately had to tell my older brother all about it and how horrifying it was! 😄

[@samredras]

This song introduced the world to industrial. It brought gothic, metal, alternative and punk together. When this album came out, we all were like, this is what we were needing and didn't know it!

[@leftinashes]

POLO... Hear me out. Since "Head Like a Hole" is the first song from the "Pretty Hate Machine" album... You really could just go to the next song which is "Terrible Lie" and down the list. The entire album is great... Ups and downs, fast and slow. Its definitely an album worthy of a full experience. Im just throwing that out there... ;) ✅Head Like A Hole 4:59 🔲Terrible Lie 4:38 🔲Down In It 3:46 🔲Sanctified 5:48 🔲Something I Can Never Have 5:54 🔲Kinda I Want To 4:33 🔲Sin 4:06 🔲That's What I Get 4:30 🔲The Only Time 4:47 🔲Ringfinger 5:42

[@carriemichelle322]

Absolutely agree!!!

[@ThomasTallant]

I know friends that that is their "break up" album. Lose girlfriend, listen to Pretty Hate Machine on repeat. ;)

[@an7ici7izen64]

THIS ^^^ NIN (and Tool as well incidentally) are best listened to in album order bc almost always they flow or shape the next track.

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

I'm gonna disagree. Yeah it's a great album. But compared to the next three (Broken, Downward Spiral & Fragile) Pretty Hate Machine is weak album from a songwriting perspective. It's essentially a dark pop sing-along album. PHM (Pretty Hate Machine) is a lot of people's fave, & I get it. It's easy to listen to & fun to sing along with, and moody AF... But it's still nothing like the ride of Downward Spiral or The Fragile. There's a special place in my heart for PHM because it's the 1st album, & I was 12 or 13 when it came out, & it made NIN my fave band... But today it sounds very dated (except maybe Something I Can Never Have). To new listeners Broken, The Downward Spiral & The Fragile still sound new & unique, even to young people. I'm going to guess you were in your teens too early 20s when Pretty Hate Machine came out, because almost every time that's someone's fave, it's usually because they're reliving how they felt when it was new... Or you had a parent introduce you to PHM first, which also makes it nostalgic.

[@matthew6427]

​@@Scottie_McNaughty Agree with all of this. It's like those albums kept getting better. It didn't last that way (imho) but this one feels a lot "flatter" to me. I still rock Broken & TDS & Further Down. Those albums are masterpieces.

[@cadleo]

Good call. Im certain you see what we were all talking about now. Everything on this album, Pretty Hate Machine, is incredible. The entire LP is FIRE.

[@davidwest5506]

I'm 45, I became a fan because of this song in the 7th grade. That should date this jam nicely.

[@harbinger_9152]

I’m lovin the NIN army has come out to help POLO.

[@adamsgrad93]

"I'd rather die than give you control" Gen X summed up.

[@revolutionday1]

.....all making a final stand on some meaningless hill and shit.

[@sheofthealwysmispronouncedname]

💯

[@red-stapler574]

I saw this video in 1989 on a cable access show called request video. Never heard anything like this and became an instant fan. Bought this album the day it came out.

[@PamBoehmeSimon]

Your little twirlie piece of art went quite nicely with the whirling bo staffs in the video here and there lol.

[@jennywilkinson5069]

I prefer them live vs the albums. The energy live is crazy. They are one of my favorites.

[@airborneandrowdy]

That early industrial scene was bananas.

[@dametalmonster]

Glad you liked it. This is what you should have started with as an intro to nin imo but you made it here anyway👍. Each album has it's own feel as trent's always evolving with technology and his music style. Several albums and an endless bag of remixes and instrumentals, you could spend days going through nins catalogue. I look forward to anything he puts out although these first few albums were on repeat in my CD player in the 90s.

[@RainbowFilms25]

Love seeing this man immediately get in the groove, even the expression on his face. it’s like YES THIS IS HOW ITS SUPPOSED TO MAKE YOU FEEL

[@MetalDollFace]

I'm so glad you got in to more NIN. Trent is an amazing artist. He's so versatile in his music, there's something for everyone. You won't be disappointed✌

[@caliban007]

So happy to see you go down the NIN rabbit hole. Tool, NIN, Metallica were all bands I saw live in 90s and still enjoy. I hope you check out Last, The Perfect Drug, Only, We're in this Together, Down in It......hell I could be here all day listing NIN songs. Appreciate the upload, keep em coming.

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

Oh! Last is great track!!! My next pick for Polo is The Great Below... If I could choose an order for him I'd choose Great Below Last In This Twilight March of the Pigs Downward Spiral (the song) She's Gone Away And All That Could Have Been Eraser Something I Can Never Have La Mer Closer God Break Down the Door Gave Up That's off the top of my head... Your suggestions are great

[@kevinabraham9260]

I’ve never felt more energy in my life than seeing this live either the tension 2013 or panorama festival I was at in 2017 New York…..soooooo heavy and everyone screaming the chorus just made it that much more epic

[@ph8429]

“Terrible Lie”, “Closer”, and “Hand That Feeds” should all be next

[@CajunMomma]

So hear me out - 1990 driving from the bayou to Baton Rouge , La to go to an underground club at 3 am ! This is what greeted us and it was marvelous. The outfits and hours of love and dancing

[@makaimaukahasopinions848]

🔥🔥🔥🤙

[@morgand1]

Now this is a much better starting point.

[@CatherineBriseboisCatWoods]

Good to see you went back to the roots of NIN. You've already checked out Hurt done by Johnny Cash, maybe it could be interesting for you to check out the original version by NIN (even if Trent Reznor did pretty much ''give the song'' to Johnny Cash after he covered it so well).

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

Yeah, I was trying to decide whether to recommend Hurt or The Great Below... Since he did Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt, I chose Great Below. But I'd be stoked if he did either... I'm thinking his next should be a mellow track, since he's heard Reznor's rage, it's time for despair

[@CatherineBriseboisCatWoods]

@@Scottie_McNaughty Yup. The Great Below is one of my favs. Mentioned it the other times Polo reacted to NIN.

[@zippymacadoo6336]

Agreed. Hurt should be next.

[@avedementia7273]

I love Johnny's version, but oi vey Trent's original was perfect for me for years and is probably my favorite song, along with "Me and a Gun" by Tori

[@The_Kiosk]

If there's a NIN song you didn't feel, chances are it hits totally different in the album order.

[@matthaft2048]

👆🏻facts

[@kellyhouse4263]

I concur!🤟

[@GimmeJimmy23]

True that! Especially from that particular album, and Year Zero. Both of those records feel so intensely thematic, it can be difficult to judge any one particular song without thinking about how it's connected to the others on the album. For me, anyway.

[@stefanstowell3480]

Yezzir

[@thomperkins]

Truth

[@Loquaria]

Aaaah! I’m back in my teenage self! Raging! Pretty Hate Machine was the soundtrack to my life! Love NIN! Terrible Lie…. I’m just waiting for it to start next.

[@Guy_Fawkes_News]

Running the table chronologically is the way to do NIИ. First song on the first LP is a good place to start. Next song is a banger too. Oh and, Trent Reznor and company “live” as he progressed was 🔥 So glad I got to see that.

[@erinwhite1077]

Honestly this the song I recommend for people when they're first getting into nin. Delving into the earliest music is a good way to parley into their newest music as you can see the progression as change to metal an industrial metal. Plus don't forget Johnny Cash to cover one of their songs you should listen to the original version of Hurt, hits completely different

[@JohnPalb]

An appropriate introduction, glad someone got you there. NIN can be a rabbit hole of obscure and grimy tracks. The deeper you go, the darker it gets, but sometimes you got to dig deep to get to some unrealized truths. One needs to reach a balance though, so I'll listen to some Aurora to get there sometimes. Truth exists in both places. That said, enjoy the journey, wherever it takes you.

[@joleanhaught6625]

omfg i LOVE this song!! one of my favs of NIN for sure ! a huge piece of my childhood is doing chores or the dishes , walking round the house listening to this on my moms tape deck lol

[@xtldc]

The first time I noticed this song was around 1990 - I was in 6th grade and was just beginning to watch MTV religiously. I had a tiny little TV in my bedroom and I would have it on while I got ready to go to school and this video would always play at some point before I left the house. I still think about brushing my teeth every time I hear it all these years later.

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

Haha, that's awesome! You're probably the only person in the world who thinks of brushing their teeth when they hear Head Like a Hole, I love it

[@daendiznigh]

We must be exact same age except I was watching the video after school not before .. 6th grade 1990

[@revgurley]

Funny, this song came out in '89, but that was the year of Batman (Prince) and several other more "pop" or "hip-hop" CLASSICS. So I didn't get into NIN until college in the early 90s - a couple of years later. That dark, indie sound was perfect for college radio.

[@kristen9996]

I'm a huge NIN fan, before Tool before everything to be honest. If you're a casual music listener, you have to start with the progression of Trent's career, starting with Pretty Hate Machine and the more listenable singles before going down the rabbit hole of his wide range of styles. These are for beginning listeners, not MY personal favs, but to get a person started. Off of PHM- Terrible Lie, Sin, Something I Can Never Have. Off of Broken- Wish then Happiness in Slavery if you're good with the harsher soundscape. Don't watch the vid for that one..lol. Then onto The Downward Spiral. March of The Pigs, Piggy, Reptile, Hurt. (To fully appreciate this CD you really need to experience it in order becasue it's a whole journey) If you've found a good vibe with these, then you're ready for The Fragile (again a true listen from start to end) and his more 'commercial feeling With Teeth CD and onward. But try to go in order of releases and ppl should steer you well. Enjoy!

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

I think we should find I song that's drastically different from the 3 he listened to, but also amazing. That soothe get him curious to explore. The song Downward Spiral is probably too out there. Eraser is s great track for a new direction... My vote is The Great Below, because it's so good, but also a huge departure from what he's heard If you could choose one song off any album what would it be?

[@kristen9996]

@@Scottie_McNaughty A Warm Place into Eraser is essential :) Great Below is amazing, maybe after some of the harder stuff. I'm not sure. It really is such a struggle to pick a non-radio friendly song to try to capture a person's attention that isn't too out there on a first listen. Ruiner perhaps? The Fragile? Ohh, The Wretched?

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

@@kristen9996 Those are all great choices! You're right, it's hard to choose. Albums like Fragile & Spiral are like one large work. It's like trying to pick a Pink Floyd song instead of listening to the whole album... I think Eraser is probably perfect for him, now that you say that.

[@mommaluna4211]

I love Closer🖤

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

You hit the NAIL on the head when you said it suddenly switched eras. Head Like a Hole was from NIN's 1st album in 1989... I was in 7th grade when I heard it, & it blew my mind. It was like saying goodbye to the 80s & there's something dark & new ahead. NIN opened a door to a new era with Head Like a Hole If you want your mind blown in a totally different direction listen to NIN's THE GREAT BELOW... Reznor's all over the map, & so far you've just heard singles. The first two songs you listed to were from the Fragile (1999). Head Like a Hole was from Pretty Hate Machine (1989). The Great Below is also from the Fragile, but radically different than any of the songs you've heard.

[@heidiquint2691]

This is the first song I heard from this band, I fell in love with this band and all NIN songs.

[@NRG2]

Yes bro! Youre getting into some great stuff. By the way this pretty much was the 80’s. This was before Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana changed the sound of rock into what we heard in the 90’s

[@ColinNesbit]

Glad you enjoyed this one Polo, the next one you should check out is also a first track on the next album. "Wish" from the Broken EP has more of these "calm before the storm" moments as you mentioned. The official video is also very chaotic and helps express the vibe of the song perfectly.

[@brettschacht4183]

If you're interested in more bands who helped push music from the '80s into the '90s, please check out: Jane's Addiction -Mountain Song Faith No More - Epic Living Colour - Cult of Personality Pearl Jam - Jeremy Soundgarden - Hands All Over Smashing Pumpkins - Siva

[@pennyboy211]

I definitely recommend you check out WISH after listening to this record. This was from his first album in 89. WISH is from his second EP “Broken” in 91. Really good Segway through his catalog

[@Mattaga]

It’s a cool album. He was working at a recording studio as a custodian and did this by himself after hours. Most of NIN music is just Trent telling people what to play, he doesn’t like other artist painting on his canvas. More of a composer type and was originally interested in a orchestra music. It’s cool to hear him over time become more of a master with other instruments. He didn’t know much besides piano at this point, a beginner guitarist with almost no drumming experience. That’s why this much more synth heavy than any other album. You can definitely hear him grow as a composer and musician over time. An Oscar, Grammy and Emmy winning soundtrack artist at this point.

[@warmongerel9743]

If you think this is trippy, try "Closer" off of the *Downward Spiral* album if you haven't already. It makes this look like Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Fun fact: The Downward Spiral was recorded in the house where the Manson murders took place in 1969. Also, check out the video for David Bowie's "I'm Afraid of Americans" video. Trent Reznor plays a very convincing psychopath.

[@The_Cali_Dude_88]

One of Nine Inch Nails greatest works was his full album, The Year Zero. It's awesome ❤

[@Element8909]

I was born in 89. I'm as old as this album. Discovered Pretty Hate Machine as a teenager. The first time I listened to it I think I actually cried from the euphoria and intensity of these songs. It was a revelation. Even now.

[@bbrlocal]

remember listening to this when it first came out. def one of my favorite albums. honestly love all his albums cept with teeth.

[@bmichellew2010]

I never thought of the mix of 80s and 90s thrown into this song but when you brought it up,it makes total sense

[@mradriankool]

Often cited as industrial rock, when they covered “dead souls” by joy division it was described as joy division with chainsaws. I felt that undervalued NIN. Now Trent Reznor, a 2 time Oscar winner his musicianship for the social network & soul the seeds can clearly be heard in early years. Please check aphex twin. That’s an artist that will question your sanity

[@chasingcards5301]

Love your Tool vids and now Nine Inch Nails vids. Two bands I love growing up to. Enjoy the rabbit hole of NIN!

[@TheSpacemanSal]

Yes! This should have been your introduction to NIN. Once you get into the mindset then I think you'll be more able to speak in those first two tracks you listen to.

[@MatthewPazzol]

Gotta check 'em out live. One of the best live acts I've ever seen.

[@richardchacon1330]

So glad to see you back brother. Definitely an 80’s going into the 90’s feel. Back then NIN was the shit. Looking forward to more video journeys

[@GreatHouseAtreides]

I would recommend the “All That Could Have Been” live performances. Really great live

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

OH!!!! You just got me thinking! I recommended he listen to The Great Below (I was also thinking Hurt) for something different than the Reznor rage he's heard... The SONG And All That Could Have Been would be just as good as The Great Below. I do love NIN live. Just saw them in Cleveland with Nitzer Ebb & Ministry opening. Richard Patrick & most of the former band members got on stage with the current band to play 5 songs, including Richard's Hey Man Nice Shot... Also met Richard Patrick at the airport. Live NIN is so great!!! If you could pick ONE studio track for him that goes on a totally different direction from the first three he heard, what would you choose?

[@nathanpapp432]

Easily one of the best live albums recorded.

[@thegingermenace8593]

The first song I heard from their first album! This album Pretty Hate Machine came out in 1989 when I was 12. I absolutely loved it and listened to it for years and I'm still listening to them! ❤

[@danakerjbam]

FINALLY! This is the one to start with. Now you feel it. From here it’s finding the next favorite. Keep going. You won’t be sorry.

[@dj_daem0n]

Glad you finally listened to this one. Hope you give more of the hits from NIN a chance for more of this kind of energy.

[@cameronharrington6813]

This song to me is the perfect representation of the 80s turning into the 90s, sonically it's out of this world and ahead of its time

[@robindunlap46]

This whole album was awesome and still has a place on my Playlist

[@Bethrezoth]

So glad you gave NIN another try and went with one of the songs that started it all. It's a whole different vibe than what you listened to before. This would have you speeding in the 4 Runner :). Next you need to do the Video for March of the Pigs I think :).

[@tommj4365]

Yea I expect Polo will like that one.

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

Great pick! March of the Pigs is a banger! I skipped school in 12th grade to get the Downward Spiral on release day. I remember hearing March of the Pigs on the radio before album came out. They kept teasing that they were gonna play the new NIN... had my radio on all damn day, so when it finally came on I was so stroked. I loved it & wished it was longer... I thought based on that the next album must be like Broken. Nope, definitely its own thing. That's what I love about NIN, you never know what to expect, but you know it'll be great

[@Bethrezoth]

@@Scottie_McNaughty I always tell the story of sitting up way too late on a school night with my finger on the "record" button waiting for them to play the Video for March of the Pigs on 120 Minutes so I could record it over an old VHS tape lol. Once I got it Recorded I know I watched that Video at least 1,000 time over the next week .

[@timhendricks8913]

Think for yourself, question authority! I saw NIN, Tool, The Cure, and Marylin Manson in 1999. Incredible show.

[@PriestessOfNothing]

Yay! Everything is as it should be now. Onward and upward!

[@tobiaswedin]

I think Reptile definitely should be your next NIN track, pretty sure you're gonna love that one immensely!

[@grntbggr126]

"Went from the 80's to the 90's." Pretty Hate Machine, the album, was released in 1989, and no one was doing this at the time. Head like a Hole was a revolutionary song and video. Metallica and NIN in the late 80's were the heralds of what was to come in the early 90's.

[@WyattsWildNature]

Don't forget Ministry was doing it before 😎, maybe a little harder than NIN

[@grntbggr126]

@@WyattsWildNature True, but Ministry never was all that big, but very influential.

[@WyattsWildNature]

@@grntbggr126 pretty sure they sold similar numbers back then, but Downward Spiral smashed it for sure.

[@feintcircles]

Glad you liked this one Polo. This was my Dads favorite NIN song back in the day.

[@suzannefitzgerald4473]

Used to dance the hell out of this song at the clubs...banging

[@Prone2Thrill]

1990 - Small club in Hollywood, Trent and some dudes in a small room off to the side with about 8 people watching him do a set - other room was PACKED with a DJ and dancing. I'll take the NIN room thanks!

[@mittensanhartsell1364]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉…that’s on 1st album…PRETTY HATE MACHINE u MUST listen to whole thing it’s not very long either & was put together by Trent n the studios he was temping @ in between shifts! WHOLE album is AWESOME!!! (Circa 1989…hence ur 80/90s feels!)

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

I'm thinking of he's gonna invest in an entire album, why not give him a rollercoaster, like the Downward Spiral... As amazing as Pretty Hate Machine is, everything's written in pop format. I dunno, I think maybe I see things different because I write music... On paper Pretty Hate Machine is Michael Jackson, and the Downward Spiral on paper has some Beethoven in it. Also the sound design in Spiral is its own art form. But I do love that PHM cracked the mould in the pop world. Music critics didn't know how to categorize it, so they called it "hate pop." Spiral didn't crack the mould, it smashed it. Some music critics consider it the last great & unique rock album ever made. That's my two cents 😆 Sorry this is long. I really just wanted to ask, if you could choose just one song off any album for him to listen to, what would it be? Mine is The Great Below

[@mittensanhartsell1364]

@@Scottie_McNaughty it’s just my favorite cuz it’s 1st 1 I heard WAY back in high school in early 90s…& I STILL go back for MORE EVEN til NOW…don’t get me WRONG…I💝Downward Spiral… but Pretty Hate Machine IS & ALWAYS will be my FAVORITE!!!

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

@@mittensanhartsell1364 Oh yeah!!! It was the first album I heard. I was 12 or 13 when it came out. My fave band went from the B-52's to NIN overnight. It has a special place in my heart... Every time I listen to it, it brings back memories... I got every NIN album the day it came out from then on. I skipped school in 10th & 12th grade to get Broken & Downward Spiral on release day.

[@TheColemark]

SOMETHING I CAN NEVER HAVE

[@LanceThompsonKssooner]

Much better suggestion 👏

[@jmaroni378]

I remember when this album was released. Given the landscape of popular music in the late 80s, this sound was unlike anything that had really come before it. It's not that the individual sounds were revolutionary, it was the combination of sounds that was unique and really pushed Reznor into the forefront.

[@sumonjamal1653]

Remember... in 1989/ 1990, when Nine Inch Nails debuted w/ 'Pretty hate machine'... people hated it. Ministry was starting to build a fanbase at the time w/ 'The mind is a terrible thing to taste' ... and this industrial music was still new. But MTV did put 'Head like a hole' ... and 'Down in it' (the singles) on the air, and NIN began touring ... Richard Patrick (guitar) was an early member, but he soon split w/ Trent Reznor and formed his own industrial band Filter... they scored a hit in 1995 w/ 'Hey man, nice shot' from the album 'Short bus'... NIN opened for Guns N' Roses in the early 90's, and they got trashed ... But the turning point came in 1992 when NIN released the EP 'Broken'... and that became their first top 10 record and platinum-selling album. When 'The Downward Spiral' was released in 1994, 'Closer' became a hit on radio and MTV and it sold 4 million copies in the US and pushed NIN and Trent Reznor to stardom.

[@Mx.RumpusParable]

You liked this I think you'd really enjoy the song Wish as it is a harder song, won a Grammy, and seems to fit what you describe interests you.

[@korndogz69]

This is the NIN song that kicked it off for Trent, and put NIN on people's radar. "Terrible Lie" and "Down In It" are the next two from that album that are the best tracks. The others are great also, but those 3 songs are the best the album has to offer. Plus, the bass on Terrible Lie and Down In It are fantastic.

[@paulie98vr6]

“Wish” from The Crow soundtrack is pretty cool and “Only” has a pretty neat video for it.

[@aliciasavage6801]

AH It brings me right back to high school! Love NIN!

[@paull1438]

This is by far my favorite album by NIN. I will go one further and say it's the only NIN album with zero skippable songs. From beginning to end this album is amazing. After a few more albums I kind of gave up on NIN. Sure there are a few songs I like after this album, but for me, nothing topped this first album.

[@anthonydawson8080]

Almost exactly the same for me. There’s occasional songs I like later but no more full length play straight through albums

[@andyfletcher3561]

I'm right there with you. "PHM" didn't leave my CD cartridge for 4-5 years. Had a copy for my bus and a copy for the house. The rest is very hit and miss for me...

[@tdsliquid5538]

I was born in 91’ so I was just a little kid when NiN burst onto the scene but my dad always listened to them which could play into why I’m a fan. That said though, if you ever find yourself on a long drive and need some time to think, check out his album ‘Ghosts I-IV’. The new Halsey album ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ is pretty awesome too. Trent helped produce it and you can here his influence pretty heavily. Before that collaboration she wasn’t really on my radar, but good lord… her voice with that style of track is something special.

[@AnonymousBS_X]

Love NIN since 1989. His message was before its time. Message I believe was against a subservient mindset, corporations, religion, peers etc.

[@ponfed]

Love your editing choices for this!😂😂

[@arclight2012]

This song changed my life in early 1990.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Now we're talking!! As others have mentioned, this is where the NIN journey should've began! It's what started it all - Industrial was firmly rooted in 80's electronic, but with the added heaviness of metal - distorted guitars, mechanical noises (machinery, etc.) - mash it all up, and you've got the bridge from the 80's to the 90's. Ringfinger, Terrible Lie are another two tracks from this album, Pretty Hate Machine, that are absolute musts!! Then you'll be ready for the Downward Spiral album - Closer, Mr. Self Destruct, Hurt...all lie ahead my man! Cheers.

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

"Head Like A Hole" from Pretty Hate Machine is the ideal beginning. If you are not familiar with NIN. There are some bands and artists where you really should start listening to them several albums into their career when they find their footing and stride. Not the case with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. He hit it out the park from the very beginning and has maintained his creative energy ever since. Could be slightly biased with him from the hometown and frequenting similar clubs he'd perform. But no, he is just that good and extremely talented. You could have easily let the track continue as it seamlessly segues into "Terrible Lie" which is incredibly rich with walls of sound. I was fortunate to hear it played on an arena sound system before it was released on radio and it made me fall in love with NIN right away it was so euphoric. Thanks for sharing your reaction. It was fun to check out. Hopefully you'll continue diving into the NIN catalogue. Start from the beginning listening to them in entirety. Great for background music. Each album takes you on it's own journey to appreciate. And you'll make new discoveries with every listen because his music is so layered. Enjoy!

[@friendsofthefeather]

Pretty Hate Machine and The Downward Spiral are NIN staples.

[@georgemobley4841]

I never listened to these guys much but this ain't bad . Could hear this again. Thanks.

[@artimusbranesample9072]

Trent recorded this entire album (fairly) alone. He wrote and performed it all. He recorded and engineered all (most) its entirety. I've been lucky enough to meet a few of my musical heroes and I've come REALLY close to hanging out with Trent. I just have a nondescript timing probl. em. Did Michael Kiwanuka love this song as much as WE do, I wonder? (Love him, too.)

[@EricRasmussen-mc5gj]

NIN has a huge discography. So varied. So much to explore.

[@taylowendy]

When this song came out in 89, I was instantly hooked on this song. I ran out and bought the single cd with all of the remixes and had it on repeat for weeks. When I finally got Pretty Hate Machine, my world exploded and I thought Trent was a God. I still do. Every album he releases I almost compare them to PHM. In my opinion, Hesitation almost sounds like PHM. It has tracks you will instantly like and dance to. Came back Haunted is a good one. I recommend start with PHM (wear it out) and then gradually move through the discography.

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

Hey EVERYONE if you could choose ONE SONG off any NIN album for Polo to listen to, WHAT WOULD IT BE???... Mine is The Great Below (Hurt is my runner up)

[@Scottie_McNaughty]

PS Should we work Polo into the song Downward Spiral slowly, or drop him in the deep end? 😆

[@scottiMusic1313]

Omg, yes! I second THE GREAT BELOW my runner up is All Time Low just for something totally different but easily accessible. Plus his vocals in that! PS I love the idea of him listening to the song Downward Spiral out of context of the album, what a trip

[@doublevisionfoto]

Good choice. Mine is his cover of PHYSICAL

[@doublevisionfoto]

​@@Scottie_McNaughty 😆 I'm imagining him listening to the song Downward Spiral 😆 But yeah my pick is Physical

[@dreamcycle5540]

I think he should listen to Eraser. It's like a great horror movie I'm music form. It's a slow burn with a big payoff. Runner up, I'm thinking Hurt or Great Below... I didn't think about great below until I saw your comment, & was like yes!

[@TFrancis002]

Glad to see the request coming in for more NIN!

[@derekthiem4604]

This is the logical place to start with nine inch nails. This and down in it.

[@Belly_Beane]

I’m glad you gave them another chance. Next should be the uncensored version of Closer.

[@ToyutahLifein]

Alright! you named the song this time so I'll check it out. It's not new to me but it's good sometimes seeing others get it the first time.

[@jimbojones8978]

I type this after liking it and before watching it: LET'S FUCKING GO! can't wait to watch.

[@cap873]

"Wish" is an absolute banger from NIN!

[@nUmBskulLL]

The cuts are in time with the music. I love you

[@nancymjohnson]

Trent Resnor is an artistic genius. TY for playing this!

[@aliciasavage6801]

Nine Inch Nails is where Marilyn Manson got his start. He is in the "Gave Up" video. (which also happens to be one of my favorites, if not number one for me)

[@Jacks-Revenge]

This is the best song in a strip club. Any woman dancing for you to this song is tremendous.

[@DavidMiller-dt8mx]

Great stuff, man. You're my favorite reactor. :)

[@Kanderesraide]

I usually go live versions on youtube for NIN kicks. But if I start an album I play start to finish