Why Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails is a theatrical masterpiece | An Album Analysis

[@CrowTRobot]

This album was over a decade ahead of it's time. Reznor is such a fascinating artist.

[@09Krauti]

True, watching him evolve is fascinating, when he just give some music out for free was so nice. And i am glad that he is ok this days and i am glad for the awards he and Atticus Ross won for their O.S.T.s. Well deserved.

[@SpunkMayo]

Century

[@NickyNicest]

It really was I can’t believe it came out in ‘89

[@zackzallie8735]

True. Korn and Linkin Park owe a lot to PHM's angsty electronic pop metal sound.

[@rminter44]

Fun fact. When Richard Patrick from filter was interviewed he said in the mid 80s they would go to skinny puppy shows for inspiration. You can hear it in this album

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm gonna have to check Skinny Puppy out!

[@dylan24483]

"Pretty Hate Machine lets us vent, wallow and dance in the magnificent glory of feeling deeply." You're a great writer Molly. Glad to have found your videos!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you! :)

[@nicolascaceres3529]

Lyrically, after years of listening the albums, now I have a theory that, from Pretty Hate Machine until The Fragile it's a full story. Like, on PHM people are failing to the protagonist, on Broken he's going through anger and full rage against people, then TDS represents his depression/self destructive stage (and failed attempted suicide, leading to Somewhat Damaged), to finally try to be a better person on The Fragile. Good video

[@mollyesanborn]

I can hear that across the three albums as well. They definitely work together very effectively.

[@gigachad192]

Pretty Hate Machine is an album that is although filled with themes of angst and rebellion, has very, not so subtle sexual undertones all throughout the album, not just lyrically, but sonically as well. It always came off to me as an album of a frustrated, self-loathing sex addict. Nice video, although I would love for it to be a bit longer. If you’re gonna be analysing any other NIN albums in the future I would love to see the analyses of classics such as The Downward Spiral and The Fragile, but would also really love a deep dive analysis of the trilogy since not a lot of people analyse the trilogy and I feel like there’s so much going on musically and conceptually that there’s a lot to talk about.

[@roo_nu_metal_derg_1]

I know EXACTLY what you mean maty~ as a matter of fact, there's a quote in the CD liner notes which states, "I'm so tired I can't get to sleep, and the squeaking of the bed is right in time with the song that's repeating in my head. I just want you to know, 'when I do it, I only think of you.' " 👍💯☝️🤙🥴🤘

[@xyz1087]

omg i LOVE this video, i have my own thoughts & interpretations of those songs but i really really enjoyed how you broke down your analysis, it's very clear and fantastically written! phm is one of my most beloved albums of all time, i can't believe it was a debut sometimes lol. just. incredible music from treznor here

[@mollyesanborn]

Oh my, I'm somehow just seeing this comment now but thanks so much! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the video, I think this album is just brilliant and I'd agree that it's such a fantastic debut for NIN.

[@banichandayo]

This was my high school album right here. God, I miss the early 90's.

[@Inkabodcrane]

When listening to this album, the music always caught my attention first, and the lyrics were just part of the ride. You really brought to attention how the lyrics were an equal part of it. This is after listening to it for decades, so you gave me a deeper level to view these songs under. You've doubled the complexity and longevity of this album. I'll still be listening to it in 2122 and learning new things.

[@mollyesanborn]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed the review. I'm the same way, I usually pay hardly any attention to the lyrics when I first get into an album. Can't tell you how many times I listened to PHM before making this video, haha!

[@krillin876]

@@mollyesanborn can we make requests..

[@marcuspearse1508]

If you listen to Sin loud enough, it sounds violent!

[@SuperBrictson]

You can see the theatrical talent of Trent in his vocal delivery in songs like Terrible Lie, Down In It, Something I Can Never Have and The Only Time where he actually convinced me that time was the only when he felt alive... throughout the entire run in NIN!!!

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, I love his theatrical tone on this album. It's what makes PHM such a unique album in their discography.

[@bloodscrolls]

Great analysis! Great job! Thank you for this video!

[@mollyesanborn]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@bloodscrolls]

@@mollyesanborn you are welcome!

[@tomgrant29]

I first listened to this album 30 years ago and it's the first time I've ever heard SICNH described as the "eye of the storm" and I am just blown away by how perfect that is and how I never thought of it myself :)

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, tonally it is such a departure from the rest of the louder, angsty tracks on this record. It definitely stands out and shows the vulnerable, weak and broken down side to him that is kind of hidden on the rest of the tracks.

[@cowmark67]

I literally saw that you had posted this video and having never listened to this album before, though meaning to, listened to it all the way through before watching this video. It's awesome. I had already heard "Head Like a Hole" but I was surprised with, even though this is an industrial album, how much of a synth-pop album it is at the same time.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, it's a great fusion of industrial and synth pop elements. That's why I always hesitate to call Nine Inch Nails an "industrial rock" band, they go way outside of the genre on a lot of their stuff.

[@showdown2006]

I remember the first time hearing the album, a friend of mine copied it to tape for me I went home to listen that night and instantly liked it. That rarely happens then and even now. Agreed this is a top quality album. Fun fact (you may already know this) "Down in it" is just a faster version of "Dig It" by Skinny Puppy

[@zenweaver]

Track 1-5 Was Side A on the Cassette tape.So Side B starts differently

[@JohnPaul-ux4kp]

You would think Something I Can Never Have was made today. It just holds up so well.

[@СценаристамТутМесто]

I always listened PHM as a conceptual album, prequel to Broken and The Downward Spiral : 1.Ringfinger - the protagonist sees all the flaws of his relationships with smb and desperately applies to retual, which is a marriage. 2.That's What I Get - the protagonist is not only rejected, but betrayed by the loved one. 3.The Only Time - song about escapism (alcohol and sex, probably with someone unknown). 4.Down In It - song feels like a hangover. Recitative is tired and angry. Main character tries to forget everything in parties and alcohol, but he can't. 5.Sanctified - as Trent said himself: 'It's about his relationships with a crack pipe'. 6.Kinda I Want To - a glimpse of realization, that everything goes wrong, but at the end he gave up. 7.Sin - he doesn't only try to forget, he tries to hurt himself (this is where the Downward Spiral begins) 8.Something I can never have - song about regret, pain. He can't escape his past. And he is still dreaming of her. 9.Head Like a Hole - now he is trying to find something, that's gonna pay for all he'd done, because blaming yourself is too painful. 10. Terrible Lie - not only about god, but about protagonist's principles led him to this. He tried to believe in good and wrong, just as he sang in Down in it. But he ended up beaten and alone. PS This is how I interpreted it for myself. This is how I feel it. If I'm right Trent wasn't the only one, who walked this path.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you for the comment, I enjoyed reading your interpretation of this amazing album :)

[@brothadarrell8315]

I am a new subscriber. I hope the day will come that you cover The Fragile

[@mollyesanborn]

Noted! I loved making this video for Pretty Hate Machine and will definitely think about continuing on with the rest of NIN's discography. I LOVE their music so I'll take advantage of any excuse to dive into their projects further.

[@jeffwalker6815]

It's always nice to get someone else's perspective on something you've heard a million times. It's very refreshing!

[@Malum09]

Hell yeah the album is still a classic, good breakdown of it

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@watchdog304]

Very well done video. Happy to find your channel. I love NIN and Deftones and you have content on both.

[@NathanielAhart]

I think you hit the nail on the head with this one (no pun intended)! Definitely gained a new sub

[@mollyesanborn]

Wow, thanks! I absolutely adore Pretty Hate Machine so I'm glad that you thought my little analysis was accurate :)

[@xyz1087]

one thing i can't get enough of in this album is the contrasts it's filled with - the most depressing songs like down in it sounding outright cheerful, the ambiguity of if he's singing about substance abuse or being in love, the constant religious themes while also comparing his lover(s) to demons, its just. so. good. i could listen to it forever

[@CrowTRobot]

Oh wow, I'm going to love watching you dig through this discography. Your Deftones breakdowns are phenomenal and I will still hold out hope for you to cover Artist, Vheissu and the Alchemy Index EPs by Thrice, but I love your music breakdowns. You nailed this album btw.

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm certainly looking forward to making more videos like this. And I will have to check out your music recommendations.

[@CrowTRobot]

@@mollyesanborn they're one of my favorite bands up there with Deftones, NIN, Metric, Circa Survive, Phantogram and Gorillaz. They have a cool evolutionary transition from post hardcore/pop punk to progressive/post-metal to a four EP project divided into heavy thrash, ambient electronic, airy indie rock and folk-rock. Lots of cool storytelling in their music. Either way, keep posting these. You've given me some awesome bands to check out too!!

[@CrowTRobot]

Omg they just released a new song!!!!!!!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaS1m31md9eVjKs

[@jamesblizzunt5753]

Yeah i really love it when she does a Deftones review. This review was great too!

[@jamesblizzunt5753]

Circa survive, defenitely check them out too if you havnt heard of them yet Molly.

[@josephnajda9605]

Loved this review!!! Still one of my favorite in the industrial genre.

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Pretty Hate Machine is such a fantastic album, I definitely agree with you on that.

[@shooniemorey3894]

Kinda I Want To and Ringfinger are my faves. It's a classic album for sure. 👌

[@mollyesanborn]

Solid picks!

[@shooniemorey3894]

@@mollyesanborn You should check out a lot of Trent Reznor's remixes. I love his remix of The Becoming on Still. That album is amazing and goes to show how talented he is.

[@marcuspearse1508]

I truly love your breakdown of albums, especially albums I already know. Thank you so much Molly!!!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for watching! Glad you're enjoying the channel :)

[@rong2912]

This album had such a big impact on me.

[@BrandonM.N]

An absolutely perfect album IMO! Cheers from Minnesota

[@scottsheldon158]

Good review. I think you got the whole idea of the album. From what I remember he was going through a breakup at the ti me.

[@stephenthomson6230]

Thanks so much for the great breakdown! This is an album I haven't thought about in a while... unfortunately. Pretty Hate Machine was a perfect album to bring industrial music to radio and to the masses. NIN builds upon the agressive use of synths of bands such as Skinny Puppy, the anger and destruction of bands like Einstürzende Neubauten, the dancability of bands like Ministry and Front242 and the overall weirdness and stage presence of Throbbing Gristle. NIN's raw energy was the needed counter balance to the synth pop of the 80s.

[@NehemiahRyan]

Never really thought of the album from a theatrical standpoint but I can't definitely see it. I've mentioned Filter before but another great industrial band is Stabbing Westward. Along with NIN those are like the big 3 industrial bands. VAST is another awesome band that has roots in the genre. If you like industrial then those are three other bands that are essential for any fan to hear. Keep up the great work Molly!

[@yomo1690]

You like Nine inch nails. Therefore i have subscribed. All jokes aside great review and song analysis. I like and can relate to your breakdowns much more than Fantano. Good job

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you, I appreciate it! :)

[@TemploSagital]

Nice review, if you like this maybe you should dig Skinny Puppy if not yet 😊

[@mollyesanborn]

Absolutely! A lot of people have suggested I check their music out, I'll have to do that!

[@iconocast]

nice review, great album was way ahead of its time.

[@mana_beast_beats1114]

I've always been under the impression that "Kinda I Want To" is a person who is discovering that he might be Bisexual, and he's uncomfortable with that prospect. The whole "Maybe God Will Cover Up His Eyes" thing, that makes it obvious that this is not a hetero relationship that he's in.

[@xyz1087]

hard agree! this whole album to me is just so bisexual in its whole (skipping over the bi flag on the cover, since it actually predates the bi flag haha), esp since in most of the songs the protagonist addresses the subject as "you", but uses she in "Sanctified" (like in "Heaven's just a rumor she'll dispel as she walks me through the nicest parts of hell") and then he in "The only time" ("lay my hands on heaven and the sun and the moon and the stars, while the devil wants to fuck me in the back of his car", and the whole song to me reads like being in a gay relationship for the first time), just. ahh i love this album as a bisexual, it rly speaks to me, even if treznor didn't intend it that way lol

[@mattiamontato8414]

I like this video review, with that microphone seems like you're in a headbangers ball episode from '89 XD. Thumbs up.

[@fumes1541]

The soundtrack to my youth! A masterpiece!

[@tonisalamanca3047]

Great reaction of a classic album. Good job

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you!

[@Demention94]

Down in it.. 😉👌 and love the kicks/breakdown in ringfinger..

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, I completely agree!

[@johnhrzn1501]

It was very commercial for industrial. Skinny Puppy lead the way for many followers.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll have to get to a Skinny Puppy reaction here on the channel soon!

[@ViralRak]

YES!!! GO OFFF my favorite album of all time

[@Lightning_Alert]

One of my all time favorite albums! Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesblizzunt5753]

Wow, great review Molly. I can see your skills as a reviewer are growing quite nicely. The way you explained this album at the end was very impressive also! Anyways keep up the good work, love to see anything you post.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@GeniusSays]

Omg I missed this.... You should do The Fragile by NIN, both sides. One of the best albums of all times. 😱❤️

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, I LOVE the Fragile, my absolute favorite NIN album!

[@GeniusSays]

@@mollyesanborn Agreed! Such a beautiful album, thank you for creating this content. Maybe do The Social Network album review 🙃

[@bryananderson8241]

I love you Molly. I think this album was designed as a cassette tape, with Something I can never have end side one, turn over and play Kinda I want to.

[@mollyesanborn]

That makes sense, I always forget cassette tapes used to be a thing, haha. Thanks for watching! :)

[@Errcyco]

Dude Korns Debut now this in my feed? Hella neat seeing other peoples perspectives on these albums that shaped me. I think I saw Deafheaven Sunbather to..

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you're liking the videos! Hope you enjoy the Sunbather reaction :)

[@rogdawg123]

absolutely love this album! my fav from nin 👌👌👍👍

[@srcdecay]

Great review, really enjoying your channel! Since you like NIN and the high energy of Deafheaven, I think you should check out Youth Code - Commitment to Complications. Not even a reaction request, but a legit personal music recommendation.

[@mollyesanborn]

Cool, thanks! I'll have to give it a listen :)

[@brothadarrell8315]

Nine Inch Nails And All That Could Have Been part 1 full HD. It's on KZbin with ZERO ADs!!! I think it was 2002. Just when I thought we would never see them perform or look better than woodstock '94, I'm hit over the head with this live performance with the same guys from Woodstock '94 and the Downward Spiral tour with Trent except for drummer Chris Vrenna. U must see this. Many comments below the video claim it as one of the greatest live DVD music performances of all time

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you! I'll have to check it out.

[@rockerdude86]

Have you done the fragile yet? Greatest album ever ✨

[@mollyesanborn]

The Fragile is my favorite album from NIN (and maybe from any artist ever). A masterpiece from start to finish. I haven't done a review/analysis of it yet, but I would love to! It would probably be a long video, I could talk about that album for hours.

[@rockerdude86]

@@mollyesanborn Awesome. Totally agree. My favourite by any artist also. I just realized you have a NIN album rankings vid so I'll be sure to check that out. And an in depth fragile review someday would be amazing 😎

[@user1936]

Take a look at How to Destroy Angels as Trent and his wife's side project.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll definitely have to do that! I've heard a couple of tracks from them but haven't really delved that deep into it yet.

[@sleepcapsule6472]

If you dig NIN, you would like Ministry and Skinny Puppy. Ministry is more industrial metal.... my favorite album is, "The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste."

[@mollyesanborn]

Never heard Skinny Puppy's music, heard of them though. I think I've heard a random Ministry song here or there and definitely enjoy their sound, I'll have to dive further into both of their discographies.

[@Jefwth1F]

Great insights. Great video. NIN/trent reznor has been a huge part in my life for over 30 years.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@lord69z]

I'm SO glad SIN stood out for you so much!

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, it's such a fantastic song!

[@alistairclifton1286]

So need to do The Fragile...it will blow you away.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, I've been wanting to do a video covering The Fragile in this same style, a sort of review/analysis. I'll keep it in mind!

[@andrewmiller4708]

Awesome review

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you! :)

[@sweetsweetmeat]

You should try KMFDM (Nihil, Naïve)and Skinny Puppy (Vivisect VI, Too Dark Park) if you like this album.

[@dustfan]

Great breakdown. It's interesting that you say Down In It may be your favorite on the album. It's the first song Trent ever wrote and it's heavily inspired by Skinny Puppy's song Dig It. SP is widely considered one of the greatest Industrial bands. Not sure you would like their vocal style but I have to recommend them based on your love of Down In It and their copious use of Movie samples.

[@mollyesanborn]

Cool, didn't know that Down In It was the first song he wrote. I've heard of Skinny Puppy but haven't heard any of their stuff, I'll have to check it out.

[@gigachad192]

Skinny Puppy is a massively overrated band.

[@a.diaphora9908]

@@gigachad192 Skinny Puppy are one of my all-time favourite bands. They are an acquired taste though.

[@sleepcapsule6472]

@@gigachad192 overrated?

[@Errcyco]

My friend Daniel got me this album for my 11th birthday at the McDonalds playroom things they used to have. I played it over and over and over

[@gregatron11]

It's so great, right??

[@mollyesanborn]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@erichornsby783]

How can anyone give you their perspective of the album when you never played enough of it together a perspective

[@dardo28]

I really like the way you review.🤘😎 Is it wrong if I use it as asmr?😌😴your voice is nice!😌

[@mollyesanborn]

No problem! Glad you are enjoying the videos :)

[@brianjames-wd4pp]

Chic, you are rad. Stay retro. Done Depeche Mode 'Violater' yet?

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks!! And no, I haven't heard Violater yet. I'll have to give that one a listen!

[@chrono050]

My first concert was NIN and Bowie in 95...Santified thats my favof this. All tracks are amazing i had this on cassette

[@mollyesanborn]

Wow, lucky! NIN and David Bowie together must have been an experience!

[@tommj4365]

This album always gave me "angsty 7-year old upset that her big brother stole her barbie doll collection, ripped their heads off, and nuked in the microwave" vibes

[@mollyesanborn]

Honestly... I completely agree, haha! Kind of why I love it, it adds to that whole over the top theatrical element I talked about.

[@Damiana_Dimock]

If The Downward Spiral is Act II, then what is Broken/Fixed? Though they’re EPs I don’t think they can be ignored. Good video. Even though i’ve listened to the album in its entirety before I don’t think I’ve ever listened to it as an album.

[@mollyesanborn]

I've been thinking of doing some sort of video for Broken before I attempt TDS, haha! I agree, they have some great EPs and they definitely shouldn't be ignored.

[@mysterb7600]

This album is a masterpiece.

[@mollyesanborn]

I couldn't agree more!

[@Hellseeker1]

Yes

[@zmvpainting]

How did I miss this one?

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you found it though! :)

[@bryananderson8241]

This album is people failing to get how Trent feels, which results in broken and TDS.

[@fumes1541]

Not a bad song!

[@dill_cucumber]

Just found your channel, would love to see a reaction/review of Weezer's 2nd album Pinkerton, as it's my fav record

[@mollyesanborn]

Weezer isn't a band I'm very familiar with (I've heard of them but never listened to their stuff). I'll keep them in mind for future videos!

[@СценаристамТутМесто]

Sanctified as written on the NIN wiki is about drug addiction. It kinda changed the whole experience of listening

[@hyde12]

when you right your right it's a masterpiece !!

[@champagneben]

Yayyyy it's Molly

[@mollyesanborn]

:)

[@joshbutler822]

Hey Molly, Is cannabis perchance legal where you live? I have had these conversations with myself at times:) WHOA o.o

[@TheFilmReviewerersOfficial]

yes.

[@06mrselfdestruct]

How it Phm so over the top?

[@robertholston4708]

Are you a fan of Faith No More or Mike Patton in general? Big influence on Deftones.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm not familiar with their work! I'll have to check it out.

[@robertholston4708]

@@mollyesanborn could be a good reaction series.

[@seektruth707]

Love that album, but The Fragile is definitely my favorite from NIN.

[@mollyesanborn]

The Fragile is my favorite from them too! I do love Pretty Hate Machine though, but nothing beats The Fragile.

[@videogameobsession]

"so danceable" 😂

[@seanriggen]

👍🏻

[@dagothwillsmith0223]

even though this is a multi platinum album I feel like it doesn’t get as much praise cause people like the loud guitar stuff more

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, it's such a great album! Sonically it's so different from the likes of Broken or The Downward Spiral.

[@dagothwillsmith0223]

@@mollyesanborn it was a great gateway into nin for me it’s so fresh still till this day

[@niangermirabal]

Te recomiendo el EP - Broken de Nine inch nails 🇻🇪

[@mollyesanborn]

I've actually heard Broken already! It took me a while to get into it but I've finally come to appreciate it. I think my favorite track from it is Gave Up.

[@Cosmic_Observer33]

DO MORE NIN

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, I'm planning on it, they're my favorite band! I loved making this video for PHM and hope to get to the rest of their albums eventually.

[@rickt1866]

I hear him talking to the bully if you will.

[@jasonlebeau1288]

Love everything about this but a little FYI.. NIN is a him not a they.. it's all Trent Reznor's beautiful mind and talent..

[@troytalbot5746]

Your DVD collection is almost as good as this album!

[@mollyesanborn]

Haha! :)

[@Onyx_Panther]

You do not understand this album. take a look at the background and the history that Trent puts into this album.

[@-Heavy-]

OMG! I love you!!Great Video,but now you have to marry me!!😋

[@mikemath9508]

i'm bookmarking this to watch in 10 years so i'm also 40 years old when i hear this 15 year olds opinion on an album i like

[@MrGmonkeywillruleyou]

Toooooool.

[@erichornsby783]

You talk too much. No one can even understand what they're hearing because you're talking so much

[@eric_stewart]

If only there was a way to go listen to the album uninterrupted by yourself before coming here to watch the analysis of it. Try not being rude for no reason.

[@CarlPanzram-pt6qu]

My favourite album from NIN.