The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Performed by: Nine Inch Nails
Editorial Reviews:
Originally released in 1994, Trent Reznor created THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL as both a concept album and modern day classic. This influential 90’s classic is Trent Reznor’s industrial cum-tragic opera view of the world and the soul’s sonically detailed fall from grace. The Downward Spiral delves into despair and anger with hard guitars and brutal beats.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Downward Spiral
Comment:
Brings back memories of the old days! One of the best CD's ever from NIN!
Customer Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece
Comment: 'The Downward Spiral' is NIN's best-known and most popular album. It is the story of a man, a sick, twisted induvidual drived by sex, drugs and violence. Each song represents one of his feelings, and as the album progresses, he becomes sadder, sicker and, in his mind, more worthless. The final song, 'Hurt,' is beautiful and can be interpreted in two different ways. 'The Downward Spiral' is not for the faint of heart, but I seriously reccomend it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: "Nothing can stop me now"
Comment: The Downward Spiral was the second full length album from Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails, following the EP Broken. Whereas Broken exchanged the electronics of NIN's debut for hard rock guitar, this album is a blend of the two. As a fan of the band's synthesized sound, I was happy for the slight return to form, while at the same time excited by the musical growth it displayed.
No Nine Inch Nails record could be called cheery, but with the possible exception of 2005's With Teeth, this is probably Trent's angriest record. It's pretty full on throughout with few interludes of calm (most notably the moving finale "Hurt" and the instrumental "A Warm Place," plus the unlikely radio single "Closer" which is most similar to his earliest work.) It's this aspect which causes the album to not hold up quite as well for me as a listener over the years. Basically, I've somewhat outgrown it. It's still a masterpiece of production and sound design, but the lyrics simply aren't as relevant to me as they were when I was younger.
The DualDisc version comes with the remastered album on one side in standard CD format, and a DVD on the flipside. The DVD contains the album mixed in 5.1 surround sound and upon playing it, it felt like I was listening to the album for the first time. There were so many sounds that were previously buried, or that I didn't even notice at all in the regular stereo mix. The sound separation and clarity is spectacular. It really makes you appreciate the layering of the music in a new way.
The DVD also contains the unedited video for "Closer" in surround and the videos for "March of the Pigs" and "Hurt" in stereo (as they are live recordings.) Finally, there is a discography and a gallery of visual elements used in the art for the album and it's related releases.
If you already like this album and you have a surround setup, you owe it to yourself to upgrade for the new mix alone.
Customer Rating:
Summary: a 2 is being very polite
Comment: I realize this is supposed to be Nine Inch Nails best album, but that doesn't mean a whole lot to me, to be completely honest.
For the most part, these songs all sound the same, and more annoyingly, is the *noise* factor of the entire thing. I don't mind a little bit of noise as long as there's some diversity and creativity thrown in the mix, but musically Downward Spiral leaves me completely cold.
It's sad that the rock scene had to change to *this* kind of rubbish by the early 90's, but unfortunately that's what happened.
The lyrics are the ONLY thing that saves this overlong, unbearable album. Even then, the ones involving strong sexual themes are extremely irritating and childish, and anyone over the age of 25 should be ashamed of themselves for actually enjoying them. Some of the problems in the world involving kids and teens may be connected to this kind of music. People like to say "Oh no, that's not true. My little Timmy would never do anything bad" but I actually think there's some truth to it.
The lyrics involving drugs and death, you know, the ones ripped straight from old Black Sabbath albums, are the only lyrics worth paying attention to.
These kind of sexual lyrics are about as strong and disgusting as the subject can be, and I think it would be best to avoid this album and buy something that offers more in the way of vocal melodies, instrumental passages, and just overall talent. Something that can brighten your day.
I remember my classmates buying this album back in the day, and praising it to the moon. I hope they have changed their mind and realized this kind of music can't hold up and remain listenable over the years- only listenable when you're sitting in your bedroom and going through teenage problems.
This album was horrible back in 1994, because lyrics of this nature are sickening to me personally, and the music has NOT aged well either. How *could* this album possibly age with dignity? It can't. How can anyone be proud of the fact they are fans of this kind of music? And don't tell me "I'm way too late- I should have complained years ago" because I WAS complaining years ago when this stuff was brand new. I have good reason to complain, in fact.
This album is one (of a few) responsible for destroying the rock scene in the early 90's. No, it didn't expand the rock scene- it turned it into garbage. By the time we reach halfway through the album, you're either experiencing disco-influenced dance beats or screaming that's so loud and intense you just can't handle it. Not much different from Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie or others from the same camp.
Are adults supposed to like this kind of music? If the answer is no, then you might wanna change your musical tastes NOW while there's still time. This kind of music stops being cool as soon as you graduate high school.
I give the album a 2 because once in a great while something tolerable might appear, such as the Nirvana-moody "Piggy" or the vocals on "Closer". Hey, these songs aren't any GOOD of course, just not terrible. Avoid, please.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The very best NIN there is
Comment: ...and probably even the best industrial rock album ever made and ever will be made. Every single track has it's moment and there's no vain or dull tracks at all. This record is full of hate and "self destructive behaviour", just the way industrial rock albums should be. The Downward Spiral probably won't fully open to you at the first time you listen to it but more you play it, more you'll love it.
Yes, I am a huge NIN fan and this album started it all for me.
EAN: 0606949234621
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Label: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
Manufacturer: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
Number Of Discs: 1
Publication Date: 1994
Publisher: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
Release Date: 1994-03-08
Studio: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
 | Format: Audio CD List Price: $17.98 Our Price: $10.97 Your Save: $ 7.01 ( 39% ) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Customer Rating:  |
Editorial Reviews:
Originally released in 1994, Trent Reznor created THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL as both a concept album and modern day classic. This influential 90’s classic is Trent Reznor’s industrial cum-tragic opera view of the world and the soul’s sonically detailed fall from grace. The Downward Spiral delves into despair and anger with hard guitars and brutal beats.
DUAL DISC VERSION (CD & DVD on one disc)
CD SIDE: Includes entire album in Re-Mastered CD Stereo
DVD SIDE: * Video in surround sound and Stereo of "Closer" * Videos of "March of the Pigs" and "Hurt" * Entire album in Stereo and Advanced Resolution Surround Sound * Entire album in Dolby Digital Surround Sound and Stereo * Image Gallery * Complete Discography * Random DVD menus * Surround Sound mixes by Trent Reznor
If you like "The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails , you might also like ...
 | Pretty Hate Machine |
 | The Fragile |
 | With Teeth |
 | Broken |
 | Year Zero |
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Downward Spiral
Comment:
Brings back memories of the old days! One of the best CD's ever from NIN!
Customer Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece
Comment: 'The Downward Spiral' is NIN's best-known and most popular album. It is the story of a man, a sick, twisted induvidual drived by sex, drugs and violence. Each song represents one of his feelings, and as the album progresses, he becomes sadder, sicker and, in his mind, more worthless. The final song, 'Hurt,' is beautiful and can be interpreted in two different ways. 'The Downward Spiral' is not for the faint of heart, but I seriously reccomend it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: "Nothing can stop me now"
Comment: The Downward Spiral was the second full length album from Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails, following the EP Broken. Whereas Broken exchanged the electronics of NIN's debut for hard rock guitar, this album is a blend of the two. As a fan of the band's synthesized sound, I was happy for the slight return to form, while at the same time excited by the musical growth it displayed.
No Nine Inch Nails record could be called cheery, but with the possible exception of 2005's With Teeth, this is probably Trent's angriest record. It's pretty full on throughout with few interludes of calm (most notably the moving finale "Hurt" and the instrumental "A Warm Place," plus the unlikely radio single "Closer" which is most similar to his earliest work.) It's this aspect which causes the album to not hold up quite as well for me as a listener over the years. Basically, I've somewhat outgrown it. It's still a masterpiece of production and sound design, but the lyrics simply aren't as relevant to me as they were when I was younger.
The DualDisc version comes with the remastered album on one side in standard CD format, and a DVD on the flipside. The DVD contains the album mixed in 5.1 surround sound and upon playing it, it felt like I was listening to the album for the first time. There were so many sounds that were previously buried, or that I didn't even notice at all in the regular stereo mix. The sound separation and clarity is spectacular. It really makes you appreciate the layering of the music in a new way.
The DVD also contains the unedited video for "Closer" in surround and the videos for "March of the Pigs" and "Hurt" in stereo (as they are live recordings.) Finally, there is a discography and a gallery of visual elements used in the art for the album and it's related releases.
If you already like this album and you have a surround setup, you owe it to yourself to upgrade for the new mix alone.
Customer Rating:
Summary: a 2 is being very polite
Comment: I realize this is supposed to be Nine Inch Nails best album, but that doesn't mean a whole lot to me, to be completely honest.
For the most part, these songs all sound the same, and more annoyingly, is the *noise* factor of the entire thing. I don't mind a little bit of noise as long as there's some diversity and creativity thrown in the mix, but musically Downward Spiral leaves me completely cold.
It's sad that the rock scene had to change to *this* kind of rubbish by the early 90's, but unfortunately that's what happened.
The lyrics are the ONLY thing that saves this overlong, unbearable album. Even then, the ones involving strong sexual themes are extremely irritating and childish, and anyone over the age of 25 should be ashamed of themselves for actually enjoying them. Some of the problems in the world involving kids and teens may be connected to this kind of music. People like to say "Oh no, that's not true. My little Timmy would never do anything bad" but I actually think there's some truth to it.
The lyrics involving drugs and death, you know, the ones ripped straight from old Black Sabbath albums, are the only lyrics worth paying attention to.
These kind of sexual lyrics are about as strong and disgusting as the subject can be, and I think it would be best to avoid this album and buy something that offers more in the way of vocal melodies, instrumental passages, and just overall talent. Something that can brighten your day.
I remember my classmates buying this album back in the day, and praising it to the moon. I hope they have changed their mind and realized this kind of music can't hold up and remain listenable over the years- only listenable when you're sitting in your bedroom and going through teenage problems.
This album was horrible back in 1994, because lyrics of this nature are sickening to me personally, and the music has NOT aged well either. How *could* this album possibly age with dignity? It can't. How can anyone be proud of the fact they are fans of this kind of music? And don't tell me "I'm way too late- I should have complained years ago" because I WAS complaining years ago when this stuff was brand new. I have good reason to complain, in fact.
This album is one (of a few) responsible for destroying the rock scene in the early 90's. No, it didn't expand the rock scene- it turned it into garbage. By the time we reach halfway through the album, you're either experiencing disco-influenced dance beats or screaming that's so loud and intense you just can't handle it. Not much different from Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie or others from the same camp.
Are adults supposed to like this kind of music? If the answer is no, then you might wanna change your musical tastes NOW while there's still time. This kind of music stops being cool as soon as you graduate high school.
I give the album a 2 because once in a great while something tolerable might appear, such as the Nirvana-moody "Piggy" or the vocals on "Closer". Hey, these songs aren't any GOOD of course, just not terrible. Avoid, please.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The very best NIN there is
Comment: ...and probably even the best industrial rock album ever made and ever will be made. Every single track has it's moment and there's no vain or dull tracks at all. This record is full of hate and "self destructive behaviour", just the way industrial rock albums should be. The Downward Spiral probably won't fully open to you at the first time you listen to it but more you play it, more you'll love it.
Yes, I am a huge NIN fan and this album started it all for me.
Technical Details
Binding: Audio CDEAN: 0606949234621
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Label: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
Manufacturer: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
Number Of Discs: 1
Publication Date: 1994
Publisher: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
Release Date: 1994-03-08
Studio: Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records
