Before I became a Christian in 1997, I was a huge Marilyn Manson fan. I believed Antichrist Superstar was the best album of 1996 and one of the 10 best albums of the 1990′s. Once I came to Christ, I assumed that I had to stop listening to Manson but then I read the singer's autobiography The Long Hard Road Out of Hell (Regan 1999) as part of a seminary class assignment. I learned that Manson was raised in a Christian home and attended a private evangelical school but was turned off by what he perceived as shallow, hard-edged judgementalism. I then decided to listen to Manson with a bit of discernment even though I find what he believes to be repugnant and silly. Yet, he has a great deal of talent.
How did he utilize that talent on his new release Born Villain.
Meh.
Manson has not made a truly great album from beginning to end since 1996. Instead, he has cranked out releases with 2-3 catchy songs and a lot of bland, forgettable stuff in between. Unfortunately, Born Villain continues that trend.
The first two singles from Born Villain, "No Reflection" and his cover of "You're So Vain" (with Johnny Depp on guitar????) are standouts but the rest of the tracks blur together. Many sound like Depeche Mode with crunchy guitars. It isn't that Born Villain is bad, it just isn't memorable.
Born Villain was supposed to be Manson's big comeback but I don't think it will vault him back to the top. How cutting edge can an album be that features an intro video directed by Shia LaBeouf…that's right Shia LaBeouf.
I give Born Villain a B-
Tune back regularly for fresh album reviews. Records are rated as follows: A+ (a classic and must own). A or A- (Highly recommended though with some minor flaws. You may want to check out the tracks on Youtube before purchasing). B+ or B (a good record but one that you may want to consider hinting at as a present rather than throwing down your own $10). B- or C+ (a decent album worth checking out if you are a fan of the particular genre). C or C- (so-so and worth checking out only if you are a hardcore fan of the particular artist). D+ or D (Avoid unless you are related to a member of the band). D- or F (avoid even if you are related to a member of the band).
Next week, I will list my favorite albums of 2012 so far.
Until then, grace, peace and metal.
