THE FRAGILE

This is my first real experience with NINE INCH NAILS the solo project of Trent Reznor. I remember in the 90's watching some videos on TV but I don't remember what tunes. I just never investigated and I regret this now after spending a week spinning this double album. I am hard on doubles but I feel this reaches that 4 star plateau. I also feel the album tails off part way through disc two before ending with a strong closer in "Ripe(With decay)". This recording is surprisingly catchy at times, lots of electronics and atmosphere with heavy beats. Trent has a great voice as well but man the guy is like Klaus Schulze with all the synths and related electronics. Oh and I was very surprised to see Adrian Belew adding his guitar talents to three tracks. I think THE GATHERING must have been influenced with this album and "The Downward Spiral" the way they went to more of an electronic based sound with way less guitar.

Highlights include the first song "Somewhat Damaged" for the way it builds including passionate vocals. Heavy beats too and check it out before 4 minutes, just crushing it. "The Wretched" is a great contrast to the previous tune "The Frail", I mean so much emotion and passion. I like the contrasts on "The Fragile" including the piano parts and mellow sounds but of course the heaviness too. "Just Like You Imagined" is another highlight especially the piano 1 1/2 minutes in. "Pilgrimage" is almost apocalyptic with trumpet too. I like the bass and piano on "La Mer". So a very strong disc one called "Left". Disc two called "Right" opens with "The Way Out Is Through" and how good is this! Powerful before 3 minutes. "Into The Void" has catchy beats a minute in and I like when he screams the words later on. A memorable line "Trying to catch myself but my self keeps slipping away". Another highlight is "The Mark Has Been Made". Atmosphere galore to start, cello too. Drums after 2 minutes. I like this! Distortion too. Tracks 5 to 10 are good to okay before the closer "Ripe(With Decay)" ends it with dark atmosphere. Check out the bass in darkness before 5 minutes then it builds.

I hope to review "The Downward Spiral" in the not so distant future released 5 years prior to this one.