To celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the most noted industrial albums of all time, I have ranked all the songs from the original release.
This was a very tough album to categorize because, full disclosure, I’m not the biggest fan of industrial rock and electronica. Having said that, I still believe this is a very important album during the 1990’s, and thus, deserves to be recognized on this day. Please forgive me if I miss the point of anything because, again, this isn’t my regular style.
14) Big Man With a Gun – Not my favorite track, but I am curious, why do some reviewers considered this song the beginning of a cultural decline? That much makes no sense to me.
13) I Did Not Want This – This song comes and goes in waves, but is generally pretty static in energy. Doesn’t impress me to the level of most other songs on this album.
12) Ruiner – Another track I might be missing the point to. Similarly to I Did Not Want This, there isn’t much variety in the overall tone.
11) The Becoming – Eerie track with an eerie undertone of people in panic. Makes this track pretty darn disturbing to listen to.
10) Eraser – Another disturbing track that leaves the listener feeling uneasy.
9) Reptile – This song is quite robotic in nature, in regards to the mechanical sounds. Might be a little long for what it is, but otherwise, some excellent songwriting.
8) The Downward Spiral – The out of tune guitar in the second half of this track is horrifyingly brilliant.
7) Mr. Self Destruct – A good tone setter for this album, this song is a celebration of loud noise, quiet noise, and everything in between. The ending is brilliant and can really wake your senses.
6) Piggy – I consider this one “dark swing.” It’s kind of fun in a depressing way.
5) Heresy – This one comes off like a fiery explosion of new wave into a new decade, almost like the destruction of electronic’s past.
4) A Warm Place – This track is gorgeous, and hits the soul hard with its ambient vibes.
3) March of the Pigs – Always has and will always make me want to mosh. One of the best songs to vent frustration to.
2) Closer – Arguably the sexiest song ever written, this one will stand the test of time as a true classic and an anthem to a generation.
1) Hurt – Last but far from least, the emotion and sadness involved with this track is very definitive of the 1990’s, but this track captures a very real sadness that is minimal, yet crushing. Amazing track.
M.W. Stevens 