Mean Everything To Nothing
by Manchester Orchestra
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2009
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 36
  3. Negative: 7 out of 36

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  1. NickE
    Apr 25, 2009
    9
    To me, this comes incredibly close to topping their brilliant debut, "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child". From the growling, almost grunge-like rock out of "Pride" to the soft, touching harmonies on "I Can Feel A Hot One", this album hits the same heady heights of their first LP. I'm still mystified, however, why Pitchfork's marks seem to carry such a heavy weighting on To me, this comes incredibly close to topping their brilliant debut, "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child". From the growling, almost grunge-like rock out of "Pride" to the soft, touching harmonies on "I Can Feel A Hot One", this album hits the same heady heights of their first LP. I'm still mystified, however, why Pitchfork's marks seem to carry such a heavy weighting on MetaC. I actually think they hate everything.… Expand
  2. Chonquist
    Oct 18, 2010
    9
    This album shows that Manchester Orchestra is not just a one-hit wonder. This album goes from simple rock, to soft ballads, and hits hard rock and goes out with a bang. Easily one of the best albums of 2009, this film flies to great heights in the alternative genre and also goes above and beyond the hype from their first album.
  3. TheBareMin1mum
    Aug 20, 2012
    7
    Make no mistake: Manchester Orchestra are going to be a hit and miss band for many folks, and in my personal opinion, this album might not be the best starting point. A few tracks are just bland in sound and the lyrics are not always the best. When Manchester Orchestra shine, however, they shine as bright as the sun. Tracks such as "I've Got Friends" and "Everything to Nothing" bring outMake no mistake: Manchester Orchestra are going to be a hit and miss band for many folks, and in my personal opinion, this album might not be the best starting point. A few tracks are just bland in sound and the lyrics are not always the best. When Manchester Orchestra shine, however, they shine as bright as the sun. Tracks such as "I've Got Friends" and "Everything to Nothing" bring out some of the bands best and rockiest, and songs such as these overpower the weaker tracks. A mixed bag, but filled with more delicious candy than horseradish.… Expand
  4. ewilks
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Adam Hull really shows his maturity with M.O.'s followup to "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child." I would normally hesitate to use the term, but I can't think of a more appropriate word than masterpiece. It is an infrequent occurrence for anyone in the music industry, especially today, to develop a thematic album, both musically and lyrically, but Andy Hull and his talented band mates haveAdam Hull really shows his maturity with M.O.'s followup to "I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child." I would normally hesitate to use the term, but I can't think of a more appropriate word than masterpiece. It is an infrequent occurrence for anyone in the music industry, especially today, to develop a thematic album, both musically and lyrically, but Andy Hull and his talented band mates have assembled just such a work with "You Mean Everything to Nothing."
    Despite being only 21 at the start of recording, Hull managed to assemble a list of one meaningful song after the last. When most kids his age are happy making efforts in music, or lyrics, Hull shows the acumen of song writing like that of a veteran twice his age. Not only is he able to show a range of musical moods, but he weaves in an remarkable self-awareness and ability to express his feeling in song.
    But this has all been done before. We've seen this, in rare cases. Somehow M.O. weaves the themes of humbling self-doubt and an expression of intense love for his wife, throughout this offering. I don't know how anyone can listen to the song, "Everything to Nothing," and not feel that this isn't one of the great love songs.
    The musical theme starts at the beginning of "The Only One" and is picked up on many of the tracks. I haven't heard a commitment to theme like this on any album, since Pink Floyd's "The Wall." I won't loop through the album track for track. I feel that this album should be taken in in its entirety. Like "The Wall" I find it strangely troubling to hear one of the tracks independent of the rest.
    No matter the power of the songwriting, it is only as strong as the band. Lucky for Hull, he has surrounded himself with talent. Hull is a great guitarist in his own right, but Robert McDowell does a great job working the leads; allowing Hull to stretch his voice. But, I see the band's instrumental signature sound coming from keyboardist Chris Freeman who injects an extremely heavy sound to an otherwise melodic band.
    Keep in mind that I'm a 48 year old man. I usually have little interest in anything that a 21 year old has to say or play, but I see this band as a force majeure of modern music. I hope that as these kids grow and develop (hard to consider after hearing this album) we are going to hear even better music, more meaningful lyrics. I, for one, couldn't be more impressed with Manchester Orchestra.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    With Nothing, Manchester Orchestra have created what will ineveitably be regarded as one of the landmark releases of 2009, and more noticeable they've exceeded the hype that's surrounded them for nearly three years. [May 2009, p.109]
  2. Blender
    70
    With this foulmouthed, backsliding rock, Hull and his flock do Dixie real proud.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Globe
    80
    The unabashed emotion in their all-out approach will surely appeal to fans of raw yet sentimental Southern rock, Weezer and Modest Mouse followers, and angst-ridden teens.
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