The High End Of Low
by Marilyn Manson
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 114
  3. Negative: 10 out of 114

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  1. thedarkorb
    Sep 22, 2010
    7
    Since I (mostly) enjoyed Manson's 2007 album Eat Me, Drink Me I bought The High End of Low on a whim without sampling it beforehand and was not disappointed. While still no where near as good lyrically as Antichrist Superstar The album is mostly enjoyable for the entirety of it's fifteen tracks. Starting off with Devour a track the starts soft and acoustic before building to up toSince I (mostly) enjoyed Manson's 2007 album Eat Me, Drink Me I bought The High End of Low on a whim without sampling it beforehand and was not disappointed. While still no where near as good lyrically as Antichrist Superstar The album is mostly enjoyable for the entirety of it's fifteen tracks. Starting off with Devour a track the starts soft and acoustic before building to up to aggressive gold. From there on the listener is treated to richly layered guitars and even the use of strings (a first for a Manson album). Halfway through your hit with an great acoustic number called Running To The Edge Of The World before continuing on. There are a few tracks that are obviously weaker, namely WOW and We're From America. But after listening to the albums high points like like Four Rusted Horses, Wight Spider, and Leave A Scar they're easier to forgive.

    For those that purchase the deluxe edition your treated to a bonus disc that features acoustic versions of several of the albums better tracks, all of which work exceptionally well. I would imagine that an unplugged tour, while unpopular with most of his fan base, would actually warrant a live cd worth buying.

    If you used to be a Manson fan but haven't picked up an album since Holy Wood you might want to give this one a try. While different from his earlier releases he seems to have found a new musical direction that actually works for him. The High End of Low is an enjoyable album that has rekindled my interest in Marilyn Manson as an artist and just may do the same for you.    … Expand
  2. KatrinaS.
    Jul 6, 2009
    10
    This album incorporates all of Manson's complex and diverse talents. In my opinion, this is the best album Manson has released in years.
  3. MeiT
    Aug 20, 2009
    2
    I can't focus on listening to this album to save my life. Song after song is wasted on obnoxious, unimaginative guitar and Manson's scratchy voice that willingly alternates between whispering and screaming, though rarely leaves the vocal range of maybe 6 half steps. If you listen to the first 20 seconds of a few songs on the album, take, for example, "Blank and White", "I Want I can't focus on listening to this album to save my life. Song after song is wasted on obnoxious, unimaginative guitar and Manson's scratchy voice that willingly alternates between whispering and screaming, though rarely leaves the vocal range of maybe 6 half steps. If you listen to the first 20 seconds of a few songs on the album, take, for example, "Blank and White", "I Want To Kill You Like They Do In Movies", or "Leave A Scar", you might think they were pretty catchy. It's a quaint little guitar riff, despite Manson plowing through it with his obstinately monotone voice. But after the first minute, that catchy little guitar riff starts to get pretty damn old, even more so through the rock n' roll song formatting used for every single song (Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus x2, Abrupt Ending). To put it simply, Manson is devoid of the originality and shock factor he once had. He should have quit while he was ahead.… Expand
  4. JE
    Jun 3, 2009
    5
    A fairly weak effort. Tame and uninteresting production. Definitely not as heavy as we were lead to believe it was going to be.
  5. BrandonT.
    Sep 14, 2009
    10
    This album is one of the best. but you people are so negative about it. you alll fail.
  6. BryanM
    Jun 11, 2009
    4
    Marilyn Manson has obviously run out of ideas. I, too, lost all faith in him after Eat Me, Drink Me, but I was willing to give this another chance. However, with uninspired tracks, weak political commentary, and music that I could come to expect from a Jeffree Star album, there is nothing worth listening to.
  7. AgonystesB
    Aug 31, 2009
    5
    Better than Eat me, Drink me, but hardly a good/great album. The lyrics are juvenile, do not provoke thought, and feel tired and recycled. In the end there are maybe 3-4 enjoyable songs, but the rest is lost on a poor attempt to rekindle past success and shock factor.
  8. owenrw89
    Dec 11, 2016
    4
    It's another let down I'm afraid. After a few up-tempo numbers, it quickly reverts to dull and not-very-interesting rock. Here's hoping that one day, in the not too distant future, another glam-rock Manson album is created.
    Yes...I've copied and pasted this from 'Born Villain' - both equal in every way.
  9. XxNightvHawkxX
    Feb 3, 2015
    5
    This album was an interesting one. It stands out from the rest completely. It has a sadder, more serious tone to it than Manson's other work. At first, this album disappointed me, as it was not what I expected from Manson, but after another listen, the album grew on me. I began to look at it from a much different angle. This in my opinion is one of Manson's best works. So much emotion wasThis album was an interesting one. It stands out from the rest completely. It has a sadder, more serious tone to it than Manson's other work. At first, this album disappointed me, as it was not what I expected from Manson, but after another listen, the album grew on me. I began to look at it from a much different angle. This in my opinion is one of Manson's best works. So much emotion was put into this album, and it winded up being an enjoyable one. I feel like it was unjustly criticized.
    Top 5 songs from this Album:
    1.We're from America
    2. Arma-godd**m-motherf**king-geddon
    3. Devour
    4. I Have to Look Up Just to See hell
    5. Four Rusted Horses    … Expand
  10. borgy
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Already being underated by critics, but what do critics know? They can't even enjoy anything for what it is without dissecting it to the most irrelevant miniscule detail. This album has a glam rock edge similar to Mechanical Animals without the concept, instead the focus is Mr. Mansons personal demons. It's great and Twiggys return is instantly noticeable when listening to the Already being underated by critics, but what do critics know? They can't even enjoy anything for what it is without dissecting it to the most irrelevant miniscule detail. This album has a glam rock edge similar to Mechanical Animals without the concept, instead the focus is Mr. Mansons personal demons. It's great and Twiggys return is instantly noticeable when listening to the avant garde sounds weaving throughout tracks on the album. The album cover to me accurately sums up how the music sounds and feels. Very enjoyable and honest album. He stayed true to himself instead of rehashing the past like everybody wants him too.… Expand
  11. JamalD
    Jun 20, 2009
    9
    OK, so in my opinion this album is definitely a grower. Bigtime. When I first heard the songs I wasn't sure what to make of them and it seemed like manson was totally washed up and was just whining about his life. But after delving into the songs some more, it's really nothing like that. Sure it's introspective but it doesnt convey hopeless desperation like parts of the OK, so in my opinion this album is definitely a grower. Bigtime. When I first heard the songs I wasn't sure what to make of them and it seemed like manson was totally washed up and was just whining about his life. But after delving into the songs some more, it's really nothing like that. Sure it's introspective but it doesnt convey hopeless desperation like parts of the last album. Instead it feels more like an optimistic tone, about realizing one's weaknesses and emerging stronger through the experience. This is why I see alot of parallels between this and Antichrist Superstar. I was lucky to have been reading the long hard road out of hell around the time I got this album so it all kinda made sense that way. Anyway, the point is: manson has not lost the subtlety and meanings that made his songs so epic. The album is pretty self-centered, but I think you'll find alot of songs from previous albums are VERY much the same way even if they don't seem like it. (see Kinderfeld) If you just give it a chance you'll find much more meaning than meets the eye, just like with previous manson works. Also, there are some pretty interesting experimental sounds that are really freaky, twiggy coming back did seem to mix things up just enough.… Expand
  12. JimmyJames
    Jun 4, 2009
    8
    I had lost all confidence in Marilyn Manson after his last release (Eat Me, Drink Me), but the return of Twiggy Ramirez appears to be a contributing factor in Manson's success. This album contains some of Manson's best material in almost a decade.
  13. AliceCooper'sMum
    Oct 18, 2009
    7
    It's not their best (mechanical animals+holywood) or even worst (portrait of an american family+smells like children)- its simply middle of the road quality, with the music press giving very mixed reviews. the best tracks are "Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon", "Leave a Scar", "Running To The Edge Of The World", and the deliberately OASIS-LIKE (!) - and probably best track - "Into It's not their best (mechanical animals+holywood) or even worst (portrait of an american family+smells like children)- its simply middle of the road quality, with the music press giving very mixed reviews. the best tracks are "Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon", "Leave a Scar", "Running To The Edge Of The World", and the deliberately OASIS-LIKE (!) - and probably best track - "Into the Fire". I dont even like Oasis! The rest of the album (compared to these tracks) feels like its simply all filler material, with some arguably boring production-the vocals could have sounded alot better in many areas, as an example. Better luck next time, Brian!… Expand
  14. KendoJ
    May 27, 2009
    6
    Good. More similar to 'Eat Me, Drink Me' than any of his older work. I was hoping for something more like Mechanical or Grotesque, but still it's a good album in its own right. The Track '15' is the excellent stand-out.
  15. BorjaM
    May 27, 2009
    8
    Of course it's an averange of 52 if only get the bad reviews, but there are many more, and I'm sure that they are better than these.
  16. [Anonymous]
    May 28, 2009
    8
    Parts of this remind me of early 90's Spooky Kids Manson. Despite Manson occasionally soiling himself lyrically, this album has a very endearing quality to it. The Twiggy influence is astounding. I was not a fan of his last album, but this one is growing on me.
  17. AidanM
    May 29, 2009
    9
    before i bought it i actually feared it might not be very good since he's been in the industry for so long and a lot of long-lasting artists' work tends to become kind of inert after their peak period, but this album is not that at all. it's quality music to the end.
  18. LuciferJ
    May 31, 2009
    10
    Awesome album...the band has reinvented themselves....best album since holy wood...vast diversity.
  19. DrRetard
    Jun 1, 2009
    9
    Very good and a bloody good grower too. Actively worth finding and buying. Standout is devour. For me at least!
  20. JusinL
    Jun 2, 2009
    8
    Is it me or does this album have 2 or 3 Coma White like tracks? Of course critics are going to diss MM's new albums because they are waiting for the next Anti-Christ or at least Mechanical Animals. This album is almost genius. If it wasn't so repetitive and had less ballads it would be a 10 for sure. Musically tuned and fun to listen to.
  21. DominicW.
    Jun 4, 2009
    8
    Great album with some standout tracks which are going to go down brilliantly live. Haven't enjoyed an album of his this much since Mechanical Animals, which was hugely underrated as well by most critics....speaking of which, when has a critic's review of any album ever been know to 'leave a scar'? Reviews are read and forgotten in seconds - that must really irritate Great album with some standout tracks which are going to go down brilliantly live. Haven't enjoyed an album of his this much since Mechanical Animals, which was hugely underrated as well by most critics....speaking of which, when has a critic's review of any album ever been know to 'leave a scar'? Reviews are read and forgotten in seconds - that must really irritate their writers :)… Expand
  22. GholemS
    Sep 8, 2009
    7
    It's alright though not so good as M.A or Hollywood.
  23. JoeS
    May 27, 2009
    10
    I feel reluctant giving the album a 10, and I only wish I could give it a 9.5. The only reason I believe that is because of Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon. Such a horrible song, seriously Brian. You deserve to be called Brian on this one. It's just flat out horrible. Somehow, the remix makes it seem like a HAPPY song from the deluxe version. I mean, you've got to be kidding I feel reluctant giving the album a 10, and I only wish I could give it a 9.5. The only reason I believe that is because of Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon. Such a horrible song, seriously Brian. You deserve to be called Brian on this one. It's just flat out horrible. Somehow, the remix makes it seem like a HAPPY song from the deluxe version. I mean, you've got to be kidding me, right? "First you try to fuck it, then you try to eat it"? It is possibly the lowlight of your career, and I find it shameful that it is meant to be your "single". Anyhow, the rest of the album is absolutely spectacular, which is why I would give it such a high rating. Many critics and public reviewers all over the Internet have been bashing the living hell out of this record because it isn't Grotesque, Mechanical, or Holywood. Manson has moved on from that era, I believe. He has always said that he just reinterprets his world through his music, and I believe that is what he is doing here, and even through 'Eat Me, Drink Me'. They are fantastic pieces, but just not traditional Manson. People should understand that and respect that and enjoy it. For God's sake, it's a new MM record! Be happy for once. Rant over. FINAL SCORE: 9.5 (fuck you AGMG)… Expand
  24. BonnieP
    May 27, 2009
    7
    Good Rock (which is a lot to say this days). !5, Four Rusted Horses, Leave A Scar, I want to kill u... there are plenty of well achieved songs for different ears. Passed the glam and the hole previous decoration, the rock still stands out and strikes again.
  25. JhonatanY
    May 28, 2009
    0
    Well, that's a really boring album, with mediocre copy of 70's hard rockers, one of the worst albums that I've listened in this year.
  26. JeffreyH
    May 29, 2009
    8
    The negative reviews are inevitable with an artist like Manson, with the image often taking the precedent over the artist
  27. RonnieS
    May 31, 2009
    10
    Critics once again miss the spot. This by far manson at his best. A well balanced album I think it is the best album since Mechanical Animals but in a way better. This album is a complete 180 from Eat Me Drink Me I don't know how anyone could compare the two.
  28. Tom
    Jun 23, 2009
    8
    I find the user vs critics rating discrepancy interesting. anyways, this isn't a groundbreaking, important or relevant album in any way. it's not the 90's anymore. but it doesn't really matter because it doesn't really try to be. this album is exactly what i wanted it to be - catchy, fun guilty pleasure goth rock. and i love it.
  29. blackieblax
    Jun 3, 2009
    6
    Better than previous album, but i feel like manson's music has reached its peak with MecAnimals and probably Holywook was the last good album.
  30. JM
    Aug 6, 2009
    0
    i don't know how anyone can take this album seriously. it's the most boring, uninspired waste of time ever. there's no fire at all. as some-one else said it's "like having some-one pee in your ass". even that doesn't fully describe how bad this is.
  31. D
    May 26, 2009
    7
    While it's lacking in the heaviness that was promised, and surprisingly filled with twangy rock guitar, these is actually some of the best songwriting the artist has put out to date... even if it lacks the urgency and vitriol of Antichrist Superstar.
  32. MarylinY
    May 28, 2009
    0
    Only one word I have to say for it: HORRIBLE.
  33. KateS
    May 28, 2009
    0
    Horrible album, I don't understand Spin's review.
  34. JohnW
    May 29, 2009
    9
    I'm giving it a nine because it really needs it. It really isn't a bad album, maybe an 8, but the middle is boring. I advise not sitting through it all at once. Take a break and then resume.
  35. PabloV
    May 29, 2009
    10
    Great Album for true fans.
  36. InsomniacJunkie
    May 31, 2009
    9
    After a few listens I have to say that it's the best stuff he has done in years. Chemistry between the band was a sorely missed element of Eat Me Drink Me that is very evident on Manson's newest. Definitely check this out!!
  37. LoRevisor
    Nov 10, 2017
    8
    Tem uma das músicas mais fracas da carreira de MM= Wow.

    Outras duas boas, mas quase medianas como **** e I Have Just To Look Up To See Hell.

    Porém É repleto também de excelentes faixas como Devour, Leave A Scar, Blank and White, Wight Spider, Running To The Edge of The World, Into The Fire & ETC.

    Um Bom álbum de Marilyn Manson.
  38. Avaliante
    Aug 6, 2013
    10
    Excelente! Um Album Romântico De MM Mas Claro Que Não Falta Rock E Metal.
    Top The High End Of Low
    1-We're From America
    2-Leave A Scar
    3-Unkillable Monster
    4-Blank And White
    5-Devour
  39. godeatgodworld
    Aug 22, 2018
    8
    I think critically the High End of Low is Marilyn Manson's most underrated record. There are moments which are not ideal and come off as cheesy rather than shocking or thought provoking. The album was written during a form of break down which had Marilyn Manson writing the songs on the walls in his home. Excluding the cheesy tracks from the record, I would say it's among Manson's finest.
  40. lovro4501
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    This album is either hit or miss. This album was most experimental album by Marilyn Manson (at that time) and it brings us new sound. While the sound is mostly good, lyrics are mixed bag. Some lyrics are good, and some are just word play and "meh". Album have some really good and strong song, while having the worst songs ever by Manson (I Want To Kill You Like They Do In The Movies andThis album is either hit or miss. This album was most experimental album by Marilyn Manson (at that time) and it brings us new sound. While the sound is mostly good, lyrics are mixed bag. Some lyrics are good, and some are just word play and "meh". Album have some really good and strong song, while having the worst songs ever by Manson (I Want To Kill You Like They Do In The Movies and WOW). This album would be much better with 10 songs (or so), and few acoustic bonus songs. with all that said, it's still enjoyable album.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Dot Music
    40
    Perhaps the only interesting thing about Manson's latest record is the couple of anomalies hidden within.
    Read full review
  2. Hot Press
    80
    Assuming they haven’t all grown up by now, Manson fans will adore every dark, juvenile flourish. For the rest of us, The High End Of Low serves as a cautionary tale of artistic regression.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Manson the man at least seems re-energised here....The same cannot always be said for his band; their limp glam metal consistently threatens to undermine the performance. [Jul 2009, p.127]
See all critic reviews »