Born Villain
by Marilyn Manson
  • Record Label: Downtown
  • Release Date: May 1, 2012
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Kerrang!
    May 21, 2012
    60
    Perhaps it's too monochrome, too arty. [28 Apr 2012, p.52]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 30, 2012
    60
    The truth is, though, there's just a lack of magic, a lack of something special going on. It's not bad. It's not good.
  3. Consequence
    May 23, 2012
    50
    Subject matter such as the aforementioned romanticism is refreshing, and maybe that will be pushed to the foreground in future records, but it only appears in spurts on Born Villain.
  5. PopMatters
    May 11, 2012
    40
    The sound of a middle-aged shock rocker long past his creative, controversial, and commercial peak trying to drag his the ball-and-chain of his career along as he trudges over the hill. Sadly, it's all rather predictable.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    May 8, 2012
    40
    This record has been hailed by some as a return to form, but it's every inch as pointless as his last couple of records and a contender for dullest album of the year.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 118
  3. Negative: 10 out of 118
  1. rshires
    May 2, 2012
    10
    Absolutely an incredible album all the way through. I think it is his best album since Holywood. The album felt more natural than the last twoAbsolutely an incredible album all the way through. I think it is his best album since Holywood. The album felt more natural than the last two outings It never seemed like he was trying too hard which on the last two albums it always felt that way. Definitely at the top of his game once more.… Full Review »
  2. Lundra
    May 2, 2012
    10
    This is easily his best album since Mechanical Animals. With hard metal rock and divine lyrics that quote shakespear and greek mythology,This is easily his best album since Mechanical Animals. With hard metal rock and divine lyrics that quote shakespear and greek mythology, Manson is truly an artist once again.

    There's not a single track that I don't enjoy.    … Full Review »
  3. DJCJISTHA1
    May 17, 2012
    10
    Although critics were overly savaging on the previous 2 releases (Eat Me Drink Me and High End Of Low - which I could definitely appreciate asAlthough critics were overly savaging on the previous 2 releases (Eat Me Drink Me and High End Of Low - which I could definitely appreciate as a MM Fan) I feel this album is a lot more accessible to other than the die hard fans. Highlights include Overneath the Path of Misery, Slo-mo-tion (Pink Floyd's Learning to Fly anyone??),, the Flowers of Evil, Children of Cain, Murderers are getting Prettier and the title track along with first single No Refection bring together enough rock, contention along with the underlying Marilyn campness echoing aspects of Mechanical Animals to interest and influence both fans and newcomers alike - start from track 1 and play - welcome back! 9/10… Full Review »
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