Journal For Plague Lovers
by Manic Street Preachers
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 15, 2009
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Q Magazine
    100
    By breathing life into Richey Edwards's own last words, his friends have crafted not a memorial but a celebration. [Jun 2009, p.120]
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  2. AllMusic
    90
    Journal for Plague Lovers winds up being The Holy Bible in reverse: every moment of despair is a reason to keep on living instead of an excuse to pack it all in.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    90
    Overall, Journal For Plague Lovers is a strident comeback that would have been a worthy direct successor to "The Holy Bible" had circumstances been different.
  5. cokemachineglow
    81
    Nobody who has ever had some semblance of an interest in this band should ignore Journal For Plague Lovers, which is simply far more awesome than anyone had a right to expect.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Journal For Plague Lovers is an outstanding album in its own right and is not "The Holy Bible." But then again, what is?
  7. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Not just a dignified salute to an absent friend, but a cracking album in its own right.
  8. PopMatters
    80
    So while Journal for Plague Lovers doesn’t quite match up to The Holy Bible, essentially it doesn’t need to.
  9. The Guardian
    80
    Forgoing the arena-rock of recent years for something close to the barbed punk of their "Holy Bible" era--though less disjointed this time, and studded with hooks you could hang a feather boa from--they've made a complex but very listenable record.
  10. Uncut
    80
    This is also a brave, compelling record that stands shoulder to shoulder with the Manics’ best.
  11. Dot Music
    80
    This is something unique, often flawed and often flooring, and as fine and fitting a memorial for its lyricist as could be imagined.
  12. Mojo
    80
    Richey Edwards has his words set to the best music his bandmates have made since their last album together. [Jun 2009, p.97]
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  13. No Ripcord
    80
    With Journal for Plague Lovers, it feels like Manic Street Preachers have finally closed the door on a painful chapter in their career and, rather fittingly, they’ve done it with some aplomb.
  14. Pitchfork
    78
    Even if it were the desperate or cynical move some people have claimed it is, there's no denying that purging Edwards' old lyric folder has helped the band create its best album in a decade.
  15. Filter
    78
    To date, this is as close to their masterpiece, The Holy Bible, as they've ever come. [Fall 2009, p.92]
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  16. Hot Press
    70
    Manics mine Richey’s last words for a return to the heart of darkness.
  17. Sputnikmusic
    70
    It's a shade better than Send Away The Tigers, itself heralded as a return to form, and in a year that hasn't really been anything special so far for straight-ahead rock, this is a standout.
  18. Under The Radar
    70
    Journal resurrects the hunger and desperation that was the Manics' initial driving force, and in the process gives them a sense of purpose. [Fall 2009, p.64]
    All this publication's reviews
  19. musicOMH.com
    60
    Disjointed, imperfect, tender and raw, at the final reckoning it sits as a fitting epitaph.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2009
89
#89 Most Discussed Album of 2009
58
#58 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 79
  3. Negative: 5 out of 79
  1. davim
    Oct 23, 2014
    9
    It was always going to be a brave decision to use lyrics written by Richey Edwards on a Manic Street Preachers album once again, but the bandIt was always going to be a brave decision to use lyrics written by Richey Edwards on a Manic Street Preachers album once again, but the band pulls it off in the only way they know how; by producing an outstanding record. 30 seconds in; following a mean bassline, solid drums, a no nonsense guitar riff from James Dean Bradfield are the lyrics "the more I see, the less I scream. The figure 8 inside out is infinity". Sets the tone for the album perfectly. From then on in, almost every song is flawless. The majority with Powerful overdriven Steve Albini guitar sounds, along with huge choruses, raw energy and some of the most relevant and intellectual lyrics of the 21st century. Others such as "Facing Page: Top Left" and "William's Last Words" much more mellow. The hidden track 'Bag Lady' is also definitely worth a listen.

    For me, this has to be The Manic's best effort since The Holy Bible. Highly recommend it to anybody. (Personal Favourites: Journal For Plague Lovers, Marlon J.D, Pretension/Repulsion)    … Full Review »
  2. Frasoric
    Mar 8, 2023
    10
    Using unreleased lyrics from missing band member Richie (James) Edwards, the album is built around a copy of a Bugs Bunny journal that RichieUsing unreleased lyrics from missing band member Richie (James) Edwards, the album is built around a copy of a Bugs Bunny journal that Richie provided to each member of the band before disappearing. The lyrical tone of the album is based on Richie's experience in several hospitals throughout his life and what he witnessed in them. The band do a great job musically in complimenting Richie's lyrics with providing a unique take on post-punk rock on the record. Without a doubt the bands best release since The Holy Bible and one of their best throughout their entire career.… Full Review »
  3. rhysmiller
    Aug 29, 2022
    10
    Underrated masterpiece where punk and intellect collide. If you like The Holy Bible here's part 2.
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