Lifeblood
by Manic Street Preachers
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2004
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 40
  3. Negative: 3 out of 40

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  1. Transistorhero
    Sep 22, 2014
    0
    Utterly Utterly awful, genuinely made me question whether I should ever buy any of their records again. Preceded by the worst single they've ever released (Stiff competition considering that Let Robeson Sing was released as a single), lyrically poor, rambling and incoherent at times, mundane artwork that Nicky appears to have tossed off in ten minutes (isn't it cool how blood looks whenUtterly Utterly awful, genuinely made me question whether I should ever buy any of their records again. Preceded by the worst single they've ever released (Stiff competition considering that Let Robeson Sing was released as a single), lyrically poor, rambling and incoherent at times, mundane artwork that Nicky appears to have tossed off in ten minutes (isn't it cool how blood looks when its so white? and blood is life, and white is pure!!! That's enough, where's my hoover?). It's very flat, musically directionless and about as inspiring as a beige coat hanger.… Expand
  2. DecepticonPom
    Dec 9, 2004
    4
    (A Manics fan writes...) : Every band has to evolve and change - to fail to do so results in being bogged down in mediocrity and becoming a one trick pony such as Nickleback, Coldplay or No Doubt. But the Manics have evolved into something without urgency, without fire in the belly and without brazenous balls. This is not what I fell in love with and my disappointment in this album feels (A Manics fan writes...) : Every band has to evolve and change - to fail to do so results in being bogged down in mediocrity and becoming a one trick pony such as Nickleback, Coldplay or No Doubt. But the Manics have evolved into something without urgency, without fire in the belly and without brazenous balls. This is not what I fell in love with and my disappointment in this album feels as hollowing as breaking up with a boyfriend. Lifeblood is very pleasant - but pleasant isn't what has had me hooked into the Manics for all these years. Thanks for the trip, guys. It's been a blast!… Expand
  3. PaulM
    Apr 28, 2005
    7
    The last album was horrible, and they knew it. This is the Manics grown-up. Nicky Wire has come up with some great lyrics - is the anger gone? Or is it being expressed more eloquently? Musically, it just confirms that the cousins Moore&Bradfield are exceptionally talented musicians. There'll never be another Holy Bible. So just enjoy the evolution, revolution, revolution, The last album was horrible, and they knew it. This is the Manics grown-up. Nicky Wire has come up with some great lyrics - is the anger gone? Or is it being expressed more eloquently? Musically, it just confirms that the cousins Moore&Bradfield are exceptionally talented musicians. There'll never be another Holy Bible. So just enjoy the evolution, revolution, revolution, revolution... Puts me in mind of U2's latest offering - critical silencingly good, but not as you'd expect.… Expand
  4. IbanL
    Oct 5, 2006
    6
    A nice album, but not much more. Each and every track is nice, with hygienic and pretty melodies that seem to clean your ears. There are no big highlights but it is worth getting this album.
  5. EliasM
    Nov 18, 2004
    8
    I've never understood why 'commercial' is considered to be the opposite of quality' (in fact it's not). Don't freak out to the idea of a 'pop' album by the Manics. This is BRILLIANT stuff, indeed.
  6. christost
    Jan 22, 2005
    8
    Don't listen to those lukewarm reviews out there! No more politics, no punk rock explosions. Just great grown-up pop music that can be truly appreciated by those who have stood by the band all those years. Listen to the fabulous chorus of 'Emily' and the truly inspired 'Cardiff afterlife' for a few times and you'll know what I mean.
  7. JuliaA
    Sep 15, 2006
    8
    Very simple in the musical structure,but still showed the talents and intelligence of MSP. basically the album is a real lifeblood,flowing,not gushing. come to think about it,if they popped out with Lifeblood as a really raw and aggressive record,though with great lyrics,it would be seemed like a desperate try to reminisce The Holy Bible era and it would be ridiculous,whether in their Very simple in the musical structure,but still showed the talents and intelligence of MSP. basically the album is a real lifeblood,flowing,not gushing. come to think about it,if they popped out with Lifeblood as a really raw and aggressive record,though with great lyrics,it would be seemed like a desperate try to reminisce The Holy Bible era and it would be ridiculous,whether in their point of view or the fans'.… Expand
  8. PeteF
    Sep 23, 2006
    6
    Manic Street Preachers is one of my favourite bands but i'm afraid Lifeblood have literally killed their further career as it was definetly a wrong move made at the time when they have already fallen out of favour with the British public music press. It seems they tried to recreate the beauty of "This is My Truth..." but the album sounds forced and ...m-m...lifeless. It's not Manic Street Preachers is one of my favourite bands but i'm afraid Lifeblood have literally killed their further career as it was definetly a wrong move made at the time when they have already fallen out of favour with the British public music press. It seems they tried to recreate the beauty of "This is My Truth..." but the album sounds forced and ...m-m...lifeless. It's not that they have betrayed themselves - it's easy to notice that their music and approach to their own songs have changed after Richey Edwards' disappearance. I guess the Manics' have become less confident about what they are doing - and their are not even trying to pretend that they are the same - i think that's why they have become hated so much.… Expand
  9. SachiP.
    Nov 27, 2004
    3
    As a devoted manics fan (i spent all my saving money 2 see them back at 1997 and 2001 ,came all the way from israel) this cd is the biggest disapointed of my life!!! got no soul.
  10. JorisV
    Dec 10, 2004
    8
    To Repel Ghosts, Fragments, Solitude Sometimes Is and 1985 are all astonishing tracks. Only 2 tracks are bad: Glasnost and Always/Never. The Love of R Nixon I didn't like at first but becomes better and better, I even love the track now and it's still growing on me.
  11. PaulN
    Dec 13, 2004
    9
    Whilst this album has it's doubters, it genuinely has a feel of success for the Manics, and one can't help but feel that perhaps the old Manics are on their way back. Their next album could be vital!
  12. RandyH
    Jul 25, 2005
    10
    This band NEVER fails......why??? Cause they are to dam smart that's why! Anyone who claims that the Manics have "changed" or "softened " is the exact same person that would say they were boring if they DID'NT "mix it up" every album. Nick Dresden of Q magazine obviosly has some kind of hatred for this band. Never have i read a reviewer rip into a band with absolutley nothing to This band NEVER fails......why??? Cause they are to dam smart that's why! Anyone who claims that the Manics have "changed" or "softened " is the exact same person that would say they were boring if they DID'NT "mix it up" every album. Nick Dresden of Q magazine obviosly has some kind of hatred for this band. Never have i read a reviewer rip into a band with absolutley nothing to back it up except his own hate for the band. Q magazine never should have even printed such a review... its almost racist! Oh yeah and by the way ... Know Your Enemy was great too. And let us never forget this is the band that gave us the Holy Bible and Everything Must Go.… Expand
  13. PBaby
    Nov 17, 2004
    8
    Though marred a bit by overly-glossy production and by James Dean Bradfield's crazy notion that him playing less guitar is a GOOD thing, this is a fantastically beautiful album that will especially gratify those who fancy a ranging tenor voice.
  14. AdilS
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    This is definitely the Manics' best album since Everything Must Go. It is very elegant, beautiful, subtle, and soothing. There's almost any guitar on it, but James fills in that gap with his awesome voice. It's so disturbing to see some people not happy with this album. It is a masterpiece.
  15. Frasoric
    Mar 8, 2023
    7
    The bands most electronic based album to date, Lifeblood brought a new sound to the band while still following the bands traditional lyrical themes such as politics and despair. The albums strongest section is the beginning with songs such as 1985 based on the Berlin Wall and Empty Souls being a song about the bands reaction to 9/11. With saying that there are some weak parts on the albumThe bands most electronic based album to date, Lifeblood brought a new sound to the band while still following the bands traditional lyrical themes such as politics and despair. The albums strongest section is the beginning with songs such as 1985 based on the Berlin Wall and Empty Souls being a song about the bands reaction to 9/11. With saying that there are some weak parts on the album with songs like Always/Never which feels like track filler and brings nothing to the record. The album is worth a listen for modern Manic fans, but veteran's might find the new sound direction troublesome.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Drowned In Sound
    90
    This is an album that can (and I think will) transcend musical taste and age range... 'Lifeblood' may well live forever as one of the best commercial albums of the bands career.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    70
    The lay-off germinated the usual clutter of ideas gleaned from books and films and their best tunes in years.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    80
    An album that nails its subtle-but-tenacious hooks with dignity and maturity. [Nov 2004, p.94]
See all critic reviews »