Mean Everything To Nothing
by Manchester Orchestra
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2009
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]
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  2. Paste Magazine
    91
    The young band has learned a great secret: It’s possible to make a massive, commercial, go-for-the-gusto Rock Record while still holding on to dark idiosyncrasies and seriousness of purpose.
  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.
  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    Despite a couple of forgettable tracks near the end (the bland Tony The Tiger, and the overlong Everything To Nothing) then, this is an album that wears its befuddled, het-up, over-emotional heart on its sleeve, and is all the better, less slick and more interesting for it.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Mean Everything to Nothing is an excellent record, but no better or worse than its predecessor. It’s just different.
  7. Filter
    78
    This sort of sincerity is what makes a good album, and it's what too many records these days are missing. [Spring 2009, p.100]
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  8. Blender
    70
    With this foulmouthed, backsliding rock, Hull and his flock do Dixie real proud.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Manchester Orchestra are from Atlanta and play loud/quiet grunge. Nothing new then, but fans of the Pixies and Weezer will love it.
  10. Rolling Stone
    70
    Everything also packs enough stadium-rocking grit for Kings of Leon-loving heathens. Lord help them.

User Reviews

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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
  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 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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,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 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.    … Full Review »
  3. Quacke
    Sep 14, 2014
    6
    The album gives a lot of fun to listen and has some really great moments. However it has to many weak spots for me to call it overallyThe album gives a lot of fun to listen and has some really great moments. However it has to many weak spots for me to call it overally awesome, but it is good enough.… Full Review »
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