04: Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
2013 – The Null Corporation/Columbia/Polydor
Welcome to Day 04 of Album Month - August 2022! This time
we’re taking a trip to 2013--which was 9 years ago already--and exploring
Hesitation Marks by Nine Inch Nails. You’d think that I would have heard it by
now, but here we are. To quote my favorite track on the album, “I only have
myself to blame.” Life happens and time gets away from us, I suppose.
But there’s no time like the present, so here I am, finally diving into
this Reznorian offering and seeing if I click with it. Won't you join me?
I decided to give this one a first listen while my teen was in the
room, letting them hear some of the cool shit mom listens to
(because I’m cool AF and we’re supposed to be able to instill that coolness
into our kids, right? Right?!). Anyway…They were already into “Copy of a” right
at the start, and I have to admit, it took me a few listens to really appreciate
it. Perhaps I was in a weird mood? I don’t know. It is true that, although
I am into Nine Inch Nails, I don’t listen as much as some other fans do due to
my musical ways ebbing and flowing with the tides of my life. Because of this,
it can sometimes take me some time to get to know an album or a song before
I can really see how I feel about it. This album was very much like that for me.
I’ve been putting it on as I go about things in life outside my home (busing etc),
and I have to say… The best way to listen to this album is on headphones. And
not crappy $5 or $10 headphones. Seriously, if at all possible, don’t spend less
than $20 on headphones and look into them before buying (and check for your
listening device's ability to adjust the EQ settings). It is so incredibly worth
it I can’t express it enough, because, if you love music, you will come
into artists like Nine Inch Nails (and tomorrow’s feature) that have so many
nuances and things going on in their music that you can miss some of
what makes the music great when you stick with bad speakers and
headphones. Hesitation Marks, as well as most Nine Inch Nails fare, is an
album that begs to be heard in an immersive way. The wall of sound that
comes in and out is meant to engulf you, and headphones or even a surround
system (if you have one) is the perfect way to truly experience it. You can get
into it and enjoy it without, but, seriously. Listen on some good headphones.
You can thank me later.
Musically, in my view, much of this album is quintessentially NIN, dipping into
his influences as Trent goes along. Hesitation Marks isn’t in my Top 3 NIN
albums, but I do enjoy it a bit, reveling in the beats and the classic sound with
a modern flair. There are what I call ‘lulls’ in the album, but that’s just my thing
(lulls aren’t necessarily a bad thing, mind you). What’s up for me, though,
is pretty up. The aforementioned, “Copy of a” along with the following track ,
“Came Back Haunted”, promise some head bobbing and techno goth dancing
for sure. Which reminds me… *writes down reminder to tell some of their
fave DJs on Twitch to use them more* So… To continue… “Find My Way”
is a moody slow-burn that can pull you from the techno goth dancing into
a dreamy sway, bringing you inside and into relatable space. Songs like that
are always appreciated, and there are many of them among the whole of
the Nine Inch Nails catalog if you take a gander.
“All Time Low’ and its funky beats bring it into stand out territory for me–frankly
I think it might have worked well on With Teeth had the time lines been
different–along with “Satellite”, the latter being one of my favorite tracks on
the album (swing those hips,people! And check out that slapping bass line
at the end). Another stand out for me is the track “Everything”, which
starts all bouncy and pop-rock-esque only to start drowning you in distorted
walls of sound. Oh Trent, you rascal… (I’m implying that it’s nothing new, but
definitely what we’re here for. You know what I mean? Long Live King Reznor!)
My favorite track, “I Would For You”, is just… *chef’s kiss* There are aspects
that are so classic NIN, but I’m loving the newness he brings to the table
with its execution. Part of me can really feel this tune in relation to my own life,
which is one of the best things in music: the connections through lyric and song.
When this song opens up, it really opens up and I can just get lost in it. It’s
definitely a stellar, well done track. *applause*
I am aware that there are a fair amount of people who prefer Trent as a
messed up individual because his music is “better” that way (ie. angsty,
very screamy, and loud), but I’m more the sort that prefers to see people
and artists (whatever kind) grow as people and in their talents/creativity.
Even if I don’t necessarily click with it (like yesterday’s feature band),
I can appreciate it all the same, and sometimes I find I like it a whole damn
lot. (The old stuff is always there if the new stuff doesn’t jive. Besides… Why
wish pain and suffering on your favorite artists just so they can be ‘better’ in
your eyes? That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?)
Hesitation Marks is definitely an album that has me bopping my head and
tapping my feet publicly, so I would say that that marks it as a success. (See
what I did there? Muahahah!) Because my opinion is all that matters and
makes or breaks everything. *side grin* Yeah… No. lol But this album does
hit sweet spots for me, and I am quite glad about that. Trent Reznor has grown
exponentially as a person and in his craft, and it shows on this album.
I’m definitely looking forward to hearing the most recent stuff and his
soundtrack world I have barely gotten to touch. It shall be an excellent time.
~*~
https://www.amazon.com/Hesitation-Marks-Deluxe-Version-Nails/dp/B00D8HNR2K
https://open.spotify.com/album/7GwKmNXAFgODzJOwaEVyji (Deluxe)
https://tidal.com/browse/album/34844902 (Standard)
https://tidal.com/browse/album/22054657 (Deluxe)
https://music.apple.com/ca/album/hesitation-marks/1442970363
https://music.apple.com/us/album/hesitation-marks-deluxe-version/655150306
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