Album Spotlight: Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me

Marilyn Manson hit the headlines in 2007 for all the wrong reasons. A divorce, a relationship with the much younger actress Evan Rachel Wood, and an art opening set the scene for the release of Eat Me, Drink Me, which was his first studio album in four years.

How times have changed for the singer who once was headline news for his controversial behavior, outrageous comments, and live performances. After the success of MechanicalAnimals everything seemed to go downhill for Manson. The music became predictable, and he became a tad cliched. 

Eat Me, Drink Me sees Manson steering away from the over-produced, highly-glossed studio albums and back to basics. Recorded in his home studio with only bassist Tim Skold, Manson delivers his most personal statement yet with Eat Me, Drink Me. Completely stripped down, each track is so raw that there is almost an unplugged feel to the album. While his previous attempts since Mechanical Animals have had more filler than substance, each track on Eat Me, Drink Me stands alone.

Manson is well known for his outstanding covers such as 'Sweet Dreams' and 'Tainted Love', but one thing that can never be doubted is his own lyrical talents. Whether it is Manson infusing his own feelings of pain, anger, hurt, love, or hatred into his songs, or just the uncanny ability to write extremely well on these topics, it has saved him from seeing as another cliched has-been.

Whether it is the militant-rhythmic 'The Red Carpet Grave', the blustering guitar-leaden 'You AndMe And The Devil Makes 3”' , the Lolita-Style 'Heart-Shaped Glasses”' or the heart-felt “If I was your vampire”, they are all songs that are worthy.

Add guitar-soaring solos, catchy hooks, and a consistency and earnestness that has been lacking on previous albums, and you have Marilyn Manson in top form. 

A Bonus for Australian fans are the two, heart-thumping remixes of his first single, “Heart-Shaped Glasses”.