I've got to kick off this review by saying that I am positively dumbfounded by how many music critics just do not get this record. I have read so many reviews saying that all the familiar self-loathing and angst is back, and that could not be more untrue. People, this record features high-voiced crooning, prettily performed piano ballads and songs about getting over your damned self by Trent Reznor! I contend, in fact, that With Teeth is unremittingly positive: it's about affirmation, accepting responsibility for one's demons, phoenix-like resurgence, and pulling oneself together, for crissakes. There is nothing desolate, desperate, or otherwise despairing about With Teeth.…
Article comments
26 - Gerry
I am glad that all of you seem to 'get it' unlike this jack hole! Please read this
27 - Rab
While this is a good read, it's pretty speculative. Seemed like you were making up your own narrative and applying it to the songs rather than taking the songs, and drawing the narrative from them. Though, I'd agree that many songs seem like an answer to the questions or statements of 'the downward spiral.' for example, you say 'Right where it belongs' is like keeping oneself rather than losing oneself, well... maybe, seems like he's questioning himself. That said, looking at hurt's lyrics 'If I could start again...I would keep myself.' well, he HAS started again, and he HAS kept himself. So....connection made.
28 - duck of death
great review...what pisses me off about the few critics who have panned 'with teeth' is that it seems as if these guys just pulled out their rolodexes and said 'lets see...NIN...angst...self-loathing' and then just plugged these cliches into their negative review templates and never bothered to actually LISTEN to the album in its entirety. 2 minutes into the first song and trent breaks into a JOYOUS semi-gospel stomp. anyone who at this point didn't realize that something different is going on here is either tone-deaf or just has an axe to grind. f-ing dilettantes!!!!
29 - Jaime Nichols
Rab: You're right, it is speculative. I can be inside of Trent Reznor's brain and know what he thought, nor can any reviewer. All any of us have is our own brains with which to process what we hear. I'm sure I've gone wrong here or there, but there's more to a work of art than authorial intention. I still think you have to have not actually HEARD the record (or actually have used your brain) to think it contains more of the same old angsty fare from him, though. This record is a departure, no matter how you look at it, and I think an intelligent read is possible if you've paid attention.
As for the million miles away, he sings, in the first song "I've become a million miles a..." So, it's a good guess, at least, since he's actually said as much, that this is a new start. With Teeth contains loads of little literal and aural allusions to past work. It's rich and delicious.
Big thank you's to everyone who's posted kind words here!
30 - sentient02970
thank you so much for a refreshing and accurate review of this album. You NINailed it! awesome job
31 - JP
Wow there are critics out there that actually can lend something to the music being critiqued. An excellent review and understanding of a piece of work that needs this type of critique.
32 - Eric Olsen
very glad to see your review is getting the kind of attention and response it deserves Jaime
33 - Kate
I've just looked at the other reviews of the album out there. I am amazed. They are either loaded with bile from some poor personal perspective that obviously lives in a box with specifically delineated sides (no room for other perspectives, other worlds) or these reviewers are the biggest lazy pants in Reviewerdom. Is this what we are left with...media that can say anything about anything and make it true?! What happened to reviewers like this one who take the time to actually understand the art they are reviewing?! Do these people think an artist spends this kind of time and effort just to be elevator music for the masses like (ugh) Brittany Spears? And, more importantly do they actually think the public is stupid...unable to understand? It boggles. WHY do they have their jobs?
34 - Right ON!
A-fucking-men. I cannot believe how retarded the reviewers of this record have been They don't have brains.
35 - courtni
Thanks for sharing with us the most thoughtful and well-written music review I've ever had the pleasure of reading. While there's some use for reviews that point out criticisms that I might not pick up on, I put more of my trust and respect into a review such as this where the album wasn't just casually heard but actually listened to. I especially appreciate your point about how amazing the piano work is on this album. I completely agree and love the album for it. Great job!
36 - Peter Wright
Sorry, this is not a positive album and sorry, Trent Reznor is not a role model. The last thing this guy needs is your patronizing praise of his efforts to be understood or his attempts at personal growth. He's been wrestling with his demons WITHOUT success since Pretty Hate Machine. He's reached a wall; he can't go further on his path to redemption WITHOUT HELP.
So where does that leave you, dear listener? Well, considering the insight into the human psyche he's offered up to you over the years, you could at least humbly acknowledge that you haven't got the experience or insight to even try to speak on his level. And you could put away the down the nose, "we know Trent's best interests" attitude, because that just makes you an armchair quarterback. With Teeth could be remembered as his swansong, for better or for worse; and if you want it to be better, than get off your ass and participate in the world around you instead of hiding away in your little foxholes with your headphones on.
37 - Peter Wright
Apologies for the harsh tones in my comments, and upon further reflection, Trent IS in fact a role model. My sentiments regarding his future are the same. When he says "No one's heard a single word I've said", he's talking directly to you.
38 - Jaime Nichols
Peter, are you aware of the online liner notes for With Teeth? If you read the words to "All The Love In The World" you'll find that there are lyrics that are not sung, but which are included in the song in the liner notes, and they make it pretty clear that no one is hearing him while he's stuck inside his head with his sickness, addictions and depression, It isn't that his listeners don't hear him because they're so incapable of comprehending him, it's because he is separated from their hearing and stuck someplace where his communication is hindered.
For corroboration of that, you can check the online notes if you own the record, or check for the full lyrics to that song here: http://9inchnails.com/lyrics/songs.php?id=813
As to Trent Reznor's prospects, I think they look pretty good right now -- especially in light of this latest work -- but time will tell. I certainly wish him every good thing.
39 - Bryan
On the contrary, Peter, I think your entire post, though well intentioned, just suffers from a little bit of misinformation.
I'm sure by "help" you mean therapy; Reznor's been going for quite some time now, and claims to be in a much happier state of mind. As somebody that's seen this recent tour, and the self-destruct tour in 1994, I can attest to the fact that there were significant pathos and demons being embraced and exorcised nightly 10 years ago. What I saw in Indio was somebody smiling, having a great time belting out some really good songs.
I can't quite tell from post if you're a fan of Reznor's work and angry with the reviewer for not agreeing with some dogmatic, Angry Young Boy version of the world (and Trent Reznor) that you happen to be particularly desperate to cling to, or if you're simply bored with what you see as a thematic repetition in Nine Inch Nails.
The latter is a perfectly valid criticism, though one that can be argued against, and the former is quite simply not the issue of this writer, nor of any reviewer.
The last sentence of your post -- "than get off your ass and participate in the world around you instead of hiding away in your little foxholes" -- is precisely what I feel the theme of "With Teeth" as an album to be, and is the same theme that Ms. Nichols has quite effectively (judging from both my reaction, the response the article received, and your left-field virtrol) underscored.
So which is it? Because getting off your ass and participating in the world seems, in my mind, quite a positive message indeed.
40 - Pardon?
I can't detect any condescension or armchair quarterbacking in this review, which strikes me as spot on in terms of the WITH TEETH I'm listening to. Peter Wright, you sound like a guy with an axe to grind. After reading your post I had two thoughts - first, that posting comments should never be undertaken while drunk, and second, what crawled up this guy's ass?
Dude! Chill out.
41 - Sophia
Another case of blogs kicking MSM in the ass.
Thank you so much for the work put into this amazing review, one of the best I've read in a while and without a doubt the best "With Teeth" one. Trully worthy of the album.
Congrats.
42 - Chantel
How refreshing to see that others see and FEEL what I do about this album. It is the most beautiful work Trent has ever crafted - a piece that I'm carrying with me every where I go and can't stop listening. I love everything he has ever done, and after With Teeth - I can not wait to see where he goes.
43 - peter wright
Jaime, when you say that he is incapable of communicating because of his addictions, depression, etc., that is the core of your condescension. When the other blogger saw help to mean "therapy", again, it's condescension. The problem Trent has in communicating is not that he isn't clear; you all can surely attest to that. The problem is the listener is just not hearing or understanding. It's the mob of people who insist that cognitive awareness to dark realities is a sickness that have convinced even Trent that there's something wrong with him. There isn't. Think about this; how much do you really know about reality beyond your doorstep and your TV screen? You have to answer that honestly before you can talk therapy mumbo jumbo and speak about Trent's musings in definitive terms.
44 - Bryan
Peter, I don't quite know what perspective you're coming from, nor what your aim is, as you don't necessarily seem to present a viewpoint of your own; you're seeming to just rant against other people's points of view. Which doesn't lead to much of a dialogue, but I guess I'll follow your lead and simply address your reactions rather than your views.
When I mentioned "help" as therapy, I was not simply making something up. In the interviews preceding the release of this latest record, Reznor has gone into great detail about the positive effects that psychotherapy has had on him, and how it has -- in hand with his sobriety -- opened him up creatively in ways he never felt comfortable with before. This isn't condescension on my part; it's listening to what the Artist is saying and taking his word for it.
You seem to think that you know Trent Reznor's "true" headspace better than he does himself -- you infer that he has been brainwashed into thinking his social anxiety and manic tendencies are "wrong", when he should be embracing them -- and that the ignorance of his fans is partially responsible for bolstering this view. ("It's the mob of people who insist that cognitive awareness to dark realities is a sickness that have convinced even Trent that there's something wrong with him. There isn't.") I can't think of anything more condescending than saying you understand somebody's mental state better than they do themselves, and resisting their own quite open and honest statements about where they feel they are, in favor of holding on to an interpretation that bolsters your own pre-existing viewpoint.
Think about this; how much do you really know about the life of Trent Reznor, beyond what you've decided you already know? Your grade school "kill your television" dogma isn't a revelation; it's an obvious attempt at inflammation and hackle-raising. It's a t-shirt slogan at best.
45 - Jaime Nichols
Peter: You are so much more condescending that I ever thought of being. You don't know me at all, or have any idea what I know or don't know, or if I even own a TV.
You are absolutely right to say that Trent Reznor has always been VERY clear, and if you think it's better for him to eat himself alive and live in the darkness with his demons despite what he himself says, the condescension is all yours. The words to that song pretty clearly detail an unhappy state of not being able to engage, think, or communicate that is all his. The actual text of that song reads:
"Why am I always watching from the outside?
On the other side of the glass behind glass
Always watching everyone separate
Watching always don't touch this is getting deeper
As time goes by the water's getting colder
Here I am surrounded by people but still all alone
Even with myself imprisoned in my head
And there doesn't seem to be any way to get out
And I am so fucking sick of here wish I was there
Right beside is still a million miles away
Behind these bars in a rut anyplace will do
Hello? Didn't think so
Broadcasting only static coming in
No one can hear me when I'm in here"
What are you saying here? That Reznor should stay in his dark dungeon of misery with his cognitive awareness of darker realities because THAT'S truth? What privileges his darkness with that special status? Further, in my opinion, as much as Reznor has always seen darkness with special clarity, it's been because he's wanted the light; and not just some tepid culturally accepted version of "the light" but absolute, uncompromised truth, and he was willing to wreck himself to search for it. I think a rage for what is best and highest has been a huge component of every single thing he's ever done, and you should be careful about making a judgement about what I (or Trent Reznor, for that matter) think constitutes the best and highest.
Further, I'd like to point out that I'm not making any attempt to psychoanalyse Trent Reznor, nor have I ever feared his darkness. I am listening to his record, which is my place as a reviewer, and listening to WHAT IT SAYS.
If Trent Reznor says that he wants out of his darkness, and if he says that he's been miserable and stifled as an artist because he's depressed, an addict, and suffering from social anxiety disease, says that's not a good place to be, and indicates that he wants out, then I am willing to believe what he says, rather than assuming that I know better what's in his head and heart than he does.
46 - Peter Wright
Our generation believes in no absolute truth; rather "you have your truth and I have mine". Jaime, your interest in Trent's work shows me you are searching for an absolute. (Why else would anyone have such a strong interest in suffering and soul searching?) To say Trent's truth is different from mine(Peter's), you are clouding the issue; perpetuating the problem.
If Trent does what he refers to as "standing beside you in time", isn't that the equivalent of giving up the fight he's waged so powerfully for so many years? That's not stepping into light; quite the opposite-- it's "fading away".
What satisfaction can be derived from that? Isn't a fulfilling answer to the soul searching we've seen from him the best possible outcome, rather than a surrendering to fear and peer pressure to conform to cultural norms?
The missing link in this equation that you may not see is that suffering is a teacher, just like a textbook, but more informative. In other words, we should be saying to Trent, "Don't drop the class until you pass it."
"What privileges his darkness with that special status?" When you are doing God's work, He grants you status in exchange for humility (which obviously is a trait you have to work at judging by the content of my posts).
47 - peter wright
I am not doing this to be flirtatious. I have too much at stake in my life to be flirting with girls on the internet. This is done out of an appreciation of Trent's work as a path to truth. Jaime, you just happened to be the one who wrote the review--nothing personal beyond that.
48 - Jaime Nichols
Believe it or not, the question you bring up is one that also concerns me. I saw the Nine Inch Nails performance at Coachella, and though I did not review it here, I wrote about the fact that it was definitely not the lightening strike of performative meaning that his tour in 1994 was on my blog. There is definitely something lost. I see that. I just think there is also a great potential for something to be gained, and I really just disagree with you that this record is a surrender to anything as dumb as peer pressure. I think Reznor was on the verge of a stupid rock 'n roll death and narrowly avoided turning his back catalogue into a record of weakness, while forcing us hear it all be endlessly romanticized a la Kurt Cobain on MTV by people who have no clue what it was ever about. I would rather have Trent Reznor find a new vector than die in some wasteful way that reduces his work to something it never was.
I also disagree with your notion of subjectivity as clouding the issue. On the contrary, I think it's a much more demanding path - and the one Reznor has always been on - that doesn't have clear signposts. I think that if there is an absolute truth, that it's for each person: within his own context, truth is absolute. Reznor's raging was like buring everything down in search of anything more than that, but absolutism (and the search for it) is destined to end in failure for the same reason that the word "objectivity" means something that is, by it's very nature, absent, as long as we have only our own subjectivity with which to process the world. Searching for it is like staring into the sun and going blind. A comparison I'm pretty sure he makes on his new record.
Trent's effort is the most remarkably successful attempt to BECOME truth that I have ever seen. He is a very potent artist, and I don't believe that has changed at all. I also think that backing down from that precipice will afford him a much richer and more difficult engagement with what's in him, but without the impending death. I think he's still very much in process, and he will suffer, but as long as he's doing what he must, he will find it's potentcy, because that's the kind of a creature he is.
I think you just give too much privilege to Reznor's darkness. There's grace in him, too, and there always has been. It's just as truthful. I don't know what you mean about "doing God's work", but my ignorance of the notion that suffering is a teacher is another assumption you'd do well not to make. Maybe suffering can teach you how to adjust and eliminate it. When he says he will be "beside you in time" I think he's making peace, and acknowledging the two sides of himself, and he out of phase hum of the music behind him is like two parts of himself that must lead parallel lives, but are inseparable. I think he acknowledges the darkness on this record - doesn't sweep it under the rug - but that he wants to live. I'm glad his will has chosen life. I think he has more work to do.
You sound to me like you have a box you want this to fit in, and I don't think it quite does. Let it be what it is! It might surprise you.
49 - peter wright
You don't seem ready to discuss the theological implications of Trent Reznor's work. It's okay-- we all need time to be young, just don't limit your growth by clinging to your beliefs too rigidly. Keep seeking truth!!
50 - Gabriel
Would you be flirtacious with _me_, Peter?
I'd like that.
51 - Jaime Nichols
Peter, you have no idea how old I am. My beliefs aren't rigid, either - I am waiting and seeing. My whole experience of Trent Reznor's work has necessitated a relaxation of my youthful rigidity, actually. I'm curious about your thoughts, but if you've got a specific Theological perspective, you should consider being careful of rigidity yourself.
52 - Howler
So, if I read this correctly, Peter is saying that With Teeth is about giving up the battle for God? Holy Hell.
53 - AnnaWright
I think it was about some girl he didn't like because of her beliefs; she believed in God and he didn't want that, she offered something more to him and he left her for someone he wanted a girl from Stuff, someone who likes to fuck, I like to look at the meaning it more of a reality in Trent Reznors life and then make a logical judgement. He's all about the money and that's what he aims at towards the public, a story to hit the media. His real life is far from that.
54 - peter wright
Jaime, I disagree that searching for an absolute would be a "failure". On the contrary, if we can become intimate with God, who is without question absolute, all of our soul searching and examination of darkness becomes irrelevant, because God is guiding us and we don't need to look for answers on our own. I'm not speaking from a theoretical perspective here, but out of experience. Further, a fondness for dark things repels the people that God has entrusted to our care.
Trent Reznor would do well to soften his approach to examining the lives of the disenfranchised. His current approach is like a father saying to his five year old son, "Scribble on the wall again and I'll kill you!" and then actually showing the kid the knife he intends to use.
Is this what you wanted to know? What else can I tell you?
55 - Jaime Nichols
Peter, I've got no idea what you are trying to say. First, you say that his giving up the extremity and darkness makes this record a negative one, and that Reznor's clear view of darker realities is something that others should not encourage him to stop exploring, and now darkness repels the people God has entrusted to our care! I don't understand how your metaphor of the father and his young son applies here at all. I can't reply with anything else, because frankly, I don't know what you're saying.
56 - Peter Wright
Refer to comment 49.
57 - Jaime
You know what? I would love to know what the hell you're talking about, and it does interest me, but if you can't be bothered to express yourself with clarity and you want to be condescending, then it appears that you aren't ready to discuss the theological implications, either. For the record, I agree that there are some, but things you're saying here are frankly contradictory, and I cannot understand what you mean.
That is not because I'm immature or not interested, it's because you are unclear.
58 - Caleb
Well, I think we're getting a little too knee-deep in the arguments here, guys. Anyway, back on track with the review. Not only the best review I've read for this record (which I think is fantastic), but the best review I've read in a long time. You actually LISTENED to it. I've read alot of reviews of albums that do seem to lack objectivity, and even attentiveness. I've even seen critics add lyrics to songs that aren't there! I don't know if you're a professional writer, or not, Jaimie. But this is truly fine writing. Whether one likes the record or not, your analysis of this work is to be commended. Now this is just my opinion, so no one attack me! :)
59 - Jaime
Thanks, Caleb.
60 - Jon
I wrote a review of DTS a few months after the CD was released and someone online picked it up and plastered it all over the place with his name on it.
If this wonderful piece of honest, insightful and downright revealing wordsmithing receives the same treatment, you have my early condolences.
As many have said, brilliant man. All I would have added (just my opinions of course) is "The Line Begins To Blur" is one of the strongest songs since "March of the Pigs" in its sonic assault, with a bassline from the nightmares of every subwoofer. Also, it's great to see Trent 'physically' healthy as well. As a fitness pro, NIN freak, and someone who's Trent's age, I'm giddy over the fact the twig grew some arms and found himself healthy internally and externally.
But hey...this is about serious kudos to you good sir knight. Keep it up...the world needs savvy critics!
61 - David Peters
Trent did gain sobriety which is a huge influence on the album. However, the vagueness he leaves lyrically is to open up interpretation (a similar style to U2).
Peter, suffering and soul-searching are present in existentialims as much as your notions of an absolute God. Read Albert Camus "The Stranger" if you don't see why a life left un-searched and thoughtfully contemplating suffering is dangerous. We find truth for ourselves, you say. Why not learn from the various sources around as, so that it might culminate in greater understanding of humanity and our own worldview.
The album is good. It is sometimes intentionally vague to allow other interpretations and use Trent's words in new context.
I enjoy the review but I think the album is more about relationships: political, social, and with addiction. "Only" Trent stated was an ode to the battle with being an artist in a capitalistic landscapes that values quantity and ease of use to quality and music that challenges the listener. He brought up The Downward Spiral, which open at the same time as Soundgarden: Soundgarden sold more and yet Trent persisted and survived where other bands fell. I like the vagueness though in his lyrics which remove the intent he had and allow us to view it as anything we wish. That does promote the notion of creating our own truth and other existential themes.
62 - ntg
a great article and a great album. you have quite a way with words. pure truth about all of the material.
63 - Megg
Yes, quite a great article. I think Trent is a genius with his words, he knows how to get to his audience through his lryics.. With Teeth is an amazing album and is fairly different from all of Trent's other music. I love it all!
64 - jub
awesome review. especially the part about 'you know what you are?' - having followed his career for so long, a song like that is so brutally honest and ferocioius to be almost frightening.
65 - Rachel
Good review I have to admit. I think Trent Reznor is one of the most gorgeous-looking artists of our time, he is also fantastically gifted with the talent of writing superb music. With Teeth is a fantastic album, and I hope he writes more. I love Trent Reznor he is my idol.
66 - amy
With Teeth is by far Trent's best work. Critics who would like to disagree with this seriously need to get their head out of their asses and LISTEN!! I am such a huge fan of Trent. I relate to his music, feelings, etc. and I can only hope he will continue putting out meaningful, true lyrics....Trent--YOU ROCK!!!!!! It would be such an honor to meet you someday. Please come back to Indianapolis next year!!! Amy Indiana
67 - Rich
Critics typically produce reviews too quickly to make a good judgment. Bands like Radiohead, Tool, and NIN (and if you're really into interpretation, Sigur Ros) produce albums that need to be absorbed and understood before they can really be judged.
One of the things these bands have in common is an artistic meaningful approach to writing music that can be sarcastic, or can lie to the audience as a way of evoking a reaction.
Part way through reading this review, it occured to me that trent may be mocking himself.. and maybe a large part of his audience.
Interpret the record how you will, but if you haven't listened enough to interpret the meaning of a piece of art, you're just critiquing beats and melodies.. relatively meaningless with these types of bands.
Good review. Interpretive? Sure... at least it means something.
Even if you're wrong and I'm right :p