Amazon.co.uk Review
In coming back after the disappearance of guitarist Richey Edwards,
Everything Must Go had to be special. Thankfully, the album shows extreme dignity in the face of adversity, with its big, Phil Spector-ish production and the pure lyrical perfection of "A Design For Life" (the least patronising, most spot on discussion of the working class ever to reach number two in the charts). Richey Edward's influence is still evident, as "Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky" is a pit of despair, but it is much more subtle than anything on "The Holy Bible", delicately comprised of James' vocals and a harp. Their love of art and literature continues, referencing
Sylvia Plath ("The Girl Who Wanted To Be God"), war photographer Kevin Carter, and artist Willem De Kooning (on "Interiors", surely one of Nicky Wire's best bass parts since "La Tristesse Durera"). It's little surprise that this was the album to finally shove the Manics into the mainstream. --
Emma Johnston
CD Description
The cathartic album title perfectly reflected not only its contents but the band itself: following the traumatic breakdown and disappearance of Richey Edwards, the other Manics were left to pick up the pieces--it was an extraordinary and unexpected recovery. Perhaps most striking was their new sober image--the make-up, military garb and much of the bravado were gone--and their characteristic disaffection seemed morepertinent and controlled. Despite losing a member, the bandhad discovered a new voice, delivering a collection of powerful and socially aware songs. Poignantly, Edwards' lyrics graced songs including "Kevin Carter" and "Small Black Flowers . . . ", all delivered in James Dean Bradfield's emotionaltones.