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Track Listings
| 1. Hey, Cruel World |
| 2. No Reflection |
| 3. Pistol Whipped |
| 4. Overneath The Path of Misery |
| 5. Slo-Mo-Tion |
| 6. The Gardener |
| 7. The Flowers of Evil |
| 8. Children of Cain |
| 9. Disengaged |
| 10. Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms |
| 11. Murders Are Getting Prettier Every Day |
| 12. Born Villain |
| 13. Breaking The Same Old Ground |
Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The tumultuous relationship Marilyn Manson has cultivated with the public through his genre-defying music and anti-status quo message of thinking for oneself has resulted in sold-out tours, protests, legal battles, adoration, hate, more than 50 million records sales, award-winning distilled spirits, several Grammy nominations and, most importantly, a long list of some of the most enduring and powerful singles ever, such as "Lunchbox," "Get Your Gunn" "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" "The Beautiful People," "Antichrist Superstar," "Tourniquet," "The Dope Show," "I Don't Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)," "The Fight Song," "mOBSCENE," "Heart-Shaped Glasses," "Coma White" and "If I Was Your Vampire."
Product Description
2012 album from the Gothic Shock Rock icon. Marilyn Manson has had astounding success across the globe including three albums being certified platinum and three more certified gold in the USA, in addition to three Top Ten albums and two #1 albums (Mechanical Animals and The Golden Age of Grotesque).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
60 of 68 people found the following review helpful
By Josh Nolan
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am and have been a long time fan of Marilyn Manson. This is the album that we the fans- and the Man himself- have been waiting for since his 2003 release, the Golden Age of Grotesque (and for many, since 2000's Holy Wood). His last release was the High End of Low (called by many fans The High End of LOL), which struggled to have an "album" feel, as much of THEOL felt like it was a bunch of songs put together with no semblance or context. That issue does not exist on Born Villain, as it is certainly worthy of being on a list that includes works such as Mechanical Animals and Antichrist Superstar.
The music of this album is absolutely lovely; every instrument is placed and played with care and each song has a lush attention to detail that you can't find on most of MM's work, and stands beside Antichrist Superstar when it comes to musical strength. Manson himself wrote the most music for this album then he ever has, and it does well at giving a fresher sound that he's needed. This is really the culmination of his previous work, as the industrial, heavy aspects of Antichrist Superstar, the electro-industrial sense of the Golden Age of Grotesque, and the glam aspects of Mechanical Animals are all in play. It really sounds better than almost anything he's made, and really brings something familiar and something fresh to the table all at once. Manson's voice is far better than on his last few records, as it sounds much more certain and much less broken. On songs like Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms, it even soars. On Murderers Are Getting Prettier Every Day, it proves that, yes, Manson can still pull of his heavy metal screams and screeches (something we've not heard in 12 years). The mixing and production quality is the best since Antichrist Superstar, as each song has an industrial crunch, the guitars all stand out, and Chris Vrenna's drums shine on songs like Overneath the Path of Misery (which is my favorite song from the album, and a demo version was featured in the Born Villain short film last year).
Lyrically, it's something of typical Manson, and really a return to form. There is the word play, the social commentary, the personal side, and the right amount of his dark/gothic tone that it keeps away from feeling over-played (a complaint many had about Eat Me Drink Me), rather as familiar and suitable. He sings with a certainty that we haven't heard since Holy Wood, with each lyric feeling sincere. Many verses are repeated, and there is less lyrical diversity, but he sings them differently each time and with new inflection, emotion, and intensity that it keeps itself from feeling repetitive or monotonous. He touches on relationships and love (songs like the Gardener and Pistol Whipped), without ever coming across as whiny or over-done as he did on THEOL, and returns to subjects like religion (Children of Cain) and society, without any of the subjects feeling stale. It really feels like he had things he wanted to say.
That said, the only real complaint I have is that the album artwork- something that has always stood out with Manson's work- is fairly lacking. There is no booklet (the lyrics are on the official album site instead), and there are only two photographs in the packaging, with a graphic on the back (both photos are a little underwhelming). There are even two black panels, which really leaves you wondering why there wasn't more artwork (it just doesn't stand out like the covers for Mechanical Animals or Holy Wood do). However, any fans familiar with the Celebritarian Corporation, Marilyn Manson's art movement, will recognize the Cross of Loraine on both the disc and new logo. However, the artwork really isn't the point of an album and because of that, I really don't think it negatively impacts the actual music in any way.
Many fans have not enjoyed his last few albums, but honestly, Born Villain validates them. When listening, you really get this feeling that this is the record he could have never made before in his career. It's very unique, very fresh, and very, very good. If you hated the last few albums, this is for you. If you are like me, and enjoyed them, you'll still love this. It blends the best parts of his previous work with new additions and a new confidence that blends into an amazing, wonderful ride for fans and non-fans alike. It stands side by side with the Triptych (concept trilogy of Holy Wood, Mechanical Animals, and Antichrist Superstar) as one of Manson's greatest works. It is a maturation of everything Manson used to be, and the birth of what he now is.
The music of this album is absolutely lovely; every instrument is placed and played with care and each song has a lush attention to detail that you can't find on most of MM's work, and stands beside Antichrist Superstar when it comes to musical strength. Manson himself wrote the most music for this album then he ever has, and it does well at giving a fresher sound that he's needed. This is really the culmination of his previous work, as the industrial, heavy aspects of Antichrist Superstar, the electro-industrial sense of the Golden Age of Grotesque, and the glam aspects of Mechanical Animals are all in play. It really sounds better than almost anything he's made, and really brings something familiar and something fresh to the table all at once. Manson's voice is far better than on his last few records, as it sounds much more certain and much less broken. On songs like Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms, it even soars. On Murderers Are Getting Prettier Every Day, it proves that, yes, Manson can still pull of his heavy metal screams and screeches (something we've not heard in 12 years). The mixing and production quality is the best since Antichrist Superstar, as each song has an industrial crunch, the guitars all stand out, and Chris Vrenna's drums shine on songs like Overneath the Path of Misery (which is my favorite song from the album, and a demo version was featured in the Born Villain short film last year).
Lyrically, it's something of typical Manson, and really a return to form. There is the word play, the social commentary, the personal side, and the right amount of his dark/gothic tone that it keeps away from feeling over-played (a complaint many had about Eat Me Drink Me), rather as familiar and suitable. He sings with a certainty that we haven't heard since Holy Wood, with each lyric feeling sincere. Many verses are repeated, and there is less lyrical diversity, but he sings them differently each time and with new inflection, emotion, and intensity that it keeps itself from feeling repetitive or monotonous. He touches on relationships and love (songs like the Gardener and Pistol Whipped), without ever coming across as whiny or over-done as he did on THEOL, and returns to subjects like religion (Children of Cain) and society, without any of the subjects feeling stale. It really feels like he had things he wanted to say.
That said, the only real complaint I have is that the album artwork- something that has always stood out with Manson's work- is fairly lacking. There is no booklet (the lyrics are on the official album site instead), and there are only two photographs in the packaging, with a graphic on the back (both photos are a little underwhelming). There are even two black panels, which really leaves you wondering why there wasn't more artwork (it just doesn't stand out like the covers for Mechanical Animals or Holy Wood do). However, any fans familiar with the Celebritarian Corporation, Marilyn Manson's art movement, will recognize the Cross of Loraine on both the disc and new logo. However, the artwork really isn't the point of an album and because of that, I really don't think it negatively impacts the actual music in any way.
Many fans have not enjoyed his last few albums, but honestly, Born Villain validates them. When listening, you really get this feeling that this is the record he could have never made before in his career. It's very unique, very fresh, and very, very good. If you hated the last few albums, this is for you. If you are like me, and enjoyed them, you'll still love this. It blends the best parts of his previous work with new additions and a new confidence that blends into an amazing, wonderful ride for fans and non-fans alike. It stands side by side with the Triptych (concept trilogy of Holy Wood, Mechanical Animals, and Antichrist Superstar) as one of Manson's greatest works. It is a maturation of everything Manson used to be, and the birth of what he now is.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By C. Burnett
Format:Audio CD
To tell you the truth, I nearly gave up waiting for the next great Marilyn Manson album. After 2003's The Golden Age Of Grotesque was released my appreciation for the band had started to wane. It felt as if Manson had moved from being the creepy musical genius to a commercial rock star. It just seemed as if the shock and awe factor that made the band so great in the the 1990's had gave way to a generic industrial rock band in the early 2000's. Then after a four year hiatus, the dreary goth rock Eat Me Drink Me was concieved to subpar fanfare. Don't get me wrong, the album had it's moments (e.g. If I Was Your Vampire, Are You the Rabbit?, and You and Me and the Devil Makes 3), but it really just fell flat when set up against other Manson albums. It just seemed to be more pop-orienated in it's approach rather then the rock sound that graced the previous endeavors. Then, in 2009, the return of Twiggy Ramirez as a full time band member brought the sense of relief that the band was truly whole and back again. Hell, the band interviews hinted at an album that could rival Antichrist Superstar in it's ferocity. So of course fans expected to see the Marilyn Manson of old. Instead, we were given a stripped down album that felt and sounded more like a compilation of songs then a "whole" album. The only tracks on the album that really stood out to me were Four Rusted Horses, Running to the Edge of the World, Unkillable Monster and I Have to Look Up Just to See Hell.So as you can see, it was understandable that I was somewhat sceptical about the newest Manson title. I was just about ready to give this album up without listening to it when I heard No Reflection on my way to college. It was as if I was hearing someting that would have came out during the Mechanical Animals era. Oh, it didn't blow me away like some of the better Manson numbers had, but it defintely brought back the nostalgia. It brought me back to the days that I was the run of the mill misunderstood youth trying to find my place in the world. With little to no thought, I went out to buy my copy of Born Villian and have to say that I am impressed so far. From start to finish this album does not disappoint. There is a bit of a slowdown in the middle of Born Villian, but the album picks the pace back up quite quickly. If I were to describe the the feel of this album, I would say that it is a mix between Antichrist Superstar's creepiness and Mechanical Animals' polished production. Don't get me wrong, this album is not without it's own flaws, but they are less noticeable when compared to the last two Manson efforts. My track by track rating would look like this.
Hey, Cruel World...-A blistering opener that kicks you in the teeth. Defintely a fav 5/5
No Reflection-The lead single of the album. If you haven't heard it by now, your not missing a lot 3.5/5
Pistol Whipped-Took a few listens due to the slow start, but defintely a cool track 4/5
Overneath the Path of Misery-Brings back the creepy factor we have all missed since Holy Wood and defintiely a highlight 5/5
Slo-Mo-Tion-Could have been on Mechanical Animals as a single. It's just that good 5/5
The Gardener-Anyone else feel that Manson was channaling his inner Iggy Pop? Pretty good track 4/5
The Flowers of Eden-My least favorite track on the album that slows it down to a draw 2/5
Children of Cain-Wouldn't be a Manson album without some referance to the bible. a bit slow but an overall good song 4/5
Disengaged-I felt this song was a tad bit erratic and unmemorable 3/5
Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms-I can defintely tell the blues inspired this track. Love it 4.5/5
Murderers Are Getting Prettier Every Day-Fast and angry,enough said 4/5
Born Villian-Best track on the album 5/5
Breaking the Same Old Ground-A bit repetitive but still good 4/5
You're so Vain-One of Manson's best cover songs as of late and a good way to end the album 4.5/5
Overall: 57.5/70 = 82/100 = B
Hey, Cruel World...-A blistering opener that kicks you in the teeth. Defintely a fav 5/5
No Reflection-The lead single of the album. If you haven't heard it by now, your not missing a lot 3.5/5
Pistol Whipped-Took a few listens due to the slow start, but defintely a cool track 4/5
Overneath the Path of Misery-Brings back the creepy factor we have all missed since Holy Wood and defintiely a highlight 5/5
Slo-Mo-Tion-Could have been on Mechanical Animals as a single. It's just that good 5/5
The Gardener-Anyone else feel that Manson was channaling his inner Iggy Pop? Pretty good track 4/5
The Flowers of Eden-My least favorite track on the album that slows it down to a draw 2/5
Children of Cain-Wouldn't be a Manson album without some referance to the bible. a bit slow but an overall good song 4/5
Disengaged-I felt this song was a tad bit erratic and unmemorable 3/5
Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms-I can defintely tell the blues inspired this track. Love it 4.5/5
Murderers Are Getting Prettier Every Day-Fast and angry,enough said 4/5
Born Villian-Best track on the album 5/5
Breaking the Same Old Ground-A bit repetitive but still good 4/5
You're so Vain-One of Manson's best cover songs as of late and a good way to end the album 4.5/5
Overall: 57.5/70 = 82/100 = B
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Qbicle
Format:Audio CD
To say that Born Villain is a return to form for Manson would not accurately represent what the artist is all about. Born Villain is fresh, raw, personal (though much less so than Eat Me, Drink Me), and brutal. It is unlike anything he has produced before, despite Bassist/writer Twiggy's comparison to Mechanical Animals. It seems as though Manson has moved away from concept albums in favor of a broader net approach. The intellect behind his lyrics (with references to Persephone and Macbeth) remains unmatched from any metal/alternaindie-whatever band. The songs are tight, pack the immediate punch they need to when necessary, and let you breath just whenj it all feels overwhelming. Manson never "lost" anything, despite poor performance ratings on his last two albums (which I personally disagree with)... He just continually evolves and is never Ever predictable. Recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
It will grow on you!
Upon first listening to Born Villain I wasnt overly impressed. I did enjoy hey cruel world, no reflection, and slomotion, but I thought the rest was filler. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Milk__007
5.0 out of 5 stars
Marilyn still rules
Loved the music and will keep buying the Marilyn Manson cds. If you are different and like to be wild...you will love Marilyn Manson's Born Villain.
Published 16 days ago by Daniel McClean
5.0 out of 5 stars
Opinion... Marilyn Manson delivers.
This is not the Antichrist Superstar, Manson isn't 26 years old. with that said as a fan you could appreciate the artist he has become. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Louie
5.0 out of 5 stars
CD review
I am a big fan of Marilyn Manson. I had to get the new album, and I wanted a good price. I got it used, and it was perfect. No scratches, no cracks, nothing. Read more
Published 18 days ago by dospinos
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm biased!
I only have two artists I buy all their music, Marilyn Manson is one of them.
To me, Born Villain seems to be a mix of most of his other musical aesthetics. Read more
To me, Born Villain seems to be a mix of most of his other musical aesthetics. Read more
Published 20 days ago by Tabatha
4.0 out of 5 stars
its good but...
this is really a great album, but its not the punch you in the face sort of thing you expect from Manson, i like it, but not on my top ten
Published 23 days ago by Eric Gamble
1.0 out of 5 stars
Can't be helped
This album and the previous only had one song on each that I could truly get behind. It's sad but the problem is Manson hisself. Read more
Published 29 days ago by Tyr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best album yet
This man may just be the weirdest guy out there right now, but damn he is talented. I listen to many different genres of music and many different artists, but Marilyn Manson is my... Read more
Published 1 month ago by wade
5.0 out of 5 stars
loove love love
This album is really great. It's been on repeat since I bought it. Though I do wish it would have had a plastic case instead of the paper one. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nikki
5.0 out of 5 stars
MM
This CD did not dissapoint me. I know Marilyn Manson is almost at the end of his 15 mins. of fame but the CD was still great. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Renee Mahlman
