Customer Reviews

The Day The World Went Away

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

"The Day the World Went Away" isn't the best choice for a single off of the Fragile, at least not the first. Launching with the epic "We're in This Together" or The Fragile's most immediately moving song, "The Great Below", would have probably been better for sales. "World" is a song that doesn't grab you immediately, but will gain your appreciation over time. It's really more of a third or fourth single, as I've heard it rules the show when played live.

As for the extra tracks: "Star*uckers" is a good example of the angry, caustic wit that Trent maintains on the Right disc of The Fragile. It also provides a fair example of the bass-heavy sounds that are common on Right. However, the real gem here is the quiet version of "World", which replaces the thick guitars of the original song with a beefed-up version of the underlying "nah nah nah" chants. Frankly, it's creepy as hell, and it's one of the best b-sides NIN has ever released.

The verdict? A must-have for the devoted Haloists out there, and definitely worth a look for the potential fans who get deterred by Trent's more bombastic tracks. "World" and its Quiet mix might yet make converts.

I know it may not seem like much considering it's only 3 tracks long, but given the impact and depth of the title track (I pity those who claim to know music and yet rate a song soley on how euphonic it sounds and nothing more; to me that's just the icing on the cake), I think this short EP deserves every single star I'm giving it. The only reason I'm taking off one star is because it's so short, and giving a legendary 5-star rating to such a short EP would be like giving legendary fame to a 5th grade football player.

For those not in the know, it was around this time that Trent was coming out of some bad events in his life, namely the depression he fell into after the death of his grandmother in 1997. In fact the general motif of the Fragile era revolved around this, which would explain the gentler mood and (dare I say it?) more positive sound throughout The Fragile LP. Halo 13 (this EP) gives us a taste of that with both the title track and the Quiet remix. Just the title itself, "The Day The World Went Away", gives at least a hint of what sort of mood the song should set. In a way the song symbolizes the beginning of Trent's depression, just think about it. On the Quiet mix in particular, with it's gentle piano and minimalist sound, I can personally sense the segue from complete happiness to total sadness in a heartbeat...the sound sounds happy and sad simultaneously. Just take a look at the cover; a supposedly beautiful flower shaded completely in grey.

If the title track symbolizes the beginning of depression, then the (barely) extended version of "Starf**kers, Inc." could count as coming out of the angry phase. One of Trent's more topical tunes, the song basically conveys Trent's frustration with the "material girl" sort of women (read: Courtney Love). That being said, it's the closest song Trent has ever written to a Marilyn Manson song, hence his appearance to the song's music video. While not quite as deep as the title track, it definitely doesn't disappoint when it gets its meaning across, and every artist needs to have a topical tune once in a while, otherwise how can he/she prove versatility?

Some closing notes: to anybody who says this album isn't worth getting because the songs are available on other albums, take a step back for a minute...it's an official release, so that in itself makes it worth getting. Also to those who hate it just because it's not aurally appealing...I think you need to think twice and ask yourself if you really understand the meaning behind music; a euphonic sound is only part of the equation here, and quite an insignificant one in my opinion. When I judge a song I judge it based on the depth of its meaning, the quality of the songwriting, the emotion used in creating it, the mood it creates, the versatility of the artist to play from one style to the next...I think you get the idea. Long story short, many of you "fans" of NIN and those that aren't should look before they leap and really analyze the content first on more than just a sound/style level.

A very VERY short EP! Contains only 3 tracks, and 2 are kind of repetative.

Tracklist is as followed:

1-The Day The World Went Away (SINGLE VERSION)
2-Starfu*kers, Inc. (SINGLE VERSION)
3-The Day The World Went Away (Quiet)

The tracks that I put "single version" by, are ones that people are saying are taken straight from The Fragile, but infact, AREN'T!

They sound alot like them yes, but there ARE noticeable differences between the TF and single EP versions.

Starfu*kers, Inc. (track 2) starts out louder than it does on TF and ends with a live sounding type of deal here on this EP, whereas it doesn't on TF. A very angry song indeed...def. showcases some of the angriest of disc 2 of The Fragile. But isn't the best song on it, I leave that to Please or maybe Where Is Everybody?

While TDTWWA (track 1) is slightly SHORTER than it is on TF. Yes, the one on The Fragile is LONGER (but I bet nobody will notice that). This song really does showcase (some of) the beauty of disc 1 of The Fragile, but still doesn't really capture the full essence of it. I leave that title to The Great Below and the self titled song, The Fragile.

Track 3, the QUIET version of TDTWWA, however, is absolutely beautiful! It takes all the "hardcore" annoyances out of the original, and turns the entire song into an acoustic working gone backwards. The nah nah nah's are at the begining of the song this time around, and carry on for like a minute or so. It gets kind of annoying (the begining), but the song slowly evolves into a beautiful masterpiece that will def. grow on you, if you're a fan of beautiful pieces by Trent.

Get this EP not only because it's cheap, but because track 3 is one of the best versions of a really bad NIN song, ever! I don't really like TDTWWA the original version all that much because some of it's just far too loud and annoying, but the Quiet version of the track really makes up for what the original lacks, and that's absolute beauty.

The best version though, being the music video version. Which is the live version, but without much of a live sound to it.

By the way, this EP is OUT OF PRINT and EXTREMELY RARE...so good luck finding it, if you want it. You can get yours (as I did) on eBay for about 5 bucks. A good buy for such a small price might I say, but not the best choice of songs.

Most people would say that this CD is for hardcore halo collectors, and I don't disagree with this. There are three tracks on this single in which two of them can be found on the double-LP the Fragile. The songs are as followed

The Day the World Went Away: this is a great song, that most people say should have more singing. I fully disagree with this thinking that TDTWWA is a well ballanced song, with great lyrics, and all around perfect. It's easy to get stuck in your head, but isn't pop-ish either. Give this track a listen, it usually hooks you from the first listen.

Starf***ers Inc.: I completely hate this song, but I know a lot of people that love it. It's harder then any of the other songs on the Fragile, and most definitly on this cd. For the type of song it has great lyrics, and great music. It just never struck a cord with me. All around alright song, though.

The Day the World Went Away (quiet): The highlight on this cd, this track is far better then the two in which it follows. It lives up to the name, being quiet, and painting a much softer, yet just as powerful, picture in which the original TDTWWA song.This can also be found on one of Halo 15 (either pt. 1 or 2) but, I strongly advise purching Halo 13 (TDTWWA) instead because of the price difference.

I purchased this CD for 1 penny and haven't looked back. It is worth the dollar you'd have to spend to get it here Used though, and I stongly advise it. I hope this has convinced you to purchase this cd, but if it hasn't, that's cool, you'd know if you'd like it better then me.

I'd recommend this single only to collectors of halos. Of the three tracks, two can be found on the Fragile and the other version of The day the world went away isn't anything too spectacular. I'm not saying this is a bad c.d, I'm just saying if you're not a collector your money would be better spent on elsewhere.

Don't pay attention to the reviewer that says this single isn't worthy! It may be worthy to some people. My opinion, it was a great intro to Fragile! To give a fair review though, some of you may not like it as much as me, as it only includes 3 songs. Really 2 songs, with Day the World Went Away (Quiet mix) included. Buy it ONLY if you like these songs OR if you want to add it to your Halo Collection. I love these songs, so I think this Single is excellent.

"The Day the World Went Away" was the leadoff single from "The Fragile" and is of minimal value to all but collectors. Two of the tracks on this are taken straight from "The Fragile" (with small adjustments, one's slightly shorter, one has some pointless crowd noise dubbed in), with the third (a remix) also being available on part two of the "We're In This Together" singles.

But looking at the songs themselves-- "The Day The World Went Away" is fantastic-- bleak, moody, with a great loud-soft interplay, a superb almost lacadaisical and very matter-of-fact vocal from Reznor, and a fantastic wordless vocal at the end. The quiet mix is worthwhile, with a chant at the beginning and a delicate intro before moving the majority of the piece to a piano, in many ways it works better than the album mix, but its a bit overlong. I'm thinking if the intro was trimmed it would work much better, the subtle reprise of the chant works nicely at the end of the piece. "Starf***ers, Inc" is a rather popular song amongst fans, but I've always found it to be a bit dull-- the verses are nice enough, with a great beat, and there's some interesting guitar work on the piece, but the chorus is pure schlock and the lyrics are borderline embarassing.

Material aside, unless you're a completionist, you can skip this one.

Released as a teaser single before the greatest album in the world (The Fragile) came out, The Day the World Went Away single doesn't offer much, but here's what you will get.

1. The Day The World Went Away - An excellent song in it's original version as found on The Fragile.

2. Starf**kers Inc. - Pretty much the same version as found on The Fragile. This is my least favorite song on The Fragile, and therefore I could have done without it on the single.

3. The Day The World Went Away (Quite) - An amazing re-working of The Day the World Went Away. The title tells you what you're getting, and it's a great song.

Get this INSTEAD of the We're In This Together Now Pt. 2 single.

I insist everyone who proclaims they enjoy Nine Inch Nails own this, simply because it's associated with the best record in the history of man; The Fragile.

In the previous reviews, I was revolted by the fact that some people managed to call this CD a waste of money. Excuse me, but how exactly is it a waste of money? Sure 2 of the 3 songs are on The Fragile, but TDTWWA (quiet) alone is a reason to purchase this CD. Anyways, I'd like to see those other reviewers find something else of equal value for 3.99! Living in today's age of...music download programs, you should feel obliged to spend the money. Talented musicians such as Trent should be the ones rewarded rather than the other 90% of bands out there featured on MTV. Im not saying this CD is the most spectacular relase ever, but its definitely worth the price.
Weakest Track: TDTWWA (original)
Don't get me wrong, its a great song. However, the static in the guitars and other background noises are perhaps providing a distraction or taking away from the beauty and melody in this moving piece of music. Overall, it just lacks organization compared to track 3.

Strongest Track: TDTWWA (quiet)
This is without a doubt the treat of Halo 13. The haunting lyrics blended with Trent's touching piano melody creates perhaps one of the most moving ballads i have ever heard in my life. TDTWWA is a song that will grow on a person with each excessive listen. Using his past musical influences and experiences, Trent creates a masterpiece unmistakenly overlooked by today's society of commercialism. He is one of the most original artists of our time and will be remembered more than just the flavour of the week bands for many years to come. A great introduction to the double album titled "The Fragile".

This is, without a doubt, a great way to kick off the Fragile era. The title track is a great song, with that ever so cool organ sound, excellent loud riff, and nice vocals, no wonder why this song was chosen as a single.
Star...you know, is a great song, bringing us back to the days of Broken once the chorus hits. Besides that, hi-tech, awesome sounding song.
The Quiet version of TDTWWA is a great, relaxing song, revolving around that warm organ sound and a piano.
What else is there to say about this single besides excellent? I'm just disappointed they did not release the video of TDTWWA...