Is This Manic Street Preachers' Best Album in Years—or Just Okay?

Some fans are calling it a return to form, others say it plays it too safe. We dig into the highs, lows, and hidden gems.

Do you remember the first time you heard "A Design for Life"? That soaring anthem that captured both the disillusionment and hope of a generation? Manic Street Preachers have been the soundtrack to many such moments, evolving from their early glam-punk provocations to a more reflective, arena-rock grandeur. Now, with their fifteenth studio album, Critical Thinking, the Manics invite us on a journey of introspection and resilience. But does this new release resonate with the same power? Let’s dig into what the critics—and the fans—are saying.

What Works

• Embracing Maturity: The Manics are no strangers to reinvention, and critics agree they’ve leaned into their age with grace. The Times calls the album "a meditation on nostalgia and regret, but with the kind of hooks that make you want to dance through the existential crisis."

• Stirring Melodies: The band’s knack for soaring choruses is alive and well. The Quietus praises "Brush Strokes of Reunion" and "Hiding In Plain Sight" for their "lush production and melodies that feel timeless."

• Nostalgic Homage: "Dear Stephen" takes a wistful glance at the past, addressing Morrissey with both admiration and a knowing sigh. The Guardian calls it "a love letter wrapped in a side-eye, perfectly capturing the push and pull of nostalgia."

• Fan Community Impressions: Over in the DMO Union Discord, longtime fans are praising the album’s lush production and nostalgic feel. blackmet notes, "Hiding in Plain Sight has really grown on me. I like Late Day Peaks, Deleted Scenes, and One Man Militia too. It’s Lifeblood-esque—definitely has that melancholic ‘80s new wave feel to it." TimM adds, "It’s a solid album with some great Manics moments. The standout tracks blend their signature energy with a reflective edge." Fans particularly highlight "Hiding In Plain Sight" and "Late Day Peaks" as new favorites.

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👉 You’ve seen the praise, but what about the pitfalls? Not every track hits the mark. Subscribe now to read the full deep-dive into where the album stumbles, our final verdict, and how it compares to past Manics releases.