Calling Nine Inch Nails fans?

Question

I am interested in introducing myself to the NIN, but I don't know where to start. Preferably, I would like to start modern and work my way back, but is there any album of theirs that stands above the rest as their best? I guess what I'm asking is which album would a full-fledged NIN fan say is best?

Answer 1

The Downward Spiral (1994) and The Fragile (1999) are the best in my opinion. With With Teeth (2005) NIN has changed somewhat, so I wouldn't recommend that for a start. Broken (1992) is more fun if you know the antecedents, Pretty Hate Machine (1989) that is, but this latter one is far from what you would call modern today.

So, even if The Downward Spiral is quite a compact album, I suggest you to start with that because it marks the golden age of NIN and carries its characteristics. It won't be easy to listen, so give it time. Then you can move on to PHM, Broken, Fixed (the better remix albums help a lot in understanding NIN!), Further Down the Spiral, The Fragile, Things Falling Apart and finally And All That Could Have Been (make sure you get the two disc edition which contains Still). Then you can explore all the other versions of the songs, With Teeth and Year Zero.

But the best to start with would be some of the good music videos (all available on YouTube, even more). The hits. The Perfect Drug, Hurt, Closer, Wish, Head Like a Hole, We're In This Together, The Day the World Went Away, Gave Up.

Answer 2

I don't think I would necessarily start modern and work your way back. I think the older ones are much better. Downward Spiral, Broken and Fixed are the best ones.

Answer 3

Downward spiral.

Answer 4

The Downward Spiral is a good one :)

Answer 5

I liked their latest one. Year Zero. Reznor played all of the instruments on the album and it rocks.

Answer 6

try downward spiral, I liked it anyway