Search - Gary Numan :: Metal Rhythm

My least favorite Numan album

Said Head | MN, USA | 10/26/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Even though I have so much trouble getting into this album, I still give it 3 stars because I enjoy everything Numan creates; I would honestly consider him one of modern music history's most influential musicians (piss off all you has-been Beatles/Hendrix wannabe's, give a real artist some credit!)



I remember reading that Numan considered Machine+ Soul his 'least Numan' album, but that album displays the same new wave sensibilities and his oncoming industrial sound, albeit in a much dancier production scale. MR, along with the American New Anger, show Numan in an angry pop light. A lot of the song's, lyrically, were aimed at his financial and other issues erupting, namely 'Respect' and 'Voix'.



MR shows Numan in a naked light, as during this time his own record label had lost the ability to maintain function, and I personally don't think Numan had much goal or theme for a new album, with the exceptions of singing about anger and sexuality. Basically, many Numan-esque ideas are displayed throughout, but either not in enough volume, too much volume, or almost entirely misguided.



Overall, the sound is somewhat typical pop that was being made at the time, and makes me feel Numan was trying too hard to get a good sound while forgetting about the unique qualities that initially earned him recognition. Most tracks on their own are still pretty great; my favorites, 'Voix', 'America', 'Cold Metal Rhythm', are worth listening through the whole album to hear, because MR does hold some strong continuity in sound and image, despite how tedious it is sometimes. One thing I am disappointed in is the instrumentation; there are some new ideas, like in percussion, a prelude to Outland's amazing sound, but that's about it, very little progression in that aspect. And don't forget the pre-requisite 'Don't Call My Name' ballad.



Don't get me wrong, sometimes hearing the heavy pop persona of Metal Rhythm is a breath of fresh air from some of Numan's other work, but that only makes this release stand out even more, I think.



Also, with the remastered edition, you get a number of b-sides and things, which are fun. The remix/movie version of 'Devious' and the different single mix of 'America' are both great, along with the 'My Dying Machine' remix; these tracks stand out on their own right from their originals, and well worth listening to. I was a bit disappointed in the 'Children' instrumental because I really like instrumentals, but that's just me. One of my favorites of the MR era is the b-side 'I don't Believe', which is just awesome and full of the energy that flows through most of the other songs, a shame it wasn't on the original album"