Search - Smashing Pumpkins :: Machina: The Machines of God

A mature album for the mature music fan

Jesse Greever | Missouri | 03/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness emerged on the scene in 1995, it was an album for the masses, and the stellar record sales are highly indicative of that. But now, with the release of MACHINA, the Pumpkins have released an opus that transcends the "songs-for-the-masses" genre. While including songs that are ripe for radio "abuse", this album is more about musicality and growth, than about selling millions of records.It begins (somewhat deceivingly) with the familiar riff of "Everlasting Gaze", and sets the record off into the stratosphere, but quickly returns to earth with "Raindrops" and "Stand Inside Your Love" which probe the melodic abilities of Billy's voice. The album continues to amaze with the beautiful melodies contained within "I Of The Mourning" and "The Sacred and Profane", and just when the album appears to be falling asleep with "Try, Try, Try", it spiral back into the outer atmosphere with "Heavy Metal Machine", an ode to the power chord. The rest of the album effectively returns the listener to the ground softly, with songs that are ripe with mysterious lyrics and melody lines that are reminiscent of the "prog-rock" of the 1970s. But, before the album closes, "Age of Innocence" reasserts that the Pumpkins are still the monarchs of deep, dark, brooding rock.While this album will not necessarily appeal to the fanbase that is defined by the Mellon Collie period, it allows the band to flex a stylistic muscle and metamorphosize into an even better band, both musically and lyrically.A must have for anybody that is tired of the status quo that has so dominated the airwaves for the past few years."

The Pumpkins go out with a Bang

Tom McDonald | Charleston, WV, USA | 06/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Machina: The Machines of God", Billy Corgan has shown a new dimension of his song-writing genius. After his previous effort, "Adore" left critics cold, Corgan responds strongly with his latest effort. Combining the lyrical complexities of "Adore" with the musical stylings of "Siamese Dream", the Pumpkins prove that it can be done both ways. This album combines classic alt. rock stylings, loud cries of desperation, and near Shakesperean drama. Also, considering this is the Pumpkins last (or next to last) album, they have clearly went out on top and tragically, at the height of their musical integrity. Undoubtedly, this record will go down as one of the most creative, inspiring, and interesting works of the alternative era. The following is a song-by-song review:1. The Everlasting Gaze- back to business, clearly shows the band is back from the tranquil haitus taken in "Adore", combines intense lyrics with thrashing guitar riffs.2. Raindrops and Sunshowers-a haunting song with a consistent electronic beat, seemingly equating love with avoiding raindrops in a summer shower.3. Stand Inside Your Love- achingly love sick tones combined with the feel of the classic "Mellon Collie" cut "Tonight, Tonight" make this a highlight of the album.4. I, of the Mourning- an intensely emotional song about the incredible sadness of being lonely.5. The Sacred and Profane- not the most complex song, but a highlight of Billy's senses of rhythm and lyrical prowess.6. Try, Try, Try- one of the weaker songs, to be honest, very repititive. It's strength may be in its lyrics.7. Heavy Metal Machine- the intense drive of this song nearly returns the Pumpkins to the grunge era, also expresses an undying love of rock-and-roll.8. This Time- a musical treat, clearly written in moments of songwriting brilliance, very dramatic in tone, yet not overly sympathetic, haunting as the line "Crashing down again" is repeated.9. The Imploding Voice- almost pop-like, very catchy, rare for Corgan, expresses self determination in an almost fun way, a great change of pace.10. Glass and the Ghost Children- a ten minute meander as Corgan takes his occasional dip into the art-rock movement, haunting as the music nearly stops and a session between a psychiatrist and a mental patient seems to be taking place.11. Wound- another change of pace, a spirited tirade about the joys of love and a willingness to do anything for that person, incredible lyrics.12. The Crying Tree of Mercury- a weaker song, perhaps a bit overbearing and overly dramatic, seems to go on continuously about a life of hardship.13. With Every Light- charming and peaceful, with a nice soft beat, leads very well into the next track.14. Blue Skies bring Tears- wonderful lyrics, an opus about how sometimes happiness isn't all its cracked up to be, and how some people foolthemselves and hinder themselves with shallow positivity.15. Age of Innocence- nice to hear an upbeat and spirited song as the closing track, clearly one of the many highlights of the album, a great tone, just from the first few notes, it can be recognized as the finale, also, a beautiful bridge to set up a spirited closing sequence, seemingly about self-destruction. While the album is a bit long (app. 73 minutes), and does seem to drag on, it does represent a creative leap for the band and a sense of artistry only surpassed by the epic Pumpkins triumph, "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness." It's truly a shame that this may be the last project for the Pumpkins, just at the time they seem to be reaching their peak. I guess we'll all be stuck with shallow, unimaginative, and overly-commercialized music by such tired acts as N'Sync, the Backstreet Boys, and Britney Spears while true artists like Billy Corgan fade into obscurity."