The Holy Bible is the third album by Welsh group Manic Street Preachers. Often considered a suicide note by lyricist Richey James it is by parts beautiful and ugly; examining the world from both a political and personal viewpoint. In my opinion it is their strongest work, leaving behind the Cure influenced post-punk of Generation Terrorists and strangely more accesible than Gold Against the Soul; this is the first record on which the Manic's found their own sound. Musically there is room for Bradfield's quite superb voice; with a solid if unadventurous rhythm section underpinning effective guitar-work. What works best is the variety on display, a song proceeds from aching to angry to indignent with no holds barred. The Holy Bible is a lyrical album, what else could it be with such a title? Biting criticism of the then current Conservative government as well as questions probing political issues such as the death penalty are interespersed with songs of such aching personal saddness that the listener really feels bad; but in a postive way that only comes with sharing emotion. As such there are no stand out tracks, because all are of a superb quality. Perhaps because of the nature of the lyrics, and their personal connection to Richey, few of these songs have remained in the Manic's live repertoire; with Faster being the only real exception; but don't let that fool you. This is a superb album, and even now, 11 years after it's release it still plays regularly on my stereo.
