Year Zero
by Nine Inch Nails
  • Record Label: Nothing
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2007
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 256 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 235 out of 256
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 256
  3. Negative: 12 out of 256

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  1. JLuis_001
    Sep 6, 2018
    7
    A great conceptual album with a huge background story, perhaps its mistakes lies in certain songs that feel similar and at times the album feels too passive and too electronic.
    Maybe Trent left the rock a little more on the side and although it is not a bad thing, I did expected a darker album.
  2. Hellion
    Nov 25, 2013
    2
    I have a lot of respect for Trent but ever since With Teeth hit the scene its been downhill ever since. The Slip and Hesitation Marks are a step in the right direction (no emo lyrics and more experimental) though. I have to correct the guy who rated it low saying there are 3 different kinds of NIN fans. Wrong. There are 2. Those that really like the first 3 recordings (PHM, Broken andI have a lot of respect for Trent but ever since With Teeth hit the scene its been downhill ever since. The Slip and Hesitation Marks are a step in the right direction (no emo lyrics and more experimental) though. I have to correct the guy who rated it low saying there are 3 different kinds of NIN fans. Wrong. There are 2. Those that really like the first 3 recordings (PHM, Broken and Downward) and then when Fragile hit with its softer approach it got the next wave of fans. As others have said. This album and With Teeth are incredibly boring. Personally I have always thought Trent had something special going on with those 3 first recordings and the Quake soundtrack. That industrial decayed edge. I suppose we all go through changes. Rated a 2 for the 2 good songs and thats it. Me, I'm Not and God Given.… Expand
  3. RedAFX
    Apr 11, 2012
    10
    Nine Inch Nails' most ambitious offering to date, with a concept based around the future of the human conciousness we see Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross exercising their most experimental works into pop/rock anthems, a benchmark for modern music production.
  4. CraigC.
    May 29, 2008
    10
    THE best NIN album thus far!
  5. OwenM.
    May 6, 2008
    8
    Great effort from Trent. Very catchy album that has tracks both new fans and old fans can enjoy. He creates greats a great story with this album, those who followed the ARG online before the albums release will of course enjoy and understand it more.
  6. AmurabiM.
    Mar 22, 2008
    6
    With this effort, Mr. Trent Reznor (once a genius) tried to stay in the focus of media. With liberal propaganda, a conceptual album and some "smart" social commentary, Mr. Reznor tries to sound contemporary not invoking his inner demons. Right now, he tries to give some actual opinions on politics, religion and dystopias. But musically this is more of the same. Boring music with some With this effort, Mr. Trent Reznor (once a genius) tried to stay in the focus of media. With liberal propaganda, a conceptual album and some "smart" social commentary, Mr. Reznor tries to sound contemporary not invoking his inner demons. Right now, he tries to give some actual opinions on politics, religion and dystopias. But musically this is more of the same. Boring music with some sonic twists and turns that sounds original but not fresh (in the musical agenda of NIN). With two memorable songs ("Gog Given" and "Survivalism"), this album feels like some kind of filler of a great career. But no more.… Expand
  7. RingoDingo
    Sep 6, 2007
    0
    Terrible. I guess I bought the non-concept version because mine sucks. No immagery, no hooks, very forgetable. I listed to it twice, tried to make it a third time through but got bored. I then popped in 90's NIN, cried a little, because like Nirvana that music will not be created anymore. Trent isnt dead, just his ideas. You can post masterpiece on a canvas smeared with fecal matter Terrible. I guess I bought the non-concept version because mine sucks. No immagery, no hooks, very forgetable. I listed to it twice, tried to make it a third time through but got bored. I then popped in 90's NIN, cried a little, because like Nirvana that music will not be created anymore. Trent isnt dead, just his ideas. You can post masterpiece on a canvas smeared with fecal matter and people will buy it. I guess Trent smeared fecal matter on a mixing console and you all bought it.… Expand
  8. JK.
    Aug 8, 2007
    10
    Fantastic album.
  9. JD.S.
    Aug 3, 2007
    9
    In response to Weston T's attack at this being a concept album, you are obviously not paying to anything outside of your own little head. Pretty Hate Machine was a concept album primarily about a system within society (be it humans, love, work, etc. Trent's smart enough to be ambiguous). Broken was the failure of that and The Downward Spiral is the end result. The Fragile and In response to Weston T's attack at this being a concept album, you are obviously not paying to anything outside of your own little head. Pretty Hate Machine was a concept album primarily about a system within society (be it humans, love, work, etc. Trent's smart enough to be ambiguous). Broken was the failure of that and The Downward Spiral is the end result. The Fragile and With Teeth are far more complex and "sprawling" but repeated listens are always enlightening if you pay attention. Now that Trent has released his least ambiguous album to date, people are making a big deal of it being a concept album, when in fact it may musically be the least interesting Nine Inch Nails concept album yet, just for the fact that every little detail is laid out to perfection through the brilliant Alternate Reality Game that coincided with the release of the album. The true lifeblood of NIN and the reason, i contend, for the hardcore cult following that will buy anything NIN releases is the ambiguity. You may think Closer is about sex, after listening to it in the context of The Downward Spiral however, it's quite obvious that it's a very, very negative song about how low one can truely get. That's not even the definitive meaning of the song and you may disagree, but that is what makes NIN great and important in a sick world of endlessly cliche manufactured "rock stars." Instinctively, I tend to discredit every new NIN album as "the one where he finally lost it" but then i listen a few more times and it starts to make sense.. Now many years later, I still find new and interesting things in every Nine Inch Nails album, no matter how many times i've heard them and that, I can assure you, is no accident.… Expand
  10. JorgeS
    Jul 19, 2007
    9
    The best album of the year, and of the best albums of Nine Inch Nails.
  11. booyah
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    This album is awsome. 'Me, I'm Not' and 'Capital G' are definate standouts but the whole album rocks. I can't wait for part 2 next year
  12. William
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    This is an inspired piece of art.
  13. JesucristoElSeñor
    Jun 23, 2007
    9
    Although Year Zero might not be as uncompromising and angst-ridden as Reznor's previous albums (the exception being WIth Teeth), it is a multilayered, musically vigorous and urgent piece of work. As an album it is extremely cohesive and is minimally self-indulgent (remarkable coming from the artist who created Pretty Hate Machine and the Downward Spiral) and provides the some of the Although Year Zero might not be as uncompromising and angst-ridden as Reznor's previous albums (the exception being WIth Teeth), it is a multilayered, musically vigorous and urgent piece of work. As an album it is extremely cohesive and is minimally self-indulgent (remarkable coming from the artist who created Pretty Hate Machine and the Downward Spiral) and provides the some of the most compelling lyrics of any Nine Inch Nails album. The songs are catchy, the production is stellar, and the tracks present strides in the development of the band's sound.… Expand
  14. WestonT
    Jun 10, 2007
    3
    Depending on who you ask, NIN fans fall into a couple of categories. The first is the old fans, who loved the gut-wrenching pain of Pretty Hate Machine and the emotional impact of some of Trent's quieter, more tentative works. Then there's the Downward Spiral / Broken crowd that loves the anger, power, and raw language that gets poured into antisocial and anthemic songs. This Depending on who you ask, NIN fans fall into a couple of categories. The first is the old fans, who loved the gut-wrenching pain of Pretty Hate Machine and the emotional impact of some of Trent's quieter, more tentative works. Then there's the Downward Spiral / Broken crowd that loves the anger, power, and raw language that gets poured into antisocial and anthemic songs. This album is neither of those. This borders on boring, which is not what I expect of Trent, and I'm hoping that he leaves the next "concept album" for Queensryche to do in any conceivable future. Rage against the current machine, not a conjured one, eh?… Expand
  15. DecepticonPom
    May 27, 2007
    8
    Could have very comfortably been a disc 2 to With Teeth - flows very nicely, even if not quite as strong a set as disc 1.
  16. LucasK
    May 25, 2007
    5
    Sit down with this album, listen to it, digest it, then put it away in the cupboard for a week and I guarantee none of these middle of the road songs will be with you when you retrieve it.
  17. maplejet
    May 25, 2007
    9
    Another great NIN release. This band is heading straight for the top of the music world.
  18. MaxL
    May 24, 2007
    10
    I think that Trent Reznor has just proved he's still alive and kicking. Year Zero is as fine as all his other works, yet it feels simpler. For this, I say at last, someone isn't afraid to do simple and well constructed songs (as the Beatles were doing in their time) There's a lot of work in it, a lot of thinking and you can hear that quality has mattered in the creation of I think that Trent Reznor has just proved he's still alive and kicking. Year Zero is as fine as all his other works, yet it feels simpler. For this, I say at last, someone isn't afraid to do simple and well constructed songs (as the Beatles were doing in their time) There's a lot of work in it, a lot of thinking and you can hear that quality has mattered in the creation of that album. The general feel of it keeps going all along, yet you almost feel like listening to hip hop at some times (My Violent Heart, The Greater Good) , and hard rock in others (Survivalism, Meet Your Master, The Beginning of the End) with catchy chorus and great instrumental parts. Overall, this is the most complete and fitting with itself album Nine Inch Nails' brain has made since The Downward Spiral.… Expand
  19. DavidD
    May 23, 2007
    10
    The best since the downword spiral. Trent Rezonr seems to have got his edge back. Great CD
  20. [Anonymous]
    May 21, 2007
    4
    it's obscure, lacks the hooks of With Teeth and most importantly lacks the balls out screaming that makes Trent so damn good. He whispers on most songs, with beats seemingly melding into the same song over and over again. Let's hope the 2nd half is better.
  21. BrianP
    May 18, 2007
    9
    An all out great album. For me, this is a much more exciting listen when compared to Reznor's previous 2 albums. It's on par with Pretty Hate Machine, Broken and The Downward Spiral.
  22. RobM
    May 16, 2007
    9
    Almost all tracks are excellent. Trent really delivers again after his great With Teeth return
  23. stephena
    May 13, 2007
    9
    totally outstanding album.well worth the wait .nice to see someone try new directions in music.reznor knows what he's good at & knows how to make it work.good mix of industrial ,rock,punk &the future.this will be ain top ten of 2007
  24. nickc
    May 9, 2007
    7
    All things must be judged in context, and in a sea of repetitive dance-rock-techno crap, NIN have dropped a bomb. Sounding more like earlier, classic NIN a la "Downard Spiral," Reznor has once again distinguished himself an essential electronic artist. Stirring up old-school sounding noise with enough edge and insanity to make Aphex Twin happy. The only downside of the album is that it All things must be judged in context, and in a sea of repetitive dance-rock-techno crap, NIN have dropped a bomb. Sounding more like earlier, classic NIN a la "Downard Spiral," Reznor has once again distinguished himself an essential electronic artist. Stirring up old-school sounding noise with enough edge and insanity to make Aphex Twin happy. The only downside of the album is that it lacks a certain human element. It would have been nice to hear Reznor incorporate some of the more organic musical elements of his palete, the likes of which graced "The Fragile." But after the dissapointing "With Teeth" Reznor has seemingly re-vitalized himself as an electronic musician. Let's just hope that his next album serves up a little beauty with the dissonance.… Expand
  25. mikes.
    May 8, 2007
    6
    NIN probably their best album but it lacks any fun factor. The group is simply not fun to listen to.
  26. JasonS
    May 7, 2007
    10
    Finally an album released over the last few years that is a whole album. Kick ass.
  27. BrendanP
    May 7, 2007
    10
    Every single song on this album is simply stunning.
  28. tamsynk
    May 7, 2007
    9
    As a long time NIN fan every new record is approached with joy and trepidation. Will it be another essential record or will it tarnish reznor's reputation? I'm happy to report it is the first. Year Zero is a very modern industrial record, with a further development of the sound on With Teeth. Hard electronic beats, political concepts, catchy choruses and grinding guitars, it is As a long time NIN fan every new record is approached with joy and trepidation. Will it be another essential record or will it tarnish reznor's reputation? I'm happy to report it is the first. Year Zero is a very modern industrial record, with a further development of the sound on With Teeth. Hard electronic beats, political concepts, catchy choruses and grinding guitars, it is all there and then some. There is a chance that a whole new audience may come if NIN get the right airplay. In addition YZ has the whole alternate reality game concept, which can only add to the experience. Only a 9 because there are two songs that didn't make it to my ipod, this is still classic work and proves that being in your 40s doesn't hinder your rock and roll.… Expand
  29. spaced
    May 5, 2007
    10
    Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Reznor lets loose with a vision of the future engulfed in an electronic haze that any fan of his previous work will be only too eager to absorb. One in which there is no god, the government rules with an iron fist, and our planet is engulfed with war and death. A cynical eye might say that he's not stretching things too far here. A very engrossing listening Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Reznor lets loose with a vision of the future engulfed in an electronic haze that any fan of his previous work will be only too eager to absorb. One in which there is no god, the government rules with an iron fist, and our planet is engulfed with war and death. A cynical eye might say that he's not stretching things too far here. A very engrossing listening experience from beginning to end, and the best stuff i've heard all year. highly recommended.… Expand
  30. nicol
    May 5, 2007
    10
    trent's best work since the downward spiral...definately an upward one !!!!!!!!!
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2007
32
#32 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Make no mistake this is NIN as usual, but [it is] an effortless, inspired, and unaffected Trent Reznor the likes of which we may not have had the pleasure of knowing for almost a decade and a half.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Amid its carefully calibrated sonic assaults, Year Zero has a number of tracks that will stop you in yours.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    60
    Its nihilism can grate, but it makes an impression.
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