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. JK.
    Aug 8, 2007
    10
    Fantastic album.
  2. GretchenA
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    trent=god go, ETS!
  3. saud
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    no words to describe its perfection.
  4. RunDMG
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    Too much emphasis being given to its "sonic assaults"! I find it contains some very subtle elements, both in music and lyrics (NIN subtle???) I was worried that the album could not match his courageous efforts and best intentions - glad to report that I was wrong! Best album of the past five years!
  5. MatthewE
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    A thoughtful, unique, and most of all... inspiring album by a true artist.
  6. DonovanM
    May 4, 2007
    10
    This albumbs good. I havnt listened to a new albumb this heavily since DeLoused. If you dont like this, go listen to Fall Out Boy, or be scene and listen to indy? Sure its not a 10, nothings perfect, but it leaves every other new albumb behind by miles. This albumb has really good flow, could use a bit more variety, but it makes us for it with awsome songs all throughout.
  7. BrendanP
    May 7, 2007
    10
    Every single song on this album is simply stunning.
  8. BrandonW
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    Perfect album, and this is only the first part! With 16 incredible tracks, it is impossible to stop listening to this album due to its addictiveness. Reznor has said he didn't care what anyone thought of this album and wasn't trying to impress anyone. He simply made great music with some help. Definitely a perfect score on my rating. There definitely isn't anything out Perfect album, and this is only the first part! With 16 incredible tracks, it is impossible to stop listening to this album due to its addictiveness. Reznor has said he didn't care what anyone thought of this album and wasn't trying to impress anyone. He simply made great music with some help. Definitely a perfect score on my rating. There definitely isn't anything out there that sounds this good right now. Bring on the next disc!… Expand
  9. AviD
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    The complete opposite of With Teeth: layer upon layer of electronic goodness. He's writing outside of himself now, and the lyrics are better than ever. Top notch album.
  10. KurtW
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    Phenomenal.
  11. LydiaT
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    I'd give this 9.5 out of 10. This is a welcome return to form for this band after the boring 'With Teeth' album. This album sounds fresh and original, and is the first album in a long time that actually managed to surprise me. I have also found it to be an album that gets (even) better with each further listen.
  12. JasonL
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    TR has smashed NIN into a million pieces, then stuck them back together with a glue made from raw talent and creative inspiration. The concept of totalitarianism/fundamentalism mixed with the self righteous religious bigotry that is so evident in the world today, makes this a warning and a great album that inspires with it's beautiful melodic destruction, crazy synths and shell TR has smashed NIN into a million pieces, then stuck them back together with a glue made from raw talent and creative inspiration. The concept of totalitarianism/fundamentalism mixed with the self righteous religious bigotry that is so evident in the world today, makes this a warning and a great album that inspires with it's beautiful melodic destruction, crazy synths and shell shocked beats. Brilliant.… Expand
  13. JeffR
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    Album of the year so far. Great concept, great band, and more importantly, great music.
  14. J.
    Apr 18, 2007
    10
    Firmly cements his place as one of our very best artists.
  15. DanielM
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Great album....yes it may not be another "downward spiral" but how many bands ever even come close to matching an album thats considered by many to be brilliant? I have seen many slam the whole so called "viral marketing " and lyrics but, i think if your just reading the lyrics a lot of songs might not seem that good...just listen to them with the music and it changes into something much Great album....yes it may not be another "downward spiral" but how many bands ever even come close to matching an album thats considered by many to be brilliant? I have seen many slam the whole so called "viral marketing " and lyrics but, i think if your just reading the lyrics a lot of songs might not seem that good...just listen to them with the music and it changes into something much better. And for the marketing, i think it was brilliant. A story that fans could investigate and draw their own conclusions about...something that as far as i know was unlike marketing altogether. If i am coerrect it all started with a T-shirt that had many letters some of which stood out from the rest and simply said "i am trying to beleive" which led to an odd, mysterious website. Then fans finding a jumpdrive with a song on it in a bathroom after a NIN concert. All of this led to a "marekting" campaign that was not advertised but more hidden and mysterious. I dont think i have ever heard/seen anything like it and i loved the idea of it. Much cooler and more fun than seeing some ad on itunes or cdnow.com. I have been a fan since i first read the lyrics to TDS and found my musical interest expanding. WIth Teeth was not a bad album...maybe a liltte too mainstream for me but i dont see how people could bash that album and i really have no clue why The Fragile had such a seemigly poor reputation. Reznor makes me beleive that there really are some people that deseve to be called artist instead of your typical trend following radio friendly music salesman that most music nowadays seems to feel like. I'm just glad that we didnt have to wait several years for this album and i think thats another thing that shows how talented Reznor is...this album came out what...less than 2 years after With Teeth and i am sure the marketing took more time than the typical boring ad anyone else would have done. This album would likely scare away your average music listener with the abstract soundscapes but, i think it will be a treat for anyone who found With Teeth to be too mainstream sounding that you would expect from NIN.… Expand
  16. tomd
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    a masterpiece!! brilliant use of noise samples, beautifully crafted album. possibilby his best since "pretty hate machine". he makes the avant-rock and experimental work in a very accessible way. my faith in NIN is restored after being somewhat bored with his last few efforts.
  17. C.
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    Best NIN album since The Downward Spiral. Loud, noisy, angry, and above all, focused.
  18. shun
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Why do people still want another Downward Spiral?, I would rather see something different. I think this album is certainly more mature, and lyrics are the step forward by his standard. I really enjoy this album, I like its audacity and themes, not to mention some really great music.
  19. DanR
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing. Way to stay ahead of the game, and surpass the expectations of even the most hardcore fan.
  20. 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
  21. JustinC
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    Great album. Reznor's return to full glory. He hasn't made anything this good since The Downward Spiral, and with a few more listens, I think this could surpass even that album.
  22. ArchV
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    Another amazing record by Trent. I really enjoy his new experimental sound and the way that the whole album sounds. I gave it 10/10 and waiting for the second concept part.
  23. Arley
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    Very good NIN Album!
  24. JacksonY
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    Truly genius. One of the best album made in years. People have never heard anything sound like this before.
  25. DanielF
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    A fantastic album that ranks right among the top of NIN's work. The best album from Reznor since The Downward Spiral. A complete concept album with amazing structure and sounds... no fan of good music should be without it!
  26. Jason
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    Very interesting use of sounds interacting with eachother, much more like his earlier work. Wonderful album.
  27. CarlosD
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    Not only one of Trent's best, but one of the best things I've heard so far this year.
  28. ThomasB
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    Not only are the songs genius, the idea behind the album is more inspiring than the shit you hear on the radio today. It blows With Teeth out of the water and that's saying a lot. Trent Reznor will never cease to disappoint me.
  29. jeffersw
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    Trent is back, and this is the first thing that hasn't dissapointed since "the perfect drug" stopped me dead in my tracks (trent + D n' B breakbeats = awesome!). This record is quite a welcome surprise. after all these years of mediocrity, it seems Trent has something to say, and the muse to say it well, once again. also, cheers to the obvious shoegazer references. I'd Trent is back, and this is the first thing that hasn't dissapointed since "the perfect drug" stopped me dead in my tracks (trent + D n' B breakbeats = awesome!). This record is quite a welcome surprise. after all these years of mediocrity, it seems Trent has something to say, and the muse to say it well, once again. also, cheers to the obvious shoegazer references. I'd always thought NIN could use more "space' in the compositions. and the drum programming is his best in YEARS...… Expand
  30. JustinH
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    It's nice to see such a tremendous talent like Trent Reznor still relevant and still artistically viable. Year Zero really is the beginning of a new era for Nine Inch Nails, and this could catapult Reznor to heights unforseen- even moreso than what the Downward Spiral achieved. "The Beginning of the End" this is anything but.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »