About this album
Where they were
Released on May 20, 1996, 'Everything Must Go' was the Manic Street Preachers' fourth studio album and marked their first release after the disappearance of lyricist Richey Edwards in 1995. The album represented a shift towards a more accessible sound while maintaining their politically charged essence, coming at a time when the band sought to reconcile their past with new beginnings.
Why it matters
'Everything Must Go' debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying the band's status in the alternative rock scene. It produced hit singles like 'A Design for Life,' which became an anthem for a generation and highlighted the band's influence during the Britpop era of the 1990s.
Essential tracks
- "A Design for Life" — This track stands out as an anthem encapsulating working-class struggles and societal commentary, representing the band's lyrical depth while achieving commercial success.
- "Kevin Carter" — Named after the South African photojournalist, this song's exploration of fame and its consequences showcases the band's signature blend of personal and political themes.
- "Everything Must Go" — The title track perfectly embodies themes of loss and renewal, providing a reflective counterpoint to the band's earlier, more chaotic works.
Release Date
May 20, 1996
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Elvis Impersonator: Blackpool Pier 3:29
- 2 A Design for Life 4:16
- 3 Kevin Carter 3:24
- 4 Enola/Alone 4:07
- 5 Everything Must Go 3:41
- 6 Small Black Flowers That Grow in the Sky 3:02
- 7 The Girl Who Wanted to Be God 3:35
- 8 Removables 3:31
- 9 Australia 4:04
- 10 Interiors (Song for Willem de Kooning) 4:17
- 11 Further Away 3:38
- 12 No Surface All Feeling 4:14