Manic Street Preachers have returned with their fifteenth studio album, Critical Thinking, releasing on February 14th, 2025. This collection showcases the band’s enduring knack for blending sharp commentary with engaging melodies, offering both long-time fans and newcomers plenty to appreciate with this one.
The album kicks off with the title track, “Critical Thinking,” where Nicky Wire delivers a spoken-word critique of modern societal clichés over a driving beat and frantic guitar riffs. The repeated chant of “what happened to your critical thinking?” sets a confrontational tone, urging listeners to question prevailing norms. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Next up is “Decline and Fall”, a melodic rock anthem that reflects on the passage of time and the band’s own legacy. James Dean Bradfield sings, “Our time has come and gone, at least we blazed a trail and shone,” acknowledging the band’s journey while embracing their present, a theme that can be seen throughout the album. “Brush Strokes of Reunion” offers a narrative about the emotional impact of inherited art, with lyrics like, “I was never ready to feel your pain, to understand the picture on my wall.” The song combines heartfelt storytelling with the band’s signature sound, creating a memorable listening experience.
A notable highlight is “Hiding in Plain Sight,” the first Manics single featuring lead vocals from Nicky Wire. The track delves into themes of self-reflection and identity, with lines such as, “Love’s in hiding, hate displayed, keep the curtains drawn all day.” This one is unique and definitely a favourite of mine.
The favourites don’t stop there though as “People Ruin Paintings” is next. This is one of those tracks that really makes you stop and think. It’s not just about art as the title suggests—it’s about how people interfere, distort, and sometimes completely ruin things that are meant to be left alone. The chorus, “I’ve looked into a million eyes, they all finish dead and destroyed,” hits hard, making you reflect on how people can take something pure—whether it’s a painting, an idea, or even a place—and twist it beyond recognition. The lyrics may feel cynical, but they also hold truth. We live in a world where everything gets analysed, judged, and reshaped, often losing its original meaning along the way.
“Dear Stephen” is one of the more emotional moments on Critical Thinking, and it’s easy to see why it stands out. There’s a push and pull in the song, there seems to be a struggle with both love and loss. The repeated plea, “Dear Stephen, please come back to us,” adds a rawness to the track, making it feel like a message sent out into the void, hoping for an answer that may never come. With its steady tempo and soaring chorus, this one feels like a classic Manics track—melancholic yet full of heart. “Being Baptised” explores themes of personal transformation and renewal. With lines like, “I woke up singing a song, words of joy and sounds of sorrow,” the track delves into the complexities of human experience. If there is one take away from this album, it is that it’ll make you look at yourself and the world around you with a bit more curiosity. This album feels both familiar and fresh. The band’s willingness to explore new perspectives while staying true to their roots makes this album a great addition to their discography.
“My Brave Friend” is one of the most touching songs on the album, a tribute to someone who fought until the very end. The lyrics, “So sail away my brave friend, you fought so hard to the end,” It’s the kind of song that sits with you long after it’s finished, making you reflect on people you’ve lost, the memories you hold onto, and the impact they’ve had on your life. This one is a standout track for me, it’s beautiful in every way.
“One Man Militia” closes the album in the way only Manic Street Preachers can—furious, defiant, and completely unfiltered. From the first line, “I don’t know what I am for, but I know what I am against,” it’s clear this is an anthem of frustration and resistance. The lyrics are packed with anger at the state of the world, taking aim at conspiracy theories, censorship, and the overwhelming feeling of being trapped in modern life. “I’m sick of conspiracies, the truth is a dead disease,” summing up the exhaustion of trying to make sense of a world drowning in misinformation. The song builds to a chaotic instrumental outro, ending the album in classic fashion. It’s a reminder that while the Manics have been doing this for decades, they’ve lost none of their fire. To support the release, the Manic Street Preachers are hitting the road with a series of tour dates across the UK. Kicking off on April 11, 2025, at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, the tour includes stops in London, Wolverhampton, Bristol, Manchester, and Swansea. Fans can look forward to experiencing the new tracks live, along with classic hits from their extensive catalogue.
Critical Thinking is a strong addition to the Manics’ discography. It has moments of reflection, moments of anger, and plenty of thought-provoking lyrics. It’s a record that challenges, questions, and refuses to settle—and that’s exactly what makes it work.
It really didn’t need much thinking to award ‘Critical Thinking a nice 8 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography