The first album the Manics wrote entirely as a three piece was the first to gain a large portion of criticism, both from the press and their own fans, seen by many as veering dangerously towards MOR territory. Certainly, the lyrics "The world is full of refugees / They're just like you and just like me" from "The Everlasting" is a bit Phil Collins, and "S.Y.M.M". (about the Hillsborough disaster), while an important subject, comes across as something Nicky Wire wanted to approach but had no idea how to. Still, "Tsunami" about the two infamous silent Welsh twins locked up for petty crime, is majestic and sweeping, while "Ready For Drowning" takes on Wire's feelings for his birthplace, Wales, and "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next", taking it's cue from Orwell's Homage To Catalonia discusses the Spanish Civil War with beautiful melancholy. It may be the Manics' least brilliant album, but it's still better than most of its contemporaries. -Emma Johnston