"Decline and Fall" (stylised as "Decline & Fall") is a song by Manic Street Preachers, released as the lead single from their 15th studio album Critical Thinking,[1] on 29 August 2024,[2] with a YouTube lyric video released on 3 September 2024. The song was written by Manics band members Nicky Wire, James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore, but also gives credit to Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook of the band Squeeze as it features a rhythmic sample from the breakdown in the middle of their 1979 hit "Cool for Cats".[3]
Background and production
Regarding the song, Manic Street Preachers bassist and lyricist Nicky Wire stated "It has a lot of energy, even though I don’t feel particularly energised." Manics described the song as an attempt "to create forward motion – a song which harnesses the past to propel it into the future – the lyric is one of realisation and understanding – of celebrating the tiny miracles that still exist whilst accepting and embracing managed decline". The song was recorded at Door To The River and Rockfield Studios, and was produced by Dave Eringa and Loz Williams and mixed by Caesar Edmunds.[2] The song features inspiration from the bands Skids and Simple Minds.[4][2]
Critical reception
Will Ainsley from The Quietus praises the song for "deal[ing] in galactic heartland rock, all thunderous energy and chiming pianos".[5] Danny Eccleston from Mojo praised the song for utilising "one of [Manics'] strongest tunes since 1996 LP Everything Must Go."[6]
Personnel
Manic Street Preachers
- James Dean Bradfield – lead vocals, guitar, piano
- Nicky Wire – vocals, bass guitar
- Sean Moore – drums
References
- ^ Dunworth, Liberty (2024-10-17). "Manic Street Preachers on new album 'Critical Thinking': "Sometimes just to have your best songs is enough"". NME. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ a b c Trendell, Andrew (29 August 2024). "Listen to Manic Street Preachers' triumphant new single 'Decline & Fall'". NME. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Manic Street Preachers imaju novi singl 'Decline & Fall'". Ravno Do DNA (in Slovenian). 2024-08-30. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ Interviews, Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews &; Murray, Robin (2024-08-29). "Manic Street Preachers Share Surprise Single 'Decline & Fall' | News". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Barry, Robert (2025-02-07). "Manic Street Preachers – Critical Thinking". The Quietus. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
- ^ "Manic Street Preachers Critical Thinking Reviewed: Manics dial down the dialectic, dial up the tunes". Mojo. 2025-02-06. Retrieved 2025-02-14.