Journal for Plague Lovers cover

Journal for Plague Lovers

Manic Street Preachers · 2009

74 min · 23 tracks · alternative rock

A raw and urgent exploration of existential themes wrapped in dynamic alternative rock instrumentation.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of existential themes
  • wave-like pacing with urgency
  • engaging remixes for varied listening
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • raw emotional intensity throughout

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer slow, steady builds
  • seek cohesive long-form pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents a bold artistic revival after a significant loss, resonating deeply with fans.
Themes
lost voices· celebrity critique
Career context
Released on May 18, 2009, 'Journal for Plague Lovers' marked the Manic Street Preachers' first album after the passing of lyricist Richey Edwards. This album saw the band returning to their roots, utilizing previously unused lyrics by Edwards from their early career, positioning it as a deeply personal and reflective work amid their evolution as artists.
Stylistic neighbors
The Verve· Oasis· Radiohead
If this clicks, go next to
Postcards from a Young Man — Continues the urgent themes with a more polished, anthemic sound.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Boxer by The National — Both albums feature introspective lyrics and a raw, moody sound that captures existential angst.
Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol — Shares a similar dynamic tension and urgency in the instrumentation, with darkly reflective themes.
In Rainbows by Radiohead — Explores complex emotional landscapes with an urgent sonic palette, blending rawness with melodic beauty.
New to Manic Street Preachers? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Peeled Apples".

Disc 1

  • 1 Peeled Apples Start here 3:32
  • 2 Jackie Collins Existential Question Time 2:24
  • 3 Me and Stephen Hawking 2:44
  • 4 This Joke Sport Severed 3:02
  • 5 Journal for Plague Lovers 3:45
  • 6 She Bathed Herself in a Bath of Bleach 2:17
  • 7 Facing Page: Top Left 2:40
  • 8 Marlon J.D. 2:50
  • 9 Doors Closing Slowly 2:51
  • 10 All Is Vanity 3:30
  • 11 Pretension/Repulsion 2:05
  • 12 Virginia State Epileptic Colony 3:21
  • 13 William’s Last Words 4:28

Disc 2

  • 1 Peeled Apples (Andy Weatherall remix) 7:44
  • 2 Me and Stephen Hawking (British Sea Power remix) 4:28
  • 3 Pretension/Repulsion (Four Tet remix) 2:43
  • 4 This Joke Sport Severed (Patrick Wolf remix) 4:25
  • 5 Journal for Plague Lovers (Optimo remix) 7:13
  • 6 Jackie Collins Existential Question Time (Saint Etienne remix) 2:24
  • 7 Marlon J.D. (New Young Pony Club remix)
  • 8 Virginia State Epileptic Society (Fuck Buttons remix)
  • 9 Door Closing Slowly (The Horrors remix)
  • 10 William’s Last Words (Underworld remix) 6:16

What to play next

This album is considered a Critical Peak in Manic Street Preachers's catalog. Represents a bold artistic revival after a significant loss, resonating deeply with fans.

Postcards from a Young Man
Listen next

Postcards from a Young Man

2010

Continues the urgent themes with a more polished, anthemic sound.
Send Away the Tigers
Go back to

Send Away the Tigers

2007

Prepares for the raw intensity found in Journal for Plague Lovers.
Full Manic Street Preachers discography Where to start with Manic Street Preachers Artists like Manic Street Preachers
alternative rock

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