Portrait of an American Family cover

Portrait of an American Family

Marilyn Manson · 1994

61 min · 13 tracks · industrial metal · shock rock

A provocative blend of industrial metal and shock rock that critiques American culture with confrontational lyrics and raw energy.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its impact on the 1990s shock rock movement and garnered attention for its controversial themes and imagery. It achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart while sparking discussions around censorship and artistic freedom.
Best for
dynamic progression with climactic peaks provocative themes for critical listeners wave-like pacing for immersive experience
Context
Released on July 19, 1994, 'Portrait of an American Family' marked Marilyn Manson's debut album, establishing their provocative aesthetic and sound in the music scene. At this point, Manson was still emerging from the underground, having formed the band just a year prior, and this album set the stage for their subsequent rise to notoriety.
Stylistic neighbors
Marilyn Manson· Rob Zombie· Alice Cooper
If this clicks, go next to
Antichrist Superstar — Continues the raw energy and critiques of culture with a darker, more refined sound.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Cake and Sodomy".

  • 1 Prelude (The Family Trip) 1:20
  • 2 Cake and Sodomy Start here 3:46
  • 3 Lunchbox Standout 4:32
  • 4 Organ Grinder 4:22
  • 5 Cyclops 3:32
  • 6 Dope Hat 4:21
  • 7 Get Your Gunn Standout 3:18
  • 8 Wrapped in Plastic 5:35
  • 9 Dogma 3:22
  • 10 Sweet Tooth 5:03
  • 11 Snake Eyes and Sissies 4:07
  • 12 My Monkey 4:31
  • 13 Misery Machine / Epilogue 13:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata