Putting Holes in Happiness cover

Putting Holes in Happiness

Marilyn Manson · 2007

13 min · 3 tracks · industrial metal

A blend of industrial metal and electronic elements that feels both abrasive and introspective, reflecting Manson's complex persona.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Putting Holes in Happiness — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of inner turmoil and reflection through its haunting melodies and layered instrumentation.
  • →
    Putting Holes in Happiness (Boys Noize remix) — This remix infuses the original with an energetic electronic beat, turning a rock anthem into a dancefloor staple and demonstrating Manson's adaptability.
  • →
    Putting Holes in Happiness (Guitar Hero remix by Nick Zinner) — This version reinterprets the song through a gaming lens, illustrating how Manson's music permeated popular culture beyond traditional listening experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single blends industrial metal with electronic elements, showcasing Manson's evolving sound but remains somewhat conventional in structure.

What we noticed

  • The single features a prominent electronic beat that contrasts with Manson's aggressive vocal delivery, creating a tension between the abrasive and the melodic.
  • The Boys Noize remix introduces a faster tempo and more dance-oriented elements, significantly altering the original's structure while maintaining its core themes.
  • The track is built around a repetitive chorus that emphasizes its introspective lyrics, allowing for both reflection and aggression in its delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases Manson's evolving sound but isn't a major entry point.
Themes
inner turmoil· shock rock spectacle· pop culture critique
Career context
By the time 'Putting Holes in Happiness' was released in 2007, Marilyn Manson had already established himself as a controversial figure in music. This single came out as part of his sixth studio album, 'Eat Me, Drink Me', marking a phase where he was exploring new sounds following the commercial decline after his earlier successes.
Stylistic neighbors
Nine Inch Nails· Rob Zombie· Ministry

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Putting Holes in Happiness 4:32
  • 2 Putting Holes in Happiness (Boys Noize remix) 5:36
  • 3 Putting Holes in Happiness (Guitar Hero remix by Nick Zinner) 3:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata