Is Send Away the Tigers a good place to start with Manic Street Preachers?

Yes, Send Away the Tigers is recommended as a starting point for new Manic Street Preachers listeners. A vibrant blend of anthemic rock and poignant lyrics, evoking both urgency and introspection through sweeping melodies. When 'Send Away the Tigers' was released in 2007, the Manic Street Preachers were at a pivotal moment following their commercial peak with 'Lifeblood' in 2004. This album marked a return to their more energetic sound, showcasing a reinvigorated spirit after a period of stylistic exploration. It was also their first release after the departure of longtime producer Mike Hedges, leading to a fresh approach in their music.

Who is Send Away the Tigers for?

Send Away the Tigers works well if you're into steady mid-tempo anthemic energy, political commentary for reflection and sing-along choruses with friends.

How many songs are on Send Away the Tigers?

Send Away the Tigers has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Send Away the Tigers

Manic Street Preachers · 2007

38 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of anthemic rock and poignant lyrics, evoking both urgency and introspection through sweeping melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Send Away the Tigers Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Your Love Alone Is Not Enough — This track features a compelling duet that highlights the tension between longing and despair, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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Underdogs — With its driving rhythm and assertive lyrics, this song serves as an anthem for resilience against adversity, reflecting the band's punk roots.
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The Second Great Depression — This track provides a critical commentary on contemporary societal issues while maintaining an infectious melody, bridging political critique with accessible rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and soaring choruses, establishing a high-energy opening that contrasts with the introspective themes in later songs.
The album closes with a medley of 'Winterlovers' and 'Working Class Hero', creating a reflective atmosphere that ties back to earlier lyrical themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo anthemic energy
political commentary for reflection
sing-along choruses with friends
morning commute motivation boost

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek slow, contemplative pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes the band's sound, showcasing their continued vitality post-2004.
Themes: economic despair· post-2000 optimism· political critique· working-class resilience
Moods: Energetic· Anthemic
Career context: When 'Send Away the Tigers' was released in 2007, the Manic Street Preachers were at a pivotal moment following their commercial peak with 'Lifeblood' in 2004. This album marked a return to their more energetic sound, showcasing a reinvigorated spirit after a period of stylistic exploration. It was also their first release after the departure of longtime producer Mike Hedges, leading to a fresh approach in their music.
Stylistic neighbors: The Verve· Oasis· Radiohead

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Second Great Depression

The narrator shifts from personal observations to broader societal critiques, addressing economic hardships directly.

This transition from intimate reflection to collective commentary reveals the songwriter's ability to connect personal struggles with larger socio-economic issues.