Sam Ashkenazy – Google

His lyrical whit is back on this. While I thought We Are Chaos was a stronger album sonically, his lyrics on OAUG are as toothy and sharp as they were in his prime. The themes are strong, the writing is beautiful and often really clever. I think the only song that kind of disappointed me on first listen was "Death is Not a Costume." It feels like it's building to a guitar solo that never happens, but there's even a point where the bridge builds up into something, and he goes back to repeat the chorus again. With that being said, I also can't get that particular chorus out of my head now, so he knows what he's doing. I think considering the context this album was written under provides a significant amount more bite than not knowing Mason's personal struggles over the last three years or so. Going in unaware of what has transpired since We Are Chaos will not give you the same listen as going in with it in the back of your mind while your listening to these songs. AND with that context in mind, Manson is definitely not apologizing here. He is fiercely fighting back, the album is meant to be listened in it's entirety for sure, and makes a very loud statement as to where he believes he stands in the situation he has found himself in in his personal life. Whether you like him or not, it's a ballsy stance to take and you've got to respect him for sticking to.. being him. I will be singing this album in the car for a while, but to tell you the truth, I've never seen manson live. Well, I did... he just got completely intoxicated before the show started and couldn't actually perform and just sat on stage smoking a blunt... it was not a great night for a lot of people. Take it from someone who's been at the mercy of his terrible behavior; this sounds like the record of a sober manson, and I'd be willing to give him a shot one more time. That's just me though.

This album blew me away. The way Yachty arranges the songs and the instrumentals are simply the most refreshing and exciting evolution of an artist ever. I never liked his music before, truthfully, I've probably been pretty mean about some of his music before. This is a statement above all else, that he can handle himself with real musicians behind him, and create modern psychedelic rock that doesn't sound like it's trying too hard. It's so good I'm even considering seeing him on tour. Such a pleasant surprise. He's got my attention.