Marilyn Manson — Eat Me, Drink Me

Marilyn Manson's latest album is a timid affair for the shock rocker who used to sing about abortion, pedophilia and politics. It's been four years since Manson released an album, and in that time he channelled his creative energy into film, art and dating starlets. Eat Me Drink Me is a cautious rock album, more of a love letter to his current muse and girlfriend, actress Evan Rachel Wood, than a biting diatribe on our times. Departed are John 5 and Madonna Wayne Gacy, and gone with them are quick and dirty guitar riffs and keyboard prowess. In their place are meandering and indulgent guitar solos courtesy of Tim Skold. At least Manson's croaking, throaty strain is intact, as are the occasional signature dirty throbbing bass line ("Evidence") and marching drums ("Are You The Rabbit?"). On Eat Me Drink Me, Manson sounds like he's lost his vitriol, and has instead settled on penning dark, sweet nothings.