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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Denise Duval

As the first Smashing Pumpkins' release since 2000, ZEITGEIST was one of the year's most anticipated albums. The CD's songs express concern about the world and the difficulties of love. The opening tracks "Doomsday Clock" and "7 Shades of Black" lean toward the former. A little further into the album, "United States" prolongs similar messages of despair for almost 10 whopping minutes. An album like this needs an epic moment, but this one seems to meander on forever. Stronger moments kick in on more melodic tracks like "That's the Way (My Love Is)," "Neverlost," and "For God and Country" -- all of which have more textured vocals and layers.

Is It Any Good?

3

Zeitgeist definitely brings the signature Pumpkins sound, with impressive guitar riffs, drumming like there's no tomorrow, and Billy Corgan's distinctive whine -- dripping with angst. Its tracks move easily between ominous messages about the state of the world and more plaintive, melancholy musings on love. While Zeitgeist is no Siamese Dream or Gish, it's a solid album that was worth the wait, and unlikely to disappoint Smashing Pumpkins fans.

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