Faster (Manic Street Preachers song)

Music and lyrics

"Faster" has been categorized under the genres alternative rock, hard rock, punk rock and post-punk. Rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards and bass guitarist Nicky Wire wrote the lyrics of both "P.C.P." and "Faster". Interviewed around the time of the single's release, Wire described "P.C.P." as being about how "PC followers take up the idea of being liberal, but end up being quite the opposite". He also said that he was "completely confused" by "Faster", although Edwards had told him that it was about self-abuse.

Samples

The quote "I hate purity. Hate goodness. I don't want virtue to exist anywhere. I want everyone corrupt" played at the start of "Faster" comes from the movie based on George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, featuring the voice of John Hurt.

The quote at the end of "P.C.P.", "227 'Lears' and I can't remember the first line", was spoken by Albert Finney in the 1983 film The Dresser.

Release

"Faster" was released on 6 June 1994 by record label Epic as the first single from the band's third studio album, The Holy Bible. It reached number 16 in the UK Singles Chart.

Reception

"Faster" was ranked as the 80th best alternative rock song of 1994 by Kyle McGovern at Spin, who state "Underproduced vocals aside, "Faster" is one of those songs that holds up way better than you'd ever imagine possible." Emily Mackay named it as the 5th best Manic Street Preachers song at The Guardian. Mackay opined "Its darkly rushing chorus is a perfect example of how Bradfield’s music lifted Edwards’ lyrics into something that, though harsh, was also full of an almost joyous energy, a mile-a-minute thrill and a sense of limitless audacity." James Forryan of HMV selected the song as one of the band's 5 highlights, who regarded it as among the best examples of Edwards' "peak of his powers as lyricist."

Top of the Pops performance

The band performed "Faster" on the BBC's Top of the Pops, with lead singer James Dean Bradfield wearing an IRA-style balaclava with his first name scrawled over his forehead and the rest of the band wearing military regalia. Many viewers interpreted this as a show of support for the IRA, and the BBC told the band that a record number of complaints (over 25,000) had been received.

Track listing

1. "Faster" – 3:54
2. "P.C.P." – 3:53
3. "Sculpture of Man" – 1:53
4. "New Art Riot (In E Minor)" – 3:00

1. "Faster"
2. "P.C.P."
3. "Sculpture of Man"

1. "Faster"
2. "P.C.P."