Garbage’s ‘Let All That We Imagine Be The Light’ Review: Alt-Rockers Embrace a Brighter New Era

Alt-rock band Garbage shines with hope and resilience in their latest album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, marking a fresh, empowering chapter.

A New Dawn for Garbage

Garbage’s frontwoman Shirley Manson shared last spring, “We’re looking for shards of life and humanity,” hinting at the direction of their follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2021 album No Gods No Masters. Now, with the arrival of Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, the band has delivered on that promise, offering listeners an album that glows with hope and vitality.

Garbage embraces light amid challenges

The timing of this release couldn’t be more important. Since their last album, Shirley Manson has faced significant hurdles including recovering from surgery after an on-stage incident, confronting sexist media scrutiny, and standing alongside fellow musicians against a surge in bigoted political rhetoric. Instead of letting these struggles plunge their sound into darkness, Garbage channels those emotions into a powerful, illuminating musical journey.

Opening with Optimism despite Hard Realities

The album kicks off with the striking track “There’s No Future In Optimism.” Despite what the title suggests, this song flips cynicism on its head with uplifting lyrics like:

“There is no future that can’t be designed / With imagination and a beautiful mind.”
— Shirley Manson

Fusing electronica, rock, and alt-pop, this opener is bound to shine spectacularly during live shows, setting the tone for an album that’s both vibrant and thought-provoking.

A Sonic and Emotional Triple Threat

As you dive deeper, the trio of “Have We Met (The Void),” “Sisyphus,” and “Radical” fully showcase the album’s strengths. These tracks intertwine analogue synths, raw guitar riffs, and dynamic soundscapes, creating a cinematic yet intimate atmosphere. Manson’s vocal performance here is some of her most compelling to date, perfectly complemented by the skilled production work of Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker.

The result? An album that feels both personal and grandiose—a sophisticated blend of layers that invites listeners to feel every nuance.

Intensity and Empathy in Equal Measure

While Let All That We Imagine Be The Light embraces softer themes like love and hope, Garbage hasn’t abandoned their signature intensity. The band pushes back against the notion that rockers mellow out as they age.

Take “Chinese Fire Horse,” a blunt and fiery rebuttal to misogyny, where Manson declares:

“I’ve still got the power in my brain and my body / I’ll take no shit from you.”

Similarly, “Get Out My Face AKA Bad Kitty” tackles intolerance head-on, showcasing Garbage’s zero-tolerance stance towards prejudice.

Hope Shines Through the Shadows

Garbage’s latest album is a testament to finding strength and empowerment even when the world seems dark. After over 30 years together, the band has crafted one of their most intriguing and impactful albums yet, signaling a hopeful new chapter in their storied career.

Let All That We Imagine Be The Light album artwork

Album Details

• Record label: Infectious Music/BMG
• Release date: May 30, 2025

Conclusion

Garbage’s Let All That We Imagine Be The Light invites us to embrace light and hope, even amid challenges. How do you think this album reflects the band’s evolution over the decades? Which song resonates most with your own journey?

FAQs

• What genre does Garbage’s new album belong to?
  It combines alt-rock with electronica and alt-pop elements for a dynamic and cinematic sound.
• Who produced the album?
  The album was produced by longtime collaborators Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker.
• When was the album released?
  Let All That We Imagine Be The Light was released on May 30, 2025.
• What themes does the album explore?
  It explores themes of hope, resilience, love, optimism, and standing against prejudice.
• How does this album compare to their previous work?
  It is more hopeful and layered while retaining the band’s signature intensity and emotional depth.

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