"Animal Rights" is the fourth studio album by American musician Moby, released on September 23, 1996. This album marked a significant departure from Moby's established electronica style, embracing an alternative rock sound influenced by the hardcore punk music he had loved as a teenager. Despite its bold stylistic shift, Animal Rights received mediocre critical reviews and struggled commercially, failing to match the success of his earlier work. The album's mix of genres and raw energy showcased Moby's diverse musical influences but left some fans and critics divided.
Moby's decision to release Animal Rights as a punk rock album stemmed from his disillusionment with the music media's lack of positive feedback on his electronic works, which he felt were often misunderstood. Having previously performed in rock bands like Vatican Commandos and Ultra Vivid Scene in the 1980s, Moby sought to reconnect with that sound.
The album was recorded between the summer of 1995 and spring of 1996 in Manhattan, with Alan Moulder as a key collaborator. Ironically, just as Moby shifted away from electronica, that genre began to gain traction and popularity, with artists like The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy emerging in the spotlight. This context added a layer of complexity to Moby's choice, highlighting the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving music landscape.
