"Rewind the Film" is indeed a notable departure for the Manic Street Preachers, marked by its shift towards a more acoustic and introspective sound compared to their previous records. Released on September 16, 2013, by Columbia Records, the album features a more subdued and reflective tone, which contrasts with the band's typically more bombastic style.
The album includes collaborations with several prominent artists: Lucy Rose contributes vocals, adding a fresh, ethereal quality to the album. Cate Le Bon offers her distinctive voice and style, further diversifying the album's sound. Richard Hawley brings his own brand of melancholy and sophistication, enriching the album's acoustic aesthetic.
Upon its release, Rewind the Film debuted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a strong showing for the band. The shift in musical direction received mixed to positive reviews, with some critics appreciating the new acoustic-driven approach and others preferring the band’s earlier, more electric sound.
Dorian Lynskey referred to Rewind the Film as the "acoustic-based album they'd been talking about making for 20 years." The initial idea for an acoustic record by the Manic Street Preachers was inspired by Bruce Springsteen's 1982 album Nebraska.
The song "4 Lonely Roads" drew inspiration from the sound of "The Two of Us" by The Beatles and the poetry of A. E. Housman. "3 Ways to See Despair" was described as "Neil Young recording Harvest in Hanza." Nicky Wire mentioned that for this song, the band aimed for a sound reminiscent of The Beatles' White Album produced by Steve Albini. The title track, "Rewind the Film," originated from Wire singing over David Axelrod's "Little Girl Lost."
