Bleed Like Me - Garbage
Metascore
56 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. Humongous hooks. [15 Apr 2005, p.77]
  2. By getting real, Garbage has produced quite a find.
  3. There are no real surprises on Bleed, but as a return to the steady Garbage ferocity of old, it's first rate. [May 2005, p.134]
  4. 70
    They sound like just another rock band. The thing is, they're a fine rock band. [May 2005, p.119]
  5. The first two-thirds of Bleed Like Me is easily the best sustained run of studio Garbage since the opening half of their 1995 debut.
  6. If Version 2.0 was techno-pop perfection posing as rock, Bleed Like Me is its noisy, long-haired cousin playing metal riffs in the garage.
  7. They've returned to the clamorous, powerchord-packed rock of their debut, with the inevitable result that it sounds fixed firmly by the formaldehyde of fashion in mid-90s post-grunge.
  8. 60
    They come across as a self-contained, insular studio band, with tunes aching to break free of the driving wall of guitars. [May 2005, p.96]
  9. It's an enjoyable record, but it's hard to escape the nagging feeling that Garbage has painted itself into a corner: they haven't found a way to expand their sound, to make it richer or mature -- they can only deliver more of the same.
  10. While Manson's changeling vocals are always worth listening to, Garbage's songs often aren't.
  11. There very well may be a human heart beating at the centre of 'Bleed Like Me', but thanks to the walls of effects and static, it's sometimes impossible to hear it.
  12. The album is full of big rock guitars anchored to big rock effects, but it somehow never manages either to sound big enough or to rock hard enough.
  13. An album of contrived power-pop songs that chart the lows and lows of yet another failing relationship.
  14. While 'Bleed Like Me' is easily better than 'Beautiful Garbage', it's still not worth buying. It's recognisably Garbage, but it's unarguably garbage too.
  15. 40
    Much of it signifies nothing. [May 2005, p.96]
  16. Garbage's latest approaches a kind of shimmering technical perfection, but remains strangely, stubbornly uninvolving.
  17. As bland as paint. [May 2005, p.110]
  18. The absence of memorable hooks and catchy choruses is obvious.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 89
  2. Negative: 8 out of 89
  1. 10
    Garbages 4th album goes against the individuality they are reknowned for, and blends largely into generic pop rock. It is still a very listenable and melodic collection, it is just a little bland compared to previous albums. Standout songs are Bad Boyfriend, Why Do You Love Me? And Metal Heart. Full Review »
  2. Amazing album! Garbage once again proves critics wrong! This album to me is a masterpiece. Shirley Manson sounds and looks as better than ever. Great album! Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    10
    It's perfect despite the critics. It's like a good wine. Perhaps it's too fine a wine for some people's taste.