Golden Ocean
by 50 Foot Wave
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    [Hersh's] clamorous return to Electric Ladyland does little, though, except to cover some fair tunes with layers of cathartic thrashing. [11 Mar 2005, p.102]
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  2. PopMatters
    90
    Rarely do records come around that are such a great mix of a physical adrenaline rush combined with intellectualism.
  3. Lost At Sea
    85
    Whoa, is it ever tough, but wow, is it ever great.
  5. Blender
    70
    The loudest record [Hersh] has ever made, and even if few individual compositions leap out of the general roar, it sounds fantastic. [Apr 2005, p.116]
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  6. Splendid
    70
    Sure, Hersh could be your mom, but only if your mom routinely blows out big stacks of Marshall amps.
  7. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    No matter what vehicle Hersh utilizes as an outlet, it’s obvious her creative wave has yet to crest.
  8. Pitchfork
    73
    It's fantastic stuff-- at its best, the innate catchiness of Hersh's writing gets a shot in the arm from her cavalier vocals and musical caterwauling.
  9. Junkmedia
    70
    She's lyrically sharp as ever, and switches gears and works in nice melodies just enough to soften the edges, luring fans in before she pummels them.
  10. Mojo
    80
    Her textured roar means even the less melodic songs have traction. [May 2005, p.103]
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  11. AllMusic
    80
    Hersh's songwriting is as detailed and dynamic as ever, but the intricacies are less apparent when delivered with such heat-seeking power.
  12. Magnet
    80
    Violent, seething and uncompromising. [#67, p.96]
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  13. Paste Magazine
    80
    It's deliciously painful. [Aug/Sep 2005, p.111]
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Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. EthanH
    Apr 19, 2007
    9
    Q: What would have happened if Kurt Cobain had a sex change operation just before making Nevermind? A: Kirstin Hersh with 50 Foot Wave. no? Q: What would have happened if Kurt Cobain had a sex change operation just before making Nevermind? A: Kirstin Hersh with 50 Foot Wave. no? oh, never mind.… Full Review »
  2. MarkD
    Jun 1, 2005
    8
    Hersh is THE woman when it comes to musical creativity and energy and this album is no exception. Fans of the Throwing Muses and Hersh's Hersh is THE woman when it comes to musical creativity and energy and this album is no exception. Fans of the Throwing Muses and Hersh's solo work may be shocked on first listen but bear with it as this album is just a reaffirmation that whatever Hersh touches in the musical world turns to gold.… Full Review »
  3. RobJ.
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Think of 50 Foot Wave as a louder, more aggressive version of the Throwing Muses. Also, Kristen Hersh has completely lost her voice (long Think of 50 Foot Wave as a louder, more aggressive version of the Throwing Muses. Also, Kristen Hersh has completely lost her voice (long time fans will note that it's been slowly going for years), but she manages to harness what's left into something that's both perfect for this album and strangely beautiful. Golden Ocean is a really tough listen, but it grows on you, and god is it good. Great driving music.… Full Review »
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