User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Negative: 1 out of 13

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  1. stevieb
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    This is an incredible, emotionally intense, intelligent RAWK record. It might kill you, but you'd die smiling.
  2. 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 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 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. Expand
  3. JoeyB
    Apr 4, 2005
    9
    Gutwrenching, kamikazee guitars, intricate melodies, and Hersh's trademark warble - this is the rising phoenix from the flames - a churning, fast-paced album of remarkable songwriting.
  4. 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? oh, never mind.
  5. 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 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.
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. 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]
  2. Rarely do records come around that are such a great mix of a physical adrenaline rush combined with intellectualism.
  3. Whoa, is it ever tough, but wow, is it ever great.