Bleed Like Me
by Garbage
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2005
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. The Guardian
    60
    While Manson's changeling vocals are always worth listening to, Garbage's songs often aren't.
  2. Dot Music
    60
    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.
  3. Mojo
    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]
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  5. AllMusic
    60
    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.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    50
    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.
  7. Pitchfork
    45
    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.
  8. PopMatters
    40
    An album of contrived power-pop songs that chart the lows and lows of yet another failing relationship.
  9. The A.V. Club
    40
    Garbage's latest approaches a kind of shimmering technical perfection, but remains strangely, stubbornly uninvolving.
  10. Playlouder
    40
    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.
  11. Uncut
    40
    Much of it signifies nothing. [May 2005, p.96]
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 136 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 111 out of 136
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 136
  3. Negative: 11 out of 136
  1. JonathanH
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    This is the year of Garbage! This album is exceptional. None of the tracks have anything wrong with them, but major points are 'Bad This is the year of Garbage! This album is exceptional. None of the tracks have anything wrong with them, but major points are 'Bad Boyfriend', 'Run Baby Run', 'Bleed Like Me', 'Happy Home', and 'Why do you love Me'. While it may look as though critics are divided over this album's quality, one must remember that these are only the opinions of 12 people. What ultimately matters is your own opinion, and the simple fact is that people who actually like the band and aren't biased contradictionary morons looking for an excuse to shit on someone- really love 'Bleed Like Me'.… Full Review »
  2. BWETMatangi
    Mar 23, 2014
    9
    I love it! They definitely redeemed themselves after "Beautifulgarbage." Shirley's vocals are great, and the songs are catchy. The bestI love it! They definitely redeemed themselves after "Beautifulgarbage." Shirley's vocals are great, and the songs are catchy. The best songs are "Bleed Like Me," "Sex is Not the Enemy", and "Why Don't You Come Over."… Full Review »
  3. marcmyworks
    Nov 13, 2013
    7
    The first half of this album is amazing, well produced and a classic. Around track 7 (Sex is not the enemy) things start to wobble and we loseThe first half of this album is amazing, well produced and a classic. Around track 7 (Sex is not the enemy) things start to wobble and we lose that amazing energy seen in such classics as "Why do you love me", "Bad Boyfriend" and "Bleed Like Me".… Full Review »
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