• Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2014
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Mojo
    Nov 5, 2014
    60
    "Hesitant" is the right word for his attempt at creative rebirth. [Nov 2014, p.92]
  2. Oct 15, 2014
    60
    His emotional delivery drives highlights like ''Millions'' and ''Drugstore Perfume.'' Elsewhere, though, the disc isn’t urgent enough to pack the same punch as Way's best work.
  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 3, 2014
    60
    There was always more going on inside that pretty head than met the eye. On his first release since disbanding My Chemical Romance, you may struggle to hear what that is. [Nov 2014, p.120]
  4. Sep 30, 2014
    60
    The music is more subdued than My Chemical Romance's, but Way's still not as understated as the influencers he's channeling. His storied themes of love and pain pop up throughout Hesitant Alien like embarrassing Facebook statuses. It's a largely smooth transition out of the dark and into the bright world of pop.
  5. Sep 29, 2014
    60
    Yes, it’s a big step away from MCR’s post-hardcore rock anthems, with Way’s Bowie-like charisma and undeterred passion a familiar call to arms.
  6. Sep 26, 2014
    60
    Though Way is at his most engaged in years, there's no major reinvention here. If anything, his first solitary missive registers as much as a tribute to influences as it does a focused reboot.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 58
  2. Negative: 4 out of 58
  1. Sep 30, 2014
    9
    I think fans of MCR will be alienated at a first listen to this album. Which is a shame, because they will not be able to appreciate thisI think fans of MCR will be alienated at a first listen to this album. Which is a shame, because they will not be able to appreciate this garage rock/Brit-pop/pop punk, wonderfully executed debut solo album! Full Review »
  2. Oct 1, 2014
    10
    Gerard Way takes what was great about MCR and turns it into a brighter direction , great album , great songs and great variety. Excited to seeGerard Way takes what was great about MCR and turns it into a brighter direction , great album , great songs and great variety. Excited to see the artist grow and learn from his past work Full Review »
  3. Nov 18, 2014
    8
    A perfect transition from My Chemical Romance into more mature territory.
    The songs on Hesitant Alien aren't all great and some are much less
    A perfect transition from My Chemical Romance into more mature territory.
    The songs on Hesitant Alien aren't all great and some are much less interesting than others. But all contain the same Brit Pop feel which gives the album something very special.
    Full Review »