Hesitation Marks
by Nine Inch Nails
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
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  1. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2013
    60
    It boasts riveting tempos, gripping atmospheres, imaginative chopped 'n' screwed vocal tracks and a vague sense of currency via a bass drop or two. But it also feels incredibly rote and through-the-motions. [No. 103, p.58]
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  2. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2013
    60
    All intriguing and unique, but as the concluding third settles into shapeless moodiness, Hesitation Marks could've done with some pruning. [Oct 2013, p.87]
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  3. Under The Radar
    Sep 16, 2013
    60
    On Hesitation Marks, Nine Inch Nails hints at new directions, but hesitates to take a leap.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 3, 2013
    60
    The musician is famously exacting when it comes to sound and, predictably, the album is impeccably produced. What's shocking, though, is that at moments it sounds--whisper it--delicate.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 30, 2013
    60
    A nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live here.
  7. Chicago Tribune
    Sep 3, 2013
    50
    Too much of Hesitation Marks sounds tentative.
  8. Consequence
    Aug 30, 2013
    50
    By playing both to nostalgic sensibilities and trying to literally occupy the same territory he once did, Hesitation Marks is only welcome in that it puts Nine Inch Nails on tour. But, for the album itself, the good ideas seem to have been wasted on trying to revive something that killed itself years ago.
  9. Uncut
    Aug 28, 2013
    50
    Black gothic grandeur, but with a beige, biscuit-coloured centre. [Oct 2013, p.72]
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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2013
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 161
  3. Negative: 3 out of 161
  1. simonn
    Sep 27, 2013
    8
    Having listened to this album pretty much non stop from release date, I'm still not tired of it. This is Reznor's best album since 1999's TheHaving listened to this album pretty much non stop from release date, I'm still not tired of it. This is Reznor's best album since 1999's The Fragile. Boasting a more electronic sound than his last few albums, at times almost danceable, with undeniable nods to Prince at times, but still with great dark undertones. Highlights include In Two, All Time Low and Find My Way. Best album released in a year of great albums.… Full Review »
  2. frozenpinky
    Sep 3, 2013
    6
    Is this a bad album? No.
    Is this a good album? Sure.
    Is it a great album? No. Is it a Nine Inch Nails album? No! Gone are the type of    Is this a bad album? No.
    Is this a good album? Sure.
    Is it a great album? No.
    Is it a Nine Inch Nails album? No!
    Gone are the type of songs from albums such as Pretty Hate Machine or Downward Spiral or The Fragile or With Teeth that had hard hitting personality riding passenger to those awesome Trent Reznor yells! So what, he's "no longer angry"! If you're not a band in the traditional sense, and NIN never was, then you don't have to call this a new "Nine Inch Nails" album. Nothing wrong with calling this the new "Trent Reznor" album. That's what it is to me. Not the Nine Inch Nails that changed the medium.    … Full Review »
  3. Slowave
    Sep 3, 2013
    7
    "Sonic train wreck" is how I like to describe The Downward Spiral. And while Hesitation Marks is definitely "sonic," I felt I was often"Sonic train wreck" is how I like to describe The Downward Spiral. And while Hesitation Marks is definitely "sonic," I felt I was often waiting in vain for the trademark "wall of sound" to hit my headphones like it often felt it should... and they simply do not come. Most songs pretty much stay "safe" from beginning to end, and there are none of those blissfully angst ridden sucker punches that blew your mind as a college freshman. I'm okay with a happier, fitter, more productive Trent Rezner. But I'm also wishing this album could get just a bit dirtier once in a while. All in all, it's a return to form and offers the intricate sonic layering you come to expect on the best of NIN. Good album. But still.... too safe.… Full Review »
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