Bad Witch
by Nine Inch Nails
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jun 27, 2018
    60
    Tracks such as The Fragile’s “Ripe (With Decay)” are these kinds of delightful journeys. “World” and “Over and Out” only display longer extensions of single ideas, which make them still a few points shy of the band’s best.
  2. Mojo
    Jun 25, 2018
    60
    Inspired stuff, though its slightness feels like a tease, and leaves us hungry for more. [Aug 2018, p.88]
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  3. Spin
    Jun 22, 2018
    60
    Bad Witch, like its two predecessors, contains glints of exploration tempered by maturity and consistency. ... It’s a strangely tentative gesture from an artist who made his name as a longform auteur.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 22, 2018
    60
    Whilst Bad Witch is definitely guilty of too much looking backwards there’s enough to keep us focused on what lies ahead.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 20, 2018
    60
    If you’re looking for connectivity between the tracks, it’s difficult to find it through the array of hyperactive noise. However Reznor and writing partner Atticus Ross managed to create their own version of The Matrix.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 71
  3. Negative: 5 out of 71
  1. jewz
    Jun 23, 2018
    5
    Bad Witch would be a serviceable EP..... but since Trent Reznor insists on calling it an album, it must be reviewed as such. So: a half-hourBad Witch would be a serviceable EP..... but since Trent Reznor insists on calling it an album, it must be reviewed as such. So: a half-hour mixtape of experimental noise, late Bowie worship, and a scant few moments of buried potential, mostly found within danceable intro Sh*t Mirror and the laid-back trip-hop of closer Over and Out. Mr. Reznor's forays into the hard industrial of early NIN influencers like Coil and Whitehouse work best when tempered by his natural inclinations toward radio-friendly pop and arena rock, and unfortunately little of that is on display here. Strictly for hardcore fans.… Full Review »
  2. huri
    Jun 24, 2018
    8
    Solid album with new sounds to offer in the NIN catalogue. Of the latest releases from NIN, this one is the most thought provoking and theSolid album with new sounds to offer in the NIN catalogue. Of the latest releases from NIN, this one is the most thought provoking and the most personnel. I escaped for 30 minutes and 14 seconds.… Full Review »
  3. Vukmirion
    Jun 24, 2018
    9
    The freshest and most consistent part of recent NIN trilogy. Especially "Over and Out" builds enormously melancholic vibe and could easilyThe freshest and most consistent part of recent NIN trilogy. Especially "Over and Out" builds enormously melancholic vibe and could easily replace "Hurt" as an encore at live shows.
    I respect and like the fact that Reznor doesn't care about his fanbase expectations and freely experiments with different styles. It gives a risk of potential mistakes but after all creates a strong, rich and various discography.    … Full Review »
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