In
Entertainment Weekly,
Will Hermes praised
Strange Angels as among Hersh's "strongest music ever" and credited her for "transforming common trials of home and heart into moments of surreal transcendence."
Chicago Tribune critic Rick Reger called it "a beautiful, contemplative LP that's anything but placid", finding that "the contrast between her striking imagery and the record's pristine ambience only heightens the intensity of her songs."
AllMusic's
Stephen Thomas Erlewine was less enthusiastic, deeming
Strange Angels "a strong collection of songs" needing "a more varied production to make the record more compelling." Caroline Sullivan of
The Guardian concluded that "the lyrics are jumbled and opaque, and this, along with Hersh's tuneless plinking and quavering voice, makes
Strange Angels either heaven or hell." ==Track listing==