Bitchin'
by The Donnas
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16

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  1. arvy_p
    Jul 5, 2021
    9
    After lightening up a bit on Gold Medal, this one decides to go heavier. This is probably the closest the band ever got to a straight-up heavy metal album. It opens with something that invokes Black Sabbath; a mean, stomping riff over a siren that reminds me of War Pigs and Iron Man. Then it switches gears to overdrive and bashes your face in. After that, we've got tracks that soundAfter lightening up a bit on Gold Medal, this one decides to go heavier. This is probably the closest the band ever got to a straight-up heavy metal album. It opens with something that invokes Black Sabbath; a mean, stomping riff over a siren that reminds me of War Pigs and Iron Man. Then it switches gears to overdrive and bashes your face in. After that, we've got tracks that sound like they purposely wanted to pay tribute to Joan Jett, Billy Idol, and late-80's ZZ Top and Judas Priest. There is more than one track that reminds me of the album "Turbo". If the previous album was about happy relationships, this one is about breaking up and reveling in freedom, returning to the party scene and letting off steam. Unfortunately, for me as a listener, this is the last full-length album from the band. But how much longer could you go on writing songs about boys and partying without it just not working anymore? I like the attitude here, but the party couldn't last forever. Isn't that what happens to most people once we near our thirties as the group was doing when they broke up? Very few of us can live like Lemmy and survive to 70, and writing songs about it forever has to get challenging, especially when you've lost label backing and your drummer gets injured. The biz got tougher and this band was one of the casualties. But what a way to go out: big riffs, a DIY album label, and raucous thunder. Part of me wishes they'd come back and milk a cougar/milf angle, but I know they've moved on to mature, normal day jobs like the rest of us. If they were ever to return though, you can bet I'll have my ears open.… Expand
  2. RossN.
    Oct 24, 2007
    4
    I'm disappointed in this album. To me it sounds like the band is uncomfortable with their new guise and the material. I actually thought Gold Medal featured some of the best songs the Donna's have recorded and was possibly their best CD, along with their first and Get Skintight. This one seems laboured and not fun. They make the moves and play the part of 80's rockers but I'm disappointed in this album. To me it sounds like the band is uncomfortable with their new guise and the material. I actually thought Gold Medal featured some of the best songs the Donna's have recorded and was possibly their best CD, along with their first and Get Skintight. This one seems laboured and not fun. They make the moves and play the part of 80's rockers but there just isn't any heart in this music.… Expand
  3. MikeD
    Oct 22, 2007
    3
    This record is a disgrace. The Donnas were always a band you could count on to make a honest, straightforward rock album that worshiped at the altar of Kiss, AC/DC and Motley Crue. The biggest inspiration for this nonsense seems to be Winger and Warrant and they should've never inspired anyone. it's nothing but slick production, big guitars and no songs. What's all the more This record is a disgrace. The Donnas were always a band you could count on to make a honest, straightforward rock album that worshiped at the altar of Kiss, AC/DC and Motley Crue. The biggest inspiration for this nonsense seems to be Winger and Warrant and they should've never inspired anyone. it's nothing but slick production, big guitars and no songs. What's all the more sad about it is how they seemed to be maturing as a band so well on the last record (Gold Medal). If you think Vixen rocks, you'll love "Bitchin".… Collapse
  4. JeffP
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    The Donans are back with a vengeance - kicking ass and taking names. A fine return to form, full of headnodding hooks, footstomping, anthemic choruses, and lots of dirty ass rock and roll with influences as obvious (and wide) as Joan Jett, Girlschool, Kiss, AC/DC, and Gary Glitter. U rock, girls. Welcome back!
  5. AlrikL.
    Oct 6, 2007
    5
    I'm mainly into metal but The Donnas always struck a chord in my heart. "Spend The Night" was an all -out rocker whereas "Gold Medal" expanded their artistic boundaries and , in my book, added more variation. The new album is on autopilot, sure enough there are beefy riffs and some nice drumming. Lyrics have never really been The Donnas forté, but on "Bitchin" they're I'm mainly into metal but The Donnas always struck a chord in my heart. "Spend The Night" was an all -out rocker whereas "Gold Medal" expanded their artistic boundaries and , in my book, added more variation. The new album is on autopilot, sure enough there are beefy riffs and some nice drumming. Lyrics have never really been The Donnas forté, but on "Bitchin" they're downright childish and seem to serve as overcompensation due to the fact these ladies are closing in on the big 30! The tracks are allround mediocre, not bad, but simply not enjoyable enough to listen to in the long run. I fail to see any potential live-favourites in this bland mix of "hungover-written" material. I still love the Donnas but something radical has got to happen. You can do better than this.… Expand
  6. CaladoniaK.
    Sep 27, 2007
    10
    The Donnas keep on rockin'.
  7. EricG.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    This is a great Donnas record (and I've heard them all, Jake). The Donnas delve heavily into their hair metal and arena-rock fetishes and pump out surprisingly solid rock jams. Critics may cringe but they also gave Paris Hilton's CD good reviews so they can suck it. I would venture to guess that The Donnas have actually outgrown the expectations placed on them to become an This is a great Donnas record (and I've heard them all, Jake). The Donnas delve heavily into their hair metal and arena-rock fetishes and pump out surprisingly solid rock jams. Critics may cringe but they also gave Paris Hilton's CD good reviews so they can suck it. I would venture to guess that The Donnas have actually outgrown the expectations placed on them to become an amazing rock band. Let the rockers unite in the glorious shadow of The Donnas.… Expand
  8. TimS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    The Donnas rule, so does this album.
  9. MattD.
    Sep 24, 2007
    9
    I have all of the Donnas' other albums, and this one is just as good. Harder, yes, but just as good and fun. The lyrics are also even better. This is reason 1,456,708 not to follow reviewers.
  10. EllenD.G
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    This album is not to be compared with previous Donnas albums. The band has gone for a completely different sound and has obviously been influenced by 1980's rock music. The Donna's have successfully achieved to produce an album that has individualistic ideas and melodies that come together to form Bitchin'. The Donnas have created an interesting contrast between tracks. This album is not to be compared with previous Donnas albums. The band has gone for a completely different sound and has obviously been influenced by 1980's rock music. The Donna's have successfully achieved to produce an album that has individualistic ideas and melodies that come together to form Bitchin'. The Donnas have created an interesting contrast between tracks. Most noticeably between "Smoke You Out", "Bitchin'" and "When the Show is Over". This album is outstanding and rocks hard.… Expand
  11. ChrisH.
    Sep 22, 2007
    9
    A solid effort as usual. There's a lot more here than most reviewers pick up on. Pretty typical. The Donnas get a bad rap as being "just a party band" but they deserve more. People respect AC/DC and Kiss. They should respect The Donnas in the same way. They're just as accomplished as those bands, if not more so given the obstacles they face as a female act.
  12. AdamM.
    Sep 22, 2007
    9
    Reminiscent of 80's rock, complete with a cool new logo.
  13. Jake
    Sep 22, 2007
    4
    If you like this album, you obviously haven't heard any of The Donnas' other albums. Boring with no hooks.
  14. JohnR.
    Sep 22, 2007
    7
    "Smoke You Out" is awesome and has the most whacked-out lyrics of any Donnas song ever. "Love You Till It Hurts" is awesome, too. Chick cock rock! But throughout, the crisp, hooky songwriting of "Spend the Night" just isn't here. The swagger's in full effect, but the songs are just lacking. Also, the guitar sound was better on "Spend the Night." This album's better than "Smoke You Out" is awesome and has the most whacked-out lyrics of any Donnas song ever. "Love You Till It Hurts" is awesome, too. Chick cock rock! But throughout, the crisp, hooky songwriting of "Spend the Night" just isn't here. The swagger's in full effect, but the songs are just lacking. Also, the guitar sound was better on "Spend the Night." This album's better than "Gold Medal," though.… Expand
  15. CoreyS.
    Sep 21, 2007
    9
    If you don't love this album, you hate rock n roll.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    60
    the Donnas once rocked as if they were tanked to the gills but they now sound like they're playing with ferocious hangovers they just can't shake--and it's hard to have a good party if the threat of the morning after hangs over the whole affair.
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  2. Billboard
    60
    While superbly recorded and at times a hoot to crank (largely for the shameless rips of Kiss, Joan Jett and Def Leppard), Bitchin' is too light on hooks.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    Bitchin' offers little you haven't heard before--even if you haven't heard a Donnas record--but it should go well with a beer or six.
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