• Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Brett Anderson has always been the weakest link, so pointing out weak rhymes and the frequent unconvincing moments (she’s upstaged by the background vocals on the highlight “It’s So Hard”) seems cruel.
  2. While this release shows real growth, one questions if that's what Donnaholics are looking for.
  3. On Gold Medal, even when they fail, it seems as if that failure is a result of The Donnas trying to carve their own identity rather than just being a cute cover band that ran out of ideas.
  4. Gold Medal's tempos are sluggish and the lyrics are emotionally vacant.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    Pleasantly tuneful pop-punk. [23 Oct 2004, p.51]
  6. The lyrical sourness is less bothersome than their AC/DC posturing.
  7. Unfortunately one great number can't save the whole act.
  8. The band is learning to play their instruments better, but they’ve lost some aggression, which was the key to the little charm they had from the get-go.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Amanda
    Sep 19, 2006
    9
    I get so much new music allthe time, it's hard for something to break through the clutter, but something keeps pulling me back to this I get so much new music allthe time, it's hard for something to break through the clutter, but something keeps pulling me back to this album - I just love it! Really rocks, really fun! Yes, it's more produced, but in a good way. Full Review »
  2. samr
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    Loved it!
  3. MarkH
    Apr 4, 2005
    9
    This album flat-out rocks! Every song is awesome on this C.D. I listen to "Gold Medal" every day and never get tired of listening to it. This This album flat-out rocks! Every song is awesome on this C.D. I listen to "Gold Medal" every day and never get tired of listening to it. This is definatly one of the best rock C.D.'s I have ever listened to! Full Review »