Customer Reviews

Bitchin

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In my opinion, The Donnas are one of the best rock bands to emerge within the last 10 years. I've been listening to The Donnas since the late '90s and what I've liked about them most is with each album, they've consistently progressed and developed their sound. With the release of "Gold Medal," while many think it was a "sellout" album or an abandonment of their raw, punk sounding music, I felt that they finally evolved into a solid rock group. They really matured with that album and I was looking for that to carry over into "Bitchin'." This new album is really solid and Alison's guitar is heavier than ever. It melds both their sound from "Spend the Night," with '80s metal/arena rock. However, it doesn't seem like the logical progression one would expect from their last release. They really grew up on "Gold Medal." But this album seems to take a step back. It gives you the impression that when they wrote these songs they specifically set out to sound '80s, rather than just build off the sound that came naturally on "Gold Medal." That being said, it is still classic Donnas and a great listen.

This disc is non stop riff rock, classic rock/metal sound of the 70's & 80's. I was somewhat surprised by this disc and the move towards metal by the Donnas. It all works, the lyrics are delivered with attitude and perspective. The shout along choruses, driving rhythms, and infectious guitar make this disc simply addictive. Although a departure from their punk/alt sound the Donnas remain tight This talented band flat out rocks! Play It LOUD!

- or you can take Rock out of the garage, but you can't the garage out of Rock.

If you are like me and have become bored with all the whining of Neo/Post-grundge bands, and want some no-frills Rock then this CD is for you.

The Donnas just keep getting better and better. It's nice to have a band out there that still knows how Rock, especially with all these alternative bands out there.
Highly recommend this album for anyone that wants to Rock!

I'm not gonna waste a lot of time here. Suffice it to say that after the (deservedly-) ill-fated sellout that was "Gold Medal", the Donnas have apparently come to the realization that they are not going to blow the likes of James Blunt and Hannah Montana off the charts. . .so, they've started their own label and have decided to turn up Alison's guitars and Maya's bass for a new album that I could best describe as sounding like a combination of Joan Jett (the rhythm and tempo on many of the tracks) and Girlschool (the overall spirit and "shout-along" choruses). Gets better with every listen, so if your opinion isn't immediately tainted by the inexplicably awful opening track, skip ahead and have fun guessing what old songs they stole the hooks from. A nice turn for the Donnas, even if the "leather chick" persona so strongly cultivated here is a bit self-consciously over the top.

The Good
"Bitchin'" is a slow and dark as it begins. The long instrumental makes you feel as if something great is going to happen. As the track draws to an end, the lyrics let you know for sure that something great is going to happen. I'm sure this one will be used as their entrance song. The riff-oriented song "Don't Wait Up For Me" makes it clear that the relationship is over. Pounding drums and arena-rock driven riffs dominate "What Do I Have to Do." Vocalist Brett Anderson begs and pleads with the object of her affection here. "Save Me" keeps the arena rock riffage in tow and adds a shout-along chorus.

"Like an Animal" is sure to make any man's blood boil with its hot and sexy lyrics. The Donnas prove that men aren't the only ones with naughty and carnal thoughts. Anderson declares that it's "Better Off Dancing" than spending time with a deadbeat. The chorus of "Smoke You Out" is loaded with lots of melody. "Girl Talk" shows how vindictive and vengeful young girls can be with each other, especially when rumors are spread. "Give Me What I Want" makes blackmail sound oh so good.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
Bitchin' is a little more raw sounding than previous major label efforts by The Donnas, but I think it's the indie labels that do them the most justice anyway. On their latest, The Donnas delivery plenty of arena rock anthems, memorable hooks, catchy lyrics, and powerful rock and roll energy. The album title truly lives up to its name.

everytime i see a review about the Donnas, they are getting ripped for this or ripped for that. the lyrics are too juvenile, is a common one. WHO CARES! if its good its good, ac/dc didnt have the most deep lyrics in the world on Back In Black and thats still the greatest hard rock album EVER. Bitchin' is simply that, its Bitchin' catchy tunes, rockin beats, and production values that you wouldnt be expecting from a band that has almost always been indie and is now starting there own label. its a great album and the Donnas are still the most underrated band out there. and yes BRETT CAN SING! this album and the last she has started moving towards singing more and "talking" less, but the "talking" went with the original punk rock roots of the band

Ok...I have watched a lot of garbage get five star reviews on Amazon from fans who are so addicted to an artist that they could fart and get five stars!! (For example, PJ Harvey's latest attempt to get paid for nothing with "White Chalk" which I generously gave a single star...) However, this latest release from The Donnas is everything that any true rock fan will love. In a country who's Billboard Top 100 is dominated by absolute talentless trash, (over 50 percent Rap!!), it is reassuring to hear some good old original rock and roll by some talented artists who actually write songs and play instruments!! I have watched this group grow and grow over the years and I think that this is by far one of their best to date...These artists should be on a major label selling out stadiums, but we have gone so backward musically over the last decade that real talent can only be found on Independent labels! If you are disappointed by this album, then you should be listening to Eminem!!! There's no bubblegum-pop here. just pure talent....Long live Rock And Roll!

The Donnas' seventh album is a return to the better stuff. As "Gold Medal" was commercially accepted, the new album is more brutal stuff, just like "Spend the Night" and "Get Skintight". After the 2-minute intro song starts "Don't Wait Up for Me" which really is a great song. The girls sing about "bedroom things" quite shamelessly. The best examples are "Like an Animal", "Love You Till It Hurts", "Here for the Party", and "Give Me What I Want". This album is defintely awesome rocking album, and that's what I wanted them to do.
Stars: Here for the Party, Like an Animal, Girl Talk, Give Me What I Want

I saw The Donnas in Portland last night and owned two of their albums prior. After hearing some of the new material I bought the new album on iTunes (for two buck more than here) and created a "Donnas Favorites" album - 8 tracks are from this album. EIGHT. It is a superb effort from a band that has roots somewhere between the Ramones and AC/DC. Bitchin, Don't wait up for me, Wasted, What do I have to do, Like an animal, Smoke you out, Girl Talk and Give me what I want all made the cut. Very few artists can create an album that has this many songs worth keeping. I highly recommend catching this tour if you can, this material is "can't miss".