Ain't That a Bitch cover

Released 50 years ago

Ain't That a Bitch

Johnny "Guitar" Watson · 1976

34 min · 7 tracks · blues

A fusion of funky grooves and soulful blues that showcases a charismatic vocal delivery and electrifying guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Want To Ta-Ta You Baby — This track epitomizes the album's playful yet sensual spirit, featuring infectious rhythms and Watson's smooth vocals that captivate listeners.
  • →
    Superman Lover — As one of Watson’s most recognized songs, it combines catchy hooks with clever lyrics, illustrating his knack for storytelling within the realm of funk.
  • →
    Ain't That A Bitch — The title track exemplifies Watson's signature blend of humor and seriousness, using wit to address life's challenges while maintaining an upbeat groove.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Watson blends funk and blues with skilled guitar work and engaging vocals, making this album distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong groove in 'I Need It' that sets a funky tone, which is maintained through the first four tracks.
  • The vocal delivery is charismatic and dynamic, often shifting between smooth melodies and more aggressive phrasing, particularly in 'Superman Lover'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sultry grooves for dancing
  • charismatic energy for celebration
  • short bursts of vibrant fun
  • playful anthems with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective tunes
  • seek lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1976, Ain't That a Bitch was Johnny 'Guitar' Watson's sixth studio album, following his transition to a more funk-oriented sound. At this point in his career, Watson was emerging as a significant figure in the R&B scene, blending traditional blues with contemporary funk elements and showcasing his signature guitar style.
Stylistic neighbors
Albert King· T-Bone Walker· Otis Rush

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Superman Lover

    The verse shifts perspectives to directly address a romantic interest, creating an intimate connection with the listener.

    This direct approach enhances the song’s appeal, allowing listeners to feel personally involved in the narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I Need It 4:46
  • 2 I Want To Ta-Ta You Baby 5:49
  • 3 Superman Lover 5:45
  • 4 Ain't That A Bitch 5:02
  • 5 Since I Met You Baby 3:30
  • 6 We're No Exception 4:18
  • 7 Won't You Forgive Me Baby 5:16

What to play next

A Real Mother for Ya
Listen next

A Real Mother for Ya

1977
I Don’t Want to Be Alone, Stranger
Go back to

I Don’t Want to Be Alone, Stranger

1975
Full Johnny "Guitar" Watson discography Artists like Johnny "Guitar" Watson

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata