What does Bastards sound like?

Raw energy and relentless riffs collide with gritty lyrics, embodying the unyielding spirit of heavy metal. Rooted in hard rock and heavy metal. Start with "On Your Feet or on Your Knees".

Is Bastards a good place to start with Motörhead?

Yes, Bastards is recommended as a starting point for new Motörhead listeners. Raw energy and relentless riffs collide with gritty lyrics, embodying the unyielding spirit of heavy metal. By the time 'Bastards' was released in 1993, Motörhead had solidified their status as heavy metal pioneers. This album marked their first release after signing with ZYX Music, showcasing a return to their aggressive sound following the more polished production of previous albums. It was also a crucial moment as they embraced a rawer style that appealed to both old fans and new listeners.

Bastards works well if you're into explosive energy for workout sessions, dynamic peaks and valleys experience and short bursts of intense engagement.

How many songs are on Bastards?

Bastards has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Bastards

Motörhead · 1993

51 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

Raw energy and relentless riffs collide with gritty lyrics, embodying the unyielding spirit of heavy metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On Your Feet or on Your Knees Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Born to Raise Hell — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and powerful themes of rebellion, making it a quintessential Motörhead song that embodies their ethos.
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Death or Glory — The driving riffs and urgent vocals encapsulate the album's high energy while delivering a compelling message about living life to the fullest.
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Don't Let Daddy Kiss Me — With its darker lyrical themes and haunting melody, this track showcases Motörhead's ability to blend aggression with vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks the cohesion of earlier works.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature prominent guitar solos that are interwoven with gritty vocal lines, creating a layered sound.
The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable shift in tempo and intensity, allowing for a brief respite before concluding with a cover of 'Jumpin’ Jack Flash.'

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

explosive energy for workout sessions
dynamic peaks and valleys experience
short bursts of intense engagement
cathartic release through gritty vocals

Maybe skip if you

prefer mellow background listening
seek long, reflective soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — 'Bastards' is seen as a return to form, showcasing renewed creativity and strong critical reception.
Themes: rebellious spirit· gritty resilience· life on the edge
Career context: By the time 'Bastards' was released in 1993, Motörhead had solidified their status as heavy metal pioneers. This album marked their first release after signing with ZYX Music, showcasing a return to their aggressive sound following the more polished production of previous albums. It was also a crucial moment as they embraced a rawer style that appealed to both old fans and new listeners.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· AC/DC