Itch
Kim Mitchell · 1994
50 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant mix of hard rock riffs and introspective lyrics colored by Kim Mitchell's signature guitar work and melodic sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Wonder Where & Why — This opening track introduces the album's balance of catchy melodies and reflective lyrics, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
-
→
The U.S. of Ache — This song tackles themes of disillusionment and personal struggle, showcasing Mitchell's lyrical depth alongside powerful instrumentation.
-
→
Karaoke Queen — With its playful take on nightlife and relationships, this track stands out for its upbeat energy and clever wordplay, highlighting Mitchell's versatility.
-
→
Human Condition — This song reflects on universal human experiences with poignant lyrics, demonstrating Mitchell's growth as a songwriter while maintaining his hard rock roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic hard rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing Mitchell's guitar work and songwriting.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- The lyrics often reflect personal and societal themes, creating a contrast between the hard rock instrumentation and thoughtful content.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- introspective lyrical reflections
- mid-tempo groove exploration
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1994, Itch is Kim Mitchell’s fifth studio album, following his commercial peak with the 1989 album, Shakin' Like a Human Being. At this point in his career, Mitchell was transitioning from the mainstream success of the late '80s to exploring more personal themes in his songwriting, reflecting on both his past and evolving artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- April Wine· Trooper· Rush
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Acrimony
The verse shifts perspective to explore intense feelings of betrayal and resentment through vivid imagery.
This moment employs stark contrasts in emotional expression that amplify the song’s theme, making the listener feel the weight of those emotions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wonder Where & Why 3:46
- 2 Acrimony 3:35
- 3 Lick Yer Finger 4:01
- 4 The U.S. of Ache 5:38
- 5 Lemon Wedge 5:33
- 6 Heartbreakbustop 4:57
- 7 Your Face or Mine 4:41
- 8 Human Condition 5:16
- 9 Stand 4:31
- 10 Karaoke Queen 4:22
- 11 Cheer Us On 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.