Life's a Bitch
Raven · 1987
52 min · 13 tracks · speed metal
A relentless barrage of speed metal riffs fused with anthemic choruses, embodying the raw energy of the late '80s metal scene.
Top tracks — play these first
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Life's a Bitch — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and resilience, featuring aggressive riffs and a catchy chorus that exemplifies Raven's signature style.
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On the Wings of an Eagle — This track showcases the band's ability to blend melodic elements with high-speed instrumentation, offering a soaring chorus that highlights their lyrical optimism amidst chaos.
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Only the Strong Survive — With its driving rhythm and motivational lyrics, this song serves as a rallying cry, embodying the spirit of perseverance that resonates throughout the album.
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Juggernaut — The closing track features intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, making it a standout that demonstrates both technical prowess and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic speed metal with anthemic choruses but lacks some depth in composition.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, maintaining high energy through the first half.
- Choruses are often anthemic and repetitive, designed for audience participation during live performances.
- The last three tracks slow down slightly, providing a brief respite before the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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 mid-tempo progression
- gritty vocals for raw energy
- focused listening in order
- cathartic release through intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek melodic softness
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Life's a Bitch is Raven's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, Nothing Exceeds Like Excess. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves as a leading force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement while experimenting with faster tempos and more complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· Accept
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Never Forgive
A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative shifts from despair to defiance through imagery of vengeance and survival.
This shift not only underscores a thematic climax but also showcases Raven's lyrical complexity, moving beyond simple aggression into a more profound reflection on consequence.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Savage and the Hungry 3:47
- 2 Pick Your Window 3:29
- 3 Life's a Bitch 3:46
- 4 Never Forgive 4:38
- 5 Iron League 3:20
- 6 On the Wings of an Eagle 6:34
- 7 Overload 4:17
- 8 You're a Liar 2:38
- 9 Fuel to the Fire 3:43
- 10 Only the Strong Survive 3:44
- 11 Juggernaut 5:07
- 12 Playing With the Razor 3:20
- 13 Finger on the Trigger 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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