Rev It Up cover

Rev It Up

Vixen · 1990

51 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

High-octane hard rock anthems intertwine with melodic hooks and fierce guitar riffs, embodying the spirit of the late '80s glam metal scene.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Rev It Up — The title track sets the tone for the album with its driving energy and catchy chorus, encapsulating Vixen's hard rock ethos and party-ready vibe.
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    Love Is a Killer — This song combines powerful vocals with a memorable hook, illustrating the band's knack for blending emotional lyrics with infectious melodies.
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    Bad Reputation — An empowering anthem that showcases the band's defiant spirit, this track resonates with themes of individuality and rebellion, making it a standout moment on the album.
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    Only a Heartbeat Away — Featuring a more introspective tone, this ballad highlights the vocal prowess of frontwoman Janet Gardner, demonstrating the band's versatility within their hard rock framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid hard rock songwriting but lacks standout tracks that elevate it above its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, establishing a consistent hard rock vibe.
  • Several songs feature dual harmonies in the verses, creating a layered vocal texture that enhances the melodic hooks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • uplifting motivational vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 1990, Rev It Up marked Vixen's second studio album following their self-titled debut. The record came during a period of rising popularity for the band, showcasing their signature blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities just before the genre's decline in mainstream relevance.
Stylistic neighbors
Lita Ford· Heart· Pat Benatar

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Rev It Up 5:01
  • 2 How Much Love 4:40
  • 3 Love Is a Killer 4:43
  • 4 Not a Minute Too Soon 4:26
  • 5 Streets in Paradise 4:32
  • 6 Hard 16 4:05
  • 7 Bad Reputation 4:09
  • 8 Fallen Hero 5:17
  • 9 Only a Heartbeat Away 5:07
  • 10 It Wouldn’t Be Love 4:42
  • 11 Wrecking Ball 5:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata