What makes Vixen by Vixen notable?

Vixen's debut album reached No. 57 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing the rising popularity of female-fronted rock bands during this era. The hit single 'Edge of a Broken Heart' became a top 30 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying Vixen's place in the glam rock landscape and influencing future generations of female musicians. Released in January 1988, Vixen's self-titled debut album marked their entry into the hard rock scene during a period dominated by male counterparts. The band was gaining traction after performing at various clubs and festivals, establishing themselves as a formidable force in a genre that was beginning to embrace female artists more prominently.

Vixen works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and catchy melodic hooks.

How many songs are on Vixen?

Vixen has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Vixen

Vixen · 1988

43 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

Hard-hitting riffs and soaring vocals intertwine, embodying the exuberance and defiance of late '80s glam rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Edge of a Broken Heart — This track encapsulates Vixen's signature sound with its catchy hooks and empowering lyrics, becoming their breakout hit that defined their early career.
→
I Want You to Rock Me — The song features an infectious chorus and showcases the band's energetic style, blending hard rock elements with a playful edge.
→
Cryin’ — A power ballad that highlights the vocal prowess of lead singer Janet Gardner, it reveals the band's ability to balance emotion with hard-hitting instrumentation.
→
American Dream — This track delivers a commentary on aspirations and societal expectations, resonating with listeners through its relatable themes set against a driving rock backdrop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and performance typical of its genre but lacks standout depth or innovation.

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 in the latter part.
Each song features prominent guitar riffs and harmonized vocals, often with a call-and-response structure between the lead and backing vocals.
Several tracks incorporate key changes that elevate the emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.

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

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

steady, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
catchy melodic hooks
engaging sing-along moments

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1988, Vixen's self-titled debut album marked their entry into the hard rock scene during a period dominated by male counterparts. The band was gaining traction after performing at various clubs and festivals, establishing themselves as a formidable force in a genre that was beginning to embrace female artists more prominently.
Stylistic neighbors: Lita Ford· Heart· Pat Benatar

Tracklist

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

1 Edge of a Broken Heart 4:23
2 I Want You to Rock Me 3:29
3 Cryin’ 3:32
4 American Dream 4:19
5 Desperate 4:17
6 One Night Alone 3:49
7 Hell Raisers 4:25
8 Love Made Me 3:18
9 Waiting 3:11
10 Cruisin’ 4:23
11 Charmed Life 4:04

What to play next

Listen next

Rev It Up

1990

Full Vixen discography Artists like Vixen

hard rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata