The Donnas - The Donnas - LP
In his review, Brian Flota of All Music hails The Donnas' self-titled debut album as an exemplary homage to the Ramones, positioning the band as perhaps the most authentic revivalists of the punk rock legends. With tracks like "Get Rid of That Girl," "I Don't Want to Go to School," and "Teenage Runaway," the album wears its influences on its sleeve, marrying the simplicity of three-chord punk with narratives of teenage rebellion and mischief. Despite the recurring themes of defiance ("I Don't Wanna Go" and "Get Rid of That Girl") and illicit escapades ("Huff All Night," "Everybody's Smoking Cheeba," and "Friday Fun"), what sets the album apart is its infectious energy. The combination of brisk tempos, lo-fi production, and cheerleader-esque backing vocals injects a spirited "rah-rah" excitement into each track. Flota acknowledges the common critique of repetitiveness often levied against the Ramones by noting that while the songs on The Donnas' debut might not vary greatly from one another, the consistent quality ensures that the album remains engaging throughout, offering a delightful sonic experience reminiscent of punk's golden era.
Tracklist
Side A:
- Hey, I'm Gonna Be Your Girl
- Let's Go Mano!
- Teenage Runaway
- Lana & Stevie
- I'm Gonna Make Him Mine (Tonight)
- Huff All Night
- I Don't Wanna Go
Side B:
- We Don't Go
- Friday Fun
- Everybody's Smoking Cheeba
- Get Rid of That Girl
- Drive In
- Do You Wanna Go Out with Me
- Rock 'n' Roll Boy