Feels Like

Bully - Feels Like
Critic Score
Based on 22 reviews
2015 Ratings: #187 / 1021
User Score
Based on 122 ratings
2015 Rank: #264
Liked by 6 people
June 23, 2015 / Release Date
LP / Format
Indie Rock / Genre
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CRITIC REVIEWS

100
GIGsoup
To be cut in the same studio as grunge royalty Nirvana, PJ Harvey and Pixies was no doubt a privilege for Bognanno and her band, but with this record Bully have proved that they are ready to join their ranks
92
Paste

Feels Like is a debut of the same melodic stripes as Weezer’s Blue Album, and it comes as a package deal with all the emotional honesty and intensity of their Pinkerton.

90
No Ripcord
This refreshing, thoroughly relatable take on the art of growing up will genuinely will be a contender for Album of the Year come December.
85
The Line of Best Fit

Feels Like is the culmination of everything Bognanno has learned about making music and, most importantly, about herself; an album of unflinching rawness full of tight, searing tracks that whizz along at breakneck speed.

80
Under the Radar

It is one thing to have influences, it is another to utilise them effectively and to push genres back towards the sunlight. Bully do this with such unique aplomb they end up striding firmly forwards rather than glancing self-consciously backwards.

80
Exclaim!
The directness of Bully's songs — both emotionally and melodically — is their strongest asset, but it's tough to argue that Bognanno has any discernable weakness when it comes to her music.
80
SPIN
The efforts are Frankensteinian in approach, shocking new life into old parts.
80
NME
Throw in the odd goofy rock’n’roll chorus (‘Brainfreeze’) and frothing pop-punk hurricane (‘Milkman’), and you’ve got an album that revels in the simplicity of a great pop song while cleverly articulating the everyday truths of 20-something life, on Bognanno’s terms alone.
78
Pitchfork

The '90s nostalgia of Feels Like is undeniable, but the hooks are catchy and Bully are most reminiscent of an under-appreciated band—the Blake Babies circa 1989’s Earwig and 1990 follow-up Sunburn.

75
Consequence of Sound

The quartet’s debut album, Feels Like, is simultaneously youthful and weary, its bubblegum melodies punctured by Bognanno’s stark lyrics and abraded voice.

75
A.V. Club
While the record has its fair share of these raucous rippers—“Milkman” and “Six” fit that bill—Bully’s quick to show it can excel by easing off the gas pedal.
75
Northern Transmissions

Whilst Feels Like is angry there’s always a reflective narrative element running through it too – Bully manage to deliver both irreverence and sentimentality.

70
PopMatters
Bully’s exuberant strain of alt-rock is undeniably vintage, but what keeps the music afloat above the familiar jangle guitars and chunky bass lines is that spirited attitude of sunny nostalgia that Bognanno so deftly taps into.
70
Rolling Stone

Like Chastity Belt or Colleen Green, Bully hot-wire the roar of 1994 pop punk — they sound like two key influences might be both Veruca and Salt.

60
American Songwriter
There’s not much in the way of innovation here, but there’s a hell of a lot of fun to be had.
60
AllMusic

As it is, Feels Like gets high marks for craft but barely merits a passing grade for fresh thinking.

40
The Guardian

The Nashville band’s debut is a grab-bag of early-90s alt-rock styles that sounded tired by the mid-90s – and haven’t got any fresher since.

100

Masterpiece! I don't know how many times I restarted the CD.

KevinPasos
91

One of the most solid debut rock records in recent history. Juxtaposed with stories of heartbreak and insecurities, slapped on top of loud, and in your face grunge inspired music. It's a very personal project, but at the same time accessible to many.

Essential Tracks - I Remember // Trying // Trash // Picture // Milkman

NR

Meh. I expected better, Trying is the best track by far.

StewieB70
95

The only time I heard this band is on Guitar hero live. Decided to check the album out, and I love it. Definitely recommend listening to this! 👍👍

100

Masterpiece! I don't know how many times I restarted the CD.

KevinPasos
91

One of the most solid debut rock records in recent history. Juxtaposed with stories of heartbreak and insecurities, slapped on top of loud, and in your face grunge inspired music. It's a very personal project, but at the same time accessible to many.

Essential Tracks - I Remember // Trying // Trash // Picture // Milkman

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Track List

1I Remember
1:47
85
2Reason
2:46
85
3Too Tough
3:17
84
4Brainfreeze
2:36
84
5Trying
3:53
85
6Trash
3:58
75
7Six
2:17
87
8Picture
2:48
81
9Milkman
2:04
87
10Bully
2:25
81
Total Length: 27 minutes
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Added on: March 26, 2015