Employing a heaping dose of shock value, Lennon Stella uses “BITCH (takes one to know one)” to empower females and set shallow males straight.  

“You do the things you do, oh God / You know what they say / It takes a bitch to know a bitch / It takes a bitch to know a bitch.” Never underestimate the power of shock value.  Without context, a record like “BITCH (takes one to know one)” sounds totally risqué to the nth degree, thanks to its reference to a ‘female dog.’ But, Lennon Stella isn’t being intentionally risqué or setting to her own sex back through the use of the infamous five-letter word, but rather she exhibits female power.

Throughout the course of “BITCH,” Lennon Stella seems to be totally disgusted by the behavior men can exhibit.  It begins with the first line of the first verse, where Stella criticizes his tasteless humor – “Driving through the canyon, you said it like a joke/ … I know you won’t apologize / You sent me down the river to see if I would float away.”  Her disdain continues on the second verse, where it’s clear that she’s still pissed off, despite him brushing it off.

“You walk into the party, you’re laughing with our friends

You make it look so easy, but I just can’t pretend

How can you act like everything’s alright…?

Somebody take this weight away.”

Final Thoughts 

Ugh, the bro totally messed up, something that Lennon Stella confirms on the pre-chorus. Of course, she takes matters into her own hands on the feisty chorus, excerpted at the top of the review. Musically, “BITCH (takes one to know one)” is respectably produced, and Stella sings well.  Still, it’s the messaging, sort of a bold means of female empowerment, that serves as the crowning achievement of this pop joint.  To reiterate, never underestimate the power of shock value.

Lennon Stella • BITCH (takes one to know one) [Single] • RECORDS, LLC / Columbia • Release: 3.15.19

Photo Credits: RECORDS, LLC / Columbia