"Demirep" – a word defined in the 7" liner notes as a "woman of doubtful repute; an adventuress" – opens with singer Kathleen Hanna and Jett playing the hand game "Miss Mary Mack".

"I Hate Danger" – b-side to "I Like Fucking", and one of the songs sung by Vail – is a metaphor for the systemic silencing of women, and features girl-group vocals.

AllMusic rated the album 4 out of 5 stars, saying "there's no noisy, murky, meandering at all, and the brighter production and melodic hooks pack a wallop.

"[8] Robert Christgau also reviewed the album positively, citing Bikini Kill's intensity, and called The Singles "striking and impressive.

She called The Singles "the defining document of the feminist punk band whose music remains relevant, righteous, and unflappably cool.