Joan Jett – Bad Reputation
December 2024
Selection by Scott Coates
When Darren chose the first album he ever owned for his November 2024 pick (Elvis Presley – self titled), it got me thinking about what my first album was? I know I had some kids albums of course and then a couple Village People ones (but we’re not doing that) and after some consideration, I think my first ‘real album’ was Joan Jett’s debut album, Bad Reputation. So, without intending it, Darren has inspired me to go back to that first real ‘adult’ album I ever had and take a trip down memory lane.
Bad Reputation was Joan Jett’s debut solo studio album after her band The Runaways called it quits. It was originally released independently in May 1980, self titled, then Jett signed with Boardwalk Records and it was re-released worldwide with this new title on January 23, 1981. It was pretty favorably received, with Jett having song writing credits on just 4 of 12 songs, with 5 singles being released. This was pre Jett forming The Black Hearts. Today Jett is recognized as one of the OG females of rock n’ roll and is still going strong today. She’s a legend.
So I was about 9 years old when my parents gave this cassette to me for my birthday. I remember we were camping and I really love the song I Love Rock n’ Roll, which was on Jett’s second album, released in January 1982, which makes me think I got Bad Reputation in August 1982 for my 9th birthday. I asked for I Love Rock n’ Roll, but they must have gotten confused and bought the wrong album. I remember feeling disappointed at first, but then going into our car at the campsite and listening to it a few times. I dug it. I still regularly listen to singles Bad Reputation and Do Ya Wanna Touch, but beyond that I have zero memory of the rest of the album.
So let’s strap in, go on a journey down memory lane and see what we think of my first real album and Jett’s debut, who has remained relevant since that time. Rock on!
Links:
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation: Wikipedia
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation: Apple Music
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