Review of Joan Jett: Bad Reputation

In December 2024, we revisited Joan Jett’s debut solo album, Bad Reputation (1980), a milestone in rock history. Jett’s bold voice and pioneering role as a female rocker broke barriers in a male-dominated genre.

While the album boasts standout tracks like the title song, its mix of hard rock and 50s-style pop felt uneven, with only four original songs. Despite this, Jett’s talent and energy shine through, making it a must-listen for understanding her impact on rock.

Though not a cohesive masterpiece, Bad Reputation offers a glimpse into Jett’s early journey and the evolution of women in rock. It’s worth a listen to appreciate where it all began!

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Joan Jett – Bad Reputation

Joan Jett – Bad Reputation: When Darren’s November pick of Elvis Presley’s self-titled debut had him reflecting on his first-ever album, it got me thinking: what was mine? After a stroll down memory lane, I landed on Joan Jett’s Bad Reputation. Released in 1980, this debut solo album marked Jett’s transition from The Runaways to solo stardom, paving the way for her legendary career in rock ‘n’ roll.I received this cassette for my 9th birthday in August 1982. At first, I was disappointed—it wasn’t Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, the album I’d actually requested. But after listening to Bad Reputation a few times, I was hooked. Classics like “Bad Reputation” and “Do Ya Wanna Touch” have stuck with me ever since.Now, decades later, I’m revisiting this album to see how it holds up and what it still has to say. Join me as I take a fresh listen to the music that first introduced me to the rebellious spirit of rock.

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