Over the last couple of months, both Darren and Scott picked the first albums they ever owned for us to review, so I’m continuing the trend. The first album I ever owned was Best of the Beach Boys, vol. 2 on cassette. Compiled and released by Capitol Records in 1967, this album served to fill a gap in releases by the band to keep the fans happy and the hype train going. Best of The Beach Boys vol. 2 features a selection of iconic tracks that showcase The Beach Boys’ signature surf-rock sounds, filled with many popular hit songs, including Surfin’ Safari and California Girls. Join us at the end of the month for our review.
Continue readingReview 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!
Continue readingJoan 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.
Continue readingReview of Elvis Presley: Self Titled
Take a Musical Journey with the King: Elvis Presley’s Debut Album
What made Elvis Presley the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? This month on The Sonic Collective, the team dives into the groundbreaking self-titled debut album that launched Elvis into stardom. Released in 1956, this record is a time capsule of raw energy and revolutionary sound that forever changed the music landscape.
Ready to shake, rattle, and roll? Don’t miss this nostalgic and insightful episode dropping the first week of December 2024! Check it out at thesoniccollective.com and join the conversation.
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