Customer Reviews

Album

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think this is musically the best disc that Joan Jett has done. I wore out the first cassette I bought of this release (the one with the extra unlisted "Star Star".) I now have it on disc and it is the most played of all of my Joan Jett discs. The words on this disc are her best writing as a whole. If you don't have it, get it.

When rock stars gush today about Joan Jett being a 'survivor'and an 'inspiration', it's becuz of records like ALBUM. It simplyworks the sweat out of you. Joan's getting sweaty on these songs too,which makes her more recent output seem stale by comparison. There'sno big hit single here("Fake Friends" was the odd first pickfor radio and it didn't sell--too bad since it's very catchy andclever). But the record is not bubblegum. It quite simply COOKS.

I first bought my "Album" LP at a K-Mart in the summer of '83...little did I know! I've played this record more than most any other in my collection... I'm talking HUNDREDS of times. Let's just say it's aged very well. Joan could have released this album in 1973 or 2003 and it wouldn't sound dated. You've probably remember "Everyday People" (the Sly Stone version recently co-opted on Toyota's latest ad campaign) and "Fake Friends" from Eighties rock radio. I've air-guitar-grooved forever to the gritty grrrl lust of "The French Song" and "Handyman"...this record can wake you up in the morning, drive you home in the car - or rock the house at your next party. "Album" has a mean love jones - and a sense of humor. When I had a chance to finally meet Jett at an Albany-area show a few years ago, do you know which CD cover I had her sign? Three guesses.

Sure, "I Love Rock n' Roll" has all of her best known hits on it. But "Album" crushes that (ahem) album like a grape. Gritty grrrl rock packed to the rim with fat, crunchy riffs. "Everyday People" is without a doubt the goofiest cover La Jett has recorded (although "Little Drummer Boy" and "Love is all Around" both tie for a close second). Contains the great kiss-off anthems "Fake Friends" and "Had Enough." And a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Star Star" that undoubtedly is the fourth goofiest cover the Blackhearts have thrown down. Buy this and the Runaways' "Queens of Noise" for a true glam-trash-femme rock education.

"Album" (1983) #20.
In 1983, Joan Jett was busy touring promoting her new album "Album". I saw her twice that year, once at Fort Hays State, she sold out 6,500 and the second time at Lake Wilson in Kansas at a little dive off 1-70 called "Lakeside", she put everything into her performance both times. "Album", was her follow up to "ILRR". This record went gold, but I was totally amazed were did her fans go. This collection has some strong songs in, "Fake Friends" #33 Hot 100, the graphic "Handyman", the Sly And The Family Stone cover "Everyday People", #37 hot 100, her riff rocker "Secret Love", the Rolling Stone cover "Star, Star", "French Song", #30 MSR, with her breathless vocals and growl. She does her own cover of The Runaways classic "I Love Playing With Fire", great workout here, solid guitar by Ricky Byrd. "Coney Island Whitefish", is vulgar and good. Not as great as "ILRR", but still top notch Joan. 1984 brought us another top flight album, but it hardly sold.

A hard-charging collection of covers and originals, including two versions of a Sly & The Family Stone classic (both of which I prefer over the original, since Joan gives it more of an edge). The album as a whole captures Joan's spunk and attitude, and it sets the tone for all other albums produced by the Blackhearts. I would recommend this one as a means of introducing Joan Jett to those who haven't heard her music before. Very satisfying.

The interplay between Joan and Ricky Byrd is Rock and Roll Perfection! The guitars bristle with real electric energy, buzzes and crackles intact. The songwriting is top notch as well. Finally, like any great rock album the cover is a classic!

Joan Jett is a talented artist, and I think "Album" may well be her best work, it is certainly my favorite of her earlier albums. I'll take "Fake Friends" up against any of her songs. A true gem of a record. Rock on Joan!

Ala 1983, angry teenager and she is not amused by Madonna or Bananarama! My high school boyfriend took me to the Boston Opera House to see Ms. La Jett and I could have kissed him for it! The amazing Ms. Jett rocked out earlier, radioed hits yet all treated from this musical text was pure bliss to my 15 year old inner and sanctified bitchesse.Are you a female in America? This is the Joan for you. Point is, I'll be 80 years old and I will honor the coming of age rage that is the sage of this "album", while I wile away in the old rage home!Coney Island Whitefish and The French Song are still lots of crazy fun.And damn good therapy!

I love Joan Jett! Need I say more!