Complete List of Joan Jett Albums And Songs

Notorious

Released August 20, 1991

When Joan Jett released Notorious on August 20, 1991, it marked a striking shift in her sound, blending raw rock energy with darker, introspective themes that reflected her place in an evolving music industry. The album was a deliberate effort to reconnect with her punk roots while exploring a more experimental and mature approach to songwriting, showcasing her adaptability in a rapidly changing musical landscape.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and additional studios in New York City, Notorious was co-produced by Jett, Kenny Laguna, and Thom Panunzio. The Blackhearts—featuring Ricky Byrd on guitar, Thommy Price on drums, and Kenny Aaronson on bass—provided the driving force behind the album’s dynamic sound. Tracks like “Backlash,” co-written with Paul Westerberg of The Replacements, infused punk grit with sharp hooks, while “Treadin’ Water” displayed a deeper emotional resonance.

Though it did not achieve major commercial success, Notorious earned critical recognition for its fearless experimentation and authentic energy. Songs like “Ashes in the Wind” and “Don’t Surrender” highlighted Jett’s ability to blend vulnerability with defiance, ensuring the album’s lasting appeal among fans and solidifying its place as a unique entry in her catalog.

Track Listing:

1. “Backlash” – 3:29
2. “Ashes in the Wind” – 3:57
3. “The Only Good Thing (You Ever Said Was Goodbye)” – 3:53
4. “Treadin’ Water” – 4:18
5. “Wait for Me” – 4:06
6. “Misunderstood” – 3:15
7. “Wonderin’” – 3:33
8. “I Want You” – 3:44
9. “Don’t Surrender” – 3:35
10. “Machismo” – 5:00

Pure and Simple

Released June 14, 1994

Pure and Simple stands as one of Joan Jett’s most socially charged and collaborative albums, embodying the fiery ethos of the Riot Grrrl movement that heavily influenced its creation. Released on June 14, 1994, the album emerged as a response to a shifting musical landscape, blending punk energy with feminist undertones and addressing personal and societal themes. Tracks like “Go Home,” co-written with Kathleen Hanna, directly respond to the tragic murder of Mia Zapata, while other songs reflect Jett’s refusal to conform to the music industry’s expectations.

The album marked a new chapter for Jett and The Blackhearts, with a restructured lineup featuring bassist Kenny Aaronson and lead guitarist Tony “Bruno” Rey, following the departure of longtime members Ricky Byrd and Kasim Sulton. Produced by Jett alongside Kenny Laguna, Thom Panunzio, and other collaborators, the album was recorded across multiple studios, including New York’s Power Station and Los Angeles’ A&M Studios. It also featured contributions from Riot Grrrl icons such as Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill) and Kat Bjelland (Babes in Toyland), reinforcing its feminist punk foundation. Musicians like Blake Brocksmith on harmonica and Chuck Kentis on keyboards added further layers to the album’s dynamic sound.

With tracks such as “Spinster,” “Activity Grrrl,” and the vinyl-exclusive “Here to Stay,” Pure and Simple was praised for its unapologetic approach and authenticity. Although it did not achieve mainstream commercial success, the album’s significance lies in its ability to merge activism with music, leaving a lasting legacy as an album that stayed true to its principles while inspiring a new wave of fans.

Track Listing

1. “Go Home” – 2:42
2. “Eye to Eye” – 3:30
3. “Spinster” – 2:44
4. “Torture” – 3:35
5. “Rubber & Glue” – 3:19
6. “As I Am” – 4:35
7. “Activity Grrrl” – 3:45
8. “Insecure” – 3:11
9. “Wonderin’” – 4:53
10. “Consumed” – 4:40
11. “You Got a Problem” – 3:57
12. “Brighter Day” – 6:06

Vinyl Release Alternative Track

11. “Here to Stay” – 3:57

Japanese Edition Bonus Tracks

7. “Hostility” – 3:37
8. “World of Denial” – 4:14

Naked

Released April 27, 2004

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ Naked offers an intriguing mix of hard rock and alternative influences, marking Jett’s return to raw, provocative themes and experimental sounds. Exclusively released in Japan on April 27, 2004, the album features bold explorations of identity, rebellion, and the complexities of relationships, evident in its eclectic tracklist. The record was crafted across an array of notable studios, including Armoury Studios and Vancouver Studios in Canada, as well as Studio 900 and The Hit Factory in New York City, among others.

The production roster for Naked reads like a hall of fame, with industry giants such as Kenny Laguna, Ted Templeman, Bob Rock, Joey Levine, and Joan Jett herself contributing to the album’s unique sonic textures. Each producer brought their distinctive style to the project, giving the album its multi-faceted identity. With tracks like the introspective “Naked,” co-written with Rudy Yuly, and “Baby Blue,” written alongside Kathleen Hanna, Jett infuses the album with a personal and collaborative spirit. Cover songs such as The Replacements’ “Androgynous” and Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” showcase Jett’s ability to reinterpret classic tracks while retaining her signature edge.

Naked also features an impressive lineup of musicians, with Jett leading the charge on rhythm guitar and vocals, backed by Doug Cangialosi on lead guitar, Sami Yaffa on bass, and Thommy Price on drums. Kathleen Hanna’s backing vocals add depth and feminist punk authenticity, particularly on tracks like “Tube Talkin’” and “Watersign.” The album is further enhanced by orchestral arrangements from Chris Palmero and production finesse from Tony “Bruno” Rey and others.

Track Listing

1. “Naked” – 4:07
2. “Bad Time” (JJ Mix) – 4:59
3. “Fetish” – 3:22
4. “Androgynous” – 3:08
5. “Science Fiction/Double Feature” – 3:54
6. “Right in the Middle” – 3:48
7. “Turn It Around” – 3:45
8. “Everyone Knows” – 3:10
9. “Baby Blue” – 4:05
10. “Kiss on the Lips” – 3:22
11. “Watersign” – 3:10
12. “Tube Talkin’” – 3:37
13. “Season of the Witch” – 5:03
14. “Bad Time” (Monster Mix) – 5:00
15. “Can’t Live Without You” – 2:34
16. “Five” – 5:16

Sinner

Released June 13, 2006

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ Sinner stood as a defiant statement of purpose, combining sharp political commentary with raw, hard-edged rock. Emerging from a twelve-year gap since Jett’s last U.S. album of new material, Pure and Simple, this record channeled frustration and empowerment into a collection of tracks that pushed boundaries while honoring Jett’s rebellious legacy. From the biting lyrics of “Riddles” to the electrifying cover of Sweet’s “A.C.D.C.,” the album reflected Jett’s ability to evolve while staying true to her punk-rock roots. delivering a hard-hitting collection that blended new material with reimagined tracks from their Japan-only release, Naked.

Released on June 13, 2006, by Blackheart Records, the album showcased Jett’s iconic energy while diving into politically charged themes and raw, unapologetic sounds. Notable tracks include the politically driven “Riddles,” Jett’s first overtly political song, and a cover of Sweet’s “A.C.D.C.,” which underscored her knack for reviving classics with her unique edge.

Recorded between 1999 and 2006, Sinner was primarily created at Soundtrack Studios in New York City, with production led by a powerhouse team including Kenny Laguna, Ted Templeman, Bob Rock, Joey Levine, and Jett herself. The album features a mix of new tracks and selections from Naked, offering fresh mixes and updated arrangements. The inclusion of enhanced content, such as a behind-the-scenes video for “A.C.D.C.” and a digital lyric sheet, highlighted the band’s innovative approach to engaging their audience.

The lineup for Sinner includes Joan Jett on rhythm guitar and vocals, Dougie Needles on lead guitar, Enzo Penizzotto on bass, and Thommy Price on drums. Kenny Laguna contributed on keyboards and backing vocals while also leading the production efforts. Tracks like “Change the World” and “Tube Talkin’” demonstrated Jett’s enduring ability to balance rock anthems with introspection, while covers such as The Replacements’ “Androgynous” showcased her reverence for punk influences.

Track Listing

1. “Riddles” – 4:01
2. “A.C.D.C.” – 3:20
3. “Five” – 5:14
4. “Naked” – 3:51
5. “Everyone Knows” – 3:13
6. “Change the World” – 3:07
7. “Androgynous” – 3:08
8. “Fetish” – 3:23
9. “Watersign” – 3:10
10. “Tube Talkin’” – 3:37
11. “Turn It Around” – 3:44
12. “Baby Blue” – 4:06
13. “A Hundred Feet Away” – 2:33
14. “Bad Time” – 5:01

Unvarnished

Released September 30, 2013

Marking a reflective yet assertive chapter in Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ storied career, Unvarnished stands as a testament to resilience and authenticity. Recorded between 2011 and 2013 at various studios, including Germano Studios in New York City and 606 Studios in Los Angeles, this album offers a hard rock edge while exploring deeply personal themes of loss, aging, and perseverance. Notably, it reached number forty-seven on the US Billboard 200, marking Jett’s highest charting album since The Hit List in 1990.

Produced by Joan Jett herself alongside collaborators such as Dave Grohl, Kenny Laguna, and Thom Panunzio, the album includes standout tracks like “Any Weather” (a Grohl co-write) and “TMI,” both of which showcase the enduring vitality of Jett’s sound. The record also features contributions from Blackhearts members Dougie Needles, Acey Slade, and Thommy Price, as well as orchestral arrangements that provide a lush backdrop on tracks like “Hard to Grow Up.”

The album’s themes of introspection and rebellion resonate strongly, bolstered by live bonus tracks on exclusive editions, including a fiery rendition of “Bad Reputation.” Critics lauded Unvarnished for its raw honesty, with standout reviews from publications like Paste, which awarded it a score of 7.4/10, praising its blend of grit and vulnerability.

Tracklisting:

1. “Any Weather (606 Version)” – 3:24
2. “TMI” – 3:49
3. “Soulmates to Strangers” – 3:12
4. “Make It Back” – 3:17
5. “Hard to Grow Up” – 4:21
6. “Fragile” – 3:39
7. “Reality Mentality” – 3:05
8. “Bad as We Can Be” – 3:53
9. “Different” – 3:36
10. “Everybody Needs a Hero” – 2:34

Changeup

Released March 25, 2022

In 2022, Joan Jett once again demonstrated her ability to redefine her artistry with Changeup, an acoustic reinterpretation of her rock catalog. Released on March 25, 2022, this album showcased Jett’s talent for stripping her music down to its raw, emotive core while maintaining the rebellious spirit that has defined her career. The collection spans decades, revisiting some of her most iconic songs as well as lesser-known gems, all reimagined through the intimacy of an acoustic lens.

The album was recorded across multiple sessions, reflecting Jett’s commitment to exploring the essence of her music in a stripped-down format. Featuring production from Kenny Laguna and Joan Jett herself, Changeup highlighted her connection to her material and the enduring quality of her songwriting. The acoustic arrangements emphasize the emotional weight and lyrical depth of tracks like “Bad Reputation,” “Cherry Bomb,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” while also introducing a fresh perspective on her music.

Changeup features Jett alongside a minimalistic lineup that includes longtime collaborators such as Kenny Laguna and Dougie Needles. Their cohesive performances allow each track to shine in its acoustic simplicity. With this release, Joan Jett reminded listeners of her versatility and ability to evolve while staying true to her roots.

Track Listings

Disc 1

1. “Long Time” (Acoustic)
2. “Light of Day” (Acoustic)
3. “(I’m Gonna) Run Away” (Acoustic)
4. “You’re Too Possessive” (Acoustic)
5. “Victim of Circumstance” (Acoustic)

Disc 2

1. “Coney Island Whitefish” (Acoustic)
2. “Love Is Pain” (Acoustic)
3. “Crimson and Clover” (Acoustic)
4. “Oh Woe Is Me” (Acoustic)
5. “Frustrated” (Acoustic)

Disc 3

1. “Bad Reputation” (Acoustic)
2. “Fake Friends” (Acoustic)
3. “Soulmates to Strangers” (Acoustic)
4. “Make It Back” (Acoustic)
5. “Fragile” (Acoustic)

Disc 4

1. “I Love Playin’ With Fire” (Acoustic)
2. “Cherry Bomb” (Acoustic)
3. “I Want You” (Acoustic)
4. “A 100 Feet Away” (Acoustic)
5. “Androgynous” (Acoustic)