Notorious Songs Ranked
Notorious is the eighth studio album by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. The album was released in 1991. “Backlash” was the label’s first choice for a single, but the resulting one-track CD was only available as a promotional item sent to DJs. “Don’t Surrender” was released in the US as a CD single accompanied by a remix (“The Most Excellent Mix”) and the non-LP track “Misunderstood”. “Wait for Me”, a song Jett wrote when she was just 16, was a cover of The Runaways’ version from their 1977 album Waitin’ for the Night. “I Want You” was a revised version of a song from 1979 that Jett and Kenny Laguna had written for a movie she was set to star in. The original lyrics (which can be heard on the fan club only CD 1979) were nihilistic and raw, whereas the version heard on Notorious is politically correct. Here are all of Notorious songs ranked.
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10. Lie to Me
“Joan can show that she doesn’t always want the truth herself. In ‘Lie To Me’ she pleads for someone to be kind to her just for one night. Another great melodic and rockin’ release from Joan Jett.”
9. Wait for Me
“Anybody who dismisses Joan Jett and her band, the Blackhearts, as just some little pop band has either never met the lady, never heard one of her albums, never seen the band live, or does not know anything about music.”
8. Treadin’ Water
“Treadin’ Water” is another deadend relationship song, with Gary Glitter-like “yeah yeahs.” Tommy Price, the bands drummer, has been with the band for over eighteen years, and you do not get a musician of that quality staying unless something is going on.”
See more: Joan Jett Albums Ranked
7. I Want You
“The racing “I Want You” is evidence that the Jett can rock and roll like old; think “You Really Got Me” done at a quicker tempo, with aural nods to Judas Priest, Turbo era”
6. Machismo
“Jett never was one for macho BS, and “Machismo” is a song about that. She makes the observation that being macho is all for show, and when anyone’s watching. It’s not about ego, but having to make a point. A cogent and wise song on the insufferable male ego.”
5. Don’t Surrender
“But Joan also shows her strong, serious minded side with the song ‘Don’t Surrender’, a touching tribute to her friend Jill Ireland, who had succumbed to the dreaded cancer that year. “Don’t Surrender” has a sound reminiscent of the 50’s/60’s alienation songs Joan loved covering. A song of encouragement about not giving up”
See more: Joan Jett Songs Ranked
4. The Only Good Thing (You Ever Said Was Goodbye)
“The bitter rocker “The Only Good Thing (You Ever Said Was Goodbye)” is this song’s “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” with rhythmic overtones of “You Want It I Want Out.” The protagonist seems glad to be rid of some rotter who takes her money and even uses money she got from her to get her presents. Desmond Child and Diane Warren co-wrote this.”
3. Goodbye
“Another lightweight song, more a ballad, is about knowing when to say “Goodbye” when things go bad. Co-written by Child. I am a huge Joan Jett fan and this CD is one of the best work of Joan Jett. Definitely the item to add to your Joan Jett collection.
2. Ashes In the Wind
“The melodic and moody “Ashes In The Wind” is one of few songs she gets with help from Desmond Child. It also shows Jett’s including more heartfelt ballads laden with the usual guitar and drums accompaniment.”
1. Backlash
“Backlash” is something she doesn’t have to worry about. This song, co-written with Paul Westerberg of the Replacements, could’ve been a B-side or song that missed the final cut from an earlier album.”