Pat Benatar Albums Ranked

Pat Benatar was born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York City. Her mother, Mildred (née Knapp) (1928–2016), was a beautician, and her father, Andrew (Andrzej) Andrzejewski (1926–2009), was a sheet-metal worker.  Her father was of Polish descent and her mother was of German, English, and Irish ancestry. Her family moved to North Hamilton Avenue in Lindenhurst, New York, a village in the Long Island town of Babylon.
Benatar’s debut album In the Heat of the Night was released in August 1979 and reached #12 in the US in early 1980. Mike Chapman produced three tracks on the album, while engineer Peter Coleman oversaw the rest. In addition, Chapman and his songwriting partner, Nicky Chinn, wrote three songs that appear on the LP: “In the Heat of the Night” and “If You Think You Know How to Love Me” which were previously recorded by Smokie, and a rearranged version of a song they wrote for Sweet, “No You Don’t”. The album also featured two songs written by Roger Capps and Benatar, “I Need a Lover” written by John Mellencamp, and “Don’t Let It Show”, written by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in December 1980. In Canada it was certified 4× platinum where it peaked at number 3 on the RPM albums chart. She was nominated for a 2020 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Here are all of Pat Benatar albums ranked.

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10. True Love (1991)

“n 1991 Pat Benatar released her long-awaited album “True Love”. Many people seem to hate this record, bacuase it is straight blues album, not rock and roll longplay like her previous records. But it doesn’t mean that’s bad album. I consider “True Love” to be one of the strongest efforts she’s made. It’s brillant. Her voice suits blues material perfectly. If you don’t believe me, just listen to: “Bloodshot Eyes”, “I Pay The Cost To Be The Boss” or “Evening”. The crown jewel in this collection is title track. I Love it!”

9. Innamorata (1997)

“‘WOW. ALL the songs on here are GOOD! I think my favorite songs are Strawberry Wine- it is SUCH a good song! and I Don’t Want To Be Your Friend… it has spanish guitar and is pretty heartfelt and sexy. Papa’s Roses is a powerful song…you just have to listen to all the lyrics. Dirty Little Secrets has beautiful guitar work and a really neat arrangement. Some of these songs have 2 or 3 layers of her voice at the end of the chorus but singing different notes… makes it neat to listen to. Basically… THIS ALBUM ROCKS LITERALLY. Another thing I like about it is the lyrics are very mature and real. I love this album!”

8. Gravity’s Rainbow (1993)

“”Gravity’s Rainbow” is Pat Benatar’s last great album. It really rocks all over the place and Benatar sings with so much passion. “Everybody Lay Down” is the best song that Pat recorded in the 90’s. “Somebody’s Baby” is downright beautiful lyrically and musically (the cello solo on this track is really great). “Ties That Bind” rocks hard. “You And I” is ultra melodic ballad. “Disconnected” is by far the hardest rocking tune in Benatar’s career. “Crazy”-rock meets blues, very in a tradition of “True Love” album. “Everytime I Fall Back” is the greatest ballad of Pat’s career. “Sanctuary”-filler but a very good one. “Rise (part2)” bluesy song that shows Benatar’s range. “Kingdom Key” masterpiece in my book! “Tradin’ Down” solid closer.”

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7. Wide Awake in Dreamland (1988)

‘This is one of my favorite Pat Benatar albums – I wish this album had acquired Pat Benatar greater acclaim. To me this is a lost Rock Gem. I love her song choices, her vocal are awesome, and I consider “Wide Awake In Dreamland” a Solid, Straight-ahead Rock album with fortitude. Five Stars!!”

6. Tropico (1984)

“Benatar’s albums to this point often fell into the trap of portentous titles with limp, underdeveloped, often naff lyrics. `Tropico’ took that to the hilt. With titles that promise big things, like ‘Diamond Field’, `Painted Desert’, `Love in the Ice Age’, `Outlaw Blues’ and `Suburban King’, it is beyond disappointing to find that these images and metaphors are not carried through in the lyrics in any meaningful way. Coming from a band who previously delivered stirringly powerful lyrical images in the likes of `Hell is for Children’, `Promises in the Dark’ and `Fire and Ice’, these tracks are downright embarrassing. It is hard to imagine a song more contrived and patronising than `Suburban King’. Then there is the abominable, saccharine and completely uncharacteristic `We Belong’.”

5. Seven the Hard Way (1985)

“This album is much better than “Tropico” and ranks among her best. It doesn’t rock like her first four albums but it’s less pop than her previous record. The biggest hit single of the album is of course anthemic song “Invincible”, which was included on the soundtrack for 1985 flop movie “The Legend Of Billie Jean” starring Helen Slater. “Invincible” is by far, one of the most recognized songs of Pat’s career. But “Seven The Hard Way” has much more to offer. You can find here her another smash hit “Sex As A Weapon” with great chours “stop using sex as a weapon…!” and brillant “La Bel Age”. Beside the single releases there is also dark and moody “Walking In The Underground” and her remake of “7 Rooms Of Gloom”. Album ends on a high note with powerful pop/rock masterpiece “Art Of Letting Go”.”

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4. Get Nervous (1982)

“”Get Nervous” is Pat Benatar at her best. While her first two albums always get more attention from critics and fans, this album is often overlooked for its quality and timelessness. This album was made after she got married to her long time guitarist Neil. And it shows the energy they picked up from each other after making a personal commitment to each other. They made this album more for themselves instead for the public. I think every track is exceptional, and it is hard to pick my five favorites off of “Get Nervous”. But I will hit it with my best shot. Sorry, I know bad joke. My five favorites off of “Get Nervous are as follows: 1)”I’ll Do It”. This song starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. The combination of drums with bass and keyboards is incredible, and Pat’s singing is at her best. A song way before it’s time. 2)”Fight It Out”. An intense song lyrically and musically. The song starts with a pretty piano piece and a wicked guitar lick and builds to one of the prettiest and most powerful choruses’ I have heard.”

3. Precious Time (1981)

“One of the treasures of the 80’s.  Pat and the gang were always one of my favorite “Pop Rock” groups of the 80’s.  Picked this today for 1 dollar U.S.  Album was in near to mint condition.  Sitting here listening to hear made me write up this little review.  Side 1 is a wonderful collection of great pop rock female rock and roll with the hits like Promises in the Dark and Fire and Ice..  Neil Geraldo with his unique style of riffs and Myron Grombacher banging away on his drum kit  I forgot about the great tunes like ” Just Like Me” and  “Precious Time” that you don’t hear on “Classic Rock stations” “

2. In the Heat of the Night (1979)

“In 1979 when rock music was mainly man’s job Pat Benatar released her stunning debut album proving she was as good and powerful as all those guys playing in rock and roll bands. Although she looked like a poster girl, Benatar was more than sex symbol for young boys, she certainly had a voice that sold her records. At that time she was probably the only female artist who was not afraid of rocking hard. When Debbie Harry of Blondie went largely pop, and other singers like Diana Ross or Donna Summer dominated charts with their disco stuff, Benatar showed that woman playing hard rock can be successful and sell even more albums than her pop or disco contemporaries. “

1. Crimes of Passion (1980)

“I think it’s the greatest rock and roll album of the 80′ and probably of all the times. I listen to it over and over again. It must be the biggest rock album recorded by female artist. That’s absolutely fantastic piece of music that you just have to include in your collection. It remains as heavy as it was back in the 1980, when it was first released. I love it! There are many things that you can say about this album, but the one that really matters is of course Pat and her incredible vocal range. This woman can sing what she wants to and she always sounds great. That’s just the case of great female artists and Pat’s definetely one of them. It’s really sad that many people don’t remember her or her music. It’s a shame because this woman opened so many doors for others. She did a lot to prove that women can easily sing rock and roll music as well as the man. “