Joan Jett has gotten her flowers for her talents on stage and in rock music history, without a doubt. However, I think some of the more casual fans of Jett don’t understand just how talented she is as a guitarist. Let’s take a look at a few of Joan Jett’s most underrated songs and guitar riffs that really showcase her ability to shred. Some of these tunes might just inspire you to pick up the guitar, too.
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“Activity Grrrl”
This song, released in 1993, was actually a little bit ahead of its time. The riot grrrl movement and grunge would soon follow and explode in popularity. “Activity Grrrl” is a stellar song, but Joan Jett’s guitar bends and fuzzy riffs absolutely steal the show. And you can’t beat those high-energy bass riffs and drums, either. This whole song’s a great later career release from Joan Jett and The Blackhearts.
“I Hate Myself For Loving You”
Alright, “I Hate Myself For Loving You” is far from underrated. It’s one of Joan Jett’s most well-known songs, and it made it to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart back in 1988. However, the melody and vocals tend to get all the love when it comes to this song. I think Jett’s guitar skills are at their finest in this track, and that’s more than worth pointing out. This song is one of Jett’s finest with The Blackhearts, and those guitar riffs boast more power behind them than many of her contemporaries’ soaring rock riffs at the time.
Funnily enough, this song was allegedly inspired by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who was allegedly once rejected by Jett and uttered the song’s eventual title. Though, according to producer Kenny Laguna, the original song was originally titled “I Hate Myself Because I Can’t Get Laid”. Who knows what the truth is? Rock music is rarely ever straightforward.
“Roadrunner”
This example of Joan Jett’s most underrated guitar riffs actually comes from a song that Jett didn’t write herself. “Roadrunner” was originally written and recorded by Jonathan Richman as part of The Modern Lovers. The OG 1976 song was a big hit when it was released. It’s since been covered by everyone from Sex Pistols to Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Jett’s 1986 version from Good Music is killer in terms of guitar-driven power, but her second version from the 1990 album The Hit List is also nothing to sneeze at.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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