Notorious
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts · 1991
41 min · 10 tracks · rock music
A gritty blend of hard rock anthems and introspective ballads that showcases Jett's enduring rebellious spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Backlash — The opening track sets a confrontational tone with its driving beat and powerful vocals, establishing the album’s defiant theme from the outset.
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Don't Surrender — This anthem of resilience stands out for its uplifting message and catchy chorus, resonating with fans seeking empowerment through music.
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Lie to Me — Featuring raw emotion and a compelling melody, this track showcases Jett's ability to convey vulnerability while still delivering a rock punch.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic rock anthems with introspective ballads, showcasing Jett's style but lacks standout cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a hard rock anthem, 'Backlash', and maintains a high energy level through the first half before shifting to more introspective tracks.
- Several songs feature layered guitar riffs and prominent drum patterns, characteristic of Jett's rock style, while others incorporate softer melodies.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier anthems.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
- introspective moments of reflection
- empowering anthems for resilience
- evening drives with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy fast tracks
- seek immediate catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Notorious' was released in 1991, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts were well-established in the rock scene, following their commercial success with 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' a decade earlier. This album marked a shift towards a more polished sound, reflecting Jett's evolution as an artist while still maintaining her signature edge.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lita Ford· Pat Benatar· Heart
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Don't Surrender
The bridge shifts to a hopeful declaration of perseverance amidst adversity, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.
This moment marks a tonal pivot in the song, reinforcing its central message of strength while contrasting earlier themes of struggle.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Backlash 3:27
- 2 Ashes in the Wind 4:21
- 3 The Only Good Thing (You Ever Said Was Goodbye) 4:26
- 4 Lie to Me 4:30
- 5 Don't Surrender 4:10
- 6 Goodbye 4:00
- 7 Machismo 4:13
- 8 Treadin' Water 3:38
- 9 I Want You 3:04
- 10 Wait for Me 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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