What makes The Hit List by Joan Jett notable?

'The Hit List' is notable for its commercial performance, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and demonstrating Jett's enduring appeal in a rapidly changing music landscape. The album not only highlights her influence on rock but also bridges generational gaps by introducing classic songs to a new audience. By the time 'The Hit List' was released in 1990, Joan Jett had established herself as a formidable force in rock music, following her success with the album 'Up Your Alley' in 1988. This compilation of covers showcased her ability to reinterpret classic tracks while solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the genre during the late 80s and early 90s.

Who is The Hit List for?

The Hit List works well if you're into steady mid-tempo energy, gritty raw vocal delivery and sing-along anthems with friends.

How many songs are on The Hit List?

The Hit List has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

The Hit List

Joan Jett · 1990

35 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A gritty rock anthology blending classic covers with Jett's signature rebellious spirit and raw energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dirty Deeds — Jett's rendition breathes new life into this AC/DC classic, showcasing her powerful vocals and heavy guitar riffs that define her sound.
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Love Hurts — This poignant cover captures Jett's emotional range, transforming the original into an anthem of vulnerability amidst heartache.
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Pretty Vacant — Her take on this Sex Pistols track channels punk energy while emphasizing themes of disillusionment that resonate throughout the album.
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Time Has Come Today — Jett's version adds a rock edge to this classic, infusing it with urgency and a sense of empowerment that feels timely even today.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album effectively showcases Jett's rock sensibilities through covers but lacks original material and cohesive flow.

What we noticed

Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo energy, with guitar-driven arrangements that highlight Jett's vocal style.
The last three tracks exhibit a slight increase in tempo, creating a more energetic conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

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 energy
gritty raw vocal delivery
sing-along anthems with friends
rebellious spirit and attitude

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, reflective music
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'The Hit List' was released in 1990, Joan Jett had established herself as a formidable force in rock music, following her success with the album 'Up Your Alley' in 1988. This compilation of covers showcased her ability to reinterpret classic tracks while solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the genre during the late 80s and early 90s.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Benatar· Lita Ford· The Runaways