What is the best Pat Benatar album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Crimes of Passion" (1980). It's the most representative of what makes Pat Benatar worth hearing.

What are the best Pat Benatar albums?

The essential Pat Benatar albums include "In the Heat of the Night" (1979), "Heartbreaker" (1979), "Crimes of Passion" (1980), "Precious Time" (1981) and "Get Nervous" (1982).

How many albums does Pat Benatar have?

Pat Benatar has 27 releases in their discography, including 11 albums and 2 EPs.

Photo: Heidy Escobar from VALPARAISO; LAGUNA VERDE, CHILE · CC BY-SA 2.0

Pat Benatar

Q: Who is Pat Benatar for?

If you're into hard rock and pop rock, Pat Benatar is worth your time. Benatar's music pulses with driving rhythms and soaring melodies, characterized by tightly woven guitar riffs that build tension against powerful vocal declarations.

Benatar's music pulses with driving rhythms and soaring melodies, characterized by tightly woven guitar riffs that build tension against powerful vocal declarations.

hard rock · pop rock

United States

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Start here

The album

Crimes of Passion (1980)

Represents Benatar's signature sound with a mix of hard rock and pop elements, featuring strong melodies and powerful vocals across cohesive tracks.

The song

“Hit Me with Your Best Shot”

An engaging anthem that captures her style with an infectious hook, making it a great standalone introduction to her music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Shadows of the Night" — from Get Nervous (1982)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Sex as a Weapon" — from Seven the Hard Way (1985)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Heartbreaker" — from 10 Great Songs (2009)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Heartbreaker" — from Pat Benatar Ultimate Collection (2008)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Fire and Ice" — from Live from Earth (1983)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Heartbreaker" — from In the Heat of the Night (1979)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar is a cornerstone of rock music, carving out a space for female empowerment in a landscape often dominated by male voices.

Her impact extends beyond mere chart success; she redefined the role of women in rock, using her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence to challenge societal norms and inspire generations of artists who followed. This cultural shift not only elevated women's visibility in the genre but also encouraged a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a rock artist. Benatar's approach is marked by an undeniable blend of raw energy and melodic craftsmanship. She seamlessly intertwines hard rock sensibilities with pop hooks, creating an accessible yet fierce sound that resonates deeply with audiences. This duality allows her to traverse intimate ballads and high-octane anthems alike, demonstrating an innate ability to engage listeners on multiple levels through both instrumentation and vocal delivery. Her songwriting often grapples with themes of love, resilience, and self-assertion, conveyed through a voice that oscillates between vulnerability and ferocity. This creates a compelling narrative framework where personal stories are told with sincerity while maintaining an undercurrent of irony. Benatar’s lyrics invite reflection while simultaneously empowering listeners to embrace their strength.

11 studio albums· 27 total releases· 3 decades· United States