"I Love Rock 'n Roll" is the second studio album by American rock singer Joan Jett and her first with her band, the Blackhearts. Released on November 18, 1981, the album features Jett's signature raw rock sound and includes several covers of classic rock songs, with the most notable being the title track, I Love Rock 'n Roll, which became a massive hit. The album remains Jett's most commercially successful release, with over a million copies sold. The album's blend of punk rock energy, classic rock influences, and Jett's unapologetic attitude helped establish her as one of rock's defining female icons.
Before recording I Love Rock 'n Roll, Joan Jett had spent years honing her craft with the all-female rock band the Runaways. After the band dissolved, she went on to form Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. One of the pivotal moments in her career was seeing the Arrows’ 1976 performance of I Love Rock 'n Roll, a song originally written by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker. Jett became obsessed with the track, and after performing it live for several years, she decided to record it for her second solo album.
The album was recorded in 1981 at a fast pace, with Jett balancing studio time with live performances in the Northeast United States. The recording sessions were intense but helped to keep the band tight and sharp. Jett worked with producer Kenny Laguna, who had been a longtime collaborator and helped shape her sound. During the recording, there was a notable lineup change when guitarist Eric Ambel was replaced by Ricky Byrd, solidifying the band’s classic lineup.
The album also includes several other notable covers, such as "Nag" (originally by the Halos), "Bits and Pieces" (the Dave Clark Five), "You're Too Possessive" (originally by the Runaways), and "Crimson and Clover" (originally by Tommy James & the Shondells). Interestingly, Jett kept the original gender pronouns in Crimson and Clover, which led to some criticism, but she defended it by saying changing "her" to "him" would not have worked lyrically.
The album’s breakthrough came with the release of its title track, I Love Rock 'n Roll, which became an anthem for rebellious youth. The single was released shortly after the album and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for seven consecutive weeks in 1982. This success propelled the album into the top 10 and contributed to its eventual platinum certification.
The album's release included a few special additions. Early pressings of the album contained "Little Drummer Boy", a Christmas song, which was later replaced with "Oh Woe Is Me" after the holiday season. The 2009 reissue of the album included both "Little Drummer Boy" and "Oh Woe Is Me" as well as a rehearsal version of "You Don’t Know What You’ve Got", which was originally a B-side. Summertime Blues, another cover, was initially left off the vinyl LP but was later released as a B-side to the single Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah). The song was also issued as a promo single in the US, and in Canada and Australia, it was released as a 12-inch single.
The iconic cover photo of Joan Jett was taken by British photographer Mick Rock, known for his striking portraits of rock stars. The image of Jett, with her signature black leather jacket, dark bangs, and intense gaze, became one of the most memorable rock images in history. Rock, who had worked with other legends like David Bowie and Queen, described Jett as "a female Elvis," and this photograph helped cement Jett's persona as a tough, rebellious figure in rock. Her styling—dark bangs, heavy mascara, and a punk-rock sensibility—became a defining element of her image. The press at the time noted her "tomboy rock girl" look, which helped her stand out in an era dominated by glam and heavily stylized female rock stars like Pat Benatar. Jett's refusal to conform to traditional femininity made her even more appealing to her fans.
I Love Rock 'n Roll marked a pivotal moment in Joan Jett's career, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Blackhearts. The album's success brought Jett into the mainstream, and the title track remains one of her signature songs. The song’s anthem-like quality, celebrating the power of rock music, has made it a staple of classic rock radio and continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. In 2015, to celebrate the 33 ⅓-year anniversary of the album's release, a special 2CD/2LP edition titled I Love Rock 'n Roll 33 ⅓ Anniversary Edition was released. This version included the original album alongside previously unreleased live recordings from 1981, offering fans a chance to experience the raw energy of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts during the album’s heyday.
I Love Rock 'n Roll remains a cornerstone of Joan Jett's musical legacy. The album's success helped to establish her as one of the defining voices of rock and roll, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. With its combination of raw energy, catchy hooks, and empowering themes, the album has earned its place as a classic of 80s rock music.
