"Bad Reputation" is the debut solo studio album by Joan Jett, released in 1980. Initially, the record was self-released as "Joan Jett," after being rejected by 23 major labels, before finally being picked up by Boardwalk Records. The album was later renamed "Bad Reputation."
Jett had previously been a member of The Runaways, and following the group's disbandment, she embarked on her solo career, backed by three members of the punk rock band The Sex Pistols.
The album features a mix of original songs, many co-written by manager and songwriting partner Kenny Laguna, and covers of classic rock songs. The most notable tracks include "Bad Reputation" and "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)", both of which became rock radio standards.
Receiving rave reviews from critics, "Bad Reputation" helped to cement Joan Jett's position as a leading artist in the hard rock genre. It laid the groundwork for her continued success, with Jett going on to become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
The reissue of the album on compact disc included bonus tracks which were place-changer songs that helped Joan gain popularity in her early solo years.
Innovation and boundary-pushing have come to define "Bad Reputation," highlighting Joan Jett's standing as a pioneer for women in rock and roll.
