I think this is musically the best disc that Joan Jett has done. I wore out the first cassette I bought of this release (the one with the extra unlisted "Star Star".) I now have it on disc and it is the most played of all of my Joan Jett discs. The words on this disc are her best writing as a whole. If you don't have it, get it.

I first bought my "Album" LP at a K-Mart in the summer of '83...little did I know! I've played this record more than most any other in my collection... I'm talking HUNDREDS of times. Let's just say it's aged very well. Joan could have released this album in 1973 or 2003 and it wouldn't sound dated. You've probably remember "Everyday People" (the Sly Stone version recently co-opted on Toyota's latest ad campaign) and "Fake Friends" from Eighties rock radio. I've air-guitar-grooved forever to the gritty grrrl lust of "The French Song" and "Handyman"...this record can wake you up in the morning, drive you home in the car - or rock the house at your next party. "Album" has a mean love jones - and a sense of humor. When I had a chance to finally meet Jett at an Albany-area show a few years ago, do you know which CD cover I had her sign? Three guesses.

"Album" (1983) #20.

In 1983, Joan Jett was busy touring promoting her new album "Album". I saw her twice that year, once at Fort Hays State, she sold out 6,500 and the second time at Lake Wilson in Kansas at a little dive off 1-70 called "Lakeside", she put everything into her performance both times. "Album", was her follow up to "ILRR". This record went gold, but I was totally amazed were did her fans go. This collection has some strong songs in, "Fake Friends" #33 Hot 100, the graphic "Handyman", the Sly And The Family Stone cover "Everyday People", #37 hot 100, her riff rocker "Secret Love", the Rolling Stone cover "Star, Star", "French Song", #30 MSR, with her breathless vocals and growl. She does her own cover of The Runaways classic "I Love Playing With Fire", great workout here, solid guitar by Ricky Byrd. "Coney Island Whitefish", is vulgar and good. Not as great as "ILRR", but still top notch Joan. 1984 brought us another top flight album, but it hardly sold.

The interplay between Joan and Ricky Byrd is Rock and Roll Perfection! The guitars bristle with real electric energy, buzzes and crackles intact. The songwriting is top notch as well. Finally, like any great rock album the cover is a classic!

Ala 1983, angry teenager and she is not amused by Madonna or Bananarama! My high school boyfriend took me to the Boston Opera House to see Ms. La Jett and I could have kissed him for it! The amazing Ms. Jett rocked out earlier, radioed hits yet all treated from this musical text was pure bliss to my 15 year old inner and sanctified bitchesse.Are you a female in America? This is the Joan for you. Point is, I'll be 80 years old and I will honor the coming of age rage that is the sage of this "album", while I wile away in the old rage home!Coney Island Whitefish and The French Song are still lots of crazy fun.And damn good therapy!