I Love Rock-n-Roll
,
Joan Jett
's first record with
the Blackhearts
, was a tougher, louder album than
Bad Reputation
, primarily because her new backing band gave her a more coherent sound. That dynamic,
hard rock
crunch is what made the title track into an international hit, but it also gives the album dimension -- not only can
Jett & the Blackhearts
tear up heavy glam rockers, but they also pull off the mock
psychedelia
of
Tommy James & the Shondells
'
"Crimson and Clover"
with aplomb. On the whole,
doesn't have as many strong songs as its predecessor, but the band's muscular, gritty sound makes the album just as good as
. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine