Album: The Hit List

Introduction
"The Hit List" is a 1990 rock album by Joan Jett, marking her first release of the new decade with her band the Blackhearts. Known for her unapologetic hard rock sensibilities, Jett has actually had a profession spanning over four years and is considered an influential figure in the world of rock-and-roll. Remarkably, "The Hit List" consists completely of cover tunes, with Jett and the Blackhearts reinterpreting a variety of timeless rock and punk hits from the 1960s to the 1980s. This special method allows both Jett and her fans to dive into the roots of rock music while injecting her unique design into these renowned tracks.

Background
After the release of her 1988 album "Up Your Alley", which included the massive hit "I Hate Myself for Loving You", Jett decided to take a various approach for her next studio album. A long-time enthusiast of music herself, Jett picked to pay tribute to the artists who had affected her life and career by covering some of her preferred tunes from the past. Therefore, "The Hit List" was born, and the album was launched on January 16, 1990. Produced by Kenny Laguna, Thom Panunzio, and Joan Jett herself, the album includes 10 cover tunes that vary from traditional rock anthems to punk-infused tracks.

Tracklist and Notable Covers
"The Hit List" kicks off with a cover of The Sex Pistols' "Dirty Water", setting the tone for the punk-fueled journey that follows. Jett likewise tackles Led Zeppelin's "Pretty Vacant" and the timeless Beatles track "Let It Be".

A few of the most notable covers on the album include Jett's rendition of The Kinks' "Till the End of the Day" and a wholehearted homage to the late Janis Joplin with a cover of "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". Jett likewise took on the 1970s glam rock by admiring T. Rex with her cover of "Jeepster".

Arguably the most popular cover on "The Hit List" is Jett's rendition of "I Love Rock 'N Roll", which features her signature snarling vocals and powerful guitar work. Initially taped by The Arrows in 1975, Jett's variation has actually since ended up being associated with her name and is thought about a rock anthem.

Reception and Legacy
"The Hit List" received combined reviews upon its release. While some critics applauded Jett for her ability to inject her unique punk rock energy into these traditional tunes, others felt that the album's idea was unoriginal and relied too heavily on past hits. Regardless of the blended reception, "The Hit List" managed to peak at No. 36 on the Billboard 200 chart and was accredited gold for sales exceeding 500,000 copies.

The legacy of "The Hit List" can be seen in the enduring appeal of Joan Jett's cover of "I Love Rock 'N Roll", which has continued to make an impact on the music industry to this day. In addition, the album has led the way for other noteworthy cover albums in rock music, such as Guns N' Roses' "The Spaghetti Incident?" and Metallica's "Garage Inc".

Conclusion
Joan Jett's "The Hit List" stands as a testament to her love and gratitude for rock-and-roll's roots. Through her analyses of classic tracks from The Beatles to Janis Joplin, Jett showcased her ability to bring new life and energy into the tunes that have actually formed the music we understand today. While the reception at the time was mixed, this homage to rock's past has actually given that become an intriguing and noteworthy part of her discography.