Release date: June 13, 2006
14 tracks; 51:37

With her signature raspy vocals over distorted guitar riffs and rock beats, Joan Jett hasn't changed much over the years - but that's not a bad things.

Her latest album, "Sinner," comes across as a polished Courtney Love - not quite alternative, not drug-fueled, slightly raunchy, just enough rock.

The album, her eleventh and first in more than a decade, starts off with the pop-rock, "Riddles." While it may sound pop, it also has a deeper political message aimed at our current government.

With quotes from George Bush at the end, the song asks listeners to realize that they're talked to in riddles by the administration.

Splashes of punk, a smidgen of pop, a heavy dose of rock - it's a formula that's always worked for Jett and it's great to hear that she's still in fine form on the new album.

I've heard a few songs on the radio by Jett recently, and each time I heard one I thought, "Wow, this is a good rock band with a female singer. Who is it?" Each time, it was a song from "Sinner."

Too many acts from the 80s or earlier return with a new album that is a weaker version of their former selves.

From the punk, up-tempo "Change the World" that asks people to "stop the fightin'" to "Riddles" which asks people to "Wake up!" - the album is peppered with political references.

They aren't overbearing on what is a solid rock album.

"Androgynous" is an acoustic song (originally done by The Replacements) with obvious overtones hinting at Jett's own sexuality.

With a career that started at age 17, "Sinner" proves that Jett has learned a lot in her time in the music business and knows that keeping it simple is sometimes the best idea.

Jett may have taken off for a decade, but it was worth the wait.

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at October 28, 2006 3:27 PM

Comments

It's worth noting that 'Androgynous' is a cover of the classic Replacements song. If that's something you didn't know, you may want to consider whether you're the best person to be helming the Musical Garbage Can.

Posted by: Emery Would at October 30, 2006 2:11 PM