My 10 Favorite Joan Jett Songs, Ranked

Joan Jett is a badass and an icon, and her music is a national treasure. Here are my top ten favorite Joan Jett songs: 

#10:  “Fake Friends” (Album)

The first single released from Jett’s third solo album, ”Fake Friends” speaks to the woes of being let down by those you trusted to build you up (who only let you down). We’ve all been there, right?

#9: “Cherry Bomb” (Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth) 

This song, originally sung by Cherie Currie for Jett’s former band The Runaways, is refreshingly defiant with Jett singing lead vocals. The growl, the hand claps, and the palm-muted signature guitar riff, make this version by The Blackhearts one of the best covers in modern rock n’ roll history. 

#8: “Do You Wanna Touch Me?” (Bad Reputation) 

Joan roars into this distortion-guitar favorite JJ & The Blackhearts tune, with its infectious “yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah” post-chorus. On good days, I’d like to think this is my theme song.

#7: “You Don’t Own Me” (Bad Reputation)

Jett’s take on this Lesley Gore 1963 classic is sweet and unexpected, highlighting her expansive vocals and emotive delivery. The piano and sax offer a gentle reminder that Jett’s version came out in the ’80s.

#6: “Little Liar” (Up Your Alley)

This ’80s ballad has a special place in my heart, with its angst-fueled outpouring. The lyrics are a gut punch to the bad boys who are only out for one thing. And the refrain, “hey, little liar, I believed in you,” sticks with the listener long after the song ends. 

#5: “Bad Reputation” (Bad Reputation)

One of the catchiest bad-girl anthems ever, the raucous “Bad Reputation” is searing and triumphant. When Jett blurts, “I don’t give a damn about my bad reputation,” I’m like yes, yes, YES!!! Described as using a Ramones-inspired template, Jett’s song proves that the woman singing it is as gutsy and punk as they come.

#4: You’re Too Possessive (I Love Rock n’ Roll) 

This 1980s fiery send off to overly smothering paramours — or politicians that want to regulate a woman’s body — is so on point. They lyrics, hurled out over a sizzling distorted guitar, hold up decades later.

#3: “Crimson and Clover” (I Love Rock n’ Roll)

Perhaps the most seductive Jett cover to date, “Crimson and Clover” is all about the buildup and the breakdown, with Jett’s voice segueing from sweet and feathery to strong and confident as she owns her desire.

#2: “I Love Rock n’ Roll” (I Love Rock n’ Roll)

Written by Alan Merrill in the 1970s, this 1982 sleeper hit came to life when Jett covered it, ultimately spending multiple weeks in the number one spot on the Billboard Top 100 charts. More than any other song, “I Love Rock n’ Roll” cemented Jett’s legacy as a formidable solo artist after her teen band The Runaways broke up. Put another dime in the jukebox, baby! This song is so good, I teach it to all of my guitar students. 

#1: “I Hate Myself for Loving You” (Up Your Alley)

The first Joan Jett song I ever heard on the radio, 1988’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You” is loaded with all the good stuff — a catchy riff, big drums, and biting lyrics that tell a good story. It is my favorite song to sing over and over again in the shower, and, in my opinion, the greatest Joan Jett song ever released. Also, her ’80s hair in the music video is absolute perfection.