Joan Jett: 10 Throwback Riffs

The Godmother of Punk

Aside from fronting Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Joan Jett was also a founding member of The Runaways. More than being the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Godmother of Punk, she’s also a feminist icon who continues to influence countless female musicians today.

Here are some of her most unforgettable riffs.

10. Do You Wanna Touch Me?

This upfront rocker is fiery from start to end. It’s a cover version but Jett took the song and made it her own.

9. Activity Grrrl

It’s a killer tune but sadly, it’s criminally underrated and often overlooked.

8. Fake Friends

It didn’t chart but it’s catchy and irresistible.

7. Dead End Justice

It’s that face-melting guitar solo that took it to another level.

6. I Love Playin’ With Fire

The vocals, the riff – it’s absolute fire.

5. I Hate Myself for Loving You

It’s a kickass song that basically showcases all the things we love about Joan Jett – her music and her rockstar attitude.

4. You Don’t Know What You’ve Got

It’s not her usual rock ‘n roll number. This one leans towards pop and still something we’d put on repeat.

3. Bad Reputation

It’s one of the best hard rock songs of all time, pure and simple.

2. Cherry Bomb

Jett performed this in 2015 during her induction ceremony in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1. I Love Rock ‘n Roll

This needs no description. It’s the song that made Joan Jett a household name seemingly overnight. She told Mojo magazine in 2008, “I think most people who love some kind of rock ‘n’ roll can relate to it. Everyone knows a song that just makes them feel amazing and want to jump up and down. I quickly realized, this song is gonna follow you, so you’re either gonna let it bother you, or you gotta make peace with it, and feel blessed that you were involved with something that touched so many people.”