Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Glorious Results Of A Misspent Youth

Reviews for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' Glorious Results Of A Misspent Youth describe it as a solid, rock-and-roll album that combines punk attitude with melodic, 1980s-style arena rock. Critics note its high-energy, classic Joan Jett sound, with strong tracks like the remake of "Cherry Bomb" and the Gary Glitter cover "I Love You Love". Although critically well-regarded, the album did not achieve the same commercial success as previous albums due to what some sources describe as a lack of promotion from the record label. 

First and foremost, Glorious Results remains a faithful reminder of Jett’s amazing artistry and just how superb the original version of her band, the Blackhearts really was. And it oozed all the glorious elements that define Jett’s unique brand — 1950s-era doowop and 1960s-style pop, colliding with an undeniable 1970s punk attitude — all glossed to perfection with an irresistible 1980s arena rock glaze. Yet despite seemingly getting everything right, the record didn’t achieve the glorious results of its two predecessors. In her 2018 biopic, Bad Reputation, Jett’s longtime creative and business partner, veteran producer, songwriter and manager, Kenny Laguna, reveals how the record oddly was “buried” by the record label — an unfortunate, yet telling obituary for a record worthy of TLC — not DOA status.

Review by Christopher Long

Glorious Results kicks off strong with a revved-up remake of the Runaways’ staple, “Cherry Bomb.” While the original 1976 version featuring Cherie Currie’s lead vocal has become iconic, Jett’s authentic Johnny Rotten-inspired snarl brought a fresh sense of urgency to the song — a compelling track that perhaps should have been the lead-off single. In that regard, a case can be made that part of the challenge the record faced was the less than effective choice of singles. Although the catchy Gary Glitter-penned “I Love You Love Me Love” and the engaging cover of the Belmonts’ “I Need Someone” both were infectious sing-alongs, they didn’t pack the “Bad Reputation”-flavored punch of “Longtime” or the “Fake Friends”-caliber gusto of “Talkin’ ‘Bout My Baby.” Transparent and pure, the heartfelt ballad, “Hold Me” also could very well have made for a chilling chart-buster, as well as a mighty MTV winner.

But possessing an array of potentially choice singles is only part of what made this such a great record. Simply put, Joan Jett is a sweat-soaked, down and dirty rocker. And Glorious Results shines brightest when it’s at its down and dirtiest. Hence, “Frustrated,” “Love Like Mine” and “Someday” are among my personal picks of this 12-pup litter. However, fueled by Jett’s signature-style harmonies and bolstered by Ricky Byrd’s meat and potatoes lead guitar work, the mid-tempo, record-closing, “I Got No Answers” still brings me to my knees the quickest....every time.

Ripped to MP3

Side One:

01. Cherry Bomb (2:35)

02. I Love You Love Me Love (3:18)

03. Frustrated (4:37)

04. Hold Me (3:11)

05. Long Time (2:27)

06. Talkin’ ‘Bout My Baby (3:37)

Side Two:

01. I Need Someone (3:15)

02. Love Like Mine (4:01)

03. New Orleans (2:54)

04. Someday (2:47)

05. Push and Stomp (3:03)

06. I Got No Answers (2:27)