“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts is one of the most iconic rock songs of the early 1980s. Released in January 1982, the track quickly became a defining anthem for Jett and solidified her place in rock history. The song is a cover of a 1975 original by the Arrows, written by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker, but Jett’s version brought it to worldwide prominence. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’s cover was released as the first single from their second studio album of the same name.
Joan Jett first heard “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” while touring with her previous band, The Runaways, in the UK. Impressed by the song, she recorded her first version in 1979 with two of the Sex Pistols, Steve Jones and Paul Cook. However, it was the re-recorded version with The Blackhearts that became a massive hit.
The lyrics of “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” capture the essence of youthful rebellion and the exhilaration of rock music. The song tells the story of a person captivated by a rock song playing on the jukebox and subsequently connecting with someone who shares their passion for music. The chorus, with its simple yet powerful declaration, “I love rock ‘n roll, so put another dime in the jukebox, baby,” became an anthem for rock enthusiasts everywhere. The themes of music as a unifying and liberating force resonated deeply with audiences.
“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” was a commercial juggernaut. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven consecutive weeks in 1982 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The song also reached the top in numerous countries, including Canada, and Australia. Its success helped Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ album of the same name achieve multi-platinum status.