Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Sinner
(Blackheart)
Pop/Rock

On her first studio release with the Blackhearts in over a decade, Jett's trademark meaty riffs, raspy vocals, and exuberant tempos once again serve notice that her vaunted love for rock & roll is in no danger of flagging. Thankfully, she continues to resist any impulse to futz with her formula. Aside from a lackluster cover of the Replacements' "Androgynous," Sinner's a winner, full of tracks brimming with sass, grit, and totally ambrosial power-pop harmonies. I'm thinking canonization -- or at least a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination. (Yup, she's eligible.) A-

-TS