Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Get Personal On New Album

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts released their tenth album last month and front woman Joan Jett gets personal in the lyrics. The queen of punk and hard rock has always made catchy songs that had a somewhat personal tone to the lyrics, but on Unvarnished, Jett lets loose her feelings and ideas.
On "Any Weather," the first single, Jett discusses getting through tough times with the help of her friends and family. On "TMI" and "Reality Mentality" Jett discuss the culture we live in and our lack of privacy.
On "Make it Back" Jett discusses how sometimes things get hard.
"I hope this train won't fall of the track/ Cause I, I gotta make it back," Jett sings during the chorus.
On "Hard to Grow Up" Jett deals with the trials and tribulations of, well, growing up. The song is inspired by the loss of Jett's parents. "Fragile" keeps up with these themes. Jett realizes how fragile life is.
"Soulmates to Strangers" deals with the pain after a breakup. Jett has always had lyrics about breakups but this song hits harder. "Bad As We Can Be" and "Different" features Jett getting back to her "Bad Reputation" days. "Bad As We Can Be" is about knowing a lover is bad for you, but staying with them anyway. "Different" is a call to arms for the freaks out there.
The album ends on a different note for Jett and the boys. "Everybody Needs a Hero" is a ballad that is gorgeous and about how sometimes you just need a bit of help.
This album is a great step for the band and hopefully they keep up this personal tone for future albums.