The Runaways - Queens Of Noise

"Queens of Noise" is the second album by The Runaways, released in 1977. It's generally regarded as a strong follow-up to their debut, showcasing the band's raw energy and musical development. While some found the songwriting on the debut stronger, "Queens of Noise" is praised for its improved production and the band's continued exploration of hard rock with a feminine edge. Overall, "Queens of Noise" is a significant album in The Runaways' discography, representing a step forward in their musical development and solidifying their place as pioneers in the all-female rock band landscape. While not without its critics, the album's raw energy, strong musicianship, and exploration of themes of female empowerment continue to resonate with listeners. 

Review by Alex Henderson

The Runaways didn't compromise a bit on their outstanding sophomore effort, Queens of Noise. Melodic yet tough and aggressive, this is hard rock that pulls no punches either musically or lyrically. Classics like "Neon Angels (On the Road to Ruin)," "Take It or Leave It," and "I Love Playing with Fire" wouldn't have been shocking coming from Aerosmith or Kiss, but suburban adolescent girls singing openly and honestly about casual sex, intoxication, and wild all-night parties was certainly radical for 1977. Joan Jett and Cherie Currie articulated the thoughts and feelings of the "bad girls" Kiss and countless others were describing, and they didn't hesitate to say that yes, women fantasized about sex. "Johnny Guitar" is a fine vehicle for guitarist/singer Lita Ford, who had solid chops before she was old enough to vote. Queens of Noise would be Currie's last album with the groundbreaking band.

Ripped to MP3
A1 - Queens of Noise
A2 - Take It or Leave It
A3 - Midnight Music
A4 - Born to Be Bad
A5 - Neon Angels on the Road to Ruin
B1 - I Love Playin' With Fire
B2 - California Paradise
B3 - Hollywood
B4 - Heartbeat
B5 - Johnny Guitar