Largely ignored in America when it was first released in 1976, The Runaways debut album has evolved into a cult classic.
Additionally, the novelty factor is a bit higher given the later successes of guitarists Joan Jett & Lita Ford, and to a less
extent, vocalist Cherie Currie. The band was assembled by sleazy svengali / producer / manager Kim Fowley, who assembled this
all-girl hard rock band as more of an exploitative venture. The original lineup dissolved within a few years, but the legend of
the Runaways has only grown in recent years.
Placing all of this drooling hype aside, the reality here is that The Runaways weren't the first all-female hard rock band, as
Fanny accomplished this milestone at least 6 years prior. The album is probably best known for the irritatingly catchy "Cherry
Bomb" which is a fine slice of teenage angst. However, there really aren't any other tracks I'd consider to be stunning or
noteworthy. It's a solidly played, but otherwise unremarkable collection of glam / glitter rock influenced hard rock. As a Joan
Jett fan, I can easily say that her best work was yet to come - and this isn't it. Good, solid hard rock, but not completely
amazing in any regard. More of a novelty than a true classic.
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