Joan Jett’s ‘Good Music’ Album Built on Homages to Classic Rock Icons
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ 1986 album, Good Music, was intentionally constructed using snippets and rhythms borrowed from a diverse range of influential artists, including The Four Seasons, The Eagles, and The Beach Boys.
Record producer Kenny Laguna revealed the band’s deliberate approach to incorporating elements from beloved songs, stating, “We were trying to say good music as opposed to hack music.” Laguna detailed specific instances, noting the use of bells from The Four Seasons’ “Rag Doll,” a portion from The Eagles’ “Take It Easy,” and influences from The Rolling Stones and T-Rex’s “Bang A Gong.” He added, “We’d take just a tiny bit – not long enough to get sued – but just little bits like the rhythms or melodies.” Even Eric Clapton’s “Layla” and Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” contributed subtle textures to the album’s title track.
The collaborative process extended to a remarkable guest appearance by four members of The Beach Boys – Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and Mike Love – who provided backing vocals on “Good Music.” Laguna recounted the humorous challenge of assembling the band, noting a warning that inviting all members simultaneously might prevent anyone from attending. He also shared a story of Jardine playfully accusing Jett and himself of “stealing” the Beach Boys’ sound during the recording session. This album arrived during a period of significant change in the music industry, as artists began exploring new methods of production and collaboration. You can learn more about the history of rock and roll here.
Despite the unique creative process and star-studded collaboration, “Good Music” peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release. Jett continues to tour and record, remaining a prominent figure in rock music, as detailed on her official website.
Representatives for Jett and Laguna have not yet commented on any potential plans to revisit or re-release the album with expanded liner notes detailing the song’s inspirations.
