Five Good (and Not So Good) Covers of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation"

Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" is a classic. We'd go so far to say there probably aren't that many people who (a) don't know the song and (b) don't know all the lyrics. It's also probably one of the top ten songs you're guaranteed to hear at a karaoke night. So...

By Betsey Denberg

May 3, 2012

[
        {
          "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
          "component": "16971022",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" is a classic. We'd go so far to say there probably aren't that many people who (a) don't know the song and (b) don't know all the lyrics. It's also probably one of the top ten songs you're guaranteed to hear at a karaoke night.

So it's not a surprising thing that a good amount of bands make their best attempt at covering "Bad Reputation." Hell, it was even the theme song for the early '00s television show Freaks and Geeks. But like most cover songs, some are great, and some are just downright awful. It's just how it goes.

Here are a few cover versions of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" that will make you want to sing along or plug your ears.

5. Foo Fighters
This cover actually featured the rocker babe herself during the band's appearance on the David Letterman show in 2011. Does that technically make it not a cover? Well, regardless, it's a job well done.

4. Avril Lavigne
At some point during the Hot Topic punk princess' career, she decided to give it a go at covering Joan Jett. Needless to say, we could've done without.

3. Miley Cyrus
Hannah Montana doing her best at being a "bad girl" is just wrong. And doing it in a tacky backless top with cheesy stage movements is even worse. Joan Jett, we're sorry.

2. Senses Fail
Definitely one of the better cover versions. When pop-punk/posthardcore bands cover songs, it's usually a good listen.

1. Halfcocked
There can only be one Joan Jett. But we'll hand it to this female singer for giving it a go. It's sure as hell better than Miley and Avril.

SunFest takes place from May 2 to 6 in West Palm Beach. Joan Jett performs on Saturday, May 5. Click here for full schedule and parking information.

New Times on Facebook | County Grind on Facebook | Twitter | e-mail us |

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.