Joan Jett

Fit to Be Tied was intended to be the definitive Joan Jett hits package, and it nearly succeeds. Since Jett's Blackheart label only secured the rights to her first four solo albums (her most consistent work), the singles from the uneven Up Your Alley -- "I Hate Myself for Loving You" (one of Jett's best originals and biggest hits) and "Little Liar" -- had to be presented here in alternate versions. While the re-recording of "Hate Myself" and the live version of "Little Liar" are executed faithfully, they may bother fans who want the original recordings. Although some Jett devotees may find a personal favorite or two missing, Fit to Be Tied otherwise gathers most of the best material from Jett's first four albums and the soundtrack single "Light of Day," padding it with a few new and largely unnecessary tracks ("World of Denial," a cover of Jonathan Richman's "Roadrunner"). Despite its minor flaws, Fit to Be Tied still does a good job of summing up why Jett was one of the best female rockers of the '80s and an inspiration to many '90s bands; it's all the Joan Jett casual fans will need. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide