Queens of Noise, The Runaways

Artist: The Runaways Title: Queens of Noise Album Type: Second Studio Album (Original & Audiophile Reissue) Original Release Date: January 1977 Label: Mercury Records (Original) / Modern Harmonic (Reissue) Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Rock / Proto-Punk

Background & Production Released just six months after their self-titled debut, Queens of Noise is the final studio album to feature the classic lineup with lead singer Cherie Currie. Produced by Kim Fowley and Earle Mankey at Brothers Studio in Santa Monica, the record captures the band at their commercial and creative peak. Unlike the debut, which was dominated by Joan Jett's vocals, Queens of Noise splits the lead vocal duties almost evenly between Jett and Currie, reflecting the internal power struggle that would eventually lead to Currie's departure. The album is more polished than their debut but retains the aggressive, street-tough edge that defined the "Runaways sound."

Musical Composition & Style The album is a mix of high-speed rock anthems and early "power ballads," showcasing the band’s technical growth.

• The Title Track: "Queens of Noise" was actually written by Billy Bizeau (of The Quick). It serves as the band’s definitive mission statement.

• Joan Jett Anthems: Includes Jett-led fan favorites "I Love Playin' with Fire" and "Take It or Leave It."

• Neon Angels: "Neon Angels on the Road to Ruin" remains a signature Lita Ford track, highlighting her burgeoning status as a guitar hero.

• The Epic Closer: "Johnny Guitar" is a seven-minute blues-rock workout that allowed the band to move beyond the three-minute pop-punk structure.

Original Pressing & Collector Notes Original 1977 copies and modern high-fidelity reissues are both prized for different reasons.

• UK/Australian First Pressing: Look for the Mercury Records label with the catalog number 6338 780. These are typically "non-gatefold" and feature a blue Mercury label.

• US Original (SRM-1-1126): Features the "Skyscraper" Mercury label. Most copies include a two-sided photo/lyric sheet. Look for the "KENDUN" stamp in the runout (dead wax), indicating high-quality mastering at Kendun Recorders.

• The 2019/2024 Reissue (Modern Harmonic): Mastered by Joe Lizzi and pressed at RTI (Record Technology Inc.), these are considered the "audiophile" standard for the album. Look for catalog number MH-8094. A limited Transparent Pink variant was also released.

• Japanese Gatefold (RJ-7209): One of the most beautiful versions, featuring a gatefold sleeve (unlike the US/UK versions) with profile photos of the girls inside. It originally came with a large fold-out poster and a "Punk New Wave" OBI strip.

• Misprint Alert: Some original US labels have the band name misspelled as "The Runaway's" (with an extra apostrophe).

• • Keywords: The Runaways, Queens of Noise, 1977 Vinyl, Mercury Records, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Hard Rock, Kendun Mastering, Modern Harmonic Reissue.

  • Collection Ideas: Women in Rock, 70s Glam & Hard Rock, Proto-Punk Essentials, Audiophile RTI Pressings.

  • Related Artists: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Lita Ford (Solo), Suzi Quatro, The Stooges, New York Dolls.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve