Waitin' for the Night

Cherie Currie's departure was a major loss for the Runaways, but it was hardly a fatal blow. The female hard rockers still had a gem of a singer in Joan Jett and a captivating guitarist in Lita Ford, and they continued to offer sneering, in-your-face rock & roll on their third album, Waitin' for the Night. This LP isn't quite as strong as Queens of Noise, but is excellent, gutsy, and inspired nonetheless. From the jaded "Little Sister" to the catchy "Wait for Me," Night proved that there was indeed life after Cherie Currie for the Runaways. Night did well in Japan, though in the U.S., the ladies of loudness still couldn't break through commercially. This band was definitely way ahead of its time, and it can't be stressed enough that everyone from Girlschool to Babes in Toyland, 7 Year Bitch, and L7 owes the risk-taking but underexposed Runaways a huge debt of gratitude. — Alex Henderson.