Description

Johnny Thunders – Have Faith – Cassette

Have Faith by Johnny Thunders is an album that stands out within the discography of the influential punk rock guitarist and singer. Johnny Thunders, best known as a member of the New York Dolls and later The Heartbreakers, had a solo career that showcased his raw musical talent and deeply personal songwriting. Johnny Thunders was a significant figure in the punk rock movement, known for his distinctive guitar style and rebellious persona.

Recorded live in Japan. Johnny Thunders’ live shows were famously inconsistent, occasionally brilliant, often zonked-out messes where the star might actually pass out and fall off the stage. Fortunately, this live recording (recorded in Tokyo in 1988) catches Thunders on a very good night.Backed by an excellent, if conventional, hard rock band, Thunders roars through a tight, no-nonsense set of his own songs (including Dolls and Heartbreakers oldies) and well-chosen covers (a great version of Bo Diddley’s ‘I Can Tell’). His vocals and guitar work at all times focused and powerful. Atypically, the album ends with an unplugged acoustic segment, where Thunders gets to do his patented Keith Richards imitation on an excellent cover of the Stones’ ‘Play With Fire.’

Have Faith is one of the albums from his solo work that embodies Thunders’ characteristic style. The album was a collaboration with Patti Palladin, a fellow musician known for her work in the punk scene.

The album features Thunders’ gritty guitar work and emotive vocal delivery, blending punk rock energy with rock and roll roots. Like much of Thunders’ work, Have Faith delves into themes of hope, struggle, and resilience, reflecting his tumultuous life and career.

Have Faith showcases Thunders’ ability to infuse raw emotion into his music, making it a standout track for fans and a testament to his enduring influence. Despite his struggles with addiction and a chaotic lifestyle, Thunders left behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire punk rock and rock musicians.

Johnny Thunders is often cited as a key influence on the punk rock genre, both for his work with the New York Dolls and his solo material. Although not achieving mainstream commercial success, Thunders developed a devoted cult following, with his music resonating deeply with fans of raw, unfiltered rock music.

Have Faith is an album that captures the essence of Johnny Thunders’ musical and personal ethos. It stands as a reminder of his contributions to punk rock and his ability to convey profound emotion through his music.

Song List

1. Pipeline
2. Blame It On Mom
3. Personality Crisis
4. I Can Tell
5. Who Do You Love/Spoonful
6. Too Much Junkie Business
7. Chinese Rocks
8. Born To Lose
9. Play With Fire
10. Can’t Put Your Arm Around a Memory
11. Joey Joey
12. I Only Wrote This Song For You