PAT BENATAR - CRIMES OF PASSION 12" Vinyl LP Album

In the late 1970s, amidst the waning embers of disco and the burgeoning flames of punk and new wave, a new breed of rock 'n' roll warrior emerged. With her leather-clad swagger, powerhouse vocals, and a band that could kick out the jams with the best of them, Pat Benatar was a force to be reckoned with. Her 1980 album, "Crimes of Passion", was a sonic declaration of independence, a middle finger to the establishment, and a love letter to the sheer exhilaration of rock 'n' roll.

Produced by the legendary Keith Olsen (known for his work with Fleetwood Mac, Whitesnake, and Scorpions) and recorded at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, "Crimes of Passion" is a testament to Benatar's raw energy and musical prowess. The album kicks off with the anthemic "Treat Me Right," a song that perfectly encapsulates Benatar's no-nonsense attitude and refusal to be treated as anything less than an equal. With its driving beat, infectious hooks, and Benatar's soaring vocals, the song became an instant classic and a staple of rock radio.

But "Crimes of Passion" is more than just a collection of hard-hitting rockers. The album showcases Benatar's versatility as a vocalist and songwriter, with tracks like the tender ballad "Hell Is for Children" and the bluesy "You Better Run." The latter, a cover of a Young Rascals song, was famously used in the first music video ever aired on MTV, further solidifying Benatar's status as a trailblazer.

One of the album's most controversial tracks, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," became Benatar's signature song and a karaoke favorite. While some critics dismissed it as a simple pop song, others recognized its underlying message of empowerment and resilience. In a world where women were often objectified and marginalized, Benatar's defiant lyrics and powerful vocals resonated with audiences, particularly young women who were looking for role models who weren't afraid to speak their minds.

The album's title track, "Crimes of Passion," is a swaggering rocker that showcases the band's tight musicianship and Benatar's ability to command a stage. With its driving beat, blistering guitar solos, and Benatar's snarling vocals, the song is a testament to the raw power and energy of rock 'n' roll.

"Crimes of Passion" was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over four million copies in the United States alone. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Treat Me Right," and "You Better Run," and cemented Benatar's status as one of the leading voices of rock 'n' roll.