Pearl

‘Pearl” by Janis Joplin (1971) Very familiar with this album and artist. It will be a struggle here to focus on this album as an album, simply because there is so much worth saying about Janis Joplin and her times. But here goes: “Pearl” is stellar, even without context. Joplin’s soul soars in this recording, which is, almost incidentally, very well produced and arranged. The songwriting is first rate (only “Move Over” was written solely by Joplin herself), and the instrumentals of the Full Tilt Boogie Band excel. Top notch lead guitar, with some great solo riffs. Elaborate bass lines, always in concert with steady and dynamic drums. Nice colorings on Hammond organ. All very professional. But the chief topic of interest here is the vocal performance by Joplin. Her inimitable tonal characteristics are on full display. She does things with her voice that literally no one else can do. Tightly disciplined yet delicate trills. Effortless execution of singing two pitches simultaneously (e.g., hear the first word of “Cry Baby”! I actually did). Dynamic variation as an art form in itself. Listen to the constant interplay between the soft and the loud on “Me and Bobby McGee”. Few singers (or listeners) pay attention to that nowadays. There’s only one way to articulate the line “Windshield wipers slappin’ time”, and it’s the way Janis Joplin does it, though others have tried. Here we’re treated to Joplin’s prodigious range and exemplary pitch control, with vibrato that is customized for each phrase. Moreover, none of her vocal stylings are affected or artificial. It’s as if each song has been internalized, and thus it springs from her soul with minimal interference by her considerable physical singing tools. Listen for what’s going on beneath her breathing, vocal cords, oral and nasal cavities, and phonetic mechanisms. It’s passion. And passion rules over the body as the sound comes out. It’s not just ‘singing the blues’. It’s the blues emerging as song. Her frequent exclamations and extra-lyrical flourishes are not contrived. They seem unrehearsed. She is feeling, and we have the privilege of hearing what her feelings sound like. There is a maternal aspect to her singing. Mom can scold, comfort, rage, caress, and lament with abandon. So does Janis Joplin. But also, there’s plenty of eroticism—of a kind that is not bound by constructs like identity or even gender. It’s lust without heavy moral overtones. I’ll resist the urge to be more specific. This album is superb work of art. Recommend on every level. 5/5

She is a talented singer but this is the exact music your least fave aunt loves

What an excellent album, and yet a desperately sad one. She was just a kid. Such a tragedy.

Janis is a tiger shooting firecrackers. What an excellent, punchy, and fiery set of songs.

Janis Joplin is, hands down, top 5 coolest artist ever. This, being smoother and more polished than her previous work, is her at the top of her career.

Nr. 5/1001 Move Over 3/5 Cry Baby 4/5 A Woman Left Lonely 4/5 Half Moon 4/5 Buried Alive In the Blues 2/5 My Baby 3/5 Me and Bobby McGee 3/5 Mercedes-Benz 4/5 Trust Me 4/5 Get It While You Can 4/5 Average: 3,5 Enjoyed this quite a bit more than expected

Janis is a favorite. Bluesy, jammy, rock-n-roll with one of America’s best voices. She conveys love and torture and hope all at the same time. Backing band is great but doesn’t overshadow the star of the show. Also have a soft spot for “Me and Bobby McGee” because it won us a round of drinks at Silky O’Sullivan’s bar on Beale Street on my 40th birthday. American classic, and sad member of the 27 club...

Really, really good. Makes you want to take a star off everything else to make it look better still.

Sexy and the voice of a chain smoking angel.

Jantastic. Jop of the Pops

A candidate for the greatest singer of the early 70s. This is her most polished album, full of instant hits that it's a crime only two of them are modern radio staples. It's not just her powerful voice, full of raunch and passion, but the full bluesy instrumentation that energizes every line she puts in. The fast-pace ensures there's always something happening in these songs. I'm really glad "Buried Alive in the Blues" exists to back up my claim that it's not just Joplin that makes this album amazing, but it's when they combine forces when they become something else entirely. I liked how the beginning of that track sounded like the start of a 70s sitcom intro. I'll for sure be coming back to this album, probably as much as Carole King's Tapestry.

Fuck Janis Joplin is crusty. You can smell the stains on her fingers just looking at the cover. Singing is pretty impressive (especially considering all the drugs and ciggies), but wears out its welcome kinda quick. Music isn't too bad, just average rock of the time. 2.5/5.

meh

Yeah it’s good but I can’t listen to her song for more than a minute or two.

"My friends all drive Porsches," sang Janis Joplin, and so did she - a 1964 356 SC Cabriolet that she bought when it was four years old and used as a daily driver. What made her car special, compared to other 356s was its psychedelic paint job, which was as flamboyant as her music and persona. Joplin is said to have paid her roadie, Dave Richards, $500 to decorate the light ivory car, portraying the "History of the Universe" in every colour of the rainbow. He did, starting with a coat of Candy Apple Red, then adding portraits of Joplin's "Big Brother and the Holding Company"band-mates and other motifs such as "The Eye of God" on the hood, and a California valley on the right door. This car is a tribute to that work of art painted by former GM designer, Nick Moskatow, for its current owner. Loved the iconic album from Janice Joplin 5/5

Certified 5 stars. RIP to the goat

I’m not big on the San Francisco psych-rock scene of the 60’s - the Velvet Underground are far more psychedelic and interesting to me than most of the San Francisco bands - but this record is proof of Janis Joplin’s phenomenal talent. Her band here is exceptionally tight and funky. Excellent musicianship all around. By every metric, Pearl is a great record.

Today I'm listening to Pearl by Janis Joplin and released in 1971. I remember being introduced to Janis Joplin by my sister when I was starting to devour good music in my late teens. And this was done by sitting and listening to Me and Bobby McGee over and over again. Then Piece of My Heart became a big deal to me. I've never actually listened to any of her albums. Another in a long line of greatest hits artists I've enjoyed. I'm definitely enjoying this album, and that voice is towering and unique and full of feeling as always. And like other albums, hearing Me and Bobby McGee just roll out of the speakers is a lovely experience. It makes me think of road tripping in the 60s with Kris Kristofferson. It's the best feeling I can imagine right now. This is all tinged with sadness of what could have been had Janis not been part of the 27 year-old rock start death club.

Honest, raw and polished in equal measure. A good listen.

She has crazy good vocals.

La Joplin. Vinilazo.

La Joplin. Vinilazo.

I probably have heard this album in my youth. My dad was a big fan of Janis Joplin. I was probably a little young for this music, though, and I haven’t really listened to any Janis Joplin other than the occasional song heard on the radio. As I grew older I kept thinking I should change that but never got around to it. I’m very excited to listen to it now. This album is incredible. “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Mercedes Benz” I knew well going in to this, but those incredible songs barely scratch the surface of this album’s contents. From start to finish it is hard to fathom how a person can put so much into these songs. They are powerful. They are emotional, they are incredible, they are fun! I teared up on several occasions. How could you not during “A Woman Left Lonely?” There is incredible exuberance captured on this album and I can’t help but feel happy hearing songs like “Half Moon.” But could there be a sadder moment than “Buried Alive in the Blues?” Such a funky song. Such a sad song. Maybe the bitterest sweet as I listened and never heard her voice as she died before it was completed. I was quite glad that the writer of the song turned down the request to have him perform the vocals on it in tribute. The song sits in the middle of the album in sad tribute to the loss of an incredible performer. How about that album cover?! That smile. That drink. Those feathers. Such great spirit captured by that image. Fortunately we have Janis Joplin’s incredible music to give us a little of that today.

I've been a fan ever since I was little. Both my parents are huge fans so the you have it. When I found that Bobby Mcgee has her greatest hit couldn't believe it! then I found out that Janis had quite more than I believed. this is an awsome and gorgeous record. Cry baby always tears my heart. Thank you Janis for your work

Definitely a unique voice but really enjoyable

Strong record! Bluesy, raw, great lyrics.

Pearl Apart from Me and Bobby McGee I wasn’t really that keen on this on first listen, although the playing is much tighter and more professional than the band on Cheap Thrills it feels pretty soulless as it cycles through rather generic overly slick AOR blues rock tropes. I started to like it a bit more on repeat listens though, when the band turn up the organ and turn down the guitar and it can be pretty good; Trust Me reveals itself as a great little tune, Get it While You Can has a nice smoulder to it. Even Move Over, which I disliked on the first listen, improves on repeat, eventually settling into a nice groove. And of course Me and Bobby McGee is just an excellent song, by far the best thing on here, a great bit of bluesy country soul. Mercedes Benz is kind of fun and Cry Baby’s ubiquity has dampened it’s overwrought charm a little, but it's still a good track Looking back at our reviews of Cheap Thrills I think I’m a bit more partial to her voice than you both and I think it does sound really good here, particularly as the more conventional production showcases it better then the fake-live sound of Cheap Thrills. Overall it’s a decent listen, one I might try again, but I wasn’t into it enough for it to trouble the 4s. Solid 3. 🦪🦪🦪 Playlist submission: Me and Bobby McGee

Bueno

it features a blues rock singer wailing wommannnn and yet it's still fine. good job Janis.

Not great not terrible. Honestly, I do not think her voice is as legendary as people say. It's her attitude and vibe.

Respectable. Lively voice.

Would I listen again: no Best track: My Baby Worst track: trust me Surprise awesome track: Move Over Weirdest track: none really stand out Lyrics: mostly blues type lyrics. Nothing super deep but tons of memorable lines. No skips?: no Cover art cool?: no Notes: I am saying this out of the gate that I am not expecting much from this album. I totally respect Joplin and recognize her place in history but I just don’t think for whatever the reason that I am going to find this entire album to be something worth listening to again. I hope to be proven wrong. Full tilt boogie band is killer. What a great tight band. But same Blues rock shit over and over again. It’s fine but it’s not particularly memorable musically.

What an amazing voice, so strong and forceful but with nuance and soul and a crackle. The band is great and she is great and the album is great. For me, her version of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" is the star here. I normally shy away from the big hit and the obvious but she puts everything in to this one and it slays. What a triumph.

Cry Baby! Jes Jappelin.

This is everything you know and expect when you think of Janis Joplin.

Pearl isn’t just Janis Joplin’s best album—it feels like everything she was building toward finally came together. There’s raw power, yes, but also a sense of clarity and control she didn’t always have on earlier records. Her voice is ferocious and vulnerable in equal measure, full of cracks, growls, and aching soul, and on songs like Cry Baby, A Woman Left Lonely, and Me and Bobby McGee, she tears right through you. Each track feels lived-in, emotionally charged, and completely her. The production is tighter, the arrangements are richer, and the band—Full Tilt Boogie—gives her just the right platform without ever overshadowing her. Even the fun, loose moments (Move Over, Mercedes Benz) have that unmistakable Janis grit and charm. It’s a tragic triumph in some ways, released just after her death, but it’s also a lasting reminder of her brilliance.

4.5

Oh lord that's good 💯

Wow. This was fantastic. I dont know how it took me this long to listen to Janis Joplin.

I was already really enjoying this album (and was likely to give it a five), when Mercedes Benz came on and unlocked a core childhood memory. I had forgotten about it for 25 years, but my mum used to sing Mercedes Benz to me to try and get me to sleep when I was very young, (I can only assume she had already tried all the more traditional lullabies). I played the song for her to confirm and she recognised it instantly. I’ve now been playing this album all weekend. Mercedes Benz aside, it was always going to be five stars.

Love u Janis!

Live fast, die young and leave a cracking album

A great album. Never listened to it apart from the hits. Exactly what I hope to find by going through this list.

Favorite Track: Me and Bobby McGee

What a legend. Janis has soul, texture, power. Total package. Always adds extra layers when it's an artist's last go. Especially since the album came out after her death. Feels like a goodbye or memoriam. Love you Janis ❤️

What a voice! 🔥 I only knew 2 Janis Joplin songs before going into this. Ended up recognising a 3rd thanks to a highly annoying perfume advert. That does not do her justice because this album was amazing! Such a talent, died way too young. Reminds me of Amy Winehouse - unique voices and I think both would have gone on to incredible things This is in my top 3 albums on here so far. Loved it 5 ⭐️

eu amo, nao tem como

Wonderful album by one of the greatest pop/rock performers of all time.

Not much to say about this. It is a solid 5/5.

One of the most powerful female singers of all time. She deserved so much more than the way she was treated. It’s a shame she died before she had a chance to be embraced by the right people.

Great album

A great listen. Was blown away by the power and raw soul of Janis's voice. Such a shame this turned out to be her last album

Really enjoyed this album as it captures the raw power of Joplins voice. It is quite poignant that the instrumental track was left as it was because Joplin had died before she was able to record vocals. A tragic loss. 5 stars.

Freedoms just another word

Nice I liked it more than I thought I would. Also it clocks in at just over half an hour which seems right for how strong the sound is

bloody love it.

Sensazionale

She is the queen of rock.

Not something I want to listen to every day, but it feels wrong not to give it 5 stars.

god her voice and the guitar ... what a combo!! I can't believe I have never listened to this before

I mean, it's fuggin' JJ. Just amazing voice. Quintessential early 70s RnB

I’ve listened to Me and Bobby McGee before (thank you Kris Kristoffersson for that gem) and really enjoyed Janis’s voice on that one. That feeling can be shared to the rest of the songs on this album, she has such a powerful and raw voice with great lyrics and rock elements on all of the songs. Cry Baby is so raw and you can feel the emotion pouring out in her voice, Trust Me as well. What a sad story that this had to be released post humorously. It makes sense that this exalted her even further as this was one of the most complete albums I’ve listened to in this challenge with the vocals, lyrics, rock and blues elements, passion and raw talent. Truly a tragedy we didn’t get more music from her.

Had never heard the whole album. It was every bit as good as I hoped it would be. Wonderful musicianship, too! New faves: Half Moon, Buried Alive in the Blues, A Woman Left Lonely

That voice. That soul. I'm pretty familiar with this album, but it never fails to give me goosebumps at several points. Me and Bobby McGee is the greatest cover version ever (fight me!), and Cry Baby is up there with the great vocal performances, but every other track is great too. Top musicianship too, although Joplin always takes center stage. It doesn't matter to me that she didn't write most of these songs, because she makes them all her own

Incredible. Brilliant. Stunning album.

Chills. Damn. First album on this list I haven't heard before that is getting 5 stars. Can't wait to relisten

Yes what a screamer, obvs knew alot of the songs but not the totality.musical and poetic mastery with a touch if country soul and the hippie thing. Was awesome really.

First listen - I can’t believe I have to admit it. But holy crap- worth the hype!

Love it, from start to finish

one of the greatest voices of all time excellent blues/rock album I bought this on cassette for $5 in Sydney when I lived there, and only had a Walkman

Ein zeitloses Album. Die Band und Janis Joplin sind eine Einheit.

I’ve heard about Ms. Joplin my entire life and this is my first time ever listening to her. The soul in her voice JUMPED out the records, my goodness, I want expecting that whatsoever.

Ok I'm gonna need to stop you right there. You mean to tell me that Janis Joplin died at what I can only assume was the peak of her recording career? Because I cannot imagine her producing a better record than this one. Oh my goodness. I honestly don't even know how to put into words how I feel about this record. It has everything I love - fast, upbeat grooves played by an excellent rock and roll/soul band. Motown vibes. Soul. Amazing instrumentation and mixing. And on top of all of that (which would be enough for four stars for most albums with all of that), it's got Janis on vocals absolutely blowing everyone out of the water. I don't even care that there's a filler track on this album ("Mercedes Benz"). It's charming enough that I can let it slide. I am such a sucker for an album like this. There have been albums that have felt like they were made for me that I just didn't like. Albums I felt like, because they checked a handful of boxes that generally agree with my musical tastes, had to be a five star album but yet weren't because they were too perfect. I was worried after a couple of tracks that this would be one of those. It wasn't. It was just one kick ass album. God bless this woman. She died far too soon. Five stars. Standout Tracks: Move Over, Cry Baby, Half Moon, Me and Bobby McGee, Get It While You Can

She sounds like that smoking aunt that everyone has. Despite that, her vocals are insane. This is a great album, good songs, good lyrics and very well played instruments. Out of the members of the "27 Club" she is the only one that I never imagined going much far than this. I mean, she sang good songs, but she didn't have the same creative force as Hendrix or Morrisson. But I can't deny that it would have been very interesting to listen to more of this powerful voice throughout the 70s.

Fantastic!

Almost made the mistake of giving this a 4 but listened a second time through. Incredible album and definitely a worthy 5.

Great album

Janis Joplin's *Pearl* is a landmark album in rock and blues history, released posthumously in January 1971. It captures Joplin at the height of her vocal prowess and emotional depth, showcasing her raw talent and vulnerability. Here are some listening notes for the album: ### 1. **"Move Over"** - A fiery, blues-rock opener that sets the tone for the album. - Joplin's voice is powerful and commanding, filled with urgency and passion. - The lyrics reflect her demand for respect and independence in relationships. ### 2. **"Cry Baby"** - A soulful, emotional ballad that highlights Joplin's ability to convey pain and longing. - The Full Tilt Boogie Band provides a tight, groovy backdrop. - Her vocal delivery is raw and heartfelt, making it one of her most iconic performances. ### 3. **"A Woman Left Lonely"** - A slower, more introspective track that showcases Joplin's vulnerability. - The lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and solitude, resonating deeply with her personal struggles. - The arrangement is understated, allowing her voice to take center stage. ### 4. **"Half Moon"** - An upbeat, celebratory track with a gospel-inspired feel. - Joplin's vocals are joyful and exuberant, contrasting with the more somber moments on the album. - The horn section adds a lively, dynamic layer to the song. ### 5. **"Buried Alive in the Blues"** - An instrumental track, as Joplin was scheduled to record her vocals the day after she passed away. - The Full Tilt Boogie Band shines here, delivering a tight, bluesy performance. - The absence of her voice feels haunting, adding a layer of poignancy to the album. ### 6. **"My Baby"** - A funky, upbeat track with a strong groove. - Joplin's vocals are playful and sassy, showcasing her versatility as a performer. - The song feels like a celebration of love and desire. ### 7. **"Me and Bobby McGee"** - Arguably Joplin's most famous song, written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster. - Her rendition is deeply emotional, blending joy and sorrow as she tells the story of freedom and loss. - The song builds to a powerful climax, with Joplin's voice soaring in the final verses. ### 8. **"Mercedes Benz"** - A acapella track that is both humorous and poignant. - Joplin's voice is stripped down and raw, delivering a satirical take on materialism. - The simplicity of the arrangement makes it one of her most memorable performances. ### 9. **"Trust Me"** - A soulful, mid-tempo track with a smooth groove. - Joplin's vocals are tender and pleading, showcasing her ability to convey vulnerability. - The lyrics explore themes of trust and commitment in relationships. ### 10. **"Get It While You Can"** - A powerful closing track that serves as a life-affirming anthem. - Joplin's vocals are passionate and defiant, urging listeners to seize the moment. - The song feels like a fitting farewell, encapsulating her philosophy of living life to the fullest. ### Overall Impressions: - *Pearl* is a masterpiece that captures Janis Joplin's incredible range as a vocalist and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. - The album blends blues, rock, and soul seamlessly, with the Full Tilt Boogie Band providing a solid, dynamic foundation. - Joplin's untimely death adds a layer of tragedy to the album, but her spirit and talent shine through in every track. - *Pearl* remains a timeless testament to her artistry and influence on rock and blues music. Listening to *Pearl* is not just an auditory experience but an emotional journey through the highs and lows of Janis Joplin's life and music.

Love Janis

Legend!

Probably a 4.5 rounded up. A superb album and, at risk of overstating the obvious, a tragedy we lost her so soon. I had not realized she died BEFORE she even released her second album. What's more, it puzzles me to acknowledge she was only 27 when she did not look or sound it (I guess heroin will do that to person). Janis Joplin, and her album pearl, seem to be right at the intersection of soul, blues, and rock. And I had not realized how much her backing band actually kinda shreds (most notably on My Baby). Gosh, to hear this record for the first time, knowing Janis had left this world had to have been chilling. RIP.

<3

Folksy witchcraft vibes Sang with unbridled passion Of a free woman

RIP patti's friend

70s talent on the instrument with almost a 50s feel with the vocalist. Adding this one to the library

Janis Joplin’s Pearl is a great piece of blues that has the incredible capacity of traveling through the ages while still remaining relevant and deeply inspirational.

<3

this is SUCH a good album and it's really such a tragedy that Janis died right at this moment when she finally had the creative freedom she wanted as well as a backing band that was able to match her talents beat for beat and had incredible chemistry with her. I can't believe so few recordings of her and the Full Tilt Boogie Band exist...Wikipedia says that none of the concerts she played on tour with them were recorded and we only really have two appearances on The Dick Cavett Show and this album to immortalize their sound. all the more reason to be grateful for what we have- but just imagine the kind of career Janis could have had if she hadn't died when she did. truly a one-in-a-million voice, and a one-in-a-million artist, and i treasure this album and her three others with all my heart.

Outstanding

Yeah that was great

What an album! That voice, the one-two hit of Me & Bobby McGee (one of my all time favourite songs) and Mercedes Benz, Move Over, the tribute to Janis’s early death that is Buried Alive in the Blues…God, where do I start? This is fabulous. I’ve always thought that Janis Joplin is well overdue a reevaluation. It seems like she’s kind of not had the revival amongst modern day listeners that some of her peers have, but looking at this album I honestly cannot see why. This is absolutely top tier stuff.

Понравились две песни про Бобби и мерседес, круто рваный голос, но тоже бэкграундный альбом

This was an excellent listen. I remember some of these songs playing when I was young, but this is the first time I listened to this as an adult. Well worth the revisit.

A perfect ten tracks. Her voice is one of the coolest-sounding instruments ever. I didn’t realize the album was released posthumously, what a sadness.

Janis is a kween that VOICE 💦

Janis didn’t have the best voice in the world, but god damn did she know how to use it. The music and the vocals fit together perfectly, and come together to make something incredibly powerful. It’s upsetting that this was Janis Joplin’s swan song, but at least she went out on top.

Awesome

Janis es parte mi alma musical y en un lugar muy especial. Su voz trascendia la necesidad musical y nunca podría ser secundaria, la música vivía en su mente. Oír este disco sin su voz, no es posible, oír la solo a ella sin música, es posible. Lo mejor entre los mejores

Un disco increíble. Qué voz, qué arreglos, qué música. No sé por qué nunca le había entrado a Janis, pero ahora quiero escuchar todo lo que hizo. Increíble artista.

Her voice doesn’t merely come from a real place - it takes you there as well, which can’t be said about many ‘real things.’ It wobbles and clouds over, tho it’s also so clear, sound, and solid. Does she push it? Not as much as you may think. So give me Janis. Then I’m good, and in that special way, I can live all over again.