Reviews (page 10 of 14)
This was fine
Hadn’t heard this in probably 50+ years. Better than I thought. Obviously a great voice, and the backing band is quite good. Standard quirky stereo separation typical of the era (that’s not a bad thing, IMO). Weird that there’s an instrumental on the album.
Vacillated between “she has a good voice” and “she’s a good screamer” the whole time
It is a shame that Janis didn't live longer to create more music. She had an iconic voice that was unmistakable. She was broken inside from the start, and her music showed her pain. I think she was lost and didn't know how to find herself so she looked for ways to fill the void, and it ultimately killed her in the end. Even though her career was short, she has a lasting legacy on music. Great album!
There's a strange charisma about her voice that grows on me the more I listen to her. She was obviously great, but each time I put on one of her albums I have that same experience.
Absolutely fucking epic
Shut up and play the hits
Very much carried by her voice but the soul / 60's rock instrumentals are really good. The opening track is really kinectice. "My Baby" and "Cry Baby" are great baby tracks. Me and Bobby McGee is an obvious standout. She really has one of the best voices which takes this record from good to great.
Such an amazing voice
Always loved this lady
Is this a three star or a four? I’m not sure. Musically, I really liked it - cool guitar riffs and piano lines. I’ve always felt Janis Joplin belted it out too much for me. And it didn’t help I had a headache. But I enjoyed this still.
Exceptional album.
Enjoyed
Janis Joplin has steadily grown on me over the years. At first I found her blend of blues and hard rock a little harsh, not to even mention her voice. But the amount of passion she throws behind that voice is incredible, and it really shines on the songs she wrote or co-wrote, like “Mercedes Benz”. The production on this album is far superior to that on the garage rock-sound of her albums with Big Brother and the Holding Company, or even her earlier solo album. Pearl was produced by Paul Rothchild, who produced almost all of The Doors music, and I’d argue that The Doors’ 60s output was some of the tightest production of the era. If Joplin had not died after recording this album, I’m sure she would have gone to create more fantastic music. But it’s hard to believe anything could top this. The original songs are wonderful, and the covers are so iconic that it’s hard to believe they’re covers.
Favourite songs: 1st - Move Over 2nd - Buried Alive in the Blues 3rd - Mercedes Benz
Didn't expect country, but overall was nice. Mercedes Benz was a standout treat.
this sucks
Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.
Although Janis was here for a good time and not a long time, I can still hear the pain in her voice and words. It resonates so much with me right now in life with the mental hardships I’m enduring. This is one of those records I didn’t know I needed until I listened to it - another testament to this 1001 albums project’s goal. Janis covers so many of the genres I grew up with - rock, soul, blues, even Motown (hear “Half Moon”) - yet I never really listened to her until now. RIP.
Never got her appeal. Still don't.
Great voice. Had never really listened.
One of the best rock and roll vocalists ever and a life sadly cut short
Class
This is a nice little listen. A great album I will listen to again!! I really enjoyed my baby and me and Booby McGee, there are some great songs on this album. Mercedes Benz is a classic song and really important. Great and powerful lyrics. Favourite song: get it while you can. Least favourite: There is not a bad song on the album Album artwork: Cool cover and a cool lady.
This album has a number of iconic tracks such as Cry Baby, Me and Bobby McGee, and Mercedes Benz. Janis Joplin's vocals are immediately recognizable, they portray a lot of emotion and I hear her influence on much more modern artists such as Kurt Cobain and Alanis Morissette just to name a couple.
I'll need to give this one some repeat listens to fully appreciate it. The sound definitely stands out in a way that I like.
Janet Joplin at the absolute peak of her powers. We'll never know what could have been, but what we were lucky enough to get to hear was utterly fantastic.
I can’t help but picture a medication commercial playing on the tv whenever she really starts belting it out. “Side effects may include…”
Liked it ! Janis art will never let you down
Pretty good
On and off
Mercedes Benz!
Bobby McGee and me approve this album.
Solid
Incredible person and voice, nobody else was or has been like her. The instrumentals are great here too, 'buried alive in blues' has no vocals as Janis died before she could record them, but it's still a fun track. Every song on here is great and I could listen to her all day
sovereign
Amazing - I've heard some songs, I know Janis Joplin, but I had never listened to this. I love it.
Classic album
Such a distinctive voice and performer. At the same time I cannot say I am her biggest fan. Despite that, this is actually a pretty good album where she shows some range while still showcasing hee blues talents. Also of note is the band backing her. I have no idea who they are but they back her brilliantly. Songs of note include "Me and Bobby McGee", which is truly one of the great vocal performances of all time and "Get it While You Can".
A fantastic finale for Janis. She was an inspiration incredible singer who burned out too soon, and while this is certainly her best project and a great album I always come away thinking she had her best stuff ahead of her. Me and Bobby McGee is the hit and best song here (what a jam at the end!) but every song is great, including the goofy Mercedes Benz (her last recording). Janis’ vocal performance is incredible on all tracks - most notably to me on Bobby McGee, Cry Baby and Half Moon. One of the better vocal “pop” albums of the 60’s and the best example of Janis’ talents.
1. move over - 1 2. cry baby - 1 3. lonely - 1.5 4. moon - 0 5. bluez - 1 6. baby - 1.5 7. bobby - 1.5 8. mercedez - 1 9. truzt - 1 10. get it - 0
There are hits, and then there are just good songs with a deep blues-rock sound, wholesome, sensible lyrics, and Joplin's one-of-a-kind vocals.
Meh quite solid 5/10
Didn't care for the vocals
Janis Joplin's unique voice but not for me. 3/5
Pretty good, not a huge Janis head though
Really cool album, love the band, love the singing, but for me it is a sometimes food and a full album of this sound is a bit much. Still, generally really cool sound.
meh
I’m not sure if her vocals are my favorite but they are certainly full of feeling and I can’t deny that I feel that. Her last album before she died of an overdose. First three tracks are pretty undeniable as well as the instrumental track which is the way it is because she died a few days prior and wasn’t able to record her vocals on it. Love the kristofferson cover
The goat
Janis Joplin’s singing is just really, really good. Like really good.
5/5. Some solid rock songwriting, each song sounds diverse enough to feel like a complete album. No denying Janis's vocals are the standout here. The raspy, broken singing brings out the passion of each song. I feel like this is such a good break up album, longing for a love that is no longer here. Yes, most of the songs are covers but hard to appreciate them any other way besides here. Best Song: My Baby, Me and Bobby McGee, Cry Baby
Je n'ai pas autant aimer que Cheap Thrills, mais on comprend pourquoi à ce jour Janis Joplin est encore autant considéré une icône. Un excellent album rock qui sonne encore frais et qui démontre une influence énorme sur la scène rock. 8/10
The Full Tilt Boogie Band matched Janis’s energy and that made this record really good. She’s got a couple of really great songs on this album. What a star! She’s definitely missed.
Ouvi e reouvi muitas vezes desde que foi recomendado. O instrumental é foda, o vocal então nem se fala, lançado postumamente, o trabalho de Joplin e da banda estava no auge, uma pena que também carrega consigo uma história muito triste.
I don’t count myself as a fan but this was alright. 3*
Wasn't overly fussed but gave it another listen later and it grew on me. Although I do think that the Mercedes Benz songs is one of the worst things ever (ironic as it may be).
Gonna admit I thought I wasn't going to like this and it was awesome. Janis had a bit of unexpected soul to her singing that made love this album.
Never digged it, still i don't
Jeg kommer ikke til at vold-lytte til Janis Joplin, men det var absolut ikke ubehageligt for øregangene.
Sjovt. Har hørt hendes navn før, men ikke noget jeg har søgt mere ind i. Det var et ret cool lyt, meget råt og sejt. 👌
Hold da kæft en kraftudladning! Janis Joplins stemmer er simpelthen for vild, og bandet understøtter den helt perfekt. Jeg har altid kendt til hende som navn, men mit eneste bekendskab med hende er Mercedes Benz, sunget af en karakter i Beverly Hills 😂 Jeg tror mit billede af hendes musik var mere over i noget singer-songwriter end dette rock-lokomotiv. Som andre ting på denne liste kan jeg kun undre mig over at jeg ikke har fået hørt det før. Men det er jo netop en af grundene til dette projekt. Et fantastisk album. Og en dejlig øjenåbner.
Janis was one of the first vocalists I ever loved. And I still love her dearly. She’s so genuinely passionate, vulnerable, and powerful…really, the only “bad” thing about this record is how sad it makes me to think that we lost her so soon. Practically every song is a highlight here, with the instrumental “Buried Alive in the Blues” perhaps being the only “weak” link. Fantastic record. 4.5/5
Good album Standout songs: Move Over A Woman Left Lonely Get it While you Can
Amazing album with high levels of chemistry between the musicians. I love how the songs flow, tracks like "Half Moon" and "Cry Baby" know well when to explode and when to strip back. The production really is great, everything sounds super crisp and you can surely feel a sense of energetic joy in the air. And of course, i can't not mention Janis Joplin's seemingly effortless delivery over these busy instrumentals, on which she confidently goes all out specially on the climaxes. Her vocals are unmatched really, one of the most characteristic singers in american popular music, i love her raspy but stunningly powerful tone. Technically impressive but also very powerful! Other favourites... hell this album is all killer. I'll specially shout out "Move Over", "Woman Left Lonely" and "Me And Bobby McGee".
Never a fan. She is a great vocal talent, but her style of singing is nothing more than trying to eat the microphone like some side show freak. Considering some of this album was posthumously done - a 7 at best.
you don't know what singing is until you've heard janis joplin
decent
Unique
What a truly unbelievable talent she was. She did us January 19th birthday havers very proud. On this album in particular, I mean what is there to say. The songs are brilliant, her voice is addicting, the arrangements are incredible. So glad to finally listen to this album from front to back. Favorite track: Buried Alive in the Blues
An album my dad showed me, his love for Janis Joplin rubbed off on me! Thank you Dad
Move Over Me and Bobby Mcgee Mercedes Benz I just love her voice. What a great short album
Rock, Blues 1971 -> 4
Janis Joplin was very special, her early departure certainly a sad one. The album had some posthumous elements apparently, with a track completely instrumental as she did not do the vocals for it before her passing. Knowing this, the track carries a sense of homage to her. Quite appropriate. The album itself is full of effort the listener can hear. "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose." featured in the song "Me and Bobby McGee". Janis certainly seemed to approach her vocals in this way, where she repeatedly belts out her lyrics, giving it everything she knows to give. Where she sounds smooth and clear, could then go to a lovely raspiness that is filled with personality. This is very respectable and a testament to her talent as a performer. This is a good album, and the world can find reason to be grateful for it.
What a voice!
Janis Joplin has some real vocal talent, range, and pure passion. Her ability to sing gently and fiercely so close together is remarkable. The rest of the album has strengths but it's impossible not to focus on her vocals. The talent more than the sound alone gets my ear.
Good production, solid vocals. A bit too manic at times for my taste. A sad story of self medication. Suburban, middle class, blues. Nice that she helped pay for a headstone for Bessie Smith. Inspired me to go listen to some Odetta, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thortnton, Etta James and Aretha Franklin.
Janis es Janis. Muy buen disco aunque no está a la altura de Cheap Thrills.
Incredible
Nothing really stood out but it was cool finding out where the Mercedes Benz song came from
Fine enough
A great album. Awesome hits and just the feeling of a gone too soon artist
Never actually listened to this album outside the singles and it’s great. I love the blues rock and the way she sings it.
Not my cup of tea
Good Janis album
Solid throughout, distinct voice and great guitar. Good sense of humour
Love love love Janis Joplin. She is one of the greatest. Exceptional vocals. Raw Gritty Powerful Emotional One of the best that sadly left us too soon.
Never heard this full labum before (except from the singles that came from it). Really enjoyed the raw voice and "Burried Allive in the Blues"-track"
Absolute banger. Love her.
No complaints
Me and Bobby McGee - that terrific sandpaper voice.
such a voice
Great listen. She has an amazing and unique sound. Exceptional range and passion. I was surprised that this was only her 2nd release, and post mortem at that. Left such a legacy and inspired so many. Tom Petty mentioned his song “The Waiting” was inspired by a quote from JJ- “I love being onstage and everything else is just waiting”.
I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did, but it was a very solid listen. The production while quite slick for the time still maintains a slight rough-around-the edges feel and only emphasizes just how great a singer Joplin was. Hard to imagine that this was just her 2nd studio album ever recorded.
Sadly a member of the 27 club, which sucks. What a talent, and nothing contrived about her style. It just doesn’t get much better than Janis singing about Bobby McGee, and the rest of the album is just as great.
Man she’s great and this whole album is a solid listen. This version of Me and Bobby McGee is so fantastic. I think Roger Miller and Kris Kristofferson heard that and were probably like “Ohhhh, yeah. That’s a lot better than what we did.”
What a voice. What a loss. This albums slaps, obvi. I didn’t know she passed away before it was finished. Cool that they left Buried Alive in the Blues on the album even though she never recorded vocals as a kind of moment of silence. Missing a little extra something to get it to 5* category, but still great. 4.25/5
I can't help but compare Janis Joplin to Robert Plant, a singularly-gifted vocalist fronting a band that clearly owes a lot to the blues genre. Unfortunately, Janis and her co-writers don't transcend and augment their roots in quite the way Zeppelin did time and again, leaving Pearl feeling like a very competent band playing era-specific blues rock.
Cry Baby // Me and Bobby McGee // Trust Me // Get It While You Can 3.5/5
5/5 10/10 easy dit was top waarom wist ik dit niet eerder
A somewhat sad album considering this was released posthumously. I also detected a Karen vibe to this as well. The major positive wast the Full Tilt Boogie Band who were absolutely solid. The singles are OK. The rest is meh. Passing grade for legacy's sake.
I absolutely love Janis Joplin and was elated to see this album come up. Released posthumously only a few months after death, this album always leaves me wishing she had stayed alive and continued to release music for another 40 years, although in some ways, Janis being the artist she was, it almost strangely seems right to go out early, as long as it is in a blaze of glory. Luckily, this album is that blaze. 'Move Over' is a fantastic opener, setting the scene for a high energy ball of vocal electricity that the album delivers. 'Cry Baby' is a showcase of the incredible voice and range that Joplin possessed. The album also has the huge hit 'Me and Bobby McGee' which starts off surprisingly quiet and "normal" for a Janis Joplin song. It's a great song that ramps up in the signature style of the artist at the end. Her acapella 'Mercedes Benz' is a brief moment of respite from the chaotic energy of the album. Recorded only three days before her death, the song is a poem of sorts, about the desire for things that other people have. One of the most notable tracks is 'Buried Alive in the Blues'. It is noteworthy for being completely instrumental, as Joplin passed away before the vocals could be recorded. Judging by the music of the song, she was gonna give it her absolute everything (as she always does), and it would have been a classic. The song always reminds me of the sad reality that she was taken so soon. She is one of the absolute greatest vocalists of all time. That's not to say that this is for everyone, her distinctive voice can put people off. But she is one of my favorites. Outstanding album. 5/5
Jimi Hendrix: deceased, drugs. Janis Joplin: deceased, alcohol. Mama Cass: deceased, ham sandwich.
What a vocalist
Janis Joplin is so fucking good and Pearl is a brilliant album. She has a voice unlike pretty much anyone else in music history, she can do the lot and it would be enough for her to be the star of the show without even half-decent music behind her, but the music on this record is also stellar, songwriting is masterful, strong arrangements, quality guitar work, you bring in the pianos and organs and backing singers/choirs for emphasis at the back end of some songs to finish strong, it all works really well. But she's one of the greatest ever for a reason and she shows why on Cry Baby, A Woman Left Lonely, My Baby and Me and Bobby McGee in particular, though it feels unfair to leave out the rest of the songs (the a cappella Mercedes Benz obviously), her range, her styling, her full range of emotions from desperate to playful to seductive, it's all there. The only disappointment really was that Half Moon and Buried Alive In The Blues aren't as good as everything else on here, and it might just bring it down from a 5 into the highest of 4s, but damn if she didn't go too soon.
This is fab, she's got a phenomenal voice and the songwriting that goes with it is really really good too. A comfortable four, great pace and energy to it, didn't let up throughout (although a couple of changes of pace), and not a weak track on it. 4/5.
Knew the hits, need a bit more listening to get more of it but happy to do so
This album was ok. A bit underwhelming when it comes to sticking power but the folk vibes were strong. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
I thought the back half of this album was excellent.
Good :) I enjoyed it few songs outstayed their welcome but overall a welcome listen :)
Classic singer with a great voice but not my cup of tea.
An album/artist I haven’t listened to in 20+ years. She had an amazing voice but the overall album is a mixed bag.
Joplin was a powerhouse and this album proves it would like to hear another come up on here to compare but love this one.
Mega
Conheço algumas musicas mas nunca ouvi inteiro. Fiquei animado para ouvir. Voz única. Instrumentação que eu gosto muito, com piano e baixo bem altos no mix. Muito swing e ritmado. Sonoridade me agrada demais. A voz é exagerada, intensidade máxima o tempo todo, seria bom se tivesse alguma variação de intensidade
Move Over Cry Baby A Woman Left Lonely Half Moon Me and Bobby McGee Mercedes Benz
What a voice. Just pure power.
A very solid album, not many negatives in my opinion. I wasn't alive back then but I associate this sound more so with the mid to late 60's so this album may be dated by a couple of years, but it is still a good album.
Great album start to finish. I hadn't listened to the full thing before, so I'm glad I found it through here.
Descent stuff here
Love some Janis Joplin.
Jag är redo att bli blown away. Janis Joplin liksom. Det är bra. Klart värt att lyssna på flera gånger. Omslaget är ascoolt. Hennes röst är fantastisk. Buried Alive in Blues är bra. Hitarna likaså. Gillar blues och rock tydligen.
Hade gärna gillat det mer. Hade varit skoj. Hon har ball röst och känns cool överlag. Men diggar inte musiken svinmycket. Som vanligt är det helt ok. Men sticker inte ut. Bäst är Me and Bobby McGee. Varför inte mer än 3a? Det är rock som puttrar på utan något extra. Det är "klassiska" rock sånger, följer receptet till punkt å pricka (lite som Bruce Springsteen :)
Alltid gillat Janis men hade inte lyssnat på hela den här skivan. Tycker hon har så jäkla grym röst och coolt uttryck. Skivan är svinbra rakt igenom och jag pendlade direkt mellan fyra och femma i betyg. Efter moget övervägande och typ tio genomlyssningar så blir det en femma.
#224. I said in my review of the Big Brother and the Holding Company album that the hype is unwarranted and that her voice is bad. And well, her voice hasn't changed from that album to this one, so I suppose my opinion hasn't either. The songs themselves are... fine, I guess. 3/5: death hype Song added to playlist: Me and Bobby McGee I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
it features a blues rock singer wailing wommannnn and yet it's still fine. good job Janis.
Well, yeah. Since I was a kid I have preferred Cheap Thrills, on the grounds that it’s more unhinged than this one. The little bit of studio professionalism hinders Joplin more than it helps, but the end product still absolutely goes, start to finish
This list seems to have lots of flawed masterpieces. If Janis had lived to complete this album her own way she might have produced something truly spectacular, or she might have ruined it. As it is it's a very good album.
3 pretty good
It's very good, but I've little else to say about it, or any personal attachment. She's got a great voice, most of the songs are enjoyable and everything is well produced. I just don't love it for some reason, but would definitely recommend it to someone who might. 13/05/24
Joplin shows a more developed side of her funk and blues talent. I can't say it really hit me though. Arguably her other albums were stronger but the impact given her passing was immense
Meh
Bluesy, funky, rock'n'rolly, and one of the most iconic voices in music. I know it's a cover but this version of Cry Baby is criminally underrated and "I'd like to do a song of great social and political import" pops into my head more often than I'd like to admit (usually while watching someone be messy in public). Another Insta-5 for me. It's a shame we didn't have an opportunity to see more of what she could do.
FANTASTIC
Definitely enjoyed this one. Bobby McGee has long been on my Liked list on Spotify and with good reason, it's a pretty amazing track. Janis Joplin was an awesome singer. Her other album we listened to fell a bit flat in terms of songwriting, and/or choice of songs. While better here, it's still the weakest aspect of this album. But Janis made it work.
Excellent as always
Absolute junk.
Didn't think I'd like it but, Janis has such a strong voice and the almost multicolored instrumental was so layered and intricate it made me fall in love with almost every song.
This might be the only Southern rock album to grab my ear since I got into CCR a few years back. Her voice is phenomenal and the performances on here are lively on all fronts. Although the lyrics on some tracks didn't quite connect with me, some of the 1960s-1970s hippie sentiment bleeds through, which I liked. There is a slight decline in quality in the second half, but overall, this was fun, bluesy, and another that I will return to frequently.
My favorite female singer!
Ayer tocó Debbie Harry y hoy, Janis Joplin: inicio de semana con una vuelta a las bases. Janis Joplin era una figura que, sin haber escuchado, leía y adoraba por relatos de mi mamá. Mi segundo acercamiento fue cuando vi el documental de Woodstock y el tercero, cuando pude escuchar concienzudamente su música. Artista de voz poderosa, de actitud proto-punk y feminista, adelantadísima a su época. Cabe la pregunta de si su notoriedad mediática se debió a ser blanca pero, igualmente, la tipa siempre revalorizó desde su actitud a las cantantes negras en las que se basó. Un trabajo tristemente póstumo, de una vida fugaz.
I'm pretty sure my parents had this record. She has a great voice. Pretty funky music. Pretty rockin'. But, not really a fan.
Totally understand why she was so adored. The instrumentals are fairly basic, so the vocals/lyrics carry it almost entirely. Not my jam, although I have very deep respect for Janis.
I had heard much of this album before but never as a whole. Janis Joplin’s voice and delivery were incredibly unique. The natural grit applied to blues rock just works well. Unfortunately, we will never know how her career would have matured as this album was released posthumously.
She is significantly overrated.
Pretty cool album! Mercedes Benz was a change up on the album, but I liked it
Great album from start to finish. Me and Bobby Mcgee is obviously the well known track here with others like Mercedes Benz following suit. Far better writers have penned far better reviews of Joplin over the years, but I expect this is one I'll eventually come back to.
I’m ashamed to say that I had never listened to any of Janis Joplin’s work before I listened to this album, despite knowing how much of a highly regarded name she is in the music world. Upon listening, I see exactly why. A true legend lost too soon.
A voice for all time, gritty and powerful. The band sounds great too, the piano and guitar in particular. Highlights: Move Over, Me and Bobby McGee, Mercedes Benz, Trust Me, Get It While You Can
Not bad. I've never given Janis much of a chance, but this album didn't change my mind. Great rock voice, album has a nice sound, but the songs are just too generic rock/blues to interest me personally. Doubt I'll re-listen.
Fantastic. Love this album.
Not great not terrible. Honestly, I do not think her voice is as legendary as people say. It's her attitude and vibe.
I don’t think I’m ever going to be a Jopler (a fan of Janis Joplin), but at least I’m fine with her music now rather than with a burning hatred.
Te gustará o no, pero es imprescindible para entender los 60.
Definitely a unique voice but really enjoyable
Respectable. Lively voice.
Highlights: Cry Baby, Half Moon, Buried Alive In The Blues, Me and Bobby McGee, Trust Me. “I have to have the ‘umph.’ I’ve got to feel it, because if it’s not getting through to me, the audience sure as hell aren’t going to feel it either.” Janis Joplin ‘Soul blues’ is the best description for Joplin’s sound on Pearl. I was impressed by this album. Knew the hits, but was not anticipating to be stunned by the whole package. You can feel the longing, the passion, the raw emotions of the band AND Janis. They all go hard. Overall: 7/10
excellent album, not for me
Nice organ. Excellent mix. Quite good musicianship. Fav track: 7 on first listen. Least fav track: 8. 5.5 or 6/10
I liked it
Wow, what a solid album. That voice! Every song is good and that backing band is awesome. I would not normally listen to this, but I enjoyed the album.
Interessante 'Move Over', ah ok 'Cry Baby'. Sono tutte molto belle!
Strong record! Bluesy, raw, great lyrics.
Tbh I've never listened to much Janis, didn't realize she was so bluesy. That being said, nothing here has connected with me. It's solid, musically, but her voice is probably one of those love it or hate it things and I'm in the latter category, sorry love.
Janis is very talented and one can feel the raw soul and emotion coming through. However, I do find that I can only tolerate it for a few minutes before I start wanting a different sound.
Beaucoup d’énergie, une belle voix roque de femme libre et du bon rock all in all
God I cannot stand her voice. For reference Billy Corgan is a favorite of mine. This is just atrocious.
I like the music, just not a fan of the vocals.
Loved it initially, but after a few songs got a little tired of the exaggerated vocals.
Blew my socks off
Janis Joplin is an artist that I know is very influential from what I've heard other people say and from comments made in media, but before listening to this album, I couldn't have named one Janis Joplin song. I enjoyed learning about her style and life story as I was listening, and the music itself was very fun to listen to and full of emotion.
Theres this part of the Monterey Pop festival documentary where you see Mama Cass hearing Janis go off and shes just floored by her voice. I feel like that sums up my entire take on this album. 5/5
Janis Joplin’s voice is a marvel of nature, and Pearl should be absolutely heart-breaking, but it’s full of such genuine Joie-de-vivre that it’s difficult to allow yourself to wallow. Just revel in the beautiful humanity of it all
Amazing
Solid. Also scared if I rate this low that Kunetz will hurt me.
SooOo good
This album hits harder when your brother played it non stop during college
Ehhhh I don’t really know what to say about this one. I feel like a lot of 70’s music transcends it’s era and time and has a universal message that still really sticks the landing (something like Electric Warrior or Ege Bamyasi) but this one never left 1971. Or even the 60’s for that matter.
Awesome voice
Bei diesem Album bin ich leicht voreingenommen, weil meine erste Freundin es in ihrer Sammlung hatte und ich es bei ihr zuerst gehört habe. Gegen Emotionen ist kein Verstand gewachsen. Volle Punktzahl.
man i'm sorry, i just don't really jive with this. growing up being forced to listen to these songs in the car will do wonders for not wanting to listen to this album at all. i'm not the hugest fan of janis' voice and i don't really get the appeal of this one. the music is fine, but nothing mindblowing. the production on this is so sterile, it's hard to get any energy from the recordings at all, even ending of the big track "me and bobby mcgee." I understand that she passed away during the recording of this album, so it may not be "finished" but it still gets heaped tons of praise on it anyways. i dunno. nothing remarkable here for me, very middle of the road. dare i toss around the "overrated" word?
I'll admit up front I've always been a little cool on Janis (opinions formed long ago for forgotten and likely specious reasoning) -- but I tried to listen to this 'fresh', and it was very solid. The songs in particular are top notch -- standouts for me were the soul cover "Cry Baby" and the Womack-penned "Trust Me".
Buried Alive In the Blues was probably my favorite song. The other stuff was okay for me.
Die Stimme ist ihr Markenzeichung. Manchmal zu viel Geschrei. Meisten schöne Bassläufe und positive Stimmung.
I expected more. Years of hype. The hits/known songs are beasts, but a bit of filler too. Researching the album it becomes apparent this was incomplete due to Janis’ death and I think that’s where some of its legacy comes from.
The singing here is much more polished compared to the wildness of her BB&HC era, but still a full throated, impassioned and characteristically hoarse vocal performance that steals the show. The songs are all pretty standard California psych blues numbers, apart from the stand out cowboy-country of Me and Bobby McGee, the best one of all.
Great stuff. Shame she died so young as it would be great to hear where else she would have gone. A classic in blues rock. 4.5/5
Amazing classic!
Way better than expected
🤘 God damn, Janis rocks.
Absolute queen man
Legendary artist, one of my favorites to ever do it. This was the last recorded album of hers before she died, and on the song “Buried Alive in the Blues” there’s no vocal track. My favorites on here include “A woman left lonely” and “get it while you can”. Her rendition of “me and Bobby mcgee” is one of the all time great rock n roll songs.
Sing it janis!!
Fantastic! Great working music. Also Mercedes Benz is timeless.
Very cool, bluesy rock.
love that the production doesn't drown out her voice.
Pretty rad. A fitting final album. Half Moon is a funky jam.
Top notch band. Top notch singer.
Songbird of her generation. I likey)
One of a kind.
It was good. Kind of forgot about this album now writing the review for it
Trust me is FIIREEEE. most of it tho just isn't for me. i respect her and totally see the vibe but i cant connect with it.
One of the classics of Blues Rock. Highlight and most known song ist probably "Mercedes Benz".
Great music.
Good, I enjoyed listening to this. I have not listen to much of Janis Joplin, I'm curious to hear some of her other albums.
(lol goddamn, ai) While Janis Joplin's undeniable charisma and energetic performances are legendary, her posthumous album Pearl falls short musically. At a disappointing 2 out of 5 stars, the songwriting and arrangements feel uneven. Some tracks, like the bluesy rocker "Move Over," showcase Joplin's signature powerful vocals, but others meander without direction. It's important to note that this critique is solely focused on the music itself. Joplin's tragic death shortly after the album's release adds another layer of poignancy, but doesn't elevate the musical merit. Now, for fans of Joplin's voice, this album might hold more weight. However, it's well documented that Joplin's heavy smoking and heroin use significantly damaged her vocal cords. This is especially evident on some of Pearl's rawer tracks where her signature belt seems strained. While it adds a certain rawness to the music, it's a reminder of the potential health risks associated with substance abuse.
Here we go! Classic as fuck here. Janis defines the 60’s with her intense vocals that she belts out with gusto. The realest blues come from the lived experience of pain and heartbreak, and this record defines it. There’s the tracks everyone knows, like the first track and Me and Bobby McGee, but A Woman Left Lonely is incredibly beautiful. The organ and walking bass lines are what gives this one some cool sounds and feel. But this is HER record, not just the singer of Big Brother’s solo album. Her life was kinda tragic and it sucks for sure. This came out after she died of an overdose. 27 Club member, her favorite drink was Southern Comfort. But you know she loved to play music and loves the blues, so her legacy is immense. Rippity pip Janis!
I got excited as soon as I saw this pop up. "Buried Alive in the Blues" is a great instrumental - upbeat and energetic. How has this not been used in a movie or show? The instruments are balanced well, production crisp. Her voice is something authentic and not forced IMO.
This one's hit or miss for me. I lioe the backing band. This is the only recording the Full Tilt Boogie Band did with Janis before her death and that's disappointing because they are great! Tracks like Move Over rock, and I love the timing and energy they bring. But when things slow down she loses me. The vocals seem too performative at these times; almost disingenuous. I feel like Janis and the band are at their best tearing through upbeat bangers, and there's just not enough here.
-the instrumental in move over fucking slaps -giving a little jazzy blues -don’t get me wrong, Janis is a phenomenal singer but man does the guitar on these track fuck -god damn there are literally no skips -I would literally listen to all these songs with the tracks separated -I simply don’t have any notes
This has got to be among the most iconic voices of a generation and certainly one of the most iconic voices in the rock genre. It's almost like her raspy voice was handcrafted to be a rock singer. Loved the album, could listen to her sing all day. I understand that this is a solo album, but the only thing I would knock this for is that the back up band was a little meh for most of the album. I think I would have rated this higher if every song was as fun as Me and Bobby McGee where there is a good balance struck between the vocals and the band.
So brilliant and unique. Many have tried to copy, but never succeeded Love Half Moon 😎👏 Me and Bobby Magee ⭐ Summertime live 👍 Another piece of my heart ❤️ A wow 5 album
A very quick album. I feel like it was too short to be able to successfully critical of her. I liked it and recognized some songs, but even after listening again I just felt it was difficult to judge completely.
This grooves so hard and makes me wonder why historically record companies have no goddamn idea what they're doing in releasing singles - why isn't something like the rocking/bluesy "Half Moon" constantly played as much as "Me and Bobby McGee" - not that there's anything wrong with the latter but you're not getting anything close to the complete picture with the latter song. Not just from Janis' vocals (the rare vocalist that I actually love listening to) but this band which kicked ass all over this album. Love everything about this - a great rock album and just obviously sucks that it was her last one, but in retrospect it's a hell of a way to go out. If anything I wish it was released as a band since everyone contributed. Highest point: "Half Moon" which is the best song she ever recorded (including the band on that compliment for sure) but the entire album has no skips. 10/10 5 stars.
What a great voice, pure soul.
A lotta screaming and not really getting anywhere. It's pretty powerful and fun though.
Her time was short but hell, she made the most of it with her music. Rest easy, Queen.
I just don’t enjoy the raspy tone of Janis Joplin’s voice, rendering the whole album not pleasant for me.
What a delightful album.
I’ve always loved Janis. I like this better than when she had Big Brother Holding Co. featured.
Es ist immer wieder eine Freude diesen fantastischen Klassiker von Janis Joplin. Ihre Stimme ist fantastisch, sie hat frisch aufspielende Musiker um sich und kein einziger Lückenfüller ist auf diesem Meisterwerk zu finden. Der Vollständigkeit erwähne ich "Move over", "Half Moon" und "Me and Bobby McGee", weil diese Nummern allein schon wert sind dieses Album zu erwerben.
Joplin was pretty revolutionary as one of the first big female rock artists. Love how she combines classic rock and blues elements with her powerful voice.
Трудно назвать кого-то, кто пел бы с тем же чувством, как это делала она. Я не всегда Люблю эту музыку, но не восхищаться этой страстью к исполнению и больших, и нелепых песен, вроде вот той про Мерседес, никак не получается. Лучшая песня - Cry Baby.
If nothing else, Janis has a very powerful and unique voice. There is a lot of raw passion and soul poured into every song, but I'm not sure if the raspy, gritty vocals are actually enjoyable. I don't think the instrumentation is particularly interesting, but it's purposely leaving a lot of room for Janis to shine.
Janis has the talent and raw vocal power to be in awe of, but the music itself isn't really in my wheelhouse.
A very very good album. At no point did I ever feel like skipping a song. A beautiful voice complimented by the instrumentals. I wish I paid more attention to the lyrics, but when I did it was good. Not as rock as my usual music, but a solid listen
Her best album
An amazing band, great grooves, and that voice that sits perfectly in the mix with passion, joy, and desperation. I think this is the first time I’ve given five stars in a first listen. A great album!
6/.510
Pretty average music, don't like her voice Nixon - Lambchop: Very relaxing mellow sound. Sadly, it took a turn for the worse on What Else Could It Be?, I didn't mind the falsetto before it, even slightly liked it, but I guess I reached my limit there. Wait, no, it get's better with Petrified Florist. The last two songs are pretty cool 3/5. Would consider 4/5 but don't feel like going for another round rn
As per my Cheap Thrills review " hope I never have to listen to another band fronted by Janis Joplin The highest praise I can give it is that I could easily forget that it was on" Unfortunately none of these came true for this album
fucking brilliant super vibey what a voice man
I was kind of dreading this album and expected patchwork skirt style white lady bl00z, but this hit more like a mix between Aretha and Dolly. I can't imagine this is a record I come back to with much frequency or ever buy, but I had a much better time than i expected with it.
Seriously. What a great voice. Janis Joplin has a clear vocal talent and she tailors the music to emphasise that as much as possible. It's so fun, energising, thumping, honking... really just makes you want to perpetually make the stank face. Shoutout to the percussion and horns for complementing Joplin's vocal really well. Unfortunately, there are a few obviously weaker tracks (alongside some really great ones), which knocks my rating down to a 4. I don't know how Me and Bobby McGee could possibly be the most popular song on the album, given how relatively uneventful and devoid of hooks it is. And soul-rock masterpieces like Half Moon are left in the (popularity) dust! Man, people have some questionable music taste. Key tracks: A Woman Left Lonely, Half Moon, Buried Alive In the Blues, Mercedez Benz
This is one of a handful of albums that takes on extra significance when you consider the circumstances surrounding it—Janis Joplin died just three months before its release. And so, through the joy, the rocking, and the humor, the album is underpinned by the knowledge that Janis was no longer with us by the time we got to hear it. “Cry Baby, “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Mercedes Benz” are all classics, but it’s her resounding absence on the track “Buried Alive in the Blues” that makes you realize two things: what a wonderful group the Full Tilt Boogie Band was, and what a loss Joplin’s death was to the world of music.
badass
yes
Why do the best female vocalists always suffer tragically? Janis Joplin was the one singer that could have had such a great career. If only… Regardless, Pearl is that album that you get or you don't and to not hear the pain, grief, joy and pain in that sweet, sweet voice means you're missing out. 5/5.
first album and artist that ive never heard of on here but i recognized mercedes benz (not a fan of that song). i guess the albums cool but its not my style. me and bobby mcgee, trust me, and get it while you can are my favorite tracks. maybe in a while ill enjoy it more but for now its getting a very light 6/10
it was good but like not amazing
Really liked it, only knew the one song from that advert
I never really listened to Janis Joplin much before this. This is a great album, except for "Me and Bobbie McGee", where my dislike of country music trumps my liking for Joplin's voice. I wonder what the album would have been like had Joplin lived to properly complete it. And I wonder what her career would have been like.
Better than I expected!
Absolutely great. Amazing voice.
"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
Usually I don't care much about blues rock at all, but holy shit is this on a completely different level
This album was great. Such an iconic voice, she could sing loudly without screaming. "Cry baby", "me and Bobby Mcgee", and "Mercedes Benz" are classics tracks of this album, but it's just great blues music from beginning to end.
4.5 - Her voice is so unique and has a lot of depth. Loved this album a lot. Me and Bobby McGee has been a staple of mine for a long time
I've always struggled to get into Janis and this listen was no different. I can't really find much to criticise but it also just doesn't grab me at all. Whilst she's objectively a fantastic vocalist I just don't seem to enjoy listening to her sing. 2.9/5
Cry Baby is a classic! Also like Move Over and My Baby. I like Janis Joplin's style.
A classic.
Amazing album! Janis has such a great rock voice. "Cry Baby" and "Bury Me Alive in Blues" are real standouts, but they're all good.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Very enjoyable
Very talented and objectively good, but not really something I see myself going back to a ton. Just not quite my vibe
I think Janis Joplin is very cool - I know that's a milquetoast take but I think it has to be said. I don't know why I think so, I figure it's because she's in the 27-club which is unarguable a very cool-person club to be a part of (second only to being alive) As for this record, I enjoyed it. I didn't read way into the lyrics but it is clearly a journey. I have a lot of time for acapella efforts too.
A larger-than-life voice paired with some great instrumentals. Crazy to think she might not have even reached her full potential. RIP Janis.
Nice record. Don't know why I'm not a fan of her, this is good stuff. Maybe too much caterwauling?
Exquisite!
Glam as fuck! Pretty good album for sure; a strong 3. Her singing voice reminds me of Robert Plant’s, oddly. I like that she said furthermore on the first track. Also, she says “daddy” A LOT on this.
I’ve always loved Me & Bobby McGee, and even though Janis didn’t write it herself she definitely snapped on it. There were some other bangers on this album too like cry baby.
i bet if i smoked 1,000 cigarettes id sound like this
ничего) музыка не моя и вокал не особо мой, но драйв и довольно интересно
Deus é testemunha de como eu gosto de uma gritaria. Mas percebi que não é qualquer uma... Ouvir uma ou duas músicas dela pode até ser prazeroso, mas um álbum inteiro não foi exatamente bom. A produção do álbum parece ter colocado a voz dela em segundo plano, o que me deixou mais incomodado. 2,5/5
Gostei, muitos clássicos nesse álbum. Ela soa meio bêbada algumas vezes, queria ser amiga dela. Minha mãe tinha o cd e ouvia quando eu era criança, reconheci imediatamente. Me lembrou a infância! Feliz por ver uma mulher por aqui. 4 estrelas pela nostalgia.
Love Janis' voice.
very nice and rich sound
Great singer, great songs.
Love Janis. Love the gravel and grit of her voice and in her being that permeates the songs she sings. I get that it's not everyone's cup of tea. But fuck them, with no due respect. She's raw and unguarded and it comes across in her singing and that's why I love her and the album. Favorite Tracks: Cry Baby, Me and Bobby McGee.
Few can do it like Janis. Her music was getting better and better. Sad she passed away right before Pearl. She was a mess, but she might have evened out with a little more time.
Great, great album. What shame she:didn’t get to follow it up properly.
Mercedes benz
3,50
Classic album. Solid music. Starred 2.
3.75
goddess
Not bad
One of the grew voices of rock and roll of all time
Surprisingly, I had heard many of these songs. Quick and dirty.
So, I don't know how I've managed to never hear "Me and Bobby McGee" but I've heard "Cry Baby" a million times. That voice is really something, and this album is perfect as is.
Very soulful. She has an iconic voice.
This is the reason I live this app. I have never really given Janis Joplin much thought. I was vaguely aware of her, but wouldn't have been able to name one of her songs. This album was an amazing wake up for me! Her voice is (was) amazing! I will definitely listen to this again. Thank you!
Move Over - Not sure why this reminds me of Deep Purple Cry Baby - This one is just good and everyone knows it. That's why it's in commercials. A Woman Left Lonely - This song would be 17% better without that annoying organ tone. Half Moon - Good chorus and cool solo. Fun tone. Bassist is copying everyone else's licks. It's cool. Buried Alive in the Blues - Zany car chase montage music. My Baby - Swells are pretty swell. This one is actually pretty good. Lot 'o parts. Me and Bobby McGee - It's good. Everybody knows that. Mercedes Benz - I have a Mercedes and a color TV but don't know about a night on the town. Trust Me - This one is good. Bass line is awesome. The guitar reminds me of Elvis Costello. Makes me want to go listen to Elvis Costello. I won't though. Get It While You Can - Little guitar stabs make everything better. Cool chord progression. Bassist and piano player are still good even at the end of the album. Drummer finally showed up. Top 3: 1. Cry Baby 2. Me and Bobby McGee 3. Trust Me
Never liked Janis Joplin or more specifically her voice, some may call her voice raw or gritty I however call it grating. Knew some of the tracks (Cry Baby, Mercedes Benz). Neither music nor lyrics are in any way better than mediocre. (So your friends drive Porches, exactly why should I care) Together with the highly annoying voice I really dislike this album.
It was OK; not feeling particularly compelled to listen to it again, though.
Great voice, but blues rock really doesn't do anything for me. Kristofferson's Me & Bobby McGee lifted the mood somewhat, and Mercedes Benz benefited from the lack of backing. The rest of it seemed a bit obvious and a little over-blown.
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. It has an uplifting gospel feel. I always thought Joplin was on the darker side of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. The organ sound almost steals the show. But it's the 50 B&H a day gravel voice that won me over. Walked it like she talked it.
H
Okay, I gotta admit. I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but this was a pretty solid blues album overall. It did just make me want to listen to Bonnie Raitt, but I get the hype a bit more than I think I did for the first 37 years of my life. Very solid.
I find Janis Joplin the musical equivalent of an annoying toy with Duracell batteries that only has one setting - full power. It can become somewhat ovebearing. Sure, a great voice and tragic tale to give her songs credibility. But none of the subtlty of her peers like Karen Carpenter and Carole King. Its well played polpular blues. I hope she got a Mercedes Benz for the advert.
What a voice! What a voice full of sorrow and pain.
The perfect culmination of her career. It combines some bluesy caterwauling with a lot more polish. My only complaint is that it isn't longer, which makes sense given the timing on its recording and her death.
A fine rock album of its era. Joplin has a great voice and powerful personality. Don’t see this being a top 1000 album, personally.
Wasn't all that keen the first time around...
More rockin' than I thought it would be. Sometimes her raspy voice gets a little grating on me. But there's some jams on here.
3’5
Very good.
It's aight. I was working so I didn't pay too much attention to it. -6/10
I enjoyed this a lot, her voice is very distinct and expressive. I thought the instrumentals on most of the tracks were fun too.
“Oh she’s just shouting”-my mom. Like yeah I agree but it sounds good. I liked this for driving, don’t think I’d like it otherwise. Oklahoma is so gorgeous could make anything(most things) sound a little bit good, I think this had a baseline good so was p decent. rating based on how I think I’d feel while not driving. Also, ALL CAUGHT UP!!!
I played this while me and Jojah were cleaning the house. It was definitely good vibes for that, although I’m not sure I would seek it out on a regular basis. 7.5/10