Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Mercedes kannte ich natürlich, aber der Rest war mir neu. Genauso wie beim Amy Winehouse Album: Tolle Stimme, schade das sie nicht mehr Alben aufgenommen hat
Knew more than half of the album but never heard it as a whole. Still one of my favourites.
solid 4
Toimi itselleni kyllä paljon paremmin kuin se livelevy jossa Joplin karjahteli. Ihan hyviä biisejä kautta linjan, huippuna kyllä ehdottomasti Kris Kristofferssonin orkkiksella lattiaa pyyhkivä Me & Bobby McGee.
I mean… classic, jammy, soulful. Her voice was rough and that’s why it was so good. I love the emotion she conveys in her lyrics.
Powerfull voice and a bit irreverent. Also, likes to have fun.
I very much enjoyed that. I'm sure I've heard the album before. JJ had an incredible voice and the band are too shoddy either.
I love Janis, and the album is very good. I just feel like I need to consume a bag of lozenges for some reason!
voz sensacional linda, mas as músicas são um pouco parecidas entre si. É um daqueles álbuns que me faz detestar ter que obrigatoriamente pôr uma nota numérica. It's a really nice listen though e a história por trás é fascinante + me and bobby mcgee é banger as everyone knows
Hyvää blues-pohjaista meininkiä, bändi vetää mahtavasti (Half Moon etenkin)
Absolutely amazing, rip Janis Joplin you would've hated how the world is now
-Love the groovy guitar in Move Over. -Really like the power ballad "A Woman Left Lonely" and the bassline. -Fun album. A lot of the songs kind of sounded similar to each other, but it's still good, groovy, 70's fun. Favorite Song: Me And Bobby McGee
I was aware of some of Joplins work, but have never fully listened to her properly..amazing album. I’m a huge Prince fan & can hear similarities..brilliant
As the son of Deadheads, Janis along with all the big 60s psychedelic artists play a big role in my music upbringing. It's very upsetting she did not have long for this planet like many of those artists, but what she left still has a big impact on popular music today. Pearl is the last of her recorded work and contains some of her strongest stuff, although I still prefer the Big Brother and the Holding Company records. Would've been really cool for her to not die and be a cool guest for some future Grateful Dead shows.
Vocals on top with cool guitar riffs, LOVE HER VOICE A LOTTTTT HOLYY
A great album I didn’t pay much attention to the words but it was great to work to. Janis had killer vocals mmm. It made me think of American pie.
Grew up on her music. Great lyrics and Mercedes Benz is my family’s fav. That being said, I don’t listen to her often but very nostalgic
Banger vibe, not the biggest blue fan but I could listen to this for a while
this was lowkey really good but not something i often would listen to
Not usually my kind of thing, but Janis' voice is unique and full of expression, which makes it worth a listen. Honestly, prefer this over the 'Big Brother' stuff. Faves: Move Over, Me and Bobby McGee, Mercedes Benz
What an icon she was, may lord give her that Mercedes Benz ;) She was such a talented vocalist and i aspire to be as excentric as this diva <3
Pleasantly surprised by this! Heard the name Janis Joplin plenty of times but never listened to anything from her and had no idea what to expect (always had the idea she was similar to Joan Jett or Debbie Harry for some reason?) but this was great - "My Baby" had me pointing at imaginary players like a conductor. 4.5
Such a unique and powerful voice. Songs are a mix of bluesy gospel that fit her vocals really well.
Holy shit I had never listened to this album the way god intended and I’m so glad I finally did. Such nuanced and complex representations of pain through music I love you Janis Joplin
8/10! Actually very interesting and sounds awesome; songs are a little similar to each other but not so much that it feels uber-repetitive. LOVE the passion in each song, really scratches an itch in my brain; pleasantly surprised!
Probably 3.5 rounded up to 4
Some stand out songs but not something I see myself listening to often
- фімейл рейдж албум - лав жіночий рок 70х - ноу вондер чому це класика, вері гуд - улюблена пісня райт нау - cry baby - гуд албум фор 70ті - трошки одноманітно, але різонабл - класний голос - мені подобається як завершується альбом 8/10
Funky! Knew one track (Mercedez Benz).
pretty good
Very good
Iconic Joplin - includes "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Mercedes Benz" (which I've always found to be extremely odd). This I think is also her work that is easiest to listen to and understand. Love it!
Very raw and strong voice. Such an icon
I have listened to this album so many times in so many different contexts (but mostly while drinking/partying). I think any context is a good one for this album. Classic album and great for drinking to oblivion. Waking up in a bathtub. Covered in your tequila-tinted puke. And just hoping that maybe next time you won't be drinking that shite...pipe dreaming. 4 stars for all the good times.
Janis joplin has a very unique voice it gives the whole album a very unique sound to go on. Its also a fun look into the past
Mae mía… en mi opinión, musicalmente muy sobrevalorada
Such a great blues record, Janis was such a brilliant singer with so much personality and makes all these songs her own.
****
A classic. Not really the type of music I listen to but good nonetheless.
Strong album!
- parece uma tentativa de voltar à fórmula do primeiro álbum, que é mais energético e hard rock que o segundo. gostaria de saber como seria o álbum finalizado por completo - também tem elementos de psicodelia e blues rock que são marcas registradas dela. o que mais impressiona é a emoção e potência da voz e como ela é influenciada pelo blue raiz, como Bessie Smith é Otis Redding.
Pleasant listen. Never listened to a janis album before.
This was a good album. The first songs really captivated me and Janis' voice is so unique and meaningful tha it is really hard not just stop everything and pay attention. Some of the lyrics are justbout of their time. 4/5
There is no question as to the brilliance of Janis Joplin’s voice, it is undeniably great, a masterful blend of blues, soul, and pure power. While "Pearl" sits comfortably within genres I typically enjoy; blues-rock and female vocalists, there's something that doesn't quite click with me that would make me want to add this album to my collection or indeed listen to it again. There is a strong soul influence, that flows through the album, perhaps it is that? "Pearl's" true highlights for me were the stylistic shifts found in "Me and Bobby McGee" and the raw, a cappella charm of "Mercedes Benz". However, the inclusion of 'Buried Alive in the Blues' felt jarring and out of place with the other tracks. Ultimately, Pearl is a fine album featuring a five-star voice; but while the talent is undeniable, the album as a whole earns a solid four stars for my personal taste. Side one 1 "Move Over" (5/5) 2 "Cry Baby" (5/5) 3 "A Woman Left Lonely" (4/5) 4 "Half Moon" (3/5) 5 "Buried Alive in the Blues" (3/5) Side two 1 "My Baby" (4/5) 2 "Me and Bobby McGee"(5/5) 3 "Mercedes Benz" (5/5) 4 "Trust Me" (4/5) 5 "Get It While You Can" (4/5) Total - 42 Average - 4.2 189/1001 104/189 albums reviewed were new to me.
A great showcase of Janis Joplin’s abilities as a singer and her backing band’s ability to morph around her and uplift her sound. It’s a phenomenal and bittersweet final album from her cause it’s obvious how ready she was to keep going. Her singing on this album is half gospel and blues with a bit of country and what makes her stand apart from just having that sound is how she brings her feelings into it.
Great album, strong vocals, killer instrumentals, and Top track: Move Over
330/1089 - The description for "Buried Alive in the Blues" makes it seem like the song is gonna be a dirge but it seems more like a celebration of life. There's a lot of energy on the tracks but I'm not a huge fan of this era of rock music. A lot of the songs seem like "let's play blues lick number 7 for four bars then switch to blues lick number 23 for eight!" and so on. This is definitely the case with this album, but it was still an alright listen.
Powerful vocals and pretty good instrumentals too. Very fun listen
Good listen and an iconic voice. Shame her life was so short.
A name I've heard before, but I wasn't actually familiar with Janis' music at all before this. It's your pretty standard hard and blues rock from this time in a lot of ways, not unlike groups like LZ or the Stones, but Janis is clearly also very inspired by the Soul (and a bit of funk) music of the time. She's certainly got more vocal chops than a lot of her contemporaries, 'Cry Baby' being an early and very soulful display of that. 'Me and Bobby McGee' is the sort of country blues song you'd expect out of your usual Stones album, for example, but I can't express enough how much Janis' vocals add to this otherwise pretty run-of-the-mill blues jam, especially in that final minute or so as the song reaches its climax. 'Trust Me' was maybe my favorite song here, just a super well-rounded track that really draws from the very best of '60s soul. I especially hear a lot of Aretha Franklin in this one. I also felt similarly about the closer 'Get It While You Can' which had an absolutely killer guitar solo. So yeah - this was pretty good, again Janis Joplin's music sits in a very interesting fusion area between some of the most iconic '60s and early '70s genres, Soul and Blues Rock. And she does a pretty solid job balancing them here I'd say.
Fav song-cry baby
Great bluesy psychadelic sound with JJ’s vocals…lots of organ and heavy drums… finger snapping and toe tapping
An iconic voice and personality with 4-5 iconic tunes. The rest being good enough to listen to again!
This album is great, and Janis has the weight behind her voice I always feel is missing from Robert Plant's. First two tracks are definitely my favs but Buried Alive in the Blues and Me and Bobby McGee are highlights. I also love Mercedes Benz if only for how sardonic it is and how it proves she can dominate a composition with just her voice. That one "Everybody!" with absolutely no one joining in is so good. Actually, that's my favorite.
Songs that I didn't realise I knew so well
Janis Joplins wonderful voice is accompanied on Pearl by the rambling soulful, bluesy funk sounds of the skilful band. The first two tracks hit hard and Bobby McGee is an all time classic. I do think the album loses focus at times but maybe they wanted to keep it loose. Majority of the record is fantastic 4 stars
Great. It's Janis. You know what to expect.
Can’t go wrong with Janis
I must make amends
La mejor voz del rock de la historia..sin palabras. En el resto el album suena bien pero no lo sentí tan innovador para la época. Pero con Janis alcanza. 8/10
Lots of intensity here. I really don't care for "Bobby McGee," probably because I've just heard it so many times. But this album has a lot of energy. You can feel how intense she must have been live. Of all the tracks, "Mercedes Benz" really caught my attention. Despite it's kind of silly lyrics, it does an amazing job of showcasing her voice, which is awesome. Realistically, I won't revisit this, otherwise it would probably get five stars.
I only know Janis Joplin by her hits and her place among rock icons who died young. I also knew enough to know she isn't really my thing, but this was still enjoyable—even if the first half of the album's focus on "man done me wrong" songs gets tiresome thematically. The instrumental "Buried Alive in the Blues" is pretty great (though the story behind it awful), and of course "Me and Bobby McGee" is a classic. Glad to hear it, probably won't come back.
Rauchige Stimme, tonalität und Rythmus. Musik die Stimmig ist.
Love that voice
Classic Janis Joplin. Mixing rock and blues, this album delivered some high highs, some jokes, and even threw in a 50's "Grease"-like tune in the last song. Could have used clearer vocals, but the raspy Joplin sound has become a classic. Better than expected overall!
Really enjoyed most of this.
Very good. Love Janis. Keeping it at 4 because it is a little grating after a while and doesn't have the song writing to put it over the top. A very good blues album would by my comp. Completely unrelated: I have been listening to a song from several albums ago "It's Gonna be a Beautiful Night" by Prince from Sign of the Times. The song rules, but it's obviously not entirely "live", audience etc but edited, so went looking for the live version and came across an A++++ concert film. I would strongly encourage watching a lot of this but labeling minutes 12 and 58.5 as MUST WATCH. I have been converted to a full blown Prince guy. He is incredible and so is the band etc. I don't understand how I am just now seeing this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDPX_GZ-0R0&list=RDnDPX_GZ-0R0&start_radio=1&t=3638s
Opa, mais um pra minha lista Hippie que curto, show. Energia clássica dela, começamos bem. Curo demais a vice do Me and Bobby McGee, uma das minhas preferidas dela, sempre dá um sentimento bom, um sentimento de road trip com os brothers. Cara, Mercedez Benz aqui também. Foi uma das primeiras músicas que tirei com o Will... nostálgico. Que álbum bem feito, energia boa do início ao fim, mesmo nem todas as músicas sendo fodas triple A, ainda sim foi uma ótima meia hora, bem condensadinho com músicas boas. Daria 4.5, mas vou com 4.
Classic.
Truth in naming.
Very good album
4 out of 5. First time listening to one of her albums, liked the big sound it has.
Smashing. What a voice.
Hey, I want a Mercedes Benz too!
By far the most druggie album I have listened to.
A massive advance from the promising but ultimately flawed "Cheap Thrills", this is boozy blues with solid melodies, tight performances, and of course Janis' incomparable voice - now developed with more personality and richer styling than in the earlier record. Like Amy Winehouse decades later, it suggests so much promise that would go unfulfilled.
This was really good, better than I expected. Obviously I know "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Mercedes Benz," but I don't know that I've ever listened to her albums the whole way through. Joplin has a unique and unmistakable voice, and if you enjoy a certain amount of vocal fry, as I do, it's very rock and roll. What really sold me, though, is the backing band really going the hell off. I expected passable, but got very good.
I enjoyed this a bit! Good blues rock, got me reading into her story a bit, a shame what happened.
Good
i love her voice! half moon stood out to me. great production
Janis’ vocals have a pulsating energy that is a bit intoxicating, even when it’s at the more abrasive end. Charisma abounds. The recording could be better but this doesn’t detract from it capturing the interest. Would have been quite something to see her and Jimi at Woodstock amongst other performances in her all too brief career. Would have loved to see a longer career as I imagine she would have become an artist of great depth but the talent and star power is clear from this album.
Vocal range was impressive. "A woman Left lonely" very soft then as example "half moon" - Quite funky with some solid piano and varied elements. "Me and bobby McGee" - Complete vocal change again Common theme is mega energy and the ability to transition it to maximum effect to deliver emotional dimension which is rarely pulled off so well. For sure the USP of this album. The main negative / oddity is the production is excellent for the most part as her vocals a bit like a distoried guitair if not held in check can become tiring. I think they just about strike the right balance here but close at times.
I found this album quite compelling. I sometimes find this style of all-or-nothing singing can be too abrasive, but I think in this case she pushes to the limit of soulful expression without becoming too fatiguing. The band provides solid, big-band bluesy sound which is recorded in a natural, organic way. I love the rawness and vulnerability of Joplin's performance which is at its best during the slower tempo tracks. A lot to like and more to discover on repeat listens.
That was actually quite decent, if a bit shouty. 4/5
This is the stuff I come here for. I’ve obviously heard of Joplin but couldn’t name a single song. I knew her harsh scratchy voice but that’s that. Anyway this is an incredible album! It’s a beautiful mix of psychedelic rock with soul. I really appreciate the lead guitar playing which often plays as a second vocal (and indeed likes to double and harmonize with Joplin). Joplin herself is amazing! So emotional and soulful and such a huge range of expression and deliveries. Definitely a must listen.
Pretty good, some of the songs could have been stretched out in length as this is a pretty short album.
Stare, dobre czasy, kiedy muzycy żyli szybko i przedawkowywali młodo, a nie umierali na raka prostaty. Petarda. Głos, energia, delivery. Nie jestem fanem pośmiertnych wydań, ale cieszę się, że to wyszło. "Cry Baby" kojarzy mi się z filmem "I kto to mówi" z Travoltą, tam to było. Jako chyba jedna z niewielu singer-songwriter wokalistek, Joplin stawiała też na warstwę muzyczną i pozwalała instrumentom się wyszaleć. Normalnie to tylko akompaniament dla wokalu. Joplin musiała być mega fajną osobą. Brzmi jak ktoś, z kim chciałbym przegadać noc. Wchodzi do rotacji.
She reminds me of the most annoying girls I met in college... But that's not her fault. Powerful vocals.
а вообще-то очень даже хорошая музыка! манера интересная такая, но слушать приятно. жалко тетю эх
It’s sombering knowing that this was her last studio album, and that this released after her unfortunate death. Knowing that going into the initial listen, some songs hit harder than others. This album featured arguably one of her best songs, that being Cry Baby and Me and Bobby McGee (the great Kris Kristofferson song). The sound, and feel of the album fits the time period it was in. Recorded in 1970, released in 1971, it has that sound that we all know and love from that era. Rolling Stones ranked this album in there Top 500 albums of all time, and that’s for good reason. Janis gave her all when it came to music, and it’s apparent in Pearl.
Good, nothing stuck in my head after but I like the overall sound and listened to the whole album.
The lyricism was impressive. The instrumentation ripped. Only complaint the vocals. Fun for a few songs but just listening to it felt like I was getting vocal fry after a few tracks. Take it easy Janis.
I was expecting to like Bobby McGee (which is an absolute fucking heater) and not much else. WRONG! What a wonderful surprise! Not sure why this worked so well for me. I guess when Janis pops on amidst other music, it’s very jarring, but when you commit, songs like cry baby absolutely rip. 4.5.
Splendid. This is on a completely different planet from the Big Brother and the Holding Company album, where that is noodly and often an escalator to nowhere this is tight, focused and powered by that throaty howl that makes Janis so beloved. The hits hit here and Half Moon is a revelation. Me and Bobby McGee is an all-time cover.
Amazing, i can't remember the last time a song gave me shivers the way "Cry Baby" did
8.5/10
Janis is the queen of the blues
8,5/10
What a voice. Really enjoyed that.
Really good album. Has a mix of very many great tracks, the transitions on the listens are phenomenal, and standouts are Move Over and Half Moon
*This is a great album. Joplin's voice is iconic, but can be a little grating at times.
in a struggle to find
Nice one
Really good. Amazing vocals.
A powerhouse voice and solid classic rock musical accompaniment.
A solid album. The band played very well. She sang very well too. My only gripe is how rough her voice was and some of the sounds she made sometimes.
Just an absolutely exceptional vocalist and songwriter. She’s only known for a couple of songs, but one listen to this entire album and it will reframe your idea of her as an artist. Her band was phenomenal, and absolutely perfect for her blend of blues and rock, elevating her singing to another level. If she had lived long enough to sing on KISS’s 1998 travesty “Psycho Circus”, well… the album would have still sucked balls, but at least the vocals would have been killer. I will definitely be listening to more Janis, with a more open mind. What a voice!
She hams in the raw wailing vocals sometimes but she does have the voice for it, the blues rock suits it, and it is the flower power 60s after all. Glad to be exploring her album properly, I dig it.
loved it
I loved this album. The control in her voice and the sound. The band was also funky and awesome.
01) Move Over - 8,5 02) Cry Baby - 10,0 03) A Woman Left Lonely - 8,0 04) Half Moon - 7,5 05) Buried Alive in the Blues - 7,0 06) My Baby - 8,5 07) Me and Bobby McGee - 10,0 08) Mercedes Benz - 10,0 09) Trust Me - 8,0 10) Get It While You Can - 7,5 TOTAL: 8,50 (85/100)
Me and Bobby McGee just outright slaps!
You go Janis!
Solid album
Love JJ so much.
loved every second of it
molto bello!
Loooove Janis Joplin's voice. Never listened to a full album tho, i thought i was gonna get tired of it quicker then i actually did. Was a really fun listen.
de låtarna som är bra är riktigt bra, vissa blir lite långdragna och repeterande.
Still get goosebumps during her Bobby Magee vocal scat performance. Cry baby rips. Brief brilliant rock album
Lovely album, Janis is an icon. Such a unique voice and rock style. Appreciate the artistry and message in her music
What an iconic voice. ❤️
I really like her voice. And the closing track Get It While You Can. A nice message there
I liked this a lot. Felt eclectic but cohesive.
really enjoyed this album. lot of all time classic songs on it. would listen to it again
Klassiker, etwas jazzig
Forgot how enjoyable this album is. Such great bops beyond her 3 big hits on here - especially keen of half moon. Had it on Sunday afternoon while I needed to reinvigorate - and it worked.
This album is so much fun! Great rock album! Janis Joplin is such a great vocalist and the band is so good! She is such a good singer. She has a raw voice that really fits the vibes of the songs. Liked Songs: "Move Over" , "Cry Baby" , "A Woman Left Lonely" , "Half Moon" , "My Baby" , "Me and Bobby McGee" , "Get It While You Can"
there is something entirely entrancing about the way joplin commands attention through her voice; so bluesy, gritty and saturated in personality. it’s sort of impossible to believe pearl was released posthumously, it feels so alive and vibrant, even in it’s more contemplative moments. imagine she had so much more to give to the world. 4/5
day 4: big ol STRONG voice here janis! ascendant instrumentations, funky grooves and inspired lyrics take the stage. i’m almost inclined to call her the female equivalent of robert plant (musical ability only). fuck it she shits on him. americana at its core, i can hear the inspiration of countless future femmes stemming from this album
What a voice
Vocals carry a huge amount of emotion, and the music is wonderfully dynamic. Hits like Cry Baby have definitely earned their legendary status. Trust Me is also a big highlight. Easy listening but great instrumentals as well as vocals. Despite this being a solo album, especially the piano really stood out to me. Great blues rock sound and fits perfectly with the rest of the band. Overall, great, but the sometimes large differences between the consecutive tracks were distracting.
Janis is an artist who slipped through the cracks for me, which is a shame because I've always known I love her voice. This did not disappoint. It's a great album. I'm withholding the fifth star because that noodley 70s southern rock sound turns me off. But Janis herself . . . wow.
Wow what a voice! Really impressive vocals on this album with some really good songwriting
I would own this album just to hear cry baby and Mercedes Benz on vinyl. Where they belong.
I prefer the Greatest Hits package released in 1973 but most of the songs on this record have become classics. It was released posthumously, kind of as a tribute and it is hard to listen to this record and not think about what could have been.
Some great tunes, she tends to overdo it, though.
The song Cry Baby single-handedly gives this whole album 4 stars for me.
yes... i remember everything well. you giving your head to a unhip and lame old man in the chelsea hotel, one night stand and then left quickly. you ruined your life but he made that stupid moment immortal. collectively 4 albums spanning about 3 hours is what you have left, we remembers you individually while he carries on with the heart of an asshole. a priest(ess) is what they call you and him. he follows on mine mind everywhere and resides rent free in my mind. if at that time i minded the gap and walk away his name will not be linked with pure burning hatred. go home and cry, leonard, our dear asshole: we will never miss you. the boomers will hail you and janis both as a god but why should i care about it? 4/5
Janis Joplin could certainly wail with the best of 'em. This was unfortunately the final album of hers in which she was directly involved, given her untimely passing just a few months prior. This is about as good as it gets when it comes to blues rock. Joplin just had a voice made for blues & soul: able to carry on its own and elevated further with the backing of the Full Tilt Boogie Band. This was definitely more polished than her work with Big Brother & The Holding Company too.
SONO ESTERREFATTA! Nonostante io abbia sempre ascoltato canzoni di quest'album non ho mai effettivamente prestato attenzione all'intero prodotto ed è stata una mia mancanza. Iniziare con Move Over è di certo il miglior biglietto da visita di quest'album
sono di fretta quindi milito a dire bello
Fortissimo 4.5
Vabbè janis ha una grande voce. Sicuramente un bell’album blues rock, un po’ psichedelico e poi cry baby pezzo iconcio
Niente da dire sul talento e sulla bellezza delle canzoni, pke onesto davvero insuperabile sta crista, però devo dirlo un album intero con questa voce così raschiante a na certa mi ha un po' pesato, avrei apprezzato di più sentendolo spezzettato in più momenti
Big voice, good tunes, more like this…
You Love Brings Me To Life 1001 Albums Generator 126 (09/25/2025) Opening strong with the energetic Move Over, I didn't know what to expect from Janis Joplin's final studio album, but I certainly didn't expect this. I was mighty impressed by the instrumentals on display in this song, and in general, Joplin's backing band is quite a force to be reckoned with. With that said, there is so much going on here, but pretty much all of it is driven by Janis' strong, distinctive voice and most of it is somehow inspired by the blues. Parts like the powerful chorus of Cry Baby also sound almost like a show tune with the strong backing choir. Half Moon is such a fun track and is the closest Pearl gets to pure funk. I think that what holds this album back is the slightly weaker second half. My Baby, while it does play with some interesting timing elements, is not one of the strongest songs here. The a capella Mercedes Benz is really weird and Trust Me has my least favorite vocal performance on the album. With that said, Pearl is a really strong album and it certainly made me sad that it would be Janis' last, releasing only a few months after she died of an overdose. Strong 3.5/5, rounded up to a 4. Favs: Move Over Cry Baby Half Moon Least Fav: Mercedes Benz
4/5 - pretty solid album! I enjoyed it quite a bit!!! added quite a few of the songs to my playlists! :]
Not much to say here, easy enough to listen to. Enjoyed the emotion in her voice and a sense of playfulness in the lyrics. Would listen again, wouldn’t necessarily recommend
Me and Bobby Mcgee
Great vocals, jammy, varied, good time
track 1 - love the energy and vibes really electric and her voice is so wild in a good way!! I also like the beat and tempo track 2 - giving elvis? very electric chapel/wedding vibes? I think i’ve heard this before. i like how the song has major peaks and valleys. track 3 - slower, not as enjoyable of a listen i didn’t like it that much. i think it’s not my style of music it’s too jazzy? wasn’t a fan of the beat and music either ;-;. track 4 - this is so late 1960s it’s crazy lmao. i like the guitar and piano solo woooooo. im getting like American church music vibes from this lowkey. track 5 - the beat is fun and the guitar in the background sounds so good. no lyrics i guess it was an interlude/instrumental kind of? track 6 - getting heavy church vibes again, i feel like it’s a big influence on blues and psychedelic music. rly passionate singing which sounds so good but not the kind of thing i would listen to casually. track 7 - i like this melody a lot more, i feel like i would listen to this/add to my playlist. the energy lifts in this song rly quickly it becomes a lot more dancey. i like the way the song ends it was rly snappy. track 8 - no music acapella? this is a rly cool addition to the album and almost like a break from the super instrumental heavy rest of the album. this song is also so country sounding to me!! i like her quip at the end. track 9 - i feel like this is a really good place to put this song, it’s winding the album down rly nicely and i like how it’s introducing the end and slowing down the energy here. track 10 - slowww i like, and i like the little beat with the piano very good tickles my brain. i like how she sings alongside the music, its not in a specific rhythm or anything it’s hard to explain? really good guitar(?) instrumental here i like how it kept going up and up for a while. probably my fav song of the album alongside mercedes benz. Conclusions - I think this album is rly good musically!! i love how it starts at such a high energy and kind of keeps you at a high until mercedes benz, then the quick wind down of the last two songs is very satisfying! her vocals are amazing and she just sounds so unique it’s addicting. I think the genre is not really to my taste but it still told a story that i reallly enjoyed anyways!
singing. music. jam. the feels.
Such a raw and honest voice and one that was taken from us too early 8.7
Banger
Enjoyed the Cheap Thrills album so excited to see how it is solo… Instant groove, soul and unmistakable vox. Never knew she was saying “Cry Baby” in THAT song! The inevitable force and soul throughout through. Such a valuable and unique approach which oozes humanity and soul. Refreshing, especially in modern times. Such talent, quirkiness and individuality. Go Janice!
Love this. Can't believe I haven't listened to more Janis in my life. 9/10
She had a great voice, that was very distinct.
Wharra voice, loved this
I don't vibe with her voice but this is undeniable.
Incredible vocal performance throughout and the songs are pretty good too. Well earned 4
Quite an enjoyable album. I knew Bobby McGee and Mercedes but I felt engaged enough by the rest to round it up to an overall 4. She had a very unique voice.
The wow really recognizes the new style of the new backing band. We have (many of us) engaged the American Idolization of Janis's voice, but those people don't quite get the intensity right. I don't blame the singers, but American Idol producers. Janis shines on this delicately produced too brief foray into her vocalization. Me and Bobby McGee alone deserves putting her on Mt. Rushmore.
She is explosive, and more than her keeping up with the energy of the band, it's more like she demands this intensity from them. The production is great, and she's one of a kind. And there's not a second on tape where she's not delivering 100%. My only issue is that I tire of the wailing energy before the album's over. I guess it's a preference thing, cause she's on her own level.
Really enjoyed this. Especially the songs I was less familiar with.
a nice blues album
insane voice
Beautiful silky smooth but gravelly voice. Souuuuuuly blues. Jop jop jop
So good. Taken too soon.
Really good
Really solid album. I can definitely see why singers have been described Janis Joplin-esque.
Shit slapped at the beach
Solid album by an exceptional singer who died way too soon.
Really enjoyed this. Some great songs. As a child I heard Mercedes Benz and thought that one day I’d own one. Well , one day I did. The song is still way cooler than the car though.
Never listened to any Janis Joplin, or so I thought, but recognised a couple of these and had never realised it was her. Was interested to listen to this though as was aware she was highly regarded by a lot of people. And it didn’t disappoint. Enjoyed this one a lot.
All about the voice and the vibes. Would be hard to not enjoy this.
Me and Bobby McGee is a fucking stellar song, wow
Puissant. Je n’avais jamais vraiment écouté du Janis Joplin. Mais c’est très bon. Un voix étonnante. Et un très bon band qui est avec elle.
wonderful
I wish I could've seen this woman live, the absolute voice on her is so goddamn good. She's funny, the songs are very groovy, the production is tight, it's just a great record full of emotion and personality. God bless her, wish we could've gotten more.
Started a little slower but I liked it more as it went on. That woman can SING.
janis joplin is one of the 65% of my listening taste that i genetically inherited from my grandpa. despite this, i had really only properly heard me and bobby mcgee. this was very fun, her voice alone can take you all the way but the music is another perfect layer. it feels wrong to give an iconic album like this anything less than a four. liked: a woman left lonely, half moon, buried alive in the blues, me and bobby mcgee,
The band sounds great, her vocals are insane. Very close to being a 5 for me. Would have loved to hear what came next from her. 4.5/5.
For me, Janis Joplin's name has only ever come up when people talk about the '27 Club'. So, it was refreshing to actually listen to some. This girl can/could sing. And, she comes straight out of the gate belting it on '...Move Over'. She then proceeds to continue throughout. Her voice is raspy and on the edge of peaking at times, but it's pleasant. I listened to this album after 'Elvis is Back' and while both albums were quite similar (in a way), it was nicely welcome. How were they similar? They're both albums that focus highly on the vocal performance. Elvis is Elvis! But, Janis has a great variation in the performance of her backing band. There is a nice mix of different styles of songs. I really enjoyed the accapella bluesy Mercedes Benz. The only downside was the organ sound. It's all a bit 1970s for me. I can't describe it. But I was turned off by each song, the more the organ arrived. And, yes, it got heavier as the album went on. Still, a great performance. 4 Stars.
Solid album. Good catch rockk
Very good. An album bursting with talent. Enjoyed
Probably a 5 star when I was 18, now a 4 star.
Amazing voice and the hits really hit, but for an album with only 10 tracks (one of which is an instrumental) there are a few too many forgettable tunes to justify 5 stars
There were two songs I wasn’t that fussed on but I loved the rest. Really good album overall, she has a brilliant voice. Top Track - Half Moon
I can’t believe I haven’t listen to her before 🌞
Une voix à la fois puissante et fragile, vulnérable, tout à fait singulière
Pipes
What a voice. Really rocking album. Joplin’s vocals really soar above all the songs. Enjoyed listening to this on very much.
Pretty great stuff. Mercedes-Benz aside.
👍
Delightful, though it gets a bit samey after a while. The highs are HIGH and Bobby McGee rips. Great musicianship all around. Loved the organ on A Woman Left Lonely.
Good, belts it ot
Always a classic
pretty good
Great vocals, legendary, band is great too. Love Janis.
Awesome vocals
It's good, no doubt about it. Even though her career wasn't very long, she recorded enough music to make a 5/5 best of compilation. However, these individual studio albums don't go over 4/5, because even though there aren't any bad songs, some feel like filler.
So far this album is a perfect blend of soul, blues, pop and rock, this album blends it so perfectly together. It’s gets your feet tapping whilst also telling a story a very good story with the lyrics, Best listen “Cry Baby”
So that's what Janis Joplin sounds like. She's not too bad, and very croony.
Love the blues style. AMAZING voice, loved it
An empowering example of music and culture. What a fantastic listen.
Rocks.
I like it. A bit folky, a bit funky, and a good bit of rock make for an excellent listen.
Her voice is sooooo unique and the songs are classics. I am a huge fan of 'Cry Baby'
Mercedes Benz was a sleeper song fs
Not a perfect album (songs like Cry Baby are a bit too overwrought and 60s pop sounding for me) but Janis was an incredible singer and performer and songs like Me and Bobby McGee and Move Over are classics. I've spent years - many years now - wishing I could sing like Janis. Both the husky quality she had at such a young age and the complete fearlessness with which she was able to perform. She was an all time great front woman, one of my favourites, and extremely influential. Four for the album, although Janis herself is always 5/5.
Good
She was a powerhouse singer. This is an iconic album. Every song is perfect. But, until now, I never paid enough attention to Richard Bell’s piano playing. It just fits perfectly and adds as much to the funky feel of the album as Joplin’s singing. The whole band is a monster.
I think everyone knows what they're in for when they get a Janis Joplin album; just solid, gritty, blues rock with an iconic voice! While I can understand that her voice might not be for everyone, I personally love it. That said, this still isn't really an album that I can see myself throwing on all the time, but I did thoroughly enjoy listening to it.
This is a great album - Although I could have lived without the track Buried Alice in the Blues
Would buy
This is a great album. I really liked it!
Love me some Jackie Jormp-Jomp. In all seriousness I actually quite enjoyed this album, it was some nice country-pop fun. Give that woman another cigarette y'know? Move Over, Cry Baby, and My Baby were probably my favourites. 4/5 stars.
It's very of it's time and now sounds dated but I'm sure this was pretty hot stuff when it came out. It does get a little boring though.
Man, Janis Joplin was great. Personally, I’m more of a Big Brother and The Holding Company guy, but she’s gonna fit in nicely anywhere. 4.5⭐️
I know of Janis Joplin, but I've never gone out of my way to listen to her before. I enjoyed this album quite a bit. With the exception of Mercedes Benz, which reminded me of the cancer of American Christian materialism. Besides that though, I liked her raspy voice and will definitely include some of her tracks on my playlists.
Listened to just the original album songs, which were all great. I like Janis' raw voice and the variety of styles on the album. Polished but not. I'm not like a hippie and find some of these sentiments kinda dumb, but whatever. She can write too. "Windshield wipers slappin’ time" is a great example.
Really good album, once or twice I was just unable to get into the vocals but overall amazing
Solid, easy listening. 4?
I think at this point in time, you need to seek out Janis Joplin--she's not really in the zeitgeist any more, except when someone brings up the 27 club. No one, man or woman, had a more American voice than Janis. This is probably the best showcase of that voice, and her band is on point.
One of the most iconic if not THE most iconic voice in late 60s early 70s rock. Pearl is a good album, with the standout singles to my mind being "Me and Bobby McGee" and the a cappella "Mercedes Benz" Her backing band, the Full Tilt Boogie, keeps her on track to produce what I think is her greatest album.
Dad- 8 Mom- 9.5 Mike- 8 Lori- 8 Michael- 9 Miles- 6 Cole- 5 Avg- 7.64
Pearled
Forgot how good the band is on this record
Could be a 4.5, I reserve the right to take it to the island. 🏝️
i was introduced to joplin through the grateful dead’s cover of bobby mcgee. and i really liked that and her original version of it! my band even plays it but i hadn’t delved deeper into her discography at all so this was nice. super solid overall - this type of music just isn’t made anymore. having a solid acapella track on your album is SUCH a cool move
Funky, souly, enjoyable.
freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIP to a legend. Went out at the top of her game. Lived too hard.
drei bis vier trust me
Marge Simpsons' 2e album! En wat een banger is het eigenlijk. Ik ben er na Cheap Thrills later zo hard op terug gekomen dat ik het 'maar' 3 sterren gaf, want ik heb Piece of my Heart daarna grijsgedraaid(En mee geschreeuwd). Mijn overtuiging? Janis is een acquired taste. Soms klinkt het geweldig, soms klinkt het verschrikkelijk. Je moet er van houden. Maar kleine aanrader; lees wat over haar leven, deze vrouw klinkt als een doorrookte 50er, maar is lid van de 27 club. Het is ontzettend tragisch, maar voegt zoveel toe aan haar muziek. Dit album dan? Ja haar raspende zingen is natuurlijk overal hier. Het pakt je aandacht, of drijft je juist weg. Bij haar beste nummers, naar mijn mening, begint ze rustiger en gaat het nummer steeds wat harder. Meer rock dan blues eigenlijk. Maar op alle nummers vind ik haar echt sterk. Niet alles pakt me echter, ik hoor soms nog steeds een beetje Marge Simpson, maar ik heb na het album altijd een beetje spijt gehad dat ik geen 4 sterren had gegeven aan Cheap Thrills. Dat maak ik dan maar bij deze goed! FAVO: Cry Baby, Half Moon, Me and Bobby Mcgee, Get It While You Can
Great album. My first ever listen! Still prefer big brother and the holding company but after a few more listens i might change minds.
An incredible voice, Joplin can do it all.
This is great rock and roll. The musicians are fantastic and of course Joplin is on fire. This album has a little emotional baggage in the way In Utero does. I’m not sure if that adds or subtracts anything for me.
Exactly why i started doing this, i would have never listened to this album it it wasn't for this project. Loved it.
Classic Janis
Janis Joplin had amazing voice. I'd love to listen more to her, but she gets tiring after some time
Yeah, we lost Janis just as she found her fully adult voice with this album. Some unforgettable renditions of some great songs.
Solid album
An album full of unpolished, natural vocals which were very strong and versatile and excelled in every song in slightly different styles. Definitely a strong introduction to JJ and will likely gladly listen to any songs in the future. 4/5.
Very good album. Janis was able to display her powerful voice throughout delivering a classic blend of bluesy rock. Fav tracks: Me and Bobby mcGee & Mercedes Benz
Rough, raw, genuine music. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.
I liked this. Not an album I'd put in my regular rotation, but one I enjoyed nonetheless. Bluesy, confident and cool. Would've loved a bit more variation, like when they brought in the acoustic more for Me and Bobby McGee, but that's a personal preference.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Had no idea that her career was only 4 years long, and only two solo albums. What a voice and legacy to leave. Loved the Apple Music notes that she died before putting vocals on “Buried Alive” so it was included as a “posthumous…moment of silence.” Damn.
If everything on this list of 1001 carried as much authenticity and conviction as this, I would have no votes below a 3.
Man didn’t realise she died before this release, what a great vocal performance all through the album though, it’s a little bit rough sound wise sometimes but nothing too serious, this album also has some great hits with some good deep cuts around it aswell. I’m usually not the biggest fan of American blues music but Janis is an exception I guess cause that was pretty great, the instrumentation was also neat especially the purely instrumental song. Overall, 7/10.
Classic.
I really enjoyed this, what a great voice.
I’d give it a 4.5 if I could. Had never listened to Janis Joplin before, what an amazing voice and talent. Can’t wait to listen to more!
Back to back albums from 1971 after Surf’s Up. She’s electric, the band is on fire. What a classic.
Janis was such a powerful singer and immensely talented. The world lost a great musician when she died. This album is bitter sweet and tremendously great.
That grimy, soulful voice will live on forever.
Pearl is Janis Joplin’s final and most cohesive album, released posthumously shortly after her death. Her vocal range is impressive, especially in the mid-register where emotion and control truly shine. The album is deep, intimate, and well-produced, with standout tracks like Me and Bobby McGee and Cry Baby. Still, despite its undeniable quality, it doesn’t quite captivate me enough to become a record I’ll return to often. 4/5
I don't think I realized just how many Janis Joplin songs I actually know! Enjoyed this album so much, I listened to it 3 times in a row.
enjoyed!!!
Her voice is absolutely an acquired taste, but she certainly got the groove across along with the band.
Great vocals and instrumentals
A very good album. the passion really comes through. She really belts it out.
Why did I think I didn't like Janis Joplin?
Great front to back.
I have so much respect for Janis' ability to express feeling through her vocals. Regardless of my dislike for her voice tone (it gives me the same feeling as italicised singing lol), she was a very passionate singer and it showed. She is raw, true to herself, and did not hide her intentions. She may not be my cup of tea, but as a fellow vocalist who respects folks who are passionate about the skill, and who have made lasting impact to all those who take it up, I think Janis has carved a spot for herself eternally. This album is a solid representation of her art, skill, and love for what she did in her short time with us.
Great music, not quite my cup of tea. Instrumentation was excellent. Love the Mercedes Benz song.
Nice voice and energetic album. Easy to understand for lyrics. Could be a 5 stars. Would definitely listen to it again
This album is great as much for the contribution of the excellent Full Tilt Boogie Band as that of JJ herself. It’s a real ensemble piece. I love it from start to finish.
Pretty great!
Never gave Joplin a fair shake before but this record was really fun. She has incredible vocal range
As a kid, I did not love it when openmindz would throw on some Janis but today I can say I'm in. Used to be her voice that got me and the bluesy tone but now listening with a more mature ear, she got it...that raw emotion and charisma that only true talents have. She said it well with "Get It While You Can" and "freedom just another word for nothing left to lose." I'm sure she lived and died by those words. Shame to lose another great soulful singer so young. I recommend checking the alt. versions and outtakes on the Legacy edition of the album...some pure gold. "Move Over" for Pearl cause she's comin in at 3.65 stars.
This is pretty great, but some of the songs are skippable.
I knew I liked Janis Joplin but this album showed me I love her.
This is a very nice album, recorded right up until her death and released afterwards. It has some great songs but there is not a dud on here. The sound is very polished, which gives her voice extra life. I would listen again for sure.
Wow! What a voice! Incredible talent, hard to believe she was white at times! What a pity she was only 27 when she died, fantastic album!
one of the most unique and talented voices of the 70s, i’ve loved janis joplin for ages now and she’s so awesome to listen to, can’t believe she’s dead man, so much soul and groove omg
3.5. round up
Joplin never had the chance to see the success that would be her second, and final, album. Pearl was released posthumously in 1971, three months after Joplin’s death in October 1970. What would come of it would be a good album, one with incredible vocals, soul-catching moments and everything inbetween. As is so often the case with this journey I’m on, this isn’t an album, or genre of music, that I would have found organically. Blues and Soul have never been in my repertoire. In saying that, I’m glad it is now. Cry Baby, Me and Bobby McGee and Mercedes Benz all standout tracks. Three stars.
Nice and soulful, but the production is definitely a bit dated.
ja, wieso musste die uns so früh verlassen
Janis really puts some power behind her voice. A really solid album from a hippie icon.
wonderfull voice, not my vibe
Unique in all the best ways, lots of piano, organs and other keys which is appreciated, and surprising indebted to gospel. Not to mention the obvious,Joplin’s legendary voice.
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been 133 albums since my last confession.” “What would you like to confess today?” “I’m embarrassed to admit it. I fear I am beyond forgiveness.” “Do not be afraid, my child. God is always ready to forgive.” “Okay… I confess… that I don’t like Janis Joplin as much as I’m supposed to.” “…It is not a sin to dislike Janis Joplin.” “Oh no, I don’t dislike her. It’s just… she’s one of those artists you’re supposed to love. Like, rock legend, voice of a generation, tragic icon. But I only kinda dig it. Like…she’s good, but sometimes her voice is a little grating, ya know? “…This is not quite what the sacrament of confession is for.” “I mean, Piece of My Heart? Slaps. Me and Bobby McGee? Classic. But like…am I really going to sit down and choose to throw on her album over any of the other millions of albums to choose from? “…did you actually have any *sins* to confess today?” “Also, the album cover was kinda freaking me out. She was sitting there on the couch just kind of judging me…like ‘Really? You like Amy Winehouse more than me?’” “…my child, do you understand what…oh never mind… do you have anything else to confess today?” “Yeah, I don’t like Rush either.” “Very well…Three Hail Marys. And listen to Cheap Thrills with better headphones. Now go in peace.” 4/5 Highlights: Cry Baby Half Moon Me and Bobby McGee Mercedes Benz
Love me some Janis. Such a unique voice.
It’s good. It’s not great. But….That voice is amazing. By far the best song here is Me & Bobby McGee. Janis could have gone this route country wise. It’s a shame. The album starts of strong, but these are not that different from her earlier stuff. That said, it’s still 4 stars for her voice and the three standout songs.
One of the greatest female voices ever. Extremely recognizable and powerful. This album has a lot of hits and just sounds great. I can't get bored of hearing her.
An old voice trapped in such a young persons body. And what a voice at that!
Very 70s rock, elton john, fun times, music vibes! I liked this one. I like the elton john stuff and i thought this was very closely related. I have heard the name Janis Joplin so many times but had never listened to her music before this. It was good to finally hear
I love Janis's raspy wail but what I like about this album is that she seems ready to use it more judiciously - Cry Baby turns it all the way up to 11 from the off, but other tracks have a bit more light and shade. It would have been so interesting to see where she went next, but sadly we'll never know.
Pretty decent bluesy sixties rock that would be wholly unremarkable but for that Janis has and amazingly supple and powerful voice. Her early death is right up there with Joni Hendrix or Buddy Holly in how much it robbed the world- how much more she’d have done were she not taken in the first phase of her career.
Consistently good blues rock album. Janis makes much better use of her unique voice on this compared to the Big Brother album I heard previously. Half Moon was my favourite track on first listen.
The hits that I remember from this album are pretty good. I heard a song I had never heard before called half Moon that I really really liked.
Janis could really wail.
It's no secret that Joplin had some pipes. Loved the KK (may he rest in peace) cover as well.
Very enjoyable and I'm not a singer-songwriter fan normally
Love her powerful bluesy vocals :)
more enjoyable than i expected
You can’t argue with a bit of Janis. Some good songs on it (hello soundtrack of look who’s talking), and you can’t deny she’s bloody talented.