Rolling Stone (10/31/02, p.135) - Ranked #7 in Rolling Stone's "Women In Rock: The 50 Essential Albums" - "...Joplin helped invent modern country rock..."
Rolling Stone (2/18/71, p.48) - "...The voice cut off was clearly in its prime...there is every indication that Janis was working toward a new maturity and confidence....With PEARL it's a case of a conscious attempt to make something of Janis' talent; simply having it won't do anymore..."
Rolling Stone (9/30/99, p.90) - 4.5 stars out of 5 - "...a poignancy that is as undeniable now as it was upon its posthumous release....'Me and Bobby McGee' is her greatest studio recording....frightening beauty..."
Q (11/99, p.156) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...her most fully formed [album]. Joplin was working with excellent musicians who raised her game accordingly....her voice has a new control and fluidity..."
Uncut (p.128) - 4 stars out of 5 - "PEARL was Joplin's most mature and diverse collection and suggested there was no limit to where she might have taken that extraordinary voice."
Dirty Linen (p.55) - "[A]n instant classic, featuring some of Joplin's most mature and well-played material..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[With] tight, Stax-influenced arrangements."
Rovi