Janis Joplin – The Very Best of Janis Joplin (2007) – Album Review, Fun Facts & Trivia
Release Date: 2007
Label: Columbia/Legacy
Genre: Blues Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Soul
Length: 78:20
The Very Best of Janis Joplin is a posthumous compilation that spans the full spectrum of Janis Joplin’s legendary career. From her early psychedelic rock days with Big Brother and the Holding Company to her solo work in I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! and the polished powerhouse of Pearl, this collection serves as a definitive anthology for both new listeners and longtime fans.
Tracklist (Selected Highlights)
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Down on Me
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Piece of My Heart
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Summertime
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Ball and Chain
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Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)
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Kozmic Blues
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Move Over
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Cry Baby
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Me and Bobby McGee
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Mercedes Benz
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Hard to Handle
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Little Girl Blue
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Bye, Bye Baby
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I Need a Man to Love
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Half Moon
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A Woman Left Lonely
(The album includes 30+ tracks across two discs; these are the standout selections.)
Album Review
The Very Best of Janis Joplin offers a comprehensive overview of Janis’ career, showcasing her raw, emotional vocals, fearless delivery, and genre-blending artistry. The compilation excels in highlighting her evolution:
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Big Brother era – Psychedelic blues-rock with explosive live energy (Down on Me, Ball and Chain).
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Kozmic Blues era – Soulful, horn-driven experimentation (Try, Kozmic Blues).
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Pearl era – Polished, emotionally rich blues-rock (Me and Bobby McGee, Cry Baby, Mercedes Benz).
This collection works as both an introduction for new fans and a curated anthology for collectors, emphasizing Janis’ unmatched influence on rock, blues, and soul.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Did you know? This 2007 compilation was released to coincide with renewed interest in Joplin’s music and legacy, including remastered tracks.
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It spans recordings from 1967 to 1971, covering her Big Brother, Kozmic Blues, and Pearl periods.
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Many of the tracks were remastered, providing improved audio quality while preserving her raw energy.
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The album highlights Janis’ versatility, from psychedelic rock to blues, soul, and a cappella tracks like Mercedes Benz.
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This compilation remains a top choice for those seeking a definitive Janis Joplin experience in one package.
Why Listen Today?
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Hear Janis Joplin’s career-defining songs in one collection.
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Experience the full range of her vocal power and emotional depth.
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Ideal for fans of classic rock, blues, and 1960s–70s counterculture music.
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A perfect starting point for anyone exploring her legacy and influence on rock history.

