Between the Lines

Janis Ian | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1975
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000002544
• Also Available in: Hardcover  |  Paperback  |  Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,249 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

still her "masterpiece"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 70s ANGST - PERFECT!, June 5, 2000

By 

R. Penola (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Between the Lines (Audio CD)

This album defined a generation's angst - for me, it rarely left the turntable for nearly a year in the mid-70s. At Seventeen remains a succinct and moving testimony to the pain of being "outside" of the "in" kids, but it is only one of several perfect tracks. From Me To You moves briskly along, and casts a melancholy spell telling a lover's departure, until it literally explodes with grief and anger; In The Winter is one of the saddest and most gorgeous songs ever written about lost chances in love. Yes, the tone of this album is dark, sad and soulful, but what a perfect record to play when you need to "go there" - just you, a glass (or bottle) of wine, and a photo album...chances are, after the tears roll down your face, you will feel infinitely better.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, GREAT LYRICS, ONE OF THE 70'S BEST RECORDS, September 13, 2003

By 

Paulo Leite (Lisbon, Portugal) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Between the Lines (Audio CD)

I only discovered Janis Ian one year ago, when I heard "At Seventeen" on the radio. I was moved by Janis' intense feeling and her easiness to reach the audience. I searched for that song and simply discovered one of the best artists from the 70's. How come Janis Ian is so little know here in Europe?

Anyway, her singing is delightful as she demonstrates that her quiet and beautiful voice is capable of going over the top with vocals that steals your attention.

The lyrics are very mature (not your basic love song here!) and it shows a lot about her taste for bittersweet themes. The album is wonderfully produced - like one of those who simply has everything in the right place.

I will for sure know more about her.

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Janis Ian is the American Van Gogh, September 19, 1998

By 

Mpigani Kweli ([e-mail]) (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Between the Lines (Audio CD)

I was 17 in 1975 when I first heard "At Seventeen." It moved me like no other song. An African-American from L.A., I had a hard time getting my friends to agree. Intrigued, I explored the vinyl. What I heard IS the best introspective and honest songwriting and arranging ever. "In The Winter" is an exposed nerve tingling bright blue and red in an icy breeze. "I met your wife, she's very nice, what can I say," the artist's voice trailing off at the end in self-conscious revelation. "Watercolors" is artistic inspiration. The song and album closing with an adroit cello solo that breaks your heart yet inspires at the same time. And then there's the American classic "At Seventeen." I used the lyrics to demonstrate poetic nuances to my the 12 year old daughter. Today she is seventeen and every week listens to an old tape I made of Janis' CBS work. Janis Ian is the American Van Gogh.