Between The Lines - JANIS IAN***

When The Party's Over/At Seventeen/From Me To You/Bright Lights & Promises/In The Winter/Watercolours/ Between The Lines/The Come On/Light A Light/Tea & Sympathy/Lover's Lullaby

Singer songwriter Janis Ian first came to public prominence in 1967 as a teenager with her US hit Society’s Child. She then largely disappeared from view until the release of her chart topping album Between The Lines in 1975, helped by the US No. 3 hit single At Seventeen. (US:1)

“One of her best albums in terms of consistency and in the quality of the highlights, with songs full of emotional intensity and craftiness. There's also a bit of filler but not too much and not really annoying. Lyrically, she makes some mistakes typical of young writers: being solemn, overusing metaphors and trying to say too much.”

“At Seventeen might just be the most realistic song ever written about adolescence. But there are many other good tunes to be found here.”

“This has memorable songs. An emotional pop album fuelled by blues and jazz. She had a good voice and did her own compositions, which are pretty OK.”

“Many of the songs have the poignancy of someone who has too often experienced the underside of human relationships. Her lyrics could stand alone as poetry, but since the music is enjoyable and takes some unexpected turns, this is the complete package.”

“Between The Lines is a timeless work of art from one of America's most gifted songwriters. No writer has ever articulated loneliness, unrequited love or profound, secret feelings the way Ian does. The songs strike deep, melancholic chords in the soul, yet their effect is to soothe and reassure in an almost mystical way.”

“Some call this suicide music because of its melancholy. This is true, but her gift of crafting words into blue, poignant lyrics will strum the heart of any reflective listener.”

“Janis Ian is no sob sister, and her music knows many more moods than the melancholy for which she has been as much celebrated as maligned; and even that melancholy comes in strains that explore the spirit, the heart, and the soul.”

“This album defined a generation's angst. 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.”