The voice of Janis Joplin, in my opinion, has never, ever, bean duplicated, nor has any female Rock vocalist even come light years close. The raspy, sand papered and bluesy vocals of Janis Joplin has always sounded magical to me. The raw emotion that Janis Joplin exhibited vocally will always come through to me as honest and true. Janis Joplin was an all encompassing Rock legend – singer, songwriter and guitarist.
I never like to look back at any Rock music legend and wonder what could have been, if tragedy did not strike. Like so many Rock stars and in some cases, icons, that have passed before their time, I accept the gift of music that these musicians left behind, for the world to enjoy forever. Janis Joplin has left us with her songs and her gifted voice. How wonderful it is, to be able to reach for Janis Joplin at any time and listen away to one of the most powerful voices in all of Rock music history! I cannot tell you how many times I will listen to Janis Joplin, smack dab in the middle of listening to Metal bands like Helloween and Kiss! In doing this, it reminds me that there still is an unparalleled female Rock voice that I can turn to and enjoy. Janis Joplin’s voice and music will set me straight, reminding me of real Rock roots, where Hard Rock was born from.
“Me and Bobby McGee” is a song I kick back to while enjoying the story telling approach of Hard Rock, as only Janis Joplin can deliver. “Mercedes Benz” is easily as relevant a song today as it was in the early 1970’s. “Piece of My Heart”, for me, is as groundbreaking of a Hard Rock song as there ever could be. Musically, the formula for the foundation of Hard Rock was in place – it was Janis Joplin that took this song to another Rock stratosphere with her thrilling and bluesy vocals. From her musical beginnings with Big Brother & the Holding Company to her solo career, Janis Joplin was all along – carving out a path for future female Rock vocalists and female Rock musicians. Janis Joplin was a star of Psychedelic Rock, yet she forever is a star in the Rock and Hard Rock genres as well. Janis Joplin’s accomplishments and place in Rock music history can never be measured, her legacy can only be revered.
Janis Lyn Joplin – January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970
What Papa Roach has created with “Metamorphosis” is a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal good time. My favorite tune, (like many fans I’m sure), is “Lifeline”. An inspirational hard rocking song that is a can’t miss if you are looking for an uplifting moment in Metal. This song pretty much says it all, about the emotions and tribulations that many people are going through in our society at this moment. “Days of War” is a cool and heavy intro – the perfect start for any Heavy Metal album, a strong prelude to get your adrenaline cooking. “Change or Die” is the lead song, very heavy with strong & aggressive vocals and a pumped up tempo. Every song on “Metamorphosis” is a winner for me, a straight up – melodic ride. This album is an essential listen for leaving your troubles behind you, just move forward with Papa Roach!
In case you are unfamiliar with Angel, (one of the original Glam Rock/Glam Metal bands from the late 1970’s), here are some semi-quick facts that may stir up some interest:
I have decided to add a special feature to my Metal Odyssey blog, Women of Hard Rock & Metal. As far as I see it, there are many great female vocalists, guitarists and musicians out there in the world of Hard Rock & Metal and I do not overlook them one bit. So, what better platform than right here, to celebrate some of these fabulous female Rockers? The first in this series is none other than – Pat Benatar. Yes, Pat has had her share of ballads and Pop Rock charting singles, yet so has Poison, Warrant, Motley Crue and Van Halen. My point I am trying to make here is, there is Hard Rock aplenty with the catalog of music from Pat Benatar! 
Yes, we have a historic time of change in our nation’s history at the moment, it is always a great time to be an American. However, let us not forget, that it was not long ago, when the PMRC, wanted to abolish and strip Heavy Metal from its foundation. Censorship of any kind is very scary inside a democracy. So many bands were on their list, from Twisted Sister to Stryper! I will forever be grateful to Dee Snider, for sticking up for what is right, not backing down to the PMRC and the politicians (yes, Al Gore and his wife Tipper Gore), that wanted to ban and restrict Metal and musical lyrics.
Thunder and Lightning is a Thin Lizzy Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ prize. Released in 1983, this is Old School Heavy Metal that is stupendous with every aspect of it’s music. John Sykes and Scott Gorham on guitars are both a sensational listen. The three songs of Cold Sweat, Someday She Is Going To Hit Back and Baby Please Don’t are abundantly impressive to my Rockin’ hungry ears. In my Metal opinion, the purchase of this album is worth it for these three songs alone. With that said, this entire album is vintage Heavy Metal that should be revisited and celebrated.
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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