10 Music Artists Who Released Their Best Album Last

A seminal figure of the hippy-crazed late-'60s, Janis Joplin would have a career that far exceeded her somewhat limited discography. Growing up in rural Texas, Joplin soon found herself on the west coast, indulging in the free spirited scene and putting out some immensely memorable tunes.

Tragically, Joplin died in the autumn of 1970 following a drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy of simply epic proportions. Her final album, Pearl, was released posthumously, and features some of her best work.

From the acapella Mercedes Benz, to the mesmerizingly soulful Cry Baby, Joplin's stunning voice was on display through the ten tracks that made up the release. Compared to other albums like Cheap Thrills, and I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! , Pearl felt almost melancholic, with emphasis on slower, more distressed songs that truly brought the best out of Joplin's exceptional vocal range.

It's a release that has since defined the Woodstock-going, hip-swinging youth culture of the mid-late 20th century, and in doing so is a wonderfully nostalgic album for parents across the globe. That doesn't mean that it can't be appreciated by everybody, however, as the vocal talents of Janis Joplin simply never fail to impress.