Janis Ian has become one of songwriting's most important powers and stylists. Sit down and listen to the words this sensitive vocalist puts down. Several cuts could catch airplay, and many will be covered by other artists. Still, her voice has a very appealing quality to it and she deserves to make it with this album. Best cuts: "When The Party's Over," "From Me To You," "Watercolors," "Between The Lines."

- Billboard, 1975.

Bonus Reviews!

In this time of dearth, it's probably improvident to laugh at someone so talented -- good melodies abound here, and I can't think of a rock singer who has made more unaffected and pleasurable use of her or his voice lessons. But this woman's humorlessness demands snickers. It was one thing for society's teenager to pity herself because she didn't have the integrity to stick with her black boyfriend. It's another thing for a grown-up to pity her teenaged self because she was always picked last in basketball. I mean, face it, Ms. Ian -- you're short. B-

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

"At Seventeen" is only one of a group of beautifully written, tastefully performed, and very moving songs. * * * *

- William Ruhlmann, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

On Between the Lines, "At Seventeen" is only one of an album full of luminous, well-crafted songs. * * * *

- Gary Graff, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.

Though she first recorded at age 15, this ultimate expression of angst, cut eight years later, proved Ian's breakthrough, thanks to the intimate hit "At Seventeen," an ode to lost innocence, which perfectly captures the turmoil inside the teenage ugly duckling. Though not an album to liven up a party, it's a tour de force that showcases the strong, fragile, beautiful voice of one of the original sensitive young women singer-songwriters. * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

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