Blue

Now that’s what I’m tawkin about. A warm hug for California transplants

Linda Joni... Un poco de cringe el falsete.

Best: Carey; A Case Of You; All I Want; Little Green; California Worst: The Last Time I Saw Richard

HOLY MACKEREL, Joni’s voice is bright and mellow the whole time as i listened to the album…I can understand why it’s a great album and don’t get me started on the opening track, All I Want? bro unbelievably ethereal.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Joni Mitchell and I’ve never rated her albums highly on this site, but this one blew me away. I don’t know if I never saw this on her other albums or if this one is special, but there is a really understated sense of beauty to everything she wrote. Really really strong album, would be a five if she didn’t take a couple songs off in the back third.

7/10 Best songs: Blue, California It's somewhat shocking that I've heard so many covers of Joni Mitchell's songs but never got around to listening to this album. It's good 60s folk, with an intense intimacy that comes from the vocal-centered (primarily) acoustic tracks. At times I get a bit tired of her vocal gymnastics, but it's an enjoyable album that really feels timeless. I could see myself coming back to it in the future, or at least listening to more of her music.

Great!

Sinds een paar weekjes heb ik een goeie koptelefoon. Rumoerig kantoor, veel in de trein, je kent het wel. Lekker noise cancellen. Wat een verademing ten opzichte van de losse oortjes. Geen ruis tijdens het fietsen, geen achtergrondgeluid en een veel diepere beleving van de muziek. Het zou dus kunnen dat mijn reviews er dus wat op vooruit gaan, omdat mijn algemene muziekbeleving er gewoon op is vooruit gegaan. Nu heeft Joni Mitchell niet perse de muziek die de beste koptelefoon nodig heeft. Wel blijkt des te beter hoe prachtig mooi Blue is. Her en der staat dit album in de top 10 beste albums. Nou, zo ver wil ik niet gaan. Maar deze plaat heeft wel iets bijzonders. Prachtige gokkasten in mooie liedjes. Maar zonder cliche te gaan klinken. Ik heb hem meerdere keren aangezet omdat ik er vanuit ging dat de liedjes mooier zouden worden. Dat is zo. Soms laat ze haar stem een beetje vibreren of uit de bocht vliegen. Dat vind ik niet het mooiste. Maar goed, zo is er altijd wel iets. 8/10 Highlights Little Green A Case of You

Best Song: River I opened this album and thought, "oh that's the one with River on it. I like that song. But, maybe there are better songs than that!" Nope. But a good album regardless if you like that 60s folk, even though this came out in 1971, it is still 60s folk.

I think its hard for me to rate this to its fullest potential. I personally find it trickier to connect with the exact feelings and waves of emotion Joni seems to be singing about from front to back. Although there are definitely moments in here where I can really appreciate her lyricism (Such as on River). There are other moments I find not too interesting at all. Her voice is top notch and her playing pretty great as well. When it comes to really enjoying an album, I think I just need a bit more from the instrumentation for it to rank really high. The lyrics and singing are doing all of the heavy lifting when it comes to the creativity aspects on Blue, and thats just great. Its just not my perfectly brewed cup of English breakfast tea that I can sip and say "ahhh, perfect just the way I like it." The tea Joni is serving up here is more of a "hmmm that's a pretty decent cup of tea, although, I wish she added in some honey... and maybe a bit of oat milk..." Just a few more accoutrements in here, and this coulda pulled the bootstraps to hit the 5 star line... potentially.... 8/10

I think I’m really growing into this record in my old(er) age. The vocals had were never really my thing, but the lyrics and tone have won me over. I’m just moody and mopey now, and have know so many more emotions.

This is one of those classic albums that I just never got around to, although listening now, I know a couple of songs from it. She has a fantastic voice and a delicate touch which work together incredibly well. Her style can very much be heard echoing through the 50 odd years that followed this.

My girlfriend’s middle name is Blue because of this album so it’s extra special for me, but it is also excellent.

Would I listen again: yes! High 4 for me. A classic for a reason. Very expressive and good lyrics too. And some great melodies!

Really big fan of this one

Love the pacing of the songs. Her voice is lovely. Her voice is slightly high pitched but it’s fine honestly.

Quite lovely. My third Joni Mitchell album, or maybe fourth, but I knew what to expect, and this album delivered it. Not my favorite by her but very very nice. Must-listen #361

Album #188 Joni Mitchell: Blue Joni Mitchell is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians to come out of my country, and I don’t think it would be controversial to say she is simply one of the greatest period. She is certainly eccentric, and in my opinion that is why she stands out so well. Though her early career isn’t as obviously experimental as her later jazz-fusion albums, she was already pushing boundaries in ways that no one else was, and Blue is the best example of that. Joni resonated with so many on this album due to her absolutely unique songwriting style in which she doesn’t veil anything in mystery, instead completely revealing herself and exposing her soul to her listeners. If you listen to Blue and feel nothing, then odds are you just can’t feel anything. One of the most personal albums of all-time, yet also one of the most relatable; Blue truly captures the beauty of folk music, which is the everyday struggles through the eyes of a troubadour. Best Songs: All I Want, California, Carey Worst Song: This Flight Tonight Score out of 10: 9.5

I WANT TO USE ALL I WANT IN A SHOW ONE DAY AND/OR THE LAST TIME I SAW RICHARD

Beautiful album. Not the first time i listen to it, and i rekon i never go back to it also, but everytime i've put on Blue, i remember what a lovely record it is.

It is good, but not my favourite Joni Mitchell album. Have to be in the mood for this one.

I still can’t get onboard with Joni Mitchell’s (often sudden) burst of soprano vocals but the strength of the songwriting is undeniable. It’s easy to see why this a widely beloved and respected album.

this is the real stuff

Way better Joni album than the last one

She’s smart, sad, and beautiful. Both of my parents were fans of Joni. This album sounds like home.

Apple has it in their top 100 albums of all time. It deserves that. This album was full of great writing with great lyrics

Good, I don’t think it’s as good as it’s hyped up to be. It’s getting a 4 pretty much solely because of her voice. Everything else is just kinda good to mid for this album.

I'm going to try to do this objectively. It's a struggle because while I recognize the greatness of Joni Mitchell, I just can't with her. It's so monotonous and depressing.

I just love the way Joni jumps octaves midway through a line. Its so beautiful. California makes me so happy. Its my 66th favourite song. River is a Christmas song which is kinda funny. This album is like so happy and so sad at the same time, I think that's the magic of it. A Case of You can really wreck me. Its my 136th favourite song. Ahh its so good. This is one of those albums where there are clear standout tracks for me, but the whole body of work still feels like a complete album. Not perfect, but such a good all round experience. Fave Tracks: All I Want, California, River, A Case of You 4.4/5

4.5 for me. The record is obviously a classic, the lyrics are great, musicality is unmatched. But I’ve never clicked with it for some reason. Hejira is still my Joni pick.

Joni Mitchell is one of the artists that I’ve become a fan of because of this list. One of the original singer songwriters, she has a beautiful voice and soothing piano and guitar playing on this album. The arrangements are simple and that allows her emotions and intentions to come to the forefront. It feels intimate rather than flashy and impressive, and as a result I can really connect with the music. I find myself listening to her on Spotify more and more.

It’s pretty hard to find fault with this benchmark of folk in the late 60s and 70s. It hits on almost every level and, even if this is not your style, you can’t help but appreciate the quality and beauty of the music here.

very sad sounding, but I love her voice dude

Amazing album, first half was really engaging!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Har lyssnat på detta album tidigare men inte riktigt kommit in i det. Tycker bättre om det nu, kanske för att jag visste vad jag kunde förvänta mig. Det är personligt och vackert men det är lite lite otraditionell låtskrivarstil och det är kanske därför jag haft lite svårt för det tidigare. Lite kantigt, inte så mycket traditionell vers och refräng utan fokus på berättande. Det blir en 4a. Bäst är Casey, Blue, California, River, A case of you

Unreal album to listen to while outdoors on a spring day between 15 and 23 degrees. Or perhaps even a fall day of any temperature above 0. Did not know this flight tonight was originally Joni Mitchell.

Definitely one of the best folk/singer-songwriter albums I’ve listened to. The simple production helps to highlight the emotional vocals of Joni Mitchell. Such a raw experience.

So many questions...Is River the best christmas song ever written? Am I the only one who didn't know that Nazareth song was a folk cover? What does she mean by 'mean old daddy'? I enjoyed this album a half unit les than her newer albums on this list but the best songs on this album are about as good as it gets.

I respect Joni Mitchell for her unique sound and beautiful music. I don’t always love her rambling melodies but I get that is her thing. Clearly River Song and California are immortal for a reason. Would I listen to this again…. Not sure maybe?

Never been much of a Joni Mitchell fan. That voice can be annoying, and she always seemed like an musician’s musician. So I figured I’d listen to this once and rate it. But something about BLUE kept me from doing that. The album compelled me to keep revisiting it. It just simply wouldn’t allow me to get away with a cursory listen; it demanded I listen again and again with my full attention. And I had to listen in smaller segments, too: a song or two, then think on it for hours or days; listen to one side, then think on it for a day or two. And, against all odds, I really came around to it. I really can’t explain what appeals to me, nor can I understand it. But from first listen to my post recent, it’s pulled off an astonishing feat by pulling me in. (And getting me more than 10 days behind on this listening project!)

Very very similar sounding to Joan Baez but I like Joan better. The songs were nice but none of them stood out to me. The album cover is pretty tho.

Not really my thing but you can't deny the quality of the music, it is truly stunning. Unless you're one of the misogynists leaving reviews, I guess...

Nostalgic

Strong 3,5

Its objectively a very well made album, love Joni’s voice and production and recording are spot on. I didn’t fully GET it after just one listen, found it kinda odd and teetering on inaccessible from a popular music standpoint but thats not gonna stop me from giving it another chance. All I Want, California, and This Flight Tonight are my favs

Better than Coldplay

I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out how to rate this. Every track is very good. The music is almost perfect for the genre, the lyrics full of emotion. The problem is I'm just not feeling most of the songs. There were 2 or 3 I enjoyed, the rest I can just acknowledge are songs that sound good. So a 3 for enjoyment and a 5 for technically great music. 4 it is.

How to cry 101 Cherry-picking;a case of you, blue, river, the last time I saw Richard

Loving

i feel like recent generations have lost a taste for Joni Mitchell. i'm here to apologize on behalf of us, we just haven't lived enough yet. wonderful songwriting, a delicious pillar of the west-coast singer/songwriter tradition. deserves to be one of the 1001? always has

Pretty amazing songwriting for being so stripped back voice and guitar

I am not the biggest fan of Joni Mitchell's vocals but her songwriting is excellent. 4 stars or B+.

Excellence lyricism and storytelling from Mitchell, California being a cult classic in my rankings.

quite nice

exceeded my expectations

Reconnu comme chef d'œuvre de la folk - à juste titre. Joni Mitchell est une de ces voix à la Kate Bush dont une trace reste gravée dans la mémoire éternellement. Il y a aussi ce son de guitare constant sur l'album qui fait sa signature, et quelques idées d'effets originales. Playlist pick : California, mais c'était indécis avec All I Want et Carey

top 100 for sure

It was very nice, need to give it another listen. her voice is very sweet and has a nice vibrato. It's a very sad album to me.

Forse si possono anche imparare con la chitarra

Never seen or heard of this before but after listening to 4 songs I really enjoy it. I like her voice and the tempo of the songs. The fact that they’re soft but still catchy is something I really like. I feel stupid for not realizing earlier that this is the girl that sings “California” but it’s okay. I really enjoy that song and the whole album overall.

love her voice

Joni á toppnum hér? Ef ég væri mikill textakall þá fengi þetta örugglega fimm stjörnur.

At times hauntingly beautiful at times it fades into the background. Worth a proper relisten. Fav tracks: Blue, A Case of You RYM: Y (#132) Saved a song: N

So nice. This is that top tear, singer-songwriter music. Joni had such a lovely voice, top to bottom excellent album.

top 100 albums oat for sure 4.5

Дуже вімзікал

Necesito un poco mas de tiempo de análisis, creo que hay algo acá. Es mas complejo de lo que aparenta creo. No es ni un 3 ni un 4 es un 3.5. Lo deje guardado.

adoré la vulnerabilidad del álbum, la capacidad de ser tan honesta y de cantar con la voz de un ángel sobre todas sus verdades. guardé unas cuantas canciones que resonaron más con mi típico estilo de música.

Joni's always been an artist I respect and admire more than connect with personally. But this was beautiful to listen to start to finish with a cup of coffee. Love "River," of course, as well as the fuller band stuff, featuring James Taylor, Russ Kunkel & Stills!

Love ya

Great album.

not my first listen but still rocks

I’m having quite a good time with this album! It’s not exactly the type of music I usually listen to, but it just has something to it. All I Want is a fantastic start. It has some very nice lyrics and Joni has a very nice voice. My Old Man again had some awesome lyrics. I thought it had a nice story to it. Little Green was also very pretty. I know I’m saying all of these are pretty, but they just are. I thought Carey was great, and the title track was just gorgeous. I liked the meaning of California and This Flight tonight had a good little punch to it (well, as much of a punch that this album can give). The piano in River was so so good. I can’t resist a piano ballad. A case of you was great. The Last time I saw Richard was an apt closer. A nice end to a nice album. 4.5/5 ⭐️ 106/1089

Mitchell does an incredible job of taking minimal instrumentals, and transforming the song into something incredible with just her vocals alone. This album and the rest of her discography have obvious influences on the likes of Björk and the later works of Bob Dylan, accentuating her immense talent. Blue has left a clear impact on not only female artists but the music scene as a whole. To me, Blue only lacks one thing- a concise and interesting concept. Whilst the idea of her struggle and disconnection with love is clear- “sometimes I think love is just mythical” This Flight Tonight- I just wished it was had an extra layer to make this record even more interesting. That however, is probably my only complaint. The song writing and vocals are immaculate, the lack instrumentals work perfectly to showcase her voice, though incorporate perfectly to fill where she isn’t singing. The music industry has many thanks to give Mitchell and Blue, an inspiring and touching album that helped create the likes of and Björk, and later had greater influences on female artists such as Swift and Lana Del Rey. A beautiful piece of work by one of the best artists of the 70s. 4/5

Classic album. Great singer. Great music.

Emotional, sad, genuine. Some of these songs made me sad. I’m not super into how she sings, but some of the songs (River, California, Blue) will stick with me.

I’m a big fan of the singer songwriter genre, just a chance for the artist to tell a story. Blue did not dissapoint, just a poignant story of love and loss, was a great listen

Not my style of music, is a good singer

Wooooooooow what a voice

7/10

Another 'classic' album that I've never heard before. Perfect for a Sunday morning. I understand why it's held in such high regard now.

Me gustó la voz melodiosa de la cantante es muy agradable

The Rolling Stones rated this as the third greatest album of all time, which is a bit of an exaggeration. Nevertheless, it's a very solid and enjoyable album.

Classic

Gorgeous record - 60s folk scene by the way of vocal jazz singing. This is my fave Joni Mitchell record because it has some unbelievable tracks and it's very nostalgic for me, but it's not quite a 5.

Listening session: april 3rd, while commuting to internship Listened to before: heard a few songs before Thoughts: I really liked some of the songs as she’s obviously a great songwriter but the falsetto threw me off sometimes Favourite tracks: Little Green, Carey & River

J Cash vibes

I always enjoyed the 70's solo woman genre (ie Carol King, Carly Simon, etc.) if there is even such a genre. This is no exception.

Beautiful voice, peaceful sensation while hearing.

I've never listened to Joni Mitchell all that much. But I understand the appeal and I hear how she influenced others. This is the exact kind of music I love with the folksy sound. Sometimes you get the emotion from lyrics, sometimes from the performance itself. But I feel the music and melody and entire sonic composition really carried it. But I am not the biggest fan of Joni's singing itself. I am not a fan of when she goes high. It might be the recording or I don't like the big shifts in octaves in the vocals. I would want to listen to other Joni Mitchell or covers to see.

Сара 4 Марко 4

Joni has a great voice and this was a really solid album. I liked it!

"Blue" is such a song!

It's a lovely record ("River" might be the best song Joni ever wrote), but it doesn't emotionally connect with me as much as I always expect it to. Really close to a five but not quite there.

Buen álbum, bastante fuera de mi zona de confort pero las melodías de las canciones y el album en si me gustó bastante, no es algo que escucharía todos los días pero de vez en cuando para tomar mates o limpiar la casa va bastante bien

This is a really nice album.

Floated by very agreeably, great voice, pretty songs. Good album. 3.7

always a good listen, especially around Christmas for me

oh so blue

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not a perfect album, but DAMN if there aren't some SERIOUSLY precious moments on here. Four stars. Will listen again.

This was actually quite lovely

Classic Feminist Music

A truly great songwriter with another album I never heard in its entirety. Bedrock of so much beloved music which followed.

Such a beautifullly written album. Songs are sad and her longing to be loved in some of the songs show the emotion she can evoke. Other songs clearly express the influence that Laurel Canyon had on her writing. So many amazing people were in that area and it helped her write an amazing album. It’s fun sad and everything that a classic album should be.

Beautiful Songs. Fav: River

Joni is legendary, listened like 5 times!! 8.2/10

true blue

Good album, I can tell she’s good at what she does

There is just a beautiful simplicity and purity to Joni Mitchell's music that i so enjoy, and there are plenty of examples of it here. River will be my favourite Christmas track this year, while Little Green and Blue will be my favourite tracks with colours in the title. It's all very calm, quiet and easy to listen to, with a lovely musicality whether built through the piano or acoustic guitar. It's nice to have these tranquil moments - a worthy 4 stars.

I have not especially liked the Joni Mitchell albums that we've had. But I liked this one. I think there's a lot of very creative guitaring (and nice piano work too). I don't especially always like her songwriting but she's really shining as folky-storyteller in some songs & the lyrics have a very genuine feeling. "I wanna shampoo you, I wanna renew you" followed by "I wanna knit you a sweater, write you a love letter, maker you feel better" are some of the best lyrics ever! Songs that won me over: All I Want, Carey, This Flight Tonight, and River.

Objectively this is Joni’s best album. It’s a slow burn that leaves a permanent scar on your soul. It’s the perfect Sunday morning vinyl to listen to whilst sipping on high quality coffee. It’s still not my favorite Joni album because it lacks simpler structured pop hits. That album for me is Ladies Of The Canyon. It doesn’t matter though. This is highest quality 70’s output from a true artist.

This was a refreshing change from the last two days! This is our fourth Joni album, and either she's finally growing on me, or this one is a step above the rest. The accolades it's received would suggest the latter, but I'm sure it's a mix of both. This was perfect ambience for a drive in the dark this morning with a light rain sprinkling down. Her lyrics exploring love and life and loss and wandering are all really beautiful and easily worked their way from her soul into mine. These are her own deep personal experiences, but from my perspective, it's safe to say it's also an exploration of being a woman in general. River was my favorite on here, what a gorgeous piece.

Joni Mitchell has always been one of those artists where I tend to like covers of their songs more than their own original recordings, but this album has given me a lot more appreciation for her as a recording artist herself. I like her vocals here quite a bit and the instrumentation is simple but very pretty, as much of the best folk music is Fav tracks: Little Green, All I Want

I listened to this before and it’s one of the first albums I do mess with. The whole albums is a joy to listen to and California is one of my favorite songs which the vocals on are mad impressive now that I relisten. The only reason it’s not a 5 is because it’s not one of my favorites even though it’s an objectively great album.

Favourite Songs: All I Want California

Ok I love the songs but don’t love the singer?

To quote my partner: best luteal phase album ever made

Great songwriting, vocals are occasionally a bit grating however.

Beautiful album I really enjoyed listening to it. Definitely deserves to be in the top 1001 😎

Absolutely elite songwriting, straightforward yet emotional and full of brilliant metaphor. It's strange hearing a load of songs for the first time and it feeling like you already know them somehow. Can draw a lot of comparison to Carole King's Tapestry - much like that it needs a few more listens from me - but already really like it

Beautiful album

Every time I listen to Joni Mitchell, I wince, and say "I don't think I can take a full album of this." But by the time I'm partway through the first track, I remember why she's one of the greats.

Joni at her best. Her best album. Her best set of songs. Really really good The highest of 4s

Liked: All I Want, Little Green, Blue, California, This Flight Tonight, River, A Case of You

(V) such a beautiful record. Joni is an all time Legend.

Very good, enjoyable album 4/5

Great album

Joni is such a legend and this album is golden

This was really good, I’ve been wanting to get into Joni Mitchell for a while

Listening to river in February life hack

som classics in here she has such a unique voice

I see why it is a classic and DAMN am I feeling my feels right now!

Bara ett på alla sätt genuint album.

Världen behöver mer av det här, och mitt betyg reflekteras nog av den känslan, även om jag tycker soundet överlag också är ganska starkt!

Mysigt!

Det är såååååå nära en femma men jag personligen hade velat se lite mer breddande i soundet. Men utöver det är det jäkligt starkt.

I love pretty much all of Joni Mitchell's back catalogue, but out of her studio albums, I've got to admit this one doesn't quite make it into my top three. Maybe number five? Even so, it's a very good album that grabs you and makes you listen. And yet, at the same time, it's also one of those albums you can have on in the background when you're doing other stuff. I'm going to give this one four and a half stars.

beautiful

Maybe Joni Mitchell's magnum opus? I certainly have no complaints after listening. It's a very solidly written and well-constructed album that just sort of flies by if you're not careful. But listen carefully, as Joni draws on her various journeys and relationships (with mostly bitter ends) to create these simultaneously fun and calm, yet poetic compositions.

This is famous enough that at some point I must have bought the CD back, but I don’t recollect giving it a serious listening until now. Only song I will admit to knowing is River which has become a bit of a Christmas hit of late. Simple, personal, heartfelt and achingly pretty. It’s kind of timeless. Will listen again when I want to just sit back and need to nourish my soul for a while. 4

Gorgeous voice, great storytelling songwriter

High 3 i think. Some very lovely tracks and a couple pleasantly surprisingly melodic lines

Nice easy listening. I enjoyed it, though it doesn't pair well with the video games I've been playing as I listen.

Beautiful voice

A classic. River is one of my favourites of hers.

3.5

Understands how to open an album. Woulda been a 5 but for The Last Time I Saw Richard.

Absolutely bloody beautiful. I’ve listened to this 4 times in 24 hours and I love it. Soooo soothing. The lyrics are very nice too. Relaxing and soothing to say the least. Lovely shower music.

Beautiful album

I really loved this when listening today. Much better than the last Joni Mitchell I heard

This is one of the rare ones on the list that I really think you should be forced to listen to. And you may be forced, because Joni Mitchell can be a lot. And really, if all your Joni-tolerance will allow is to listen to "All I Want," that'll do.

yes of course

Beautiful singing voice and clever lyrics. Definitely an album to revisit later

I don't love her voice. not sure why its never clicked for me

A classic

Fantastic vocal performance, guitar is lovely and only adds to her voice. Will have to relisten with a greater attention to the lyrics. Not usually my vibe but does its job very well

Her fourth album. Folk. I find the likes of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Janis Joplin and whole host of singer/ songwriters from the 60s and 70s so much more authentic and real than the female artists of today on the whole. This album feels like a raw, wide open window into her very soul.

Presenting 1001 albums sponsored by Joni Mitchell and The Band

Really solid album that I do not think is the third best of all time. River is one of the best songs ever though. California is Joni Mitchell at her absolute peak and I think she really perfects her more conventional sound here. I wish I had a river I could skate away on!

Such a great singer songwriter and her voice weis like glass. Joni Mitchell never lied.

Objectively a great album but I couldn't get into it.

I really enjoyed this. What can I say about Joni Mitchell that hasn't been said already. Hauntingly beautiful. Written from the soul for the soul.

Ótimo e muito gostosinho de ouvir!!!!!!!

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Blue is better than The Black Album

not sure if im a fan of folk…. top: all i want

She is absolutely killing it with the vocals oml. I like the folk vibes of this album and I really enjoyed the song California. Not something I would listen to a lot, but it is far from bad. Amazing song writing that slays.

#19/1001 🇨🇦🟦 Love this album. Its been a few years since i last heard it. Not an easy listen, its brutal in its simplicity and honesty. Heartbreaking lyrics, delivered with such fragility. Best tracks: Blue, River, A Case Of You.

It sounds like a grower. But the seed has only just been planted. Need to relisten but definitely solid.

What an opening with All I Want. I never really get the talk-sing thing. I don't usually enjoy it. Especially when she/anyone stuffs more syllables in than fit in the beat. Her guitar work is amazing.

Beautiful! I love this album, I even have a friend who is named after one of the songs!

Melankolikus chill. Egyszerűen gangszerezett modern folk

nog nooit gehoord van joni mitchell tbh. 't doet me wel een beetje denken aan kate bush ofzo. ''california ken ik!!!'' Weet niet meer waarvan.. vgm iemand op tiktok die het heel mooi zong ofzo haha. ik twijfel tussen 3 of 4 sterren. wel relaxed om naar te luisteren, opzich goed voor tijdens het leren ofzo dus.

She has an amazing voice. Great album but you really need to be in a mood to go back and listen again.

Simple, unadorned brilliance.

Joni’s got the juice. California is one of the best songs ever

It’s nice, I enjoy the lyricism but it’s not for me

I didn’t expect to be as touched by this album as I was. A delightful record

Carey - Amsterdam mentioned!!!! Nice listen like the voice, hreat stuff

Favourites: 1. Blue 2. River 3. Carey Least Favourite: The Last Time I Saw Richard

A voz dela me irritou um pouco. Álbum muito bem feito, as músicas se conectam, dá para sentir a tristeza dela em cada música. Acredito que seja uma grande referências para cantoras das novas gerações como a Olívia Rodrigo.

I liked but could do without the high pitch moments

A classic

Unas ganas de llorar, mira no me haga' acorda'

I REALLY liked this one 😱😱 (surprise surprise). 100% best album so far

3,5*

Fantastic writing and a great performance

Great vibes

3rd Joni Mitchell album on the list for me so far. She's a great writer. 4/5

Finally

9/10

I wish it was snowing when I listened to this. I’ll have to come back again later

Yeah, this is good! The simple production with her voice and those lyrics, is just wonderful. River is a beautiful song.

Highest quality folk. Little green… beautiful and melancholy. The album is lovely and the storytelling is masterful.

released 1971. an influential 1960s folk album, blue was Mitchell’s 4th album and known as a heartbreak album after reltionships with Graham Nash and James Taylor songs i already knew: river songs i liked: little green facts: she heavily inspired taylor swift. after a stroke in 2015, music therapy helped joni mitchell relearn to speak and occasionally perform again

Good one

I mean...River and Case of You almost make this 5 stars by themselves - add to that other songs like Carey and California and it almost seems a sure thing. But I get a little lost in all the wandering of the other songs. It's not that I don't enjoy them, they are just a little too ambling for me. So I land on a 4, but this is still an album to own and cherish.

Really enjoyed this. A surprise.

Second thoughts: I had to sit with this album for a few days to start to see its appeal. There is simultaneously a warmth and a melancholy to the soundscape of Blue. During many moments on the record, I have felt a welling in my chest due to the emotional weight of many of these songs. For now it’s a high 4/5, but I may increase with more time. (Original score: 3/5)

Usually not very into singer/songwriter albums, but this was very very enjoyable. I loved the poetic style of the lyrics, artistic and evocative without coming across as cliche or tired. I was touched by the relationship between love and grief reflected in the lyrics; this album does a lot with a little.

perfect for a melancholy christmas 4.5/5

8.5

Great voice with honest, introspective lyrics

Best Joni album by a country mile. Highlights: All I want, A Case of You, Blue

Joni’s music is so beautiful Fav songs: California, A Case of You, Carey

This MIGHT be my favourite Joni Mitchell album, marginally less vocal histrionics possibly even slightly less hippy (but don’t quote me on either of these things) but it does contain A Case of You which is a wonderful song. The whole album can be revisited with pleasure where some of her albums have wonderful songs and tiresome dirges combined. Not thisun. Today I am going to give it 4-stars on another day it might be 5.

This is by far one of the better albums I've heard through this. The raw emotion from Joni is breathtaking, her voice is phenomenal, and the instrumentals are perfect. Such a beautiful, raw album, and it makes me want to look more into Joni's discography. My Old Man, California, River, This Flight Tonight are my top songs from this album, but they're all phenomenal songs

A classic sad girl album

Well I can't say I'm usually into aggressively heterosexual albums, which this definitely is. So much of this album is fawning over guys that I instantly knew this was going to be an upward battle for me. I prephise the album with this because the fact that I like this album so much is really a testament to how good it is that it's completely out of my wheelhouse. My god, the singing on this. The way the songs blend conventions of music with a kind of stream-of-consciousness is incredible and I should have listened to this a long time ago. Especially because I do love so many singers influenced directly by Joni Mitchell (Weyes Blood being an obvious example)! It almost makes you forget Joni Mitchell did blackface and refused to apologize for it up until today because she said she was basically black despite being the most archetypal white Canadian Woman to ever walk the earth. ...But anyway the album itself is good. Funnily I heard River playing just two weeks ago, but I'm not one for christmas songs. Favorite songs are California, Carey and A Case of You.

So i immediately see why this album is so prolific. It’s a super calming and serene album that’s soothing and just makes you feel good. It has a great flow to it, like the album just goes by so quickly and it all feels perfectly connected to each other. I didn’t really connect with this album like I did with Hejira. But that’s not really saying anything cause that is my favorite Joni Mitchell album of all time. Seriously though this album is a total masterpiece.

Heard it before. First day of December and the generator decided to break my heart with River. Oh Joni, you write such gorgeous tunes 4/5

One of my mums favourite albums, so been meaning to listen properly for a while and it didn’t disappoint

Just a classic album. A brilliant introduction to a prolific visionary.

What a beautiful singer songwriter album. This is what I think all of the genre should be haha. Too bad I wasted it whilst supermarket shopping, it deserves better then that

A lyrical and melodic masterpiece. It's immediately apparent that every single note is perfectly curated and intentionally placed. Her use of vibrato, dynamics, and range is incredible. Her vocals are absolutely ethereal. I didn't relate very closely to a lot of the lyrics about heartbreak/longing, and a lot of it feels a little bit syrupy for my personal taste. What a blessing to have this glimpse into Joni's mind. I listened to this in December 2025 and "River" had me feeling all sorts of emotions. Beautiful song and beautiful record. 4.3/5

Her voice is so beautiful, but I feel like its so barebones that feels like I'm with Joni talking about life and the heartbreak of growing up.

Didn't clear Court and Spark, but more Joni is not a bad thing yet.

If you don't wanna knit me a sweater, then you ain't worth my time

after listening to this multiple times I decided to follow along with the Spotify lyrics up. I get it a lot more now. But as someone who finds it hard to make out lyrics she kind of mumbles a bit. Almost feels more like a jazz or poetry or improvisation delivery. Not great for my following along but the vibes are immaculate. That and I learned about the “Appalachian dulcimer” she used which causes that droning bluegrass sound which is cool.

Excellent album

I loved the mix of intruments! Her voice is beautiful and I'm amazed at how she can go from high to low. My favorites are: Little Green, California, This Flight Tonight, River, and A Case of You.

Melodic and strong singing

Serene and colorful are the first words that come to mind when describing this album. Joni Mitchell has a fluttery sweetness to her voice that although soft, still brings a lot of energy and personality to her songs. The tracks are folksy and poetic but they still manage to bring a little funk in the arrangements. There's a lot of playfulness in this album. The example that stood out to me most was the sudden vocal effect in This Flight Tonight. What may seem common now, was probably really exciting for 1971. Joni's writing is of course excellent here. You've got an album about some deeply personal relationships, but the audience relates to these feelings due to her masterful prose. She creates analogy after analogy and you get to fill in those blanks to create a narrative fit for you. It's an incredible way to tell your story while inviting your listeners to tell theirs. 4.5 Stars

More sweet singing and beautiful songwriting from Joni. That said, I don't think I like this album as much as the other Joni album I listened to through this project, Court and Spark. There's something missing for me from the earlier parts of the album, I think. The back half of the album is excellent though.

Joni Mitchell’s Blue is a beautifully intimate album whose raw lyricism and emotional nuance still feel strikingly fresh decades later. Though a few tracks may resonate more strongly than others, the overall artistry easily earns it a solid 4 out of 5.

4 stars Discovered this album when researching best break up albums. It’s a good one. Her style is unique and can be a little much for some, but the songwriting is good and the album flows well. It holds up and is more enjoyable than most of the folk by men on this list.

Listened to this one on a cold, rainy November morning. Dulcimer is killer. Mandolin-esque. California and A Case of You are standouts. Some of the other songs start to run together a bit when listening to the whole album all the way through.

Found myself really enjoying this as an album. I had only heard a few tracks off it before but takes as a whole it's very strong. Maybe hard to give a 5 to what is ultimately mostly just guitar and singing but it's very unique.

Joni Mitchell is a poet. She weaves stories over plaintive acoustic guitar and the pictures she paints with her words are so vivid! This is what I'd consider a 'coffee' album: something you listen to in the morning or in the space between waking and truly being awake and ready to do stuff. There really aren't many lyricists like Joni.

Gorgeous album. A classic for a reason, Joni’s voice is unique and her lyrics insightful and heartbreaking.

vocais lindos

Very hippie, very acquired taste. I like it but I don't have a field of daisies to chill on.

A strong four from me. Short, solid songs, and overall very enjoyable. I know this is a highly rated album but I just don’t see it as a five.

Ethereal kinda reminded me of yoko ono and bob dylan

Now listening again, she sort of has the same vocal style as Van Morrison, but a lot more smooth and pleasant to listen to in my opinion. Obviously the acoustic guitar stuff is legendary, and the parts are really great, emotive stuff, I feel like because she used open tunings, it totally expands the guitar's emotive and sonic reach, in the same way that Nick Drake (and to be pretentious Sonic Youth) did. There's also some incredible piano bits, like in Blue (the song), and the last time I saw Richard. I don't really like the California song, it just feels a lot more dated than some of the others. The songwriting is somewhat like other 'folk' musicians (like Van Morrison and Bob Dylan and Nick Drake) where they're telling some sort of poetic, almost mythical feeling story, that sort of feels as if it is part of another world totally. Yeah I guess the only downsides are some of the songs in the middle are a bit dated maybe vocally, but most of them are incredible. Favourite song: all but: California and this flight tonight. Overall around 8/10

First listen. 4 This seems like an album I'll have to listen to a few more times to really appreciate, but what's hit me on the first two listens is the emotion and intimacy of the album. Very sparse. Favorite Songs: Blue, California

I enjoyed it!

Favorite songs: Little Green, She sings "off-beat" a lot, a bit disorienting but this is my first foray into the genre so maybe that's the point lol. Beautiful voice

I can't argue that it's a great record Joni just doesn't move the needle for me

Laid back, easy listening. She tells a story in her songs

A great record

Heard this

Never listened to Joni before. What a voice. Loved this.

It’s a classic and first listen made me sad and then secretly nd time I got it.

115/1001 :: Joni Mitchell - Blue Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes I’ve listened to this album before but not very much and I’m definitely no huge Joni Mitchell fan. In fact I recently learned that she’s talked shit on Dylan in the past and I find that annoying. That said, she’s got a dreamy voice and the song writing and her playing fits that voice so beautifully. Frankly, I need to give this album (and her catalog) more listens.

solid

Pretty good

Glad for an earlier Joni album to continue my education… LOVE her cadence so much. It’s like another instrument and just keeps it so surprising and varied. And then the lyrics ❤️ There is something so genius and unique that is hard to define. But Joni is Joni and is 🤌🏻 maybe ‘River’ demonstrates all these elements best, especially the fantastic use of the Christmas theme, with an individual touch. Cant wait to listen to the whole thing again, as soon as it’s finished.

Sunday morning chill vibes

Her voice sounds like a flute. I was really impressed with her lyricism- I couldn't help but be drawn into her music as it demanded my full attention.

What a voice! And her melodies are so perfect for her voice. Unconventional, hauntingly beautiful and mesmerizing. Expressive and exposed, her voice soars. Maybe the best singer-songwriter album I’ve heard on this list so far. Standouts: Little Green

It's good

I’m not huge on Joni Mitchell’s voice, but the strength of the songs is undeniable. Absolutely beautiful music and stellar songwriting. California and Blue were highlights.

4/5

but californiaaaaa california im coming hommeeeeee

I confess I like Joni Mitchell and Blue is one of my favourites.

Always a pleasure to hear this one

She has a great voice and an interesting way of singing. I couldn't go to a gig of hers though it would be excruciating.

Great voice iconic lyrics

Joni Mitchell walked so that Taylor Swift could fly.

Not my style, but its not bad.

Not much to say here. Not my personal favourite Joni album, I'd go backwards or forwards from here, but can see why it's her most-loved album and the gold standard for singer-songwriter confessional. 4.5

Agree about the need for active listening as I listened to it in the background at work and could see that was not the right setting for something such as this. I could appreciate all the aspects of it but will need to listen in a dark room with no distractions to fully appreciate this.

I find I have to tune in to Joni Mitchell as her cadence and delivery is so unique, almost part sung, part spoken word and isn’t something I can necessarily have on in the background as it demands some active listening. Sone wonderful melodies, songs that wax and wane keeping interest throughout the album and some beautiful lyrics.

7.5/10 favourite track - "Little Green" least favourite track - "This Flight Tonight"

California is the most famous song on the album. For a reason. A case of you is just gorgeous. Her voice encapsulates the lyrics just wonderfully. Blue, song with the same name as the album and it is one of the better songs.

An essential Joni Mitchell album. Some beautiful and poetic songs.

Mitchell is a lot like Dylan, very few have middle ground feelings, live or hate usually. Younger folks - unable to relate to the era - may not appreciate her soulful sound.

I know this is a great album but I was in a really good mood and this was not the vibe

Such a beautiful album - love Joni's voice. Great album I'll definitely return to. 4/5

loveeee 4/5

An absolute classic.

I wasn’t in love with the instrumentation, a lot of it was very plain. However, I loved her voice, and each song was so well written. I feel like this is the kind of album I’ll love more upon release each listen. My favorites were California, This Flight Tonight, River, and The Last Time I Saw Richard.

85

Good but not my favorite style

Really good, just doesn't quite hit the spot for me. I prefer the slightly faster, chaotic songs like "This Flight Tonight."

Very good album. Is re-listenable for sure. Has some great storytelling. Joni is great.

Ta bonito

Classic by an icon but a couple of misses along the way

Stuk voor stuk pareltjes. "Little Green" is zo gevoelig. Als je de betekenis erachter kent, breekt je hart.

Sad music played happy

Awesome album. A woman with a message and something to fight for

As beautiful and heartfelt as you expect from Joni. What an unmistakable voice. Like a fairy or a siren. Real poetry. I do have to be in the right mood though.

Pretty sure Alanis Morrisette references Joni Mitchell on the last song of Jagged Little Pill, then I get this the following day. Listened to this during a nice run on the beach, didn't know what to expect but enjoyed this!

Das zwölfte Album, das ich schon kannte. Für mich ist es eine ganz klare 3 1/2. Musikalisch toll, aber ihre Stimme ist mir manchmal zu viel. Ich runde trotzdem mal auf, weil die Idee von River einfach genial ist.

A really good album that I can see many people giving a 5, for me some songs are a bit flat but overall a good listening experience

There's a lot to love about this album. Joni's voice, though impressive and befitting a rainy summer cottage, isn't something I want to listen to regularly. 4.5 stars for personal vocal preferences.

Good

Embarrassed to say I'd never listened to this before today. It's beautiful and full of weird and interesting notes and chord changes. I've always loved River, but Little Green is a new fave. I also learned This Flight Tonight is a Joni song, not a rockin' Nazareth original - consider my mind blown! Anyway, I get it now; sorry it took me so long, eh. 4.5 rounded down because I don't know how often I'll be in the mood for this.

This was the second Joni Mitchell album on the list, and this one was better than the first album. Her singing sometimes is annoying to me, but she is a master of interesting lyrics. This album seems to be about her personal relationships.

Good stuff

I do love Joni, and there's a lot of good ones here.

Clear high voice and piano, very lovely. Melodies are somewhat disjointed, harmonies have clear jazz influence

blue

😵😵😵

She sounds nice

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 ALBUMS- # 76 A deeply personal emotionally introspective reveal of an artist at their most vulnerable. Leaning into poetic songwriting as an outlet for her soul, Mitchell delivers a landmark recording that is a hauntingly serene. There could be no more fitting title for this collection of confessional tracks, as Mitchell lays bare her emotional world — heartbreak, longing, freedom, vulnerability — with almost painful honesty. The album opened a gateway giving credence to what could be written about in popular music. The acoustic arrangements are spare in production with piano, dulcimer, acoustic guitar — letting her haunting voice and lyrics shine through. There’s a fragility in both the music and the performance that gives the album its emotional power. 🎧 Classic Track: A Case of You 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: River 🎧 Personal Favorite: Blue 🎧 Memorable Standout: Little Green When Joni Mitchell released Blue in 1971, she rewrote the rules of what music — particularly popular music — could say, sound like, and mean. The album, often hailed as one of the most personal and emotionally raw in music history, strips away artifice and ego in favor of unfiltered vulnerability. In doing so, Blue not only defined Mitchell’s career but redefined the boundaries of singer-songwriter expression. At a time when the music industry was brimming with psychedelic escapism and performative masculinity, Blue offered something startlingly intimate: a human voice, unadorned, singing truths it almost hurts to hear. 🖼️ Album Artwork: Profile of a BLUE heart More than a collection of songs, Blue is a psychological document. It is both diary and map — a record of a woman’s inner world and a guide for those brave enough to examine their own. Mitchell’s songwriting is not merely confessional; it is surgical. The genius of Blue lies in its duality: it is both personal and universal. Mitchell was drawing from her own experiences — her breakup with Graham Nash, her time traveling through Europe, the unresolved pain of giving up her daughter for adoption — but the themes resonate far beyond the biographical. Love and loss, freedom and fear, the ache of solitude and the longing for connection: these are human constants, rendered here with rare honesty. It is no wonder that listeners, generation after generation, have found themselves reflected in its lyrics, like ghosts in a mirror. Admittedly Mitchell’s unique vocal delivery of the high notes can be an acquired taste, however this is a minor distraction to her revealing lyrics and besides, she’s Canadian 😀🇨🇦❤️.

Clear as an alpine lake, and near as beautiful. Favourite songs: Little Green, Blue, The Last Time I Saw Richard

This was quite a chill album. I've never listened to Joni Mitchell, minus songs that may have been on the radio, but I dug it. Feels like it would be nice around a campfire. The songs with piano were my favorite. Favorite song: Blue

Beautiful album. Little Green and Blue are both amazing songs.

3.5