Blue

I wasn't fully on board until the last song and then it all hit me like a ton of bricks. Made me immediately want to give it another listen. 9/10

A few observations: What happened to autoharps? They were all over when I was a kid, especially for elementary school music teachers. I like them. An entire bonus point has been granted for the lyric, "Acid, booze, and ass." (Also, "I want to shampoo you" and "There'll be crocuses to bring to school tomorrow") I wasn't immediately in love with this album, but each listen reveals something marvelous.

What a pretty sounding album. Just lovely.

Poetic and soothing. Really beautiful. I am grateful.

I’ve heard a lot about this album, so was glad it appeared. It is lovely. Joni Mitchell’s distinctive delivery just calmed me down and made the day feel very good. What could be more perfect than that?

Blue and Court and Spark are my two favorite Joni Mitchell albums. To me they're 2 sides of the same coin that is JM. Blue is of course the quieter, more sparse album, often just Jon's voice and a guitar or a piano. And what a vocal performance it is. Expressive, emotive and with a range few can match. So mature for such a young lady at the time. I also love when she does up the tempo, specifically on Carey and This Flight Tonight. Every song is an artistic expression. I really never tire of Blue. It should be a staple of every record collection 5 🌟

Blue me away. I'll keep this one brief (for me) as there's not much to be said that hasn't been covered a thousand times, but what a gem of an album and what a songwriting talent. These are delicate and searingly personal songs, "like tattoos" as Mitchell so eloquently puts it in the title track. Over its forty minute running time, "Blue" is wryly comic, frankly confessional and mostly achingly beautiful. Music rarely moves me to tears unless I selfishly relate it to my personal life, but three of the songs here have done that all on their own. Try not to be moved by "Little Green", about Mitchell giving up her adopted daughter, or the heartbreak and desolation filling up "River". Elsewhere, "My Old Man" and "The Last Time I Saw Richard" showcase her storytelling at the height of its powers, and "Blue" and "A Case of You" paint such dazzling imagery with a deft soprano vocal. Amongst all her other talents, Mitchell is a deft guitarist, and her frequent use of open tunings serves the album's distinctive sound really well. Alongside all the other moods on display here, she weaves in perfectly accessible slices of pop-folk. "Carey" and "California" retain the same elegant sense of lyricism and gorgeous, soaring vocal lines, but set them to carefree (even jaunty) guitar accompaniments. "This Flight Tonight" was even enough to attract the attention of hard rock band Nazareth who reworked it a couple of years later. All of this album is stellar, but the second half especially is just a perfect run of songs. If you're thinking of giving it between 2-3 stars (or even 4) listen to it again, read the lyrics and reconsider. If 1, then you're a lost cause, mate.

I love Joni and love this album, perfect blend of Folk and Pop.

Joni's voice is perfection, always, but it is truly magnificent when she's singing this deeply personal and emotional material. This album is her magnum opus, a tour de force, the high watermark of her illustrious career. And she wrote and produced it all herself! Immaculate.

I don’t always focus on lyrics but you have to with Joni Mitchell. They’re literary but still emotionally direct. And the music on this album is spare enough to highlight them, adding playful flourishes to accent her stories. I’ve listened to this album a bunch over the years but the little moments always surprise me. I love the seemingly improvised nature of her phrasing - when she chooses to sing high, when she lingers on a syllable, when she jams a long phrase into a short space. A beautifully constructed album all around. (“Carey” is a personal favorite of mine and Dreena’s. I’ll never get tired of imitating the way she sings “buy you a bottle of wine.”)

My sister got me listening to Joni Mitchell when I was 10 or 11. Always been a fan of her amazing voice and lyrics. This is a great record, to me it’s only superseded by Ladies if the Canyon.

It’s a masterpiece! Engaging, emotive, charming… Joni is one of the best folk artists ever and Blue is a compelling example of it. I am hypnotized by her voice, guitar, storytelling, and sweet but unusual harmonies. Definitely, it deserves a 5

What a songwriter. I should have reserved the 5 score for albums like this that are the best of the best. Best track: A Case of You

This is Mitchell's greatest album, and that's saying a lot, since she has a lot of great records in her catalog. A folk masterpiece comprised of 10 beautifully composed songs, with iconic lyrics about relationships, tackling topics like falling in love, feeling insecure, clashes of egos and everything you can think about when you are in love. The side two of the album has an almost perfect sequence of songs, starting with "California", then "This Flight Tonight", "River" and the amazing "A Case of You". One of the greatest albums of all time, indeed.

I listened to this full album for the first time a year ago, anticipating we’d be getting it, and knowing it gets rated among the GOAT on many lists. I liked the album more this time. The way Joni jumps around from guitar to piano keeps things fresh, something hard to do for a folk-singer with minimal production and accompaniment. As a producer she does some nifty things, like The Goodbye Baby Goodbye part of This Flight Tonight, which almost sounds like a sample, and the way she toys with jingle bells in The River. The lyrics are very personal, her habit of referring to her boyfriend as her old man is funny, especially since most of the time the guy was in his early twenties. Her vocal range is amazing and compared to her folk singer/song-writing peers from the era she is certainly at the top.

Didn't get a chance to listen because Joni pulled the album from Spotify due to the Joe Rogan misinformation of Covid scandal. But Joni is wonderful and she gets 5 stars. I know her music.

This was a bit hole for me. Fits right in with all the Carly Simon and Carol King records my parents would play. Really liked it.

Lindo, como costumam ser os trabalhos de Mitchell.

Beautiful album! Never heard anything from Joni before, and I loved it. Arrangements are simple but delicate, lyrics are very emotional. I can see why it is considered a vital record to music history. Favorite tracks: * River (so good!) * All I Want * Blue

Genuinely lovely, and raw, album.

wow. great voice, great song construction. she is definitely at the top.

hun er guddommelig

This is a perfect album. I listen to it a few times each year, so it was a pleasure to get it on such a cold day in Chicago. Two of my favorite songs of all time are "Case Of You" and "River." I feel like everything about this album has been said and will just bask in it's overall perfection.

I ‘discovered’ this when I was 19 and at university and it quickly became my favourite album. Listening to it again (as I do often!), it is layered with memory. I love ‘A Case of You,’ which appeals to my romantic sensibility, the meaning in the lyrics evolving over time. ‘Carey’- wonderful instrumentality, poetic lyrically. ‘Blue’- ‘songs are like tattoos’- aren’t they just?

Fuck this is good. Here's another one that makes me regret not listening to it years ago. I'm familiar with Joni Mitchell's first couple of albums from the late 1960s, and I like them more than most American folk-singer-songwriter stuff of the era. But "Blue" is another level. It exudes "mature album" vibes from every aspect: nice understated poetic lyrics; dynamic, expressive vocals that feel much less affected than the 1960s warbling; music that sounds clean and simple, but perfectly shaped around each song. It also plays through perfectly as a coherent and concise album. 5*

Joni has an amazing voice, and it has such an effect on these songs

Top 5 de tout les temps. Une merveille cet album. A ecouter dans ca vie. 6/5 *

Joni Mitchell is one of the best song writers ever

"Beautiful" is an easy word to use for this album. I think the music speaks best for itself

The album is a close personal acoustic album which showcases the best of Joni's writing and singing. The album doesn't have any weak tracks which could be considered filler, and it stays intriguing throughout

Brilliant, that's about all you can say about this album. Visceral and heart rending lyrics that get to show where our Joni was at this stage in her life. I love it! Favourite Tracks gotta be "River" and "A Case Of You" Again one for the vinyl collection.

Beautiful album. Joni's voice is so unique. Amazing songwriting. Legendary album.

An all time fav

Joni's vocal talent is way out in front, highlighted by sparse instrumentation. California basically ripped out my heart. This album should be required listening in schools. A Case Of You is another absolute thunderously emotional track. The Last Time I Saw Richard hits harder when i thought this album was out of punches. "Only a phase these dark cafe days"

Classic, love a lot, the shifted key at end of river really interesting

Really beautiful album. Such an array of sounds from folk, country, rock and blues of course. Amazing so writing and vocal inflection

Five stars. This album is perfect. So beautiful and moving.

This album is an absolute classic. I enjoy absolutely everything about it. My personal favourite song is River, but I love all of the songs. 5/5 stars. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

One of my favorite folk albums, period!

Amazing album. Great songs, emotional, passionate. Giving it a 5 though really a high 4.5. After River the last 2 songs are a little weak.

Excellent pop-folk album that talks about things that are going on at the time through personal experiences.

I've listened to this album a few times finding this on the list. I liked it then, and I like it now for sure. God the vocals, instrumentation and writing are fantastic. Super glad I got to listen to this one again.

I can't think of better words to describe this album than 'calm' and 'comfy'. Joni's voice and instrumentals and lyrics all combine to make this album a joy to listen to. The time flew by, and I can see myself listening to this again when I need something smooth to relax to.

Awesome, a lot like Carole King

QUEEN JONI

love joni mitchell

This was and still is a great album.

Lyrically perfect. Fantastic musicianship. Unbelievable delivery. One of the best of all time. Blue me away

this album filled my heart with joy and such rustic vibes of counterculture. also this album is called blue and has a song named carey so my opinion is unbiased and carey is not holding a gun to my head as i type this

Absolutely gorgeous. Knew a few tracks but not listened to the album in full before.

Love this album

Delicioso. Pra ouvir sem parar!

Smooth

agora que ouvi ele inteiro finalmente entendi porque falam tão bem desse álbum e porque algumas dessas músicas são tão referenciadas assim. lindo lindo lindo

lindíssimo e se entende porque é o mais consagrado dela com essas composições. considero as primeiras faixas algumas das mais lindas que já ouvi e depois entra numa monotonia que não tira o mérito do álbum

Esta bueno pero los agudos de la voz no me gustaron mucho

Sometimes Joni Mitchell sails a little too close to a kind of Jazz I don't like but I can't deny that her lyrics are beautiful and a voice is captivating.

Beautiful. Melancholy. Excellent songwriting.

It’s quite rare that the last half of the album is stronger than the first. I was a little disappointed after the first songs, but it got better in the end. Favourites: River, A Case of You, Blue and California

amazing voice, song writing a bit hit and miss for me, would actually give a 3.5

8/10 Really great. Not too much squealing, just superb songs

Detta album gillar jag mycket, både texterna, sång och musik är fina och funkar så bra ihop. A Case of You och River är mina absoluta favoriter men även Carey och Blue är också bra. Den enda låt jag inte är överdrivet förtjust i är California.

lovely album my fave tracks were my old man and carey

I'm not a folk music fan, but this album was not terrible to listen to. It clearly had a big influence on artists who followed.

8/7/26. Joni Mitchell is great, her vocals, guitar, and songwriting shine on each track throughout. Also love the piano driven songs as well. Would recommend this one to others.

Beautiful! What a voice! What lyrics!

Wow, Joni Mitchell was a great songwriter! Her album “Blue” features 10 songs, and every single one of them is truly powerful. She doesn’t limit herself to the folk conventions of her original scene, but cheerfully blends jazz elements into her chord progressions without ever making the music inaccessible. Add to that tasteful arrangements and minimalist yet sophisticated accompaniment on guitar and piano. So, basically, it could have been a perfect singer-songwriter album - if only Joni Mitchell had sung everything 1-2 notes lower. That’s probably just a personal preference of mine, but I don’t find her high notes (when she shifts into falsetto) pleasant. Still, it’s a very important milestone.

Good stuff. Not really my thing but I see the greatness in it.

“The night is a starry dome, and they’re playin’ that scratchy rock’n’roll” I grew up around the Appalachian, or mountain dulcimer. Jean Ritchie brought it to the masses of America. It is entwined with the Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky. They’re still teaching people how to make these things as they been doing since the 1800s. So my ears perked up hearing and reading about this for Joni Mitchell’s “Blue.” Of course the album is more than the inclusion of one instrument type. Joni Mitchell creates a sparse folk sound on this album, but one that can be at times catchy or melancholy. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Her song writing is impeccable and one can see how it became influential. Once again I must reiterate that I am a sucker for a fine voiced lady strumming an acoustic guitar. Add in an instrument that reminds me of home in a good way that is a recipe for good listening in my book. 4/5.

Meh. I've listened to this album before, both in pieces and in an attempt to sit down and love it. I know she is talented and innovative and all that, but the sound of her up & down vocalizing is too chirpy & volatile for me. I love some of the songs though, particularly as covered by kd lang and Indigo Girls! Ha

Oddly enough, I had an odd feeling that today would be a Joni Mitchell album. Wild. When The Hissing of Summer Lawns came up, I did a subsequent journey through her discography, including this. I liked it then, I like it now. It’s definitely the style I think she’s more traditionally known for, and I believe this is her reference point album. One of her albums can be looked at as a book of poetry, both literally and to follow the analogy that each time you revisit, you find something new. There are some really beautiful tunes on here. California is a bop. Her music does make you feel like a world traveler. She’s got a great voice and her writing is exceptional, but sometimes the high, pitchy runs turn me off a bit. Personally, Summer Lawns strikes more of a vibe for me, but again, I like this, I think it’s good, and I’d probably pick it up on vinyl. 3.7ish.

This is a great example of an album that manages to do a lot with very little. There is very simple, stripped back instrumentation and straight forward song writing the whole way through, but the lyrics, melodies and production choices all feel so laser focussed on giving each track its own strong sense of identity.

Nice, joni's pretty great!

What a gem.

One of the best singer-songwriter albums of all time, and one of the saddest too.

What a treat, thank you RGP, a most wonderful 4 stars, side B is so brilliantly good and in “River” has one of my all time favourite Christmas songs of all time. Tom.

Blue is a beautiful folk album by the legendary Joni Mitchell. Her ability to portray stories on every instrument whether it's guitar or piano just pleases my ears. The main thing I love about this album is the singing. Her technique of jumping high and low while tackling these vivid lyrics is very amusing; it's simply astounding to hear. A great folk album is all it is.

To me, this is the definitive Joni Mitchell album. While I appreciate her later, jazzier, overall more experimental escapades, I think this kind of music is what she is the best at. It's a one man show of vocal and instrumental mastery that creates incredible emotional resonance. Still, Mitchell maintains some of her trademark whimsy, which keeps the album from ever becoming overbearing. Following Little Green with Carey is an example of brilliance in sequencing. My only slight dig against the album is the fact that I never really enjoyed the title track as much as the rest of it. Also, it comes up right between my two favourite tracks on the album, so it always takes me out of it a bit. Favourite track: California

i've gone from "never joni" to "i like joni" over the last decade, but i'm still not to "i love joni".

7/10

It's a beautiful album and catchy and lyrical in equal measure throughout. I think it's just enough on the lyrical side of Joni Mitchell for me to really like it. Little Green, All I Want, a Case of You all stand out.

i’m sorry joni mitchell i underestimated you

I've had an erratic experience with Joni Mitchel on this website. I gave one album 4 stars (Hejira, liking 6/9 songs) and one album 1 star (The Hissing Of Summer Lawns, liking 0 songs). So I wonder how this one will hit me. I already have 1 song liked on this album - "River". I first heard this through Sarah McLachlan's cover of it and then when I found out it was a Joni Mitchell song I listened to her original version and also liked it. I love the simplicity of this one with just the piano and her voice. "Little Green" - once I figured out what this is about - wow this is a great song. "A Case of You" - is pretty cool. I like the "Last Time I Saw Richard" - the piano has a similar feel to "River" and I dig that. I just couldn't get into "Carey" even after multiple listens - but ended up "liking" everything else. Good job Joni! Liked songs on Spotify: 9/10 Rating: 4/5

Beautiful album that I discovered late, probably only a few years ago which is amazing though I’d heard, River, California- but I read about Joni and “Carey” after visiting Crete

The iconic talk-singing doesn't always work for me, but songs are consistently great and her singing voice is beautiful.

this + a walk in the woods

This is my first listen to this album as a whole, although I was familiar with a couple of songs on the album. First I'll say that if someone played this album for me without telling me who it was or what it was, I would have never guessed that the album is 55 years old. It sounds like it could have been made today. Second, this album proves that music can be simple and raw and still be amazing. The songs on this album are all so beautiful, but yet so simple. I know that this is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and certainly one of the greatest albums by a female artist. While it's not something I would pick to listen to on a regular basis, it's definitely something that I'm glad I listened to. Amazing album!

Beautiful, breezy, clever. Cheers Joni

Banger

Reprise Records MS 2038 (US) vinyl rip: The odd guitar notes on "All I Want" are interesting. Maybe an alternate tuning. "Little Green," feeling the emotion in her voice. The sound overall is very intimate. Like I'm right next to her singing. Love the song "California." The stereo separation of guitars on either side helps her vocals really shine in the middle. The way her vocals float in and out of time is unique. "Acid, booze, and ass Needles, guns, and grass"

Perfect album title for this collection, and the songs actually give “Blue” layers and textures. Airy, light, and aching, all at the same time.

All i want - 4 My old man - 3 Little green - 4 Carey - 4 Blue - 4 California - 3 This flight tonight - 4 River - 3 A case of you - 3 The last time i saw richard - 3

8/10

Took quite a few listens to really get this record. It is beautiful. But also has a few tracks I literally couldn't remember as soon as they ended, so it droos to the high 4 category

Very cozy to listen to!

What if everything was beautiful and sad

I feel like this album is what I was expecting the TSwift tortured poets album to be like and maybe that’s why I didn’t care for TTPD. Little Green feels like it could be in the sequel to “Free to be (you and me)” but California is my favorite track. Ten songs didn’t feel like enough but there isn’t a skip on here.

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

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

Blue is like listening to someone else's therapy session.. which I guess it kinda is. She gets real emotional and personal about love gone wrong over some mellow jazz-folk. It's the musical equivalent of a good cry. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - All I Want - California - River - A Case of You

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

As a personal preference, I just don't like this kind of female voice. I don't know if it's the mix or some technical, but I find it very grating at loud volume. Having said it, after 3 or 4 songs I had accepted it and was able to enjoy it quite a bit. Great folk and country (?) sound.

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

Super intriguing confessions from a clearly troubled hippie. She lived a lot of life by this point in a way that people locked in suburbia could never understand, so maybe that's why I used to find it boring. Her guitar playing is also unusual and more interesting than I expected for an album from this time, it's awesome to learn she used open tunings.

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