Blue

she's brilliant. River is of course an all time great song

Good stuff

I like Court and Spark a bit better than this one, but it’s still masterful.

4/10

Heard "Blue" some eighteen-month-ago. I don't remember anything other than the album being overly underwhelming. Ironic, considering critics hail it as intensely personal and brimming with raw heartbreak and loneliness. Since "Blue" is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, I’ll give it a re-listen and see if it changes my initial 3-star impression. ── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ── Here’s my take: For something to be truly "emotional" and "heart-wrenching," it needs a few key elements — 1) Powerful, raw vocals (think "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" by The Smiths) 2) Heartfelt arrangements (like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts I-V" by Pink Floyd) 3) Poetic and wistful verses (see "Lover, You Should've Come Over" by Jeff Buckley); 4) A dramatic, harrowing crescendo or drop (e.g. "I Don’t Love" by Have A Nice Life or "Exit Music (For A Film)" by Radiohead) "Blue" doesn’t meet any of these standards. To start, Joni Mitchell is no Kate Bush. From track 1 ("All I Want"), her voice comes across as overly shrill, and she practically yodels through the album. The unnecessary trills, paired with the weak harmonizing on tracks like "Carey", makes the album unaccessible to most listeners right off the bat. Y'all call Mariah Carey over-the-top for her vocal deliveries when Joni Mitchell is the original exhibitionist. Even if Mitchell’s lyrics were as heavy as Shakespearean tragedy, it wouldn’t matter because I can barely understand what she’s singing. As for the album itself, calling it "melancholy" or "heartbreaking" doesn’t feel right. Sure, there are some somber moments (like "Little Green"), but the general atmosphere is more upbeat. Hell, Mitchell even sings about California in one song. If you want to hear depressing folk, go listen to Sufjan Stevens. The songwriting and arrangements are decent but simple and, at times, boring. There’s no actual passion — just Mitchell yodelling and rambling on. Honestly, I feel misled by Rolling Stone’s praise (But, then again, they've always been full of crap.) In conclusion, "Blue" definitely doesn’t live up to its "greatest album of all time" status. If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it sounds more like an indie folk demo where the singer is trying a bit too hard — and failing hilariously — to be introspective. If you're going through a tough time and you want to support woman musicians, skip Joni and listen to "Dummy" by Portishead instead.

I like the Joni's voice, it's so beautiful and nostalgic yet sad at the same time, great album

A really good, but slightly disappointing listen. The songs are all nice and soothing to listen to, until Joni Mitchell hits a register that cuts through in a very jarring way. Definitely detracts from more than a few songs, and brings down what is overall a really good album. And when it's good, it's incredibly good. Top tracks: Little Green, River, A Case of You

Not a hug fan of folk music and I guess this is a classic but it did nothing for me and felt like a chore to listen to most of the tracks.

خايس مدري

stonata e neppure il genere che risulta interessante salvabile solo “the last time i saw richard”

Got surprised by the melancholy, female vocals. All I Want is (twangy) guitars and subtle drum supported by soprano melody. Blues tells a personal story, filled in with piano instrumentation. More guitar in Little Green, chill vibe. Carey is more upbeat, introduces layered background vocals, uses guitar more for rhythm (same guitar as All I Want). More piano in Blue, feels like it ends soon. California, ukele? This Flight Tonight, more persistent guitar with rhythm. ACase of You, more or less "I can't get enough of you." Like the Christmas music reference (jingle bells) River, a song about the guilt of pushing away/hurting someone you love, like it a lot. The Last Time I Saw Richard, enjoy the piano instrumentation.

I liked California and a few other songs. It wasn’t bad.

Joni Mitchell is a very talented singer. This isn’t an album I’d come back and listen to again, but if I saw it for like two bucks at a record shop I’d pick it up. The songs here are quite calming and beautiful, but not something I’d listen to in my free time.

Beautiful vocals from Mitchell are the highlight of the album. Incredible vocal control especially given the high register at which she sings. This is not to call it an a capella album, of course. The piano and guitar throughout are pleasant sounding but ultimately fade into the background as they should for a vocal performance like this. Favorite track: Carey Least favorite track: My Old Man

Cried along to A Case of You on my way home from the grocery store

Can’t go wrong with Joni Mitchell. Fantastic songwriting, but I wish her voice wasn’t quite so grating on some tracks.

Ascult si ma gandesc la Joan Baez, si la Nancy Bryan. N-am auzit pana acum de Joni Mitchell. Un clasic de folk. Chitara acustica buna. Pianul merge bine. Vocea duce bine!!! Merita sa-l ascult din nou. Sunt piese care chiar m-au miscat la prima auditie. Aduce mai mult cu Nancy Bryan (sau invers). Poate sa-l cumpar.

I first listened to this album as a teen when I played my parents’ vinyl copy, which sparked a (mild) argument about who bought it - my mum or my dad. I can see why they both wanted to claim credit, because it’s a masterpiece.

What can I say? Didn't know this existed on Tuesday. It feels like I've never been without it on Wednesday after three listens. 5 - all day, every day for the rest of my days

Ahhh Joni...I always thought Emma Thompson was so ungrateful in Love Actually when your husband bought you one of your CDs for Christmas and your husband's secretary only ended up with just a meagre necklace.

Considered for opening hours at cafe Kelvinos, but can it hold a crowd for more than one caffeinated drink? A tough question. Beautiful, but bordering on boring. Definitely background music. Maybe too iconic for a 3.

Gorgeous. Would listen again. Not any particular notable song though, except maybe "California"

well, yes!

The 4th album of hers I've listened via this site, and it was the worst, or weakest, of all of them. It wasn't "unlistenable" but the meter of the lyrics and the music didn't match up for large parts - it sounded like when you and your mates were trying to make up lyrics to a song on the spot, and you over-ran or came up short by a few syllables. I have no desire to listen again. I did make it all the way through so I have to give it 2 stars.

I found this album to be quite lovely, familiar in the sense that I can easily glean her influence from a single listen. I added the song "Little Green" to my Likes for revisiting.

Perfect. Joni Mitchell's writing is deeply affective, vulnerable and conflicted - it paints a vivid picture, spanning the mundane and the poigniant. It's Joni's voice which really brings the imagery to life. Unconventional at times, but undeniably beautiful and skilfully wielded. The instrumentation is very simple, which lets her voice shine through. Suffice it to say, I'm a fan of this concoction. Favourites are mostly the wistful and melancholy - Little Green, A Case of You, and Blue is simply devastating.

Not a fan. Pretentious and tiresome.

I think I checked this CD out from the downtown library when I was in high school (yes, the Columbus Public library had an amazing music and movie selection for rental) mainly because I thought the album cover looked cool. I was only vaguely familiar with Joni Mitchell, but I couldn't stop listening to it. Carey is a highlight for me, along with California and A Case of You. The whole album is perfection.

Joni Joni Joni! Music and lyrics that are original and just about perfect. My adoration has grown with the years.

Great album, amazing work by Joni, probably one of the greatest folk albums of all time. Spectacular voice, important and brave lyrics. Only problem? I didn't like it. Other than that, it's pretty good!

This is the 2nd album I’m rating and honestly I first heard about this album from Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums list. I’ve heard a lot of good things about her and now it is time to listen to her for the first time. All I Want - Not Adding to my Playlist. Her singing is annoying. The instrumentals are nice though. My Old Man - Not Adding to my Playlist. The way she sings is amazing and terrible at the same time. Instrumentals are still pretty good though. Little Green - Not Adding to my Playlist. I’m sorry Joni Mitchell but I can’t get over this singing. Carey - Adding to my Playlist. This is much better. If the rest of the album goes on like this it’s a good album. Blue - Adding to my Playlist. Titular track is pretty good. California - Adding to my Playlist. I can see why this and Carey were the two singles from this album. This Flight Tonight - Not Adding to my Playlist. Her singing is pretty annoying in this song. I really like the instrumental by the way. That part around 1:55 is really nice. River - Not Adding to my Playlist. This isn’t that good. A Case of You - Adding to my Playlist. This is as good as Blue. The Last Time I Saw Richard - Adding to my Playlist. If she sung like this for the entire album it would’ve been much better. All in all I liked 5/10 songs. This album was pretty disappointing, I was expecting this to be much better than what it ended up being. About as disappointing as the first album I rated, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Ach Joni one of my all time favourites. Searingly open and honest. Love this entire album.

First listening - really enjoyed this album and know it will grow on me as time goes on. Joni’s vocals have their own pacing lending her an identity that is fun but feeling. High falsetto with operatic performance. Songs like little green and blue convey her emotional intelligence when dealing with topics like familial love or romance. But then California and A case of you express her admiration for beauty even in its excess. It’s just classic folk so I can’t say no. Four listens in one day. After reading wiki and finding out it’s the ultimate break up album I still find it reductive. It’s definitely filled with emotions, regrets, desperation for solitude and isolation while admiring all the crazy intoxicating feelings that flow through someone. Maybe Joni wrote all this just to get all the shit of her chest and say this is how I feel so take part. Removed though, it will be done amazingly with all my best intentions.

Hmmm, I have a feeling Mitchell is going to fall into the same camp as Dylan for me: I like her songs, but I’m just not sure I like them when she sings them as much as I do cover versions. There’s just something that doesn’t quite do it for me, even for an album with California on it. I can’t quite put my finger on it.

as i’ve listened to more of Joni’s discography, i’ve realized that I prefer some of her other albums to this one (Hejira, Court and Spark), but Blue is still such a classic. A Case of You makes me cry every time.

I loved this CD. I've heard plenty of other Joni Mitchell but not this one. Her voice is incredible, and this CD is really just a vocal showcase for her. Most of the songs are just Joni on vocals and either guitar or piano (her accompaniment is quite nice too). Even the few with prominent backing vocals, like "Carey", I get the impression it's Joni overdubbing the backing parts. Her vocals are the highlight, and she's just an A+. It actually took me a couple listens to get used to them, because she's so mobile - she jumps up and down the register and between scales in ways that I think most singers just can't physically do, so when you hear someone actually nail it, it sounds too different to process. On "My Old Man" she's repeatedly cycling through different scales, like a jazz soloist - I've never heard someone pull that off. On the chorus to "California", probably the best song on here and the most chilling moment, she jumps sequentially (I think) down a 4th and then up an octave, which I simply can't do with my voice. While not in as rapid succession, on other songs she demonstrates an even wider vocal range, there have to be three octaves on here. And she's just got every possible trick in the book - long sustained notes on the title track, energetic mobile melodies on "My Old Man", opening up and belting at the end of the same, it's just an absolute showcase. Her guitar and piano work is neat too, she's got some creative harmonies. But she could've sung these melodies over an endless loop of the "whomp-whomp" sound from Charlie Brown and I'd still give this a 5.

Nicht meine Musik

I understand is ranked as a favorite of hers but not for me i

Great Faith No More

People love this, cool but not for me really

Classic 60s Folk. What a voice

Thought I'd already done this one, but I guess I just listen to it. What a record. Just keeps on hitting. I'm lucky to have discovered a love for it during midlife, so I haven't yet played it to death. Although I have played it twice today. I've never really got into any other Joni record, I like jazz but not really Joni-jazz, but this is the real deal. Why does River not end up on Xmas music playlists? So Christmassy. Anyway, it's on mine now. Best songs: Case of You, River, All I Want, Carey, California

The original sad girl

one of my top 10 albums of all time

I've always known and respected Joni Mitchell as a top, top tier songwriter but I'd not really sat and listened to her albums properly before starting the challenge. Then Hejira absolutely blew me away, so I was really looking forward to trying Blue, which seems to be her most iconic and 'classic' work. And it has delivered. The songcraft and the quality of her singing and playing are fantastic; she's a true poet and a master of melody. I am more on the fence about my rating here, and maybe it's just because I heard this one later but it's not affected me quite like Hejira did. I don't know if that's because I've mentally set the bar too high, or if it happened to be the mood of the day but while I have gladly played this a few times, enjoyed it a lot and will keep it on rotation, I don't feel as excited to keep coming back to it as I did with its big, complicated older sister with her stunning double-bass work. The songs on Blue are probably just as good but I think I prefer the production and denser instrumentation on Hejira.

Veldig fint

A thousand more to go! Off to a lovely start. I find her voice extremely soothing.

Beautiful!

Not my cup of tea, still very sweet sounding

I really don’t have an ear for whiney female hippy albums but I’ll give it a go. This is what I thought it would be. Musically pleasing with a nice finished sound, I just can’t get past the style of singing. Joni has a nice voice but the range is where my ears draw the line. I barely got through this. Choice cut: A Case of You

Ahhh schitterend

She has a beautiful voice, the acoustic guitar is very pleasant as is most of the piano, but the writing... eek. Little of the music on this album works for me. I'm sure the lyrics probably have a lot of personal meaning for her and others—that's part of what's so beautiful about folk music—but I couldn't follow them because of some element in the pacing or something that I cannot identify. The music and recording have aged well, because it sounds just like any coffeehouse folk we might hear in 2025—well technically THEY all sound like this album did in 1971. It's a timeless feeling, really, and perhaps that's what makes this album appear on this list. Perhaps in the 2040s someone will be listening to Jewel's album Pieces of You and think the same thing I did of this album. Favorite tracks: Little Green, Blue, California

Yep, that was really good and it holds up well. Great vocals and a clean sound. It's not *quite* a 5 for me, but still good stuff. 4.4

I have never cared for Joni Mitchell.

Niet slecht maar niet mijn ding

This album undoubtedly kicks ass. I understand the love and acclaim. While this definitely isn't anything that I would listen repeatedly, an occasional revisit is nice every once in while. Best Song: River Rating: 8.5/10 4 Stars

I'm glad there's only one Joni. I'm glad she followed the pure inspirations of her heart.

Probably not my number 1 Joni but still great

Not my favorite, I know a lot of people like Joni Mitchell. I liked two songs on the album. Just not the biggest fan of her voice. Might take a few different listens in different moods.

Don’t love her style but can appreciate it

This has always been an album I knew I should listen to, but never did, because it’s not my usual style. Still not something I’m gonna listen to all the time, but man, if this isn’t great songwriting, I don’t know what is.

Unbelievable talent. Doesn't mean it's a full-bhoona 5-star album for me but I admire and respect the heck out of the work.

Фолк. Трогательно, искренне, открыто.

Hippy songs, enjoyed it

Perfect. Sun kissed melodies and an angelic voice. The instrumentation is understated and serves only the song and is all the more for it. You can feel the sand in the grooves of a long lost summer. Every time I listen I find something new to love. Every song rejostles for my favourite... Classic 5*

Great voice. Not really my thing.

I appreciate how Joni Mitchell doesn't feel confined to traditional lyric or song structure. It is very inspiring and when it works, it works well. "A Case Of You" is probably my favorite track off of this album.

Good gosh. This was terrible. “The River” was the only redeeming feature. So bland. Where’s the soul?

Nearly a flawless album. The vocal talent is obviously amazing, but the showy parts are also perfectly exucuted. This one’s staying in my downloads. Favorite Song: This Flight Tonight Least Favorite Song: A Case of You

I’ve intermittently over the years tried to listen to Joni Mitchell, with people’s views I respect saying she’s the best at this kind of thing. But I have never been able to connect, it’s the intricacies of her melody that are exquisite but also so singular to her that when they have passed they have left me. Listening to this today, will give it another try.

Wonderful album

I have no idea what people see/saw in JM.

Meh…?

The more I listen to Joni Mitchell the kid it feels like she's making the songs up as she goes along.

2.5 stars

Some great vocals and folk softness while singing about some heavy subject matter. I like ‘The bed is too big and the frying pan too wide’. I liked the range of experiences in the songs - she was looking for a good time a lot of the time. Her voice is nice - but I think for me in small doses.

I just can’t.

Something about her voice doesn't jive with me. Talented, for sure, but not my cup of tea.

One of my all time favourite albums and so good to listen to at this time of year, when I already have River in heavy rotation. Funny how little of the rest of her catalogue I enjoy really. Her voice grates and it’s only on this record that I really enjoy it

What have I done to deserve two Joni Mitchell albums in one week? Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue. 2⭐️

Joni is a legend, and blue is just flat out beautiful.

Great folk album, She is female bob Dylan

the first song is really slow but I did end up rly liking the album i thought that the lyrics were well written too and it’s def a well prorogued album just not my music taste. If you like slower music you’d probably like this album more

3/5

Olipas mainiota musiikkia, sellaista aamulla soitettavaa tunnelmointia.

Very very pretty and lovely. Had a good time listening to this in the shower (with clothes on, of course)

This album is so beautiful lyrically and musically. Makes me cry

this for me is one of the most beautiful albums of all time ... joni's voice and lyrics invoke such incredible images in my mind ... and Case of You is one of the most devastating songs ever written i reckon ...

Such a lovely and serene album.

Fine

Didn't care for the last one. This album, however, is an amazing classic. Much more composed and a higher caliber of authorship.

I thought ok Joni Mitchell, cool! Not cool. Total opposite of cool actually.

Unable to make it through this one. Only redeeming qualities for me is the vocals. Find the lyrics and the melody clunky and hard to listen to.

Fine album. I've not liked it as much as time has but what do I know.

#428. Yikes. The voice, the music, the song style. Just all of it, it gets a no from me. Listening to this was an exercise in dedication to doing this because the whole time I was just begging myself to make it stop. 2/5: why Song added to playlist: River I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

This woman makes my stomach turn, makes my skin crawl, I repell her and her music from very deep inside my soul. I despise every part of it, each and every part of her "art": the lousy wannabe poetry lyrics, the voice going from annoying lady to dying raccoon, the boooring monotone songs, all of them are equally as horrible, tedious, repetitive and dull . GOD SAVE ME!

Love it. It's calming and well-written.

10/10 perfection Beautiful

Perfect Album!

Talented

This has no place here. It's a recording of a dying woman who, while on her deathbed, is impersonating two dead turtles copulating.

There will probably be a time in my life when I give this 5 stars, but it's not yet. Favourite tracks were All I Want and Little Green, but they'll probably change too.

Love this album

It was okay. It's very mellow, very simple. It's not really my thing, but I can appreciate the artistry.

Everybody always says what a great album Blue is. If you don’t ‘feel’ this one, then you don’t have feelings. Color me heartless the because I don’t get it. Great songwriting for sure. Everything produced and executed impeccably. Surely it’s what she set out to achieve. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it, but I won’t give it five stars. I’ve listened to this album maybe five times now and have never been able to discern what I’m supposed to pick up on or what’s supposed to really knock my fucking socks off. I don’t get the sense of loneliness that seems to be so prevalent for other people. Doesn’t come across for me. The songs have nothing to help tell them apart and it ends up as one big muddled mix. I don’t know. I wish I saw it. It’ll have to hold off on perfection for now and stick with exemplary. 4/5

Enjoyes the stories. Beautiful voice.

This is the second Joni Mitchell album we've had. I can't say I'm naturally attracted to her quavering voice, but the songs are good and I'm sort of acclimatising to it. This had a lovely chill acoustic feel to it. I will try and revisit.

Veer between loving this album, and then absolutely disliking her voice, then back again…. like Gleason and Farrell disagreeing about Bruge I can’t decide…

Coming into this only familiar with A Case Of You, I was pretty blown away by this one. Beautiful song writing. Wonderful vocals. You can feel the influence of this on a generation of songwriters. It can blend into itself a bit which is what holds itself off from a 5/5 personally, but I really loved this one.

I’m not much for folk music but this album works. Beautiful voice and beautiful guitar work.

big classic. her choices of melodies are insuperable favorite track: river

What do you rate an album that you think is excellent, but when you also think that it’s unlikely that you’ll revisit? This kind of album just isn’t for me, but I do recognize that it is a beautifully written and recorded album. The lyricism, the voice, it’s all there. Except for drums. I crave drums.

Filler

This being my third Joni album in this list, I can now say with confidence that I would 100% connect better with her music as a whole had I been born a woman. Her lyrics are intensely intimate and offer a window into her life experience of being a woman in the 20th century. Her lyrical style feels more like poetry than the more familiar rhyming schemes of most modern music, which I find admirable and hypnotizing - albeit, it requires the listener's full focus, which admittedly I did not provide (having it on in the background while working). That all being said, there really is no other artist quite like Joni.

Beautiful album. Joni's voice is just wonderful, the guitar and piano work is amazing, it's just a nice rainy day album.

Niet mijn ding, 5/10.

I think I’m just not a Joni Mitchell fan <gasp>

Man, this has beauty. Man, it's not for me. Much respect, but just a 3 from me.

Mood setting to say the least. Joni never disappoints.

I’m sure I’ve heard Joni Mitchell before, but I don’t remember having done so. I found her album to be interesting as there were times I really enjoyed the songs, and sometimes I found them to be more average at best. Kind of like some would connect with me, and others just fell flat. I’m glad I finally got to check out her stuff, but can’t really agree it belongs on this list.

Not for me

Good voice, good music, but I can’t see myself listening to this much.

hard to listen, for me.

I was just so captivated by the whole thing from front to back, it’s such a raw and vulnerable album. Favorite track: California

2.5 At the end of the day im just not a huge Joni Mitchell fan. I did like the song River

Blue is an absolutely beautiful album from start to finish. I mostly was expecting some of the sound from Court And Spark from which i knew Joni Mitchell for but for some reason, this feels different and better(probably because this album is fresh in my memory) The lyrics are just beautiful and can tell some wonderful stories and of course, they are all amplified by Joni's beautiful voice and the backing music, I honestly do not know if i can really think of that many glaring issues for this album because it really did it's job perfectly. This album may not always be my cup of tea but i still really liked it. Best Song: This Flight Tonight Worst Song: California

Really good album that I have never heard before, only a few hit songs. It's something that I will definitely listen to again, kind of chill folk music. "River" is my favorite song on the album reminds me of times past, very contemplative. I'm sure I will listen to this again.

4.5/5. Oh Joni.

I had pretty high expectations going into what many consider to be Joni's masterpiece. Though I wasn't nervous or anything, I knew I'd enjoy this, considering how much I enjoyed some of her other albums, like 'The Hissing Of Summer Lawns' and especially 'Hejira'. While many of the songs here are far less musically ambitious than the ones on those albums, with the ones here comprised (almost solely) of piano and acoustic guitar, this album may still contain Joni's best crop of songs for me. Joni's voice is as soothing as ever, sticking to that high-pitched, fluttery style, and her melodies here feel almost intangible with just how unpredictable they can be at times - especially on the opener here 'All I Want', which may be my favorite song. The entire album sounds like its title, Blue. I can't think of any other word to describe the feelings this album evokes. It feels like staring out the window on a rainy day - as cliche as that metaphor might be. 'Little Green', from a lyrical perspective, is supposedly about Joni putting her child up for adoption in the late '60s - the line "child with a child pretending" had me almost tearing up. The title track is so warm and has maybe my favorite piano playing on here; it perfectly captures life's emptiness and the feelings of never-ending yearning in the presence of indulgence. 'River' feels similar in that sense, with Joni hoping to move on to happier times in the face of a ended relationship. This song interpolates Jingle Bells in its piano which, for any other song, would come off as tacky, but it manages to work here given the song's subject matter. As great of a listen as all her other albums. While I enjoyed 'Hejira' as an album a bit more, I do see myself returning to various songs from this album more often in the future.

My second Joni Mitchell album in a week and this is one I was already familiar with. Out of her albums I've heard, this is easily my favourite - just unbelievablely good lyrics start to finish. Easy 5* for me. Fav tracks: A Case of You, River, Carey

I'm not sure I'm describing this correctly. I like her voice, but then it goes up an octave and I find it cloying and grating. There parts of this I like but when it gets to a part I don't like, I really don't like it. In songs where she stays in a lower register, I like it more, but she never stays there for long. I feel bad for this one but I just can't do it.

I hadn’t heard any of these songs before, even the well-known ones. I don’t think I like this. It’s like a soap opera for hippies. ‘My Old Man’ and ‘California’ I particularly didn’t like. I think there’s something about her style of singing too. I guess I kinda liked ‘River’ but lyrically it still felt cloying.

Favorite tracks: All I Want, Carey, California, This Flight Tonight I just haven't quite heard anything else like this. There's so much personality in the way she sings. I think this album has a reputation for being a downer, but some of the songs are genuinely fun. Life is sad AND fun, y'know? 4 stars.

Another five star album i am not in a hurry to listen to again.

I'm generally not a fan of Joni Mitchell, I've always had mixed reaction to her records and it takes a bit of effort to warm up to her music. At times, her songs are boring and uninteresting (to me) and her voice has never appealed to me. But you know what, she's a Canadian and her music is deemed essential (rightfully so) and her impact for female artists (both musically and visual) can't be understated enough and I should suck it up and give it a chance. "Blue" is the only Mitchell album I own and only because someone gave me their record collection. More recently, I gave it a late night spin and I don't know if it was the beer talking or the sombre darkness, but this album really connected with me. There was a beautiful, calmness to the music and nothing like that "parking lot" song, which was welcoming and surprising good. I'm not saying I love this album, but there is something special about it that makes me feel everything came together and created a classic album that stands out from her other projects. I feel fortunate and happy to have "Blue" in my collection.

Not for me

It has been some time since I gave 5 stars. Joni deserves it for this masterpiece. It's Joni at her best. It is sad and happy and emotional and just very good.

Moet ik hier zelfs nog uitleg bij geven. Dit album komt ook perfect. 'T is wat koud buiten en het landschap verandert in een bruin-oker kleurenpalet. Door het verdwijnen van dit album op Spotify ben ik indertijd overgestapt naar Apple Music en dat zegt misschien wel genoeg (oké, misschien had Neil Young er ook wat mee te maken). 5.0 en als ik meer mocht geven, zijt maar zeker dat ik dat zou doen.

She’s great and thank you for a window into the mind of a woman. A lot of is simple and that’s ok because her voice shines and the lyricism is beautiful

Amazing is the word that describes this album. Amazing voice, amazing sound... I'm sorry but today I'm speechless...

Pretty slow. Wish there wad a little more energy from her.

I recognize that Joni Mitchell was hugely inspirational to so many. There would be no Susan Vega, Fiona Apple, Sara Bareilles, or Billie Eillish had it not been for her. This album is well made and beautifully sung with key songs Blue and California. This is a headspace album, though, and I think she was writing for a specific demographic or generation which I don’t fit. No regrets, all respect, but few repeats.

I want to like this so much. But I find it just alright. Listened to this twice in a row and only perked up when I heard California. I want to “get” Joni because it seems like she brings so many people so much joy. I’ll keep trying. I do like “River” as well from my many viewings of Love Actually.

another great joni mitchell album

Nicht meine Musik, zumindest nicht gerade, Folk

Fav: River Least Fav: Carey Yeah, she’s good

Can see a lot of inspirations of LPs that I love coming from this one

Okay, this one is her best album, while some of her later albums have more interesting arrangements, having jazz elements and whatnot, this has the strongest songwriting of her career, all the songs are very sharp and better produced than the previous albums. A

I hadn't heard this album before. I enjoy Joni Mitchell in general so it was an enjoyable experience.

Beautiful, pensive perfection, to the surprise of no one.

This was pretty, unexpectedly liked it

As an album, I liked it a lot. No songs jumped out at me as great though, and I wouldn’t say I /had/ to listen to this before I die

I could listen to Joni Mitchell for hours. Her voice is really incredible. I like the accompaniment decision of keeping it pretty low key. I don't think it quite lives up to the bar the Wikipedia set it up for me, but it is really, really good with a lot of really good songs. Maybe I just got distracted, but there were just a few songs that didn't catch or keep my attention the way that I'd expect from a 5/5 album, so it gets a 4. Favorite Song(s): Little Green, River, The Last Time I Saw Richard

That was my introduction into Joni Mitchell. I actually didn't mind the album but I probably won't be rushing to play it again anytime soon. Incredible voice, just not my taste at all

Just didn't do it for me.

Her voice is almost too high to be listenable. Mercifully short. Was expecting more from this.

This was a tough one to get through. The voice is just grating through the first 3/4 of it. The last few tracks are somewhat redeemable, but ugh. 2/5

I love Joni Mitchell.

I don't think there is anything interesting or appealing about this to me. Even the recording is uninspiring.

Blue and The Last Time I Saw Richard get me every time

Joni Mitchell is not for me. (This seems to be a theme haha)

Favorite songs: A Case of You, All I Want, Little Green

Her voice and style is completely unique. After a brief adjustment period this album really shines.

This is probably her best album. It does lack some of the jazzier and more inventive elements of her later albums, but this crop of songs is generally stronger. Key tracks: All I Want River A Case of You

Beautiful. I'd never listened to Joni Mitchell before, and I can see why Blue is such a lauded record now. It's a unique folk record for its time since it eschews some radio sensibility-style rhythms or melodies, opting instead for a more poetic songwriting style. It feels more like she's written a series of experiential stories.

Yeah this was fine. I didn’t love her though.

A classic

It's simple and even kind of plain, but her voice, lyrics, and performance are rock solidly beautiful throughout.

Joni's the GOAT, man. I think very few songwriters manage to reach that kind of intimacy and vulnerability. I'm always finding new things to love from these songs. An all-timer. Best Track: River Worst Track: not a chance. you're 'avin me on

I can see this becoming 5* down the line. Best Song: California Worst Song: The Last Time I Saw Richard

Didn’t get into it until about halfway through, but this is beautiful! Joni has a beautiful voice, and the fact that this is mostly just her and a piano is amazing.

Blue is how I feel after listening to this album. No shade meant for Joni, just ain't my vibe.

Okay, this one is her best album, while some of her later albums have more interesting arrangements, having jazz elements and whatnot, this has the strongest songwriting of her career, all the songs are very sharp and better produced than the previous albums. A

Songs are good but the voice is way too high for my ears.

It's a very meditative, reflective album. Part of my slight quibble on Joni Mitchell is sometimes her voice goes all over the place (like in "The Last Time I Saw Richard"). But that's a minor complaint, as she doesn't do it on every song. I was listening to this while I was prepping for class today. I felt a bit more at peace, and ready for the day. I wish all albums were able to do that for me. But that this one did, says a lot about the feel and music. I could listen to pretty much every song on that album again almost immediately. It has a very re-listenable quality to it. Definitely a must.

I think this is a pretty darn good album. But it sure gave me opposing views. Like on the opener All I Want. She has some great vocals but then sometimes she switches too abruptly between ranges. And her vocals are clever but also maybe a little juvenile? - I want to talk to you, I want to shampoo you. I just don't know how to feel, although I know I feel like it's a solid song. There are no clunkers on this album and her piano-based ballads like My Old Man, Blue, River (minus the Jingle Bells bits), and The Last Time I saw Richard really bring out the emotions - both her delivery and sharp (sometimes bleak) lyrics. But they are not to be outdone by her soft acoustic pieces like Little Green and A Case of You - also tug on the emotions. And then there are her more up-tempo folk pieces like Carey and California - just fun. This Flight Tonight ain't no slouch either, a great version of that song. You won't appreciate this album if you only listen to it once or twice.

It sometimes takes me a moment to get past the way she jumps up and down the scale in her singing, but once I get past that it's clear as day what a beautiful voice she has and how outstanding her songwriting is. There are so many albums in the 1001 that reward a close listen. I was a little dismissive in my first listen, but when I focused on listen two, following the lyrics, I was blown away by this album and understood all the accolades. Great musicianship (guitars, piano, singing), great songwriting, powerful lyrics, beautiful voice. Favorite tracks: Little Green (about the baby she gave up for adoption and didn't see again until 1997 - crushing lyrics), Blue, California (fun fact - Going to California by Led Zeppelin references Joni Mitchell: "To find a queen without a king / They say she plays guitar and cries and sings"), This Flight Tonight (really like the guitar on this song), River (the nicest song to ever feature Jingle Bells), The Last Time I Saw Richard ("All romantics meet the same fate someday" - great line). Definite 5.

I knew most of these songs, though it ended more quietly and moody than I anticipated.

This will be my third Joni Mitchell album to review, and I’m really looking forward to it. I gave four stars to both Court and Spark and The Hissing of Summer Lawns, the latter of which I should have given five stars to. I wasn’t familiar with any of Joni Mitchell’s music before starting this project, but she’s quickly become an artist that I keep going back to. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday than listening to one of her most popular albums. This album is great, and I can see why it has a reputation as Joni Mitchell’s best work. It’s intimate, beautiful, and features great songwriting. The whole album is poetry set to music, and it works wonderfully well. I feel like other artists struggle to be accessible when they focus so much on the songwriting, but not Joni. The instrumentation might be somewhat sparse, but it’s a treat to listen to. I love the guitar and piano playing, and no matter which one she’s using, it’s soothing to listen to. Colors came up as a theme several times throughout the album, but that theme was subtle, and I liked how the cooler tones of those colors drove the mood of the album. Joni’s singing was absolutely fantastic, and her voice fills in every corner of this album to perfection. “My Old Man” and “Carey” are neck-and-neck for being my favorite song on the album. The backing vocals and carefree spirit of “Carey” are so much fun, and on “My Old Man,” I love that key change about a minute into the song (at least I think it’s a key change, I’m not very well versed in music theory). That change shifts the mood of the song before right before the lyrical tone shifts as well, and I thought it was brilliant. From a songwriting standpoint, “Little Green” might be the best song on the album. The story of the child that Joni gave up for adoption is absolutely heartbreaking, and as man, I will never understand the bond between a mother and her child, but this song is about as close as I’ll ever get. There were some moments on this album that weren’t my favorite, but the singing and arrangements were so beautiful that it I always had something to enjoy in each song. This album is great, and it earns its reputation as one of the best albums of all time.

Good, but not my type.

I’ve had a bad run of albums. I didn’t care for this. I’m really hoping the next one is better.

I think I’d be okay never hearing this again.

Sad, lovely. Perfect.

I liked the other Joni Mitchell I had earlier more than this (“Court and Spark”). Much more energy on that record. This was perfectly fine folk. Her songwriting skill, again, are excellent. Her voice is beautiful when it isn’t sometimes grating (and it can be grating, at least to me, on those high notes). She’s an icon for a reason. But I dunno. Felt like a perfectly good 70’s folk album to me. I probably missed something here. Three stars. Standout Tracks: My Old Man, Little Green, California, This Flight Tonight

Soft and light (airy-light and bright-light), but too subtle for me to enjoy fully. Case in point, "River," which I've heard dozens of times at the holidays and paid attention to, hits me hard emotionally. I expect the rest of the songs would also if I paid sufficient attention to the words. So, overall, there is not enough of a music energy punch for this to be among my favorites but I would 100% respect those who have it at/near the top of their lists. I can tell the quality is there.

I think that I wasn't in an understanding mood when I was listening to this album because I hated the higher pitched bits, and I have listened to Joni Mitchell before, but this set of songs was just too much. I would not rate this super low because I know that normally it would not have been like that but I did not have a good time.

Dear God, shut the fuck up

Ладно, я изначально хотел написать, что опять Митчелл создала нудятину, и опять неинтересно. Но, переслушав 4 раза, я поменял свое мнение: альбом -- мощь. Мне все еще не нравится голос исполнительницы, но отрицать силу альбома трудно.

Pretty good. The songs themselves are fairly strong it's just that I have some issues with her singing voice at times. Far too often her singing style sinks an otherwise good song.

Enjoyable, if a little slow for my personal test. Nice palate cleanser compared to Muse yesterday. Gotta love “River” I don’t imagine this is an album I will be revisiting.

A beautiful album.

Oh, this is such a relief on so many levels after listening to that Muse album straight through yesterday! First of all, there is such an overabundance of male voices and perspectives coming at me on a daily basis that a female one makes me want to get down on my knees and weep with gratitude and relief. Second of all, when that voice is Joni Mitchell, I’ll go from my knees down to a fetal position and just soak it in. I’ve never listened to this album (or most albums) from start to finish. I love this whole 1001 albums project for forcing me to take the artist’s intended journey. It’s new for me. After the Muse album the “simplicity”….no, that’s not the right word….the “straightforwardness”, maybe, of a voice and a guitar is such a gift. That’s what my brain and ears, such as they are, were craving. And her turns of phrases, both musical and lyrical, are delicious. The notes of the phrase “we don’t need no piece of paper from the city hall” in “My Old Man”…so satisfying. Oh, my kingdom for the vocal freedom of Joni Mitchell…her voice feels like a bird soaring on gusts of wind and relishing every swoop and directional change. Jesus, though….how desperately lovely and heartbreaking is Little Green. And River…I’ve never been able to listen to it without crying, and that’s okay. It’s such an absolutely perfect encapsulation of that very particular shade of heartbreak. I’m so grateful when I find those songs that I know can strum that particular heartstring for me…it reminds me to tend them. That said, now I’m crying in the grocery store, so….that’s inconvenient.

I was in a right mood yesterday so I found her voice a bit annoying but I do generally like at least one song on the album

A singer-songwriter folk album with tender yet strong vocal performance accompanied by gentle guitars, pianos and an instrument called Appalachian Dulcimer. Joni Mitchell's poetry is very intimate and she paints some really vivid and melancholic images. It's a mood piece, you have to be in the right mood and place. Her vocals, though, may come off as atonal or a bit whiny at some points for some. For me, they kind of worked. Loved the first half more, the first four songs. Little Green was my favourite. It's not a sad album throughout. There are upbeat songs as well. But still, the album mostly drenched me in waves of blue and I felt very relaxed. Definitely worth listening.

I don't know very many Joni Mitchell songs and I hadn't really listened to anything by her except Big Yellow Taxi and Both Sides before starting on this 1000 Album journey. This is the second album of hers that I've listened to here, and man, I just love everything about her sound. The performances (both instruments and vocals) are just absolutely perfect. Super stark and simple, but over the top in beauty and clarity and inventiveness. There was one track, This Flight Tonight, where Joni's vocals got so loud that they distorted a bit, which was surprising given the high production quality of the rest of the album. However, this kinda worked to give that part a more raw sound, so maybe it was like a happy accident and left in on purpose? Anyway, I loved it and listened to it twice. Five stars.

She paved the way for female singer-song writers. and was indeed a very talented lady. and although I wouldn't go out of my way to avoid listening to her. I, equally, wouldn't do the same to listen to her either. she's ok, just not my bag, man. I'm going to take her worth to music in general into account and up grade my score from 2 to 3 as I think it needs to be.

Don’t like her vocals. Too high pitched so that its borderline whingeing

Too folky for me and didn't like her voice. I do believe it got better with age.

Enjoyed this one more than Hejira, but I have the same complaints again Joni has such a beautiful voice but it feels like she's singing a different tune/rhythm to the music. Makes it very difficult to get into these songs 3 ⭐️

Really good voice and really good lyrics but the actual music I’m just not a big fan of

👍

Beautiful

Magnificently beautiful album. (10) ★★★★★

Not my favourite Joni Mitchell album, but still one of the greatest albums of all time!

I've always kind of struggled with Joni Mitchell. I think she's a good musician and a reasonably good songwriter, but I don't like the way she sings at all. I don't like the constant shifting between her lower register and higher register. I just find it totally irritating. I think River and A Case of You are good songs in spite of the vocal stylings, but I don't think I can do more than 3 stars.

4.5

Basically a truly excellent record if it weren’t for Joni’s vocals being so shrill and birdsongy. It’s ear-stabbing when she’s happy and flips to her highest register which makes upbeat tracks like All I Want and California total minefields. This Flight Tonight is pretty cool and folk-poppy despite the voice. The moodier and more sullen tracks like Blue and softer, pleasantier ones like Little Green are so pretty and A Case Of You really shines as the best overall song. A very conditional 4 stars because of the musical quality throughout.

I'm not a fan of Mitchell's voice, which is pretty much all that this album is. I like the simplicity of the music, but that's about it. This is not for me.

i mean what is there to even say. masterful storytelling. one of my favorite things about joni is that i don’t think her voice sounds that ‘impressive’ at first listen—just cos she’s not belting or doing anything that obviously crazy, and it has a lighter tone that might be mistaken for ‘weakness’. BUT if you actually try to sing along it becomes apparent just how flexible her range was. just so effortless…i would describe her voice as being nimble which i think also suits her very dense lyrical style. incredible vocal + narrative dexterity. yeah. the way she slightly mispronounces “percolator” in the last time i saw richard is like a lance through my heart. i cry every time. fav tracks: the last time i saw richard [probably in my top 5 songs of all time tbh..]; california; all i want; river; carey; little green

obviously amazing. there is just SOMETHING in the music that even without hearing the lyrics makes me cry...to the point that when some songs start i get choked up even though NOTHING HAS EVEN HAPPENED YET but i know what's coming and i'm emotional just from the anticipation of it. that being said this is one of the rare cases where i do care a lot about the lyrics, and like any of the artists that penetrate my typical inability to hear lyrics, it makes them all the more special to me. there's something about the way the words roll off her tongue that feels so inextricable from the melody itself, like the words are begging to be sung a certain way rather than her writing lyrics to fit a tune. But also the inflections in her voice feel so natural and effortless that it's hard to tell which she came up with first, or if it was even a conscious process at all rather than an organic outpouring of emotion. it really is as good as everyone says it is.

Interesting listen but not something I want to return to. On some songs it feels like she wrote the lyrics and music separately and then jammed them together even when the timing didn't match up. Maybe it's too high brow for me or maybe I'm just not a fan of this style of singer/songwriter folk music.

Very samey, very repetitive, very idealized sentiments, but with a strong foundation, reminds me a bit of unpolished Imogen Heap Best track: Little Green

Kind of the opposite of what it's supposed to be. It's trying to act so smart but the writing just feels childish. Great singing though

Maybe my expectations were too high. I’ve enjoyed other Joni Mitchell stuff and this is considered one of the best albums of all time. And I thought it was pretty good! Just not excellent. 4/5

See guys! The Blue Album is on the list after all! I'm joking, of course. However, while I would love it if the Weezer blue album was on the list, I am perfectly content with getting Joni Mitchell's Blue instead. Why is that, you may ask? The reason is simple. This album's amazing. I've said this to a few other albums, but this might be the saddest album I've ever heard. Songs like "Little Green" and the title track are written in such ways that really capture strong emotions well. Speaking of which, the writing on these songs is great. I can see why the 1001 albums book listed Joni Mitchell as an example of a great songwriter. Of course, while a great songwriter can be successful despite having a weak singing voice (just ask Bob Dylan), strong lyrics are made even stronger with a good vocalist. Fortunately, Joni Mitchell is also a good vocalist. I really like her singing. It's nice. The sound is quite simple, but still excellent. A lot of the sound was provided by Joni Mitchell herself, though other artists like James Taylor contribute as well. They all do well with the music. Overall, this is a timeless album that absolutely deserves the praise it has gotten and then some. It is a true artistic statement of a quality that doesn't come all the time. It is, dare I say, a masterpiece. 5/5.

I don't know what I'm missing on this? I mean i get that she has a great voice but ok.. i don’t get how her album would rank higher than Linda Rondstant

Everything they say about Joni's songwriting is true.

Wow, this is a gorgeous album. I can't help but feel that it must have inspired Kate Bush's Aerial album - the title track is definitely reminiscent of this record, for sure. Favourite tracks: All I Want, Carey, Blue, California.

good vibes

gave "carey" jimmy solidarity vibes i think im liking this more than the other album of hers that popped up, hejira don't love the christmas song overall i think the first half of the album was interesting and i liked listening to it, and the second half was more meh. richard's was good tho i think. maybe just confusing

Wasn’t a massive fan of this one unfortunately. Even though it’s intentional, it almost feels like she’s singing out of tune, and it was jarring.

What taylor swift ought to be. Singer-songwriter music that sounds authentic clean and real. Joni Mitchell is the godmother of folk, and we love her.

The album that is considered the foundation of the singer/songwriter genre is highly regarded for good reason. While it's seen as Joni Mitchell's best work, I personally prefer some of her later albums, especially Hejira and The Hissing of Summer Lawns. However, after a few listens, this beautiful and emotional earlier work proves to be almost as good. "I could drink a case of you and I'd still be on my feet"

Easy listening nice high vocals and shit

The songwriting on this album is rich, personal, and brilliant in some ways. But musically this one doesn’t quite do it for me beyond a couple of tracks (Carey and River being the standouts). Maybe I’ll like Hejira more when I get to it.

I’m was pretty unfamiliar with Joni Mitchell. Her style has a real appeal and the best of this album is quality.

Bland. 3/10

Hermoso

A very overrated album. I like some of Joni's work, and yes, this is an intimate album, but that doesn't make the music inherently good. As another reviewer said, this album shows too much of the side of Joni where she's not worrying about song structure or whether the lyrics fit the music. Sometimes the rhythm and flow feel disjointed, like she’s prioritizing raw emotion over cohesion. Joni often forces syllables into rhythms that feel unnatural and forced. Tracks like "This Flight Tonight" or "California" are examples where the flow seems uneven, as if the lyrics and melody are at odds with one another, creating a jarring experience instead of something organically emotive. Sure, Joni's great, and her lyrics are undeniably deep and personal, but the unconventional phrasing and odd choices in melody can come off as awkward rather than artful. For me, Blue lacks the atmospheric cohesion and the finely tuned arrangements of The Hissing of Summer Lawns or the flowing narratives of Hejira. Those albums show Joni’s artistry at its most balanced—complex yet accessible, innovative without sacrificing listenability. On Blue, the oddities are more of a distraction than a triumph.

Good lyrics, voice gets annoying, though.

Akustista folkkia, kappaleet ihan ok. Ilmeisesti silti aika arvostettu levy. Parani loppua päin, silti ihan ok. Parhaat: River, Blue, A Case Of You

Chef’s kiss zero notes

Pure, unadulterated occasionally over sharing songs about love, lust, absences, adoption and all human emotions. This was where Mitchell went as clear as cellophane and allowed us to experience what she was experiencing, whether for good or ill. You'll jump between sadness and exhultation from song to song, all anchored by her amazing voice and supporting instrumentation. Some may feel it's an emotional car wreck, but even sunlight can look beautiful glinting off shattered glass. Best Tracks: All I Want; Carey; California

One of the greatest folk albums

Very beautiful and heartfelt.

Her voice is awful

Eh, not my jazz

I haven't listened to much of Joni Mitchell's work, but I know many of her songs. Especially those that are covered by other artists. I am also aware of this album's reputation, which has always been discussed in audiophile groups and the title has been re-released on many audiophile labels. The first time listening to this for me. I find that it is very good but not really my go-to type of music. To be fair I listened to it twice. I give it a 3.5.

Very good and introspective album. If you pay attention to it, it's hard not to feel some emotion.

all i want isch suuuper. sie spielt soo speziell gitarre. my old man au super, was isch d melodieee? little green (heisst drum am spina sini band so?). sie het überraschendi chords so unglaublich im griff. carey het background vocals ööh. und so klatsche uf 2 und 4. sie molt extreem guet bilder. title track jooo sie scho seehr brüele singe mengmol. california hani au scho ghört, mega schön mit bitz perkussion und so. uuuuh yes pedal steel! jaaaa ganz bitzli hihat jaaa! meega geile song so minimalistisch. this flight tonight hani etz au hammer gfunde würklich, stüprt da zf e füfi zue? river passt gad sehr, es regnet dusse und ich bin im bus. haha sie spielt e art jingle bells am schluss. i could drink a case of you and inwould still be on my feet isch wuuunderschön als textzeile. sie cha sooo texte. the last time i saw richard au wieder okay joni verzell ich friss der alles us de hand.

blau alles ich will omg ihri stimm so e melodie wommer nie weiss, wo sie hiigaht, I love it wauw insane bis jz, nüt mega catchy aber unglaublich schön casey het jz chli meh ums lied ume california ultraschön, river und a case of you nüt mega krasses die letzte zeit ich sah richard he ja es isch route 4 oder 5

It’s fine. Like I said for a different album of hers on this list, her music never really grabbed me. That might have something to do with me not really paying attention to lyrics.

Perfect. Beautiful melancholy tunes that make me wanna learn the dulcimer. Joni is pretty much always great and this just might be peak Joni.

I love Joni and this is my favorite of her albums. I know, not really that hot of a take. I remember back, just when I got out of college, I decided to check out this album, because I was unfamiliar with Joni’s music and always heard it was good. I was so blown away, I took it to my roommates and played it for them. One walked away after a couple songs, and the other called it “boring” and I shut it off. I couldn’t believe it. Anyway, I think this might be my third five star rating in a row, and this was the first one there was no debate in my head about it.

I liked this one significantly more than the last Joni Mitchell album we got. It was pretty. I might put it on again when I am in a melancholy mood.

Intens hoog maar wel oke

Wonderfully authentic and down to Earth. Joni takes you on a trip down a path thats been heavily travelled, but rarely talked about.

2.1

I read up on Joni during my listen and really got to understand her through her songs about navigating alcoholism and her love life.

Not something I’d normally listen to but she has a beautiful voice and wonderfully written songs

weird girl but i fuck with her

Decent vibes. Joni was bad back in her day

Meh. This Canadian album wasn’t for me. Unfair rating probably. Intro song killed any momentum the album had with me going into this.

Immediately, I love the range of her voice, the softness of the music in the background with the sharpness of her voice. I’m a fan. Joni will relax you with some sounds of nice comfort, then punch back with the depth of her voice and her lyrics. Beautiful album. Loved it

loved this album. incredible

Great Canadian artist. I've been a fan for years. So glad this was my first of 1001 (ish) albums!

I didn't like it might. Too much near yodelling for no reason, but otherwise basic folksy music.

Turns out, I am not a fan of Joni Mitchell.

An absolute stunner and a record I had already coincidentally been listening to on repeat this week. Along with Hejira, Blue is the absolute peak of Joni Mitchell records.

A chill background listen

Okay. Folk music isn’t really my jam. But pretty lyrics and stripped-down music.

A hell of an album, even though I don't care for 60s/70s folk, this is something else.

Another of those albums that needs more than 24 hours. She has a lovely, delicate delivery. But these are songs that need to seep into your bones.

At least 2 masterpieces here.

Magnificent, one of the best of all time. Little green and the last time I saw Richard are classics I hadn’t yet heard and the studio version of California is a romp. River and All I want are of my favorite songs that bring me back to my teenage days

Not for me

How does anyone not love Joni Mitchell?

Was probably supposed to listen more closely to the lyrics. One of the greatest albums of all time. Not for me - recognized a few songs that other artists covered though, neat!

Not my first listen, but first in a while since it was put back on Spotify. Really just a timeless classic -- I have gone deeper into Joni's discography in the last year (For the Roses is one of my favorite vinyls that I own) and nothing compares to Blue. She was ahead of her time then and is now the blueprint for so many indie/folk female artists.

A masterpiece of writing and performance. Ne plus ultra.

Interesting

Heard before. Pretty good.

83% Best: My Old Man; Carey; Blue; River Must-Hear? Sure

Never listened to Joni Mitchell before, but it seems people love her a lot. However, I couldn't really get into her music. Her voice is distinct, but not my kind of thing, almost a bit too screechy at points. The melodies are nice, but they get a bit dull and repetitive. It feels quite average to me.

The Good: though at first I was not enjoying this album at all, by the third spin it has started to grow on me a lot more. The Bad: if Joni is to be considered one of the best female performers out there, then how many other ones belong to the ranking of "the best"? The Ugly: that darn falsetto... I am struggling on what score to give this album, seeing as it is starting to grow on me... maybe if I had started listening to Joni Mitchell earlier in my life I would give this album a 4 1/2*, for now a solid 3*

The good songs are so good that it deserves a 5.

I am only a little familiar with Joni Mitchell. Wow, she really is remarkable.

No

New Girl is my favorite show. IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW

If you’re wanting to listen to something with a toe tapping beat with hopeful lyrics that you can jam to with your friends on the way to the bar… this isn’t the album. If you want to sit in a dark living room with a bottle of bottom shelf bourbon then this is your soundtrack.

I recognize the talent and the significance and importance she had in the music industry, but her style just isn't my bag. This was fine for a one-time listen through.

I can hear the talent on the album, but unfortunately I can also hear her voice. It's very inconsistent​ and goes to places I feel it shouldn't. This is not something I'll ever listen to again unless forced to.

This was astonishingly good. I'd never heard a single track from this album before and now I have half a dozen new favourites to listen to. There was a period of around 30 seconds or so at the start where I figured I would detest this album, but once I had adapted to the vocals, I was totally on board.

Mellow

3 Stars

‘One of the greatest albums of all time’. ‘The pinnacle of composition and structure.’ ‘Not bad for a girl’. It’s hard to review or critique or even listen objectively to this. Every mediocre cafe singer has heard this and when they sing of their intensely personal life and tell you pointless stories of how this particular song came to be, this is the album to blame ‘This next song came to me when I was doing a load of laundry. Then I caught the bus to buy some milk and my sister rang and we chatted for 34 minutes. I had an itchy nose so I scratched it. My cat meowed and I fed it. This song is called ‘feeding the cat while doing the laundry’ (start cliched chord pattern). Joni is not at fault here. (Neither is Jimi Hendrix or Yngwie Malmsteen or Aretha Franklin, or Stevie Ray Vaughn, or Bob Dylan or Jaco Pastorious or Celine Dion or Metallica to name a few.) A prodigiously talented songwriter, a brilliant guitarist and a great singer, I can’t blame people for wanting to copy her but her stuff is uncopyable. In short this is a great album. One of the few that you should listen to. But I prefer others - offhand Hejira or Court and Spark - from her. Nonetheless five stars.

So glad this is here. I have no idea where my copy is and out of sight out of mind. Maybe I lent it ? Thanks. For some simplicity. Some clarity where we can focus on just the voice and one or two instruments. For the reminder of feminine whimsy raw honest folk, delicate and shrill and some playful non-standard standards. And then case if you. Often covered. Tender sensual emotional and sad and oddly soothing. What an album. And the there's the lyrics, as devastating as an unexpected poem from The New Yorker. Careful. Thanks Joni.

Blue, eh? Not sure I've heard this one before... But seriously, I feel envious of anyone who is hearing this for the first time; what a treat! I find it hard to find anything meaningful to say about this album that hasn't already been said a million times. If you were to pick a Top Ten Albums of All Time list, this would have to be on it. I note that the My Favourite Album podcast has effectively banned people from picking Blue, having already done five episodes on it. It is hard to over-praise the songwriting here. The album is full of absolute classics, and this is a masterclass of confessional songwriting. The melodies are light and full of movement, and harmonic twists that seem so natural and yet surprise me every time I hear them (My Old Man is a particularly good example). The playing is airy and open and always tasteful. The lyrics are poetic and surprising, but often simple and straightforward, and always honest. I love this quote from Joni herself: "The Blue album, there's hardly a dishonest note in the vocals. At that period of my life, I had no personal defenses. I felt like a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes. I felt like I had absolutely no secrets from the world and I couldn't pretend in my life to be strong. Or to be happy. But the advantage of it in the music was that there were no defenses there either." Pitchfork described this as "possibly the most gutting break-up album ever made", but a lot of it is light and playful, with moments of joy. I think makes this the most _human_ break-up album ever made. I've been listening to this album on-and-off for my whole adult life, and it always feels fresh and surprising and warm and human and real and complex and simple and heavy and just... everything. There is an argument to be made that this is the best album of popular music ever made. Often imitated, never equaled. Eleventy billion and out of 5

Didn’t listen

I was so bored and it made me sad

Gorgeous, a lovely album for all the thought daughters out there - 4/5 While I appreciate this, it is too sad and fluid to be in my rotation, this album is unsettling and melancholic in the prettiest way, but I am too mentally ill for it 👍🏽 Also, I resonate far more with Bonnie Raitt and Carole King, so I can survive without listening to this regularly and not feel like I’m missing out. After two Joni Mitchell albums, I can safely say I love her, but I will continue to appreciate her from a distance. Reviewed 04/09/2024

Soft piano and guitar music with nice vocals.

3.4

It's Joni Mitchell.

Here's the thing--I have never enjoyed soprano/falsetto singing and Joni's voice grates on me at times. However, her songwriting is just about perfect and I love when you can revisit a song and find new things. Just the song River makes this a 4 (also love the Jingle Bells ending).

The first thing i noticed about joni is that excellent voice. Really nice. The album itself seems to start off on a level and remains on the same level throughout. I like the acoustic drive throughout the record. Makes it more of a chilled out album to me. Overall, a decent album, probably a 3.5 for me. Didnt really hit any high points though. Good songs - case of you, california and river.

On Blue, Joni Mitchell is your mother and she's singing you gentle, soothing lullabies. This a key brick on the path of women singer/songwriters that leads to your modern day Joanna Newsom, Fionna Apple, or Weyes Blood. *Heard before.

Very nice. Needs another listen I think

Great album that has some real classics. However a little uneven. 4/5

surprised how much i like Joni