Court And Spark

I have been Jonipilled!!!! Who knew having vodka at 3 years old could make you such a genius Standouts: Help Me • Car on a Hill • Down to You • Trouble Child • Twisted

If you like Joni Mitchell, you'll like this Joni Mitchell. Maybe if we could cede an album or two from some of the artists who have multiple entries on this list to newer artists, we could have a more expansive definition of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. This is my fourth Mitchell review for the list with probably a fifth coming. Mitchell's a gifted songwriter with an amazing voice, and I bet this is many people's favorite or second favorite record of hers, but Court And Spark doesn't reveal anything to me that the other albums haven't already.

Alla singer song writers gudmor. Fantastiska låtar, men jag blir inte engagerad tyvärr. Fyra (svag)

Super chill listen, in line with Jim Croce and other songwriters of that era. Really enjoyed it

Great variety in this record. Every track scratches a different itch. I enjoyed the traditional pop-inspired tracks found in the latter part of this record. Favourite Track(s): Raised on Robbery, Twisted Least Favourite Track(s): Car on a Hill

I'm liking the folk singer-songwriter sound of this. And importantly, the sound feels modern; there are a few tracks where the instrumentation places it firmly in the 70s, but many of these songs feel like they could've been produced today.

🧚‍♀️🫃🫄🤰🙆‍♂️🧖‍♂️🕴️👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩🪢👑⛑️👢🧦🐸

I liked it!

The next step of my journey exploring Joni Mitchell, and after the sample size of a singular listen to both albums, I think I'd have this over Hejira as the one I'd be more likely to reach for at the moment. Whilst I very much enjoyed the latter as well, this one felt a bit more accessible and optimistic in tone, with the folk and pop elements of her sound taking greater urgency. There are still hints of the jazzy direction which would be amplified on Hejira, particularly channeled through the bass arrangements, but whilst the latter gave off the vibe of an album that you'd chuck on as an accompaniment to a cozy winter evening indoors, this is the Yang to Hejira's Yin as one more suited for a stroll in the summer. Consider me a newly enlightened fan.

This is one of Joni's best records. It's beautiful, meandering, and definitely jazzier than her other works. It's no "Blue" or "Hejira," but it's a classic, nonetheless. 8/10

Pretty darn good

Free man in Paris is a great song.

Overall it’s a pleasant listen. She did a lot of registration changes. Her voice is good but does sound a bit old school. I still really like her voice though. Music wise nothing really stands out but nothing goes wrong either. The album is reasonably diverse and well produced (considering it was released in 1974..). Is Phoebe Buffay based on Joni Mitchell???

This was a thousand times better than her album Hejira. Upbeat and melodic

I like this album, but I love Blue.

Nice folky pop - I have always loved Joni Mitchell butonly really know the album Clouds. This one resonates less with me though. Borderline 3-4.

Court and Spark – Joni Mitchell (1974) | Folk Rock / Jazz Pop | Avg: 7.82 | Favorite Song: “Twisted” Court and Spark feels like Joni at her most poised—emotionally articulate, melodically rich, and beginning to embrace jazz without losing her folk-rooted storytelling. “Twisted” ended up being the standout for me, and I know that might raise some eyebrows considering it’s a cover, but her delivery and that sly, breezy energy made it unforgettable. Overall, the album is consistently strong, with tracks like “Help Me,” “Free Man in Paris,” and “People’s Parties” balancing intimacy and complexity without ever tipping too far in either direction. There’s a softness to this record, but it’s never dull. Joni’s voice is in complete control here. She's able to slip between conversational and soaring within a single phrase, and the arrangements support her perfectly. Even the more subtle tracks hold their own, and the one or two dips aren’t due to lack of quality, just less emotional resonance by comparison. Court and Spark doesn’t try to dazzle, but that's the charm of this record. It’s a confident shift toward a more refined sound, and she pulls it off with grace.

This is a solid album! I didn't know Joni Mitchell but I really enjoyed her voice and the instrumentation. A good mix of musical ideas, folksy, jazzy and sometimes poppy. Didn't quite rise to a 5 star for me, but I'm looking forward to hearing more of her! It was also interesting reading about her, and shocking to see her blackface pic on Wikipedia. The 80s were definitely a different era. Standouts: Help Me, Free Man in Paris, Raised on Robbery, Twisted. Rating: 4.25/5

nice vibe

Very good album. In many ways, it epitomizes that 70s soft rock sound and yet has a sound all its own. Mitchell just such a rich, sweet voice. I think that is her best album.

Lush, smooth, and quietly complex, 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 captures a songwriter in full control of her craft. The arrangements shimmer with soft jazz and California pop, while the lyrics remain sharp, observant, and emotionally precise. It’s an album that wears its sophistication lightly — never showy, always honest. A graceful balance of intimacy and polish.

3.5 - objectively this is made by a VERY talented musician and it was an eclectic album with some cool transitions. that said, there was a clear lack of hooks and none of the songs felt particularly memorable

Mitchell is better when a big piano plays such a prominent role. I like that album!

Wow ! Je connaissais Joni Mitchell de nom, parce qu’il revient souvent quand il est question de bonne musique canadienne, mais je me disais que, hein, ce serait sûrement surévalué parce que, franchement, de la "bonne" musique canadienne, est-ce que ça existe à l’extérieur du Québec ? Hé bien oui, visiblement.

Really good! Nice and chill blues-y folky. Big fan.

love love lov pastorious

I am not a fan of JM, but I recognize why she is popular and helped shape and define an era in music and culture. I also recognize the quality and importance of this album, hence my high rating. I never go out of my way to listen to Joni; I often don't like her voice and don't love all of her lyrics, BUT recognize that's a me thing. I will say, I added Raised on Robbery to my Classic Rock playlist. And I will say, I did not dislike listening to this album, and wouldn't even be upset if I had to listen to it again.

Clever and fun

This spark is courting my wife for a trip to Greece

Surprisingly good

Ohhhh Joni Mitchell, I love you.

I love folk-y music, and this 100% scratches that itch for me. Not sure if I should call it folk-pop? Or something else? At any rate, this record sounds impressively not dated, and is incredibly beautiful and simultaneously catchy, too. I know Blue is another Joni Mitchell record that is highly regarded, so I'm looking forward to checking that one out next.

If I listen to Joni, I usually listen to Blue, which is easily a 5/5 album for me as well as anyone with ears. But from this album, I've only ever listened to "Just Like This Train," which was recommended to me by my dear step-grandmother Sheryl. I was so obsessed with that song for months and I still listen regularly because it's so beautiful, delicate, and sort of funny. "Watching your hairline recede, my vain darlin'" is always a good line. But I enjoyed this album thoroughly, perhaps not as much because I listened quite passively while browsing Ulta, but I'll give it a solid 4.5 out of 5... I especially liked Court And Spark and Twister. Twister was unusual, I thought, for a Joni song... I haven't listened to her whole discography, but I didn't think of her as particularly jazzy and was surprised to hear other voices featured since I usually consider her songs to be very private confessional type songs, like she's writing poetry in a quaint leather-bound diary. Anyways, It was nice! I like Joni Mitchell despite her sort of spotty track record with... blackface? Well... Ok. It was a great album.

Lovely Joni ❤️

OMGG me gustó bastante!! Resulta que hace un tiempo conocí una de sus canciones más famosas, "California", que me encantó. Y claro, este álbum es completamente la misma vibra, muchos recuerdos de bob dylan y Joan baez (imagino que se mueven por la misma epoca). Lo disfruté bastante, le daría un 3.5 porque tampoco es tanto para un 4, pero le daré un 4

Good stuff.

So much to like about his album. Whilst the first half of the album could be accused of being a but samey & allowing the mind to drift it was a really strong finish from the jazz infused Twisted to the finger tapping Raised on Robbery

Hidden gem

I dig this but the 3 that follow this are my favourite Joni

i think joni mitchell is so cool and she consistently makes some of the coolest music i've ever heard. the instrumentation and composition of these songs make me so happy. she is my personal jesus

Good. Have this one on vinyl

I enjoyed the more upbeat songs and the lyricism is one of her finest qualities. My favorite song was help me

Decent album. I like the folk sounds of it and how chill it was. Could imagine playing it while driving in the countryside on a sunny day in the summer

нежно мягко приятно

so lovely

Good folk music.

Great!

Another solid Joni Mitchell album about being lonely and horny on main. Lovely tunes and gorgeous vocal stylings. Pretty interesting album closing with Raised on Robbery, Trouble Child, and Twisted in a row. Better'n most.

The lyrics are wonderful and she has a unique voice that fits them well, but it does get a little repetitive.

Beautiful album. I do think, however it starts off stronger than it finishes. Really enjoyed listening to it though and will definitely listen again.

Joni Mitchell has a glorious voice that pairs so well with her amazing lyrics. So good.

Likte instrumenteringen overall. Mange flotte rytmiske finurligheter. Favorittlåter: Help Me og Car on a Hill.

Not as good as Blue, but it's Joni Mitchell so it's still miles ahead of a lot of albums on this list. The last few tracks started veering into a kind of swing-y 1940s sound, which was cool.

Very pleasant to the ear 7/10

good vibes on this, good instrumentation and vocals and lyricism, would listen to it again

Great album. Showcases her voice while a little more life than in Blue.

good folk pop album! not much to say here my favorite was raised on robbery 4/5

Great

I know some Joni Mitchell songs, but had no idea how solid her whole album would be. She has a great voice and really unique delivery across the album. The sound varies a lot despite it mostly just being singer songwriter stuff. I like the name Joni if that matters. Almost able to pull off a deez nuts style joke with it. Joni ? Who’s Joni? Jo- neez nuts kinda thing but not quite. Jodi would be better for that, gonna keep that in mind. 4/5

3.5 stars.

So good.

80% Best: Help Me; Raised On Robbery; Trouble Child Must-Hear? Maybe

Fav songs: Help Me; Raised on Robbery JM is impressive as a songwriter and singer. I have not made any effort to look into her music since folk isn't my favorite genre. This is an engaging album and breeze to listen to. It's not really my thing but credit where it is due. Blue will come up at some point and I look forward to it.

very enjoyable

Is this the best Joni Mitchell album? No. But it's Joni, so even her worst is other people's best. Some of these tracks feel a bit lyrically overstuffed, but she's a storyteller at heart, so it's hard to mind too much. Vocally, she's sensational. A true master of vocal flow and power. It's really refreshing to hear such a healthy, full sound that can pull of so many unique vocal colours. I'm also a huge fan of the instrumentation choices here. You can really hear her evolution into jazz. Highlights: Court and Spark - I just really love the vocal line here - beautiful and timeless Help Me - just an excellent track with great vocal freedom Down to You - brilliantly complex writing here - the harmonies are magical and the instrumental interlude is about as close to perfect as anything she's ever written. I love how texturally complex this is.

Groovy tunes and all round well put together album. I love how we’re unsure what’s next with the vocals, the lack of chorus sets this album apart. Favourite track: help me

Great album! A bit too noodle-y at times to be a five star, but it lives up to its reputation as an all-timer.

joni kinda jazzy

It’s a jazzier Joni Mitchell, but still very sleepy and soothing. Absolutely pleasant to listen to while not exactly life altering.

Really enjoyed this

Such a classic album. Love raised on robbery and twisted. Songs all flow so well together.

Really fricken good

el primero que escucho de electric joni. muy bien.

Fav: Raised On Robbery Least Fav: Court And Spark I think the jazzier she makes her music, the more I like it

I love Joni's early stripped-down folk and her later jazzy experimentation. This was right in the middle and a little less distinctive.

I don't l know how to say what want to say about this album with any eloquence, so I'll just write and let other judge. Joni Mitchell's voice is great. I don't know that I could ever confuse anyone for Mitchell or vice versa. I understand that she may have started as a folk artist, and while her lyrics are quite poetic in that folk vein, musically, by this point she is beyond folk. Mitchell is all chamber pop and breezy jazz, and balances the tension between these disciplines (and other experiments with rock, funk, and twangy country sounds) exceptionally well. I enjoy Mitchell's voice and vocal style enough that I would listen to her sing the ingredients from a soup can if set to nice enough music.

I love how softly she sings

Joni is pretty damn sublime. I had never previously listened to this album, but it's as good as I had hoped it would be.

I never really gave joni mitchell the time of time. Major miss on my part. This was wonderful and dreamlike. I can't wait to listen to more.

Good for concentration at work!

First Joni Mitchell album

help me is an earworm and it's very romantic. vinyl in collection. Would I listen again: yes Deserves to be on this list: I'd pick Blue over this one 4.3

Joni Mitchell's voice is great, she makes everything seem effortless and there's a slightly aloof quality to her voice, in a good way. Like she could sing like this all day with ease This takes a few nice creative turns. Her vocal melodies are sometimes a bit unusual but I liked that, it's kept me on my toes and engaged with the album. The end of Car on a Hill really reminded me of early King Crimson, I immediately enjoyed it because of that Twisted has that classic pop sound and whilst it's a good song it's a bit of a weird choice as a closer because it doesn't feel very climactic or cathartic, it just kind of stops. That's probably my biggest complaint with the album though Classic stuff like this that I've never gotten around to is partly why I enjoy doing this so much Highlights: Car on a Hill, Help Me

I've had 3 Joni bums and this was by far and my favourite of them The cover of Twisted at the end of was great.

Amazing artist. Good album, probs not my fave of hers but really enjoyed it. So many imitators who don't even come close.

Really liked this album- turns out I’m a bit of a fan 8/10

I did not use a private spotify session for this one. I enjoyed the more than I thought I would. I like Joni's voice, the piano was nice, but over stated, and lots of acoustic guitar. Good album for the morning while enjoying your third or fourth cup of coffee. This album is very much of it's time, so it won't be going into steady rotation.

How can something so dense remain so light? Guitar chords thick with extensions, but airy as folk. Arrangements full of instruments, but generally lively: the L.A. Express does a lot of work, probably too much, that flute is certainly grating on Just Like This Train. The lyrics are a lot, the subject matter heavy, the scansion often tumbling, but Mitchell's melodic writing and preternatural voice often turns that tumbling into dancing, that heaviness into profundity, and a lot into everything. Not every time here, but she can do it when she wants to. For all that praise, this is not my favourite Joni record, not by a long chalk. But, as with kidneys, the margin between favourites is slight and the best living is done with the full complement that nature has granted. You'll be happy you have it. 3.5 The six studio albums from Ladies of the Canyon to Hejira is one of the best runs in pop music. In my opinion Court and Spark is the least of them, which is no great criticism by itself. The songs are terrific but the arrangements are overwrought and the production queasily slick. Same Situation doesn’t need the chimes and the oozing pedal steel guitar (almost nothing ever does but here it is on most of these tracks) and the string section. Troubled Child doesn’t need the chorus of muted horns. Down to You is the worst offender - a great song and I wish it was just Joni and a piano. Strings and horns is the least of it; clarinet, cor anglais, flute, and a harp all pop up adding some extraneous line - all luxury window-dressing. This is the Mitchell album for the people that kept an additional clean copy of Dark Side for testing new Hi-Fi components. And all those celebrity guest spots. Decadence. Utter 70s Decadence. In terms of lyrics Court and Spark might also be Mitchell at her most self-obsessed, not necessarily a deal-breaker (Blue is probably taking silver) but then the album ends with Twisted. I have never liked this track - there is something unpalatable about Joni Mitchell trying to ironise thinking you are a genius when she is, demonstrably, a genius. ‘Cheech and Chong’ not being geniuses doesn’t make it funny. 3.5/5

This album rips. I didn't pay attention to individual songs too much, but I enjoyed the entire run. It's a great length and all the songs are at least fun to listen to. My favorite songs were "Car on a Hill", "Free Man In Paris", "Raised on Robbery", and "Twisted". 8/10

Great album - didn't realize the diverse musicians on this - Tom Scott, Robbie Robertson, some of the Wrecking Crew, David Crosby, Graham Nash and even José Feliciano and Cheech and Chong! Standouts are "Raised on Robbery" and "Court and Spark" and to a lesser extent for me "Help Me"

норм

Enjoyed it Standout songs: Court and Spark The Same Situation Twisted

Songwriting on this album is prolly its strong suit amazing instrumentals though i think this album is just great, like its genuine piece of art probably will have to listen more and come back to it.

Joni Mitchell's voice is incredible, I really enjoyed listening to this one. The cover of Twisted felt a little stapled on to the end rather than a cohesive part of the album but it was still a pleasant surprise for me.

not my favorite by her but still good

I didn't get enough time for this to sink in - the songs grow with repeat plays. It may bebetter than I first thought.

I've yet to be blown away by the Joni Mitchell albums that have appeared so far (there have been a few) and it's been hard to convince me those albums are essential. "Court And Spark" contains at least three songs I'm very familiar with, along with a set of songs that are quite good. Hearing this record is warming me up to Mitchell's music, easy to listen to with less pretension and experimentation and more of the sound I was hoping to hear. Probably my favourite, or at least. enjoyable Joni Mitchell album on the list.

Joni Mitchell is a national treasure

Not my favorite work of hers musically, but lyrics are as poignant (and depressing!) as always! Even though they don’t always land I appreciate the broadening of the styles. Listened to: at home. Favorite tracks: Down to You, The Same Situation, Raised on Robbery

I always enjoy Joni Mitchell in the moment more than I remember. This is a good album. Not as good as Blue, but I can get into this.

Clearly very good, unfortunately got distracted by work so didn't appreciate it as much as I could have

Joni Mitchell takes an experimental new direction. I enjoyed listening to it, although I think the earlier stuff suits her voice better.

Albumi #148, 15.02.2025 Joni Mitchellin kuudes studioalbumi vuodelta 1974 on yksi legendaarisen laulaja-lauluntekijän parhaita. Aiemmista albumeista tutuksi tullut folk-pop on saanut rinnalleen vaikutteita jazzista. Todella hyvä levy.

Good chill album. 4 stars

This album was a bit of a slow burn for me. Joni’s voice is still top notch. My two favorite songs were held until the last three tracks (Raised On Robbery and Twisted).

Lovely Album

pretty different from what i expected. more soul and jazz-oriented than the stripped back acoustic sound on blue. some great choruses, surprisingly acute pop sensibility. of course, its joni mitchell, so the writing is really at the core of the appeal for me. thematically, its more-so a loose connection of vignettes than a cohesive concept. the lyrics are as fantastic as you'd expect—wit, earnestness, sentimentality. the depth of frank introspection gives the songs a diary feel. her diction when delivering those lyrics is also impressively dense; occasionally manages to fit in an absurd amount of syllables in each line, with considerable melodic complexity. sonically, almost sounds like a proto-fiona apple, which i can't really complain about. the elaborate compositions generally work, especially on the opening three track stretch. not without its failures though. occasionally the instrumental extravagance buries the raw expression underneath. the rhythmically rowdy "raised on robbery" felt especially out of place. jazz fusion is a fragile balancing act between kitsch and sophistication–one that this album almost always succeeds at.

I listened to the first song and thought to myself, arman and adi would have a field day with this album. decided to stick with it and was thoroughly surprised. The album was dynamic, sonically pleasing, personal, and different. Had never heard any of her previous works but was really surprised, I enjoyed it quite a lot. A bit poppy at times but the storytelling and lyricism made up for it. Will have to listen to the rest of her stuff and this again. Solid 4/4.5.

ive grown to really like joni mitchell this past year. although i prefer blue, i enjoyed to this album too

I rarely ever voluntarily listen to folk, but I really like how instrumentally varied this album is. I hope that I eventually start seeking this stuff.

I’ve got a big ol’ Joni Mitchell-sized hole in my listening background and I d really enjoyed the opportunity to start to fill it in with some of these albums. These songs are a little corny, but utterly musical and extremely well crafted. I certainly see why she is wildly adored.

Joni.

7.5/10. The music is very lovely. The vocals are really soothing. The lyrics are nice. It makes sense why Joni Mitchell is such a beloved figure in the world of folk music. :)

Love Joni ❤️

Randy Newman once said he fell off a bit with Joni when she started singing about rich people. I get that, although "Free Man in Paris" is probably the best song here. As a Blue fan, I'm generally less excited about her forays into the jazzier side of things, but this one works well overall.

She’s done it again

By far the best Joni Mitchell album we’ve gotten, imo. Enjoyed this, her voice intonation is kindve not easy on my ears but I feel like there was less of that than blue or Hejira. High 4

This album is incredible

Enjoyed it. Forgot about her as an artist but after listening remember her way more than I had realized. Very 70s folk.

7/10 Voce incredibile, jazz/funk album interessante, sarebbe da approfondire i testi e gli argomenti trattati

MI’m re swing that the albums mom listened to, but still beautiful

i havent heard this type of music before

lovely

4/5 We enjoyed this one. It was quality.

Great album: Mitchell's voice warbles and dances through the expertly crafted tunes, though her cover of Twisted doesn't do a lot for me (Annie Ross's original is sublime).

Джони Митчелл — это Тейлор Свифт 70-х. Она, как твоя старая подруга из колледжа, которая сидела на ступеньках общаги с гитарой, но вместо того, чтобы выносить мозг своими страданиями, умудрялась рассказывать о них так, что ты действительно слушал. Альбом «Court and Spark» звучит так, будто эта подруга наконец-то заработала на приличные джинсы, немного утонула в радиопопсе, но всё ещё остаётся той же задорной и остроумной девчонкой. Это лёгкий фолк, который не пытается навязчиво цеплять тебя за душу, как какой-нибудь уличный проповедник — он просто существует рядом. Митчелл ловко смешивает джаз и поп, как будто делает коктейль, где джаз — это крепкий алкоголь, а поп — вкусная газировка. Всего в меру, ничего лишнего. И это удивительно, потому что обычно, когда фолк-исполнители заигрывают с жанрами, результат напоминает салат из того, что завалялось в холодильнике. Но Джони, судя по всему, знает рецепт. «Court and Spark» — это саундтрек к жизни, где ты не супергерой, а просто человек, застрявший в пробке или кружащий с тележкой по супермаркету в поисках нормального авокадо. Это музыка для тех, кто уже понял, что мир не изменится, но всё ещё хочет, чтобы он хотя бы звучал приятно.

Lyrical queen. I liked it.

stellar! never heard a joni mitchell album in full before, and really glad this was my introduction.

Beautiful album

Groovy, simplistic lyricism, gentle, beautiful instrumentals, introspective

Easy listening

Quite like this

This is nice :)

A very pleasant listen!

Classic folkish music that I really enjoyed listening to. She is really a legend now. Sort of haunting vibe, very chilled out. I'm sure I will listen to this again.

HERE COMES JONIII court and spark hani zwar schön aber nüt speziells gfunde, au wenn ichs klavier liebeee sie singt sooo unglaublich free man in paris aaaah hmm finds sehr schön und sehr cool wied lieder innenadflüssed aber s ischmer viles chli z langsam? down to you isch na spannend aber at denn ide bridge chli z lang findi zu raised on robbery chammer ricjtig s tanzbei schwinge grundsätzlich gege endi sehr viilsitig!! twisted megaaa

I really enjoyed each of these songs, something about her voice just feels magical.

Help Me is one of the greatest songs of all the twentieth century

For albums I know nothing about I'm doing thoughts before and after I listen: Before: I know Joni Mitchell is a singer and she is well known and an influential artist, I could not name one of her songs off the top of my head. Did she do the paved paradise and put up a parking lot one? I expect to hear 70's folksy/contemporary music. I expect I'll recognize one or two songs. After: Recognized Help Me. She did do Paved Paradise, but it's not on this album. Definitely 70's singer/songwriter music à la Carly Simon or James Taylor, but leans more folk to my ear. I think it's a good album, but not my normal cup of tea.

Dug this considerably. Some cool hippydelic groovy grooves tossed in and some super cool session work from the guitarists, and other instrumentalists. The documentary really added to my appreciation of Joni and the rest of the Laurelite's (my nickname I came up with 30 seconds ago).

Not my favorite Joni Mitchell album, but it’s still really good because, well, it’s Joni. Songs are catchy, the album flows well, and I love her guitar playing. It’s no Blue, but still a great record.

Great!

Beautiful album, as everything she does! In the same vibe as Blue but with more instruments!

Classic Joni Mitchell, i really like Raised on Robbery as it brings the pace, sadly Twisted was kinda meh, but her vocals and interesting melodies help her a lot

"Court and Spark", "Free Man in Paris", "Help Me" are the highlights here. Joni Mitchell can be a little hit or miss for me, but this album is firmly in the "hit" column.

Amazing

почитала про эту легендарную женщину и рада что слушала первым именно этот альбом потому что джаз мне куда интереснее фолк рока очень приятный голос и действительно крутые тексты (за что её и любят) не скажу что весь альбом зашел потому что мне местами было скучновато но опыт однозначно приятный и много образов вызвал (как и было эээ обещано) отдельно отмечу песни help me и raised on robbery!

прикольно, но не эпохально

Chad Joni

Wow so much better than Blue

Uniquely beautiful. Her voice is truly amazing and her cadence is just wonderful. “Free Man in Paris” is a great song. 4/5 Will listen again

really good, very rich with swelling guitars and great vocals, paired with great lyricism and storytelling. amazing folk pop. blah blah blah music nerd shit SHUT UP

Lovely folk rock goodness, Joni Mitchell knows how to write songs

This is proto bedroom pop and it's cool how great it still sounds. This was a good time and I'll probably listen to more of Joni because I do love Big Yellow Taxi

I was a bit apprehensive about this one, I've had a copy of "Blue" for years and never got into it, even though that is supposed to be THE Joni Mitchell album. For my taste was way more enjoyable!

A gorgeous album. Poetry woven by an angelic voice. Songs of hope and loss

Aw, Joni Mitchell. This is very much the kind of thing I was listening to in high school - nostalgia vibes.

One of the greats of my younger years along with BJ Thomas. Great lyrics, great voice and so pleasant to listen to. It also engender so many good memories.

There's a distinct possibility that if I'd heard this album before the other Joni album on the list, I would have reacted much differently to that one. I had no idea she had this kind of range.

Nice easy listening. I wasn't a big fan of her stream of consciousness lyrics sometimes. I really dig that '70s folk Pop style.

I can’t get enough Mitchell. So much sweetness in the stories. Heaven.

Nice change after AC/DC. Pleasantly melodic. But the age is felt. Jazzy, but not overly so. Fun, quick album. I enjoyed it.

Lemppari: Court And Spark Vähiten lemppari: Raised on Robbery

I really liked this. Definitely Laurel Canyon-y with some Jazz thrown in for good measure.

Albüm kapağı hoşuma gitti. Joni Mitchelldan umutluyum. Lyriclerini çok sevdim. Benim için bi tık down tempo ama sıkılmadım. Böyle fikri hür, vicdanı hür folkçulara can kurban.

Really good album, ruined by Twisted. The hell was she thinking, man....

Twisted is great! Never been much of a Joni Mitchell fan with very few exceptions, but this album changed my mind.

A great album. Some tracks don’t seem to fit but overall it’s great. Free Man in Paris and Help Me obviously shine but it’s still a great album.

A wonderful album. Superbly arranged music & vocals.

I didn't like Joni Mitchell before starting this journey, but now I've discovered that my dislike was based on only hearing her "hits" and that her albums have all been superb. I enjoyed this enough for 4 stars, but it didn't quite hit me as being worthy of a full 5 star rating. It was very easy listening, maybe too easy?

Very internal to her

Pretty good.

Raised on Robbery made for a movie

Hadn't listened to Joni Mitchell before, but I like this quite a lot!

I like this one

This was very good. I love the instrumental work in this one. Catchy tunes all around, 9 out of 10!

Generally enjoyable! Not quite my type of tunes, but nice enough.

It blends elements of folk, rock, and jazz to create a unique sound that resonates with listeners. The album encapsulates themes of love, freedom, fame, and the complexities of relationships. It soothed me at the end of a long work week. Favorite Song: "Help Me"

Surprised I liked this one. Not something I’d break out to put on in the background, but felt like I back riding in the back of my Mom’s 1975 Ford Maverick. This transported me back to the 70’s in the best way

This one pleasantly surprised me. Not that I'm completely unfamiliar with Joni Mitchell, but a lot of folk artists from this era tend to be TOO low key and one-note. This album was somehow both equal parts lively and equal parts mellow. The songwriting was strong for the most part, allowing each track to flow along thanks to the jazz flourish that accompanies this record. A fairly easy and fun listen that clocks in at less than 40 min. Fav tracks: Help Me, Down to You

I enjoyed this a lot. I think it could have been 5* if more of the songs had choruses. Whenever the songs give hints of a chorus or a 'hook' they take a 90 degree turn and go back to more verse. Which is a shame. But very listenable to. I can imagine after 10 listens or so I could really get into the songs and really follow the lyrics.

I liked it very Mitchell

Highlights: Help Me A Free Man in Paris Twisted Beautiful

Absolutely beautiful album. Joni Mitchell continues to impress, as expected of course.

pretty and poetic enough that i accept i'm out of my element

Such a unique album. Great songwriting and wonderful instrumentation.

I like the different instrumentation. Definitely needs a second listen to really listen to the lyrics. Probably great for a road trip.

I enjoyed the album, it was a pleasant musicality, and beautiful vocals. The scatting in Twisted was uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Nice mix in of jazz and folk background.

Beautifully sang

3.5 stars. This was decent but I prefer her more pure folk, stripped down music than this jazz-infused soft rock. Still a pleasant listen because of her beautiful voice and some good lyricism, just not my favorite. Standouts are "Free Man in Paris" and "Raised on Robbery".

Wonderfully interesting. Joni Mitchell has a beautiful voice and there's some very unique compositions here.

Good album. Joni Mitchell’s voice is obviously stunning, and her songwriting and style of singing and song-making is next-level. I found myself frequently wondering “how did she come up with this instrumental bit in between verses?” or “why did she choose this kind of instrumental if the song has this many lyrics?” I do think that the album as a whole is overshadowed by “Help Me,” a masterpiece of a song, and the other songs I enjoyed, “Car on a Hill” and “Just Like This Train.” The rest of it kind of blended together. Overall though, it’s lush and beautiful, and I’m interested in checking out more of her material.

Amazing voice - definitely a trip back in time - nice to hear those 70's vibes again.

Yeah, I know this one because my sisters listened the shit out if this when I was a kid. Superior to "Blue" IMO. Won me over a little in spite of myself.

Joni and jazz is a great combination. I imagine this will become a 5 star album with future listens. Painting your own album cover is so bad ass as well. 4.5/5

Good.

Joni Mitchell never lies.

I really liked this - the jazz influence was subtle but kept the songs a bit more cohesive and listenable than some of the stuff on Blue. California is just so lovely!

I’ve never really gotten into Joni Mitchell though I felt like I SHOULD. She’s arty and jazzy and I like things in those categories. But her voice never really gelled with me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this. I’m not sure I could hum you a tune from it afterwards but it passed the time pleasantly. After my surprise enjoyment of Steely Dan yesterday, I wonder if 1001 is expanding my musical taste. Maybe there will be room for Joni eventually, or rather, there’ll be a better understanding on my part. Or maybe I can form new “moods” where I can spend some time liking types of music I didn’t before. Whilst I’m musing on that, I think I see why you get certain similar albums in sequence on #1001 now. It must be to get you into certain moods and more receptive to certain types of music. This obviously favours the subsequent albums but I suppose it helps. E.g. We seem to be in Jazz Rock mode at the moment.

Music for not doing things to

Pretty solid album with jazz influences.

Another iconic artist, voice, and album from the 70’s.

Joni es una capa, pero tndria que escucharlo leyendo bien las letras porque me pierdo cosas sino.

Some really good songs on here. Not my favorite of Mitchell's but still really really good.

A few great songs on this one.

Good album, but not really something I'll expect I'll listen to again.

FIRE. Joni Mitchell is pure poetry bro folk music is the shit

Liked this a lot

Beautiful light and almost jazzy pop with a silky smooth vocal.

This album was super pleasant. Joni's vocals, the warm guitar tones and the jazzy composition really made it for me. Will probably revisit in the future.

Loves me the singer songwriter genre and Joni Mitchell is S tier for this. One of her better albums, but it's no Ladies of the Canyon...

Definitely the best of the singer-songwriter albums I've listened to so far. Very peaceful feel. I dig her style.

++: Car on a Hill, Twisted +: Court and Spark, Help Me, Free Man in Paris, People's Parties, The Same Situation, Down to You, Just Like This Train, Raised on Robbery, Trouble Child 8,1/10

I could imagine this being 100% better when you're stoned.

Ooh, this is nice!! 4.

Really liked it. Kind of a concept album. Some parts of some songs threw me off a bit and overall the experience varied from 3 to 5 stars, but the parts I liked I really really liked. Definitely going to listen to again, I bet this slaps in the U-Bahn. Does not however work very well in the shower, the background instrumentals are too important for the music. The voice reminds me of Tracy Chapman a bit.

For this I was bouncing back and forth between really good and just alright. Joni's cadence and songwriting are so unique for this time, you can see how she's become as influential as she is.

Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark is an album that, while newer to me compared to her acclaimed Blue, has proven to be a deeply enriching experience. When listening to it with my daughter just the other day she said to me “she has such a beautiful voice, how does she sing like that?” I could only agree and guess at the years of practice that contributed to her ability to deliver such honest and emotive performances. As a fan of Blue, I initially approached Court and Spark with a sense of familiarity but found the more complex songwriting style to be a fresh challenge. In my younger years, I struggled with the seemingly rambling nature of singer-songwriter lyrics, feeling they sometimes took a circuitous route to their points. However, as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate and even revel in the poetry and nuance of Mitchell's writing. The album's instrumentation, particularly the orchestral elements, adds a rich layer to the listening experience. Tracks like "Down To You" stand out with their lush arrangements, demonstrating Mitchell's ability to blend intricate music with her profound lyrics seamlessly. Overall, Court and Spark is a testament to Joni Mitchell's extraordinary talent and evolution as an artist. Its sophisticated artistry and emotional depth make it a compelling listen that continues to reveal its layers with each spin.

This one really took me by surprise. Believe it or not, I, Miss Where-Are-The-Female-Artists-On-This-List, have never actively listened to Joni Mitchell. I've gleaned bits of knowledge of her over the years, understanding that she was an important and influential artist. I had brushed up against a handful of her songs, namely Big Yellow Taxi, and through that, I thought I had an idea about who she was as an artist. But listening to this made me realize that there's a lot more to her than I was expecting. There's one song on here, "Down to You" that pretty well exemplifies what I was expecting to hear. More of a stripped down "girl and piano" or "girl and guitar" kind of sound. Maybe there was more of that in her early career, more folk influence and coffeehouse vibes, and that's what I had come to associate her with. I just didn't know there were other sides to her. Apparently this album was a step in a new direction for her, and I really like it! Some of the production sounded so delightfully 70s to me, and there were lots of unexpected interesting musical things happening on many of the tracks. I'm still thinking about some of the songs a day later, which is a sign that I will probably return to this album for subsequent listens. Also, she released music into the 2000s, so there is a lot of material for me to explore, should I make the time. She has a clear, beautiful voice, and she was able to do lots of more challenging runs, even getting into some jazz phrasing, seemingly without effort. As interesting as the music was on this album, I always gathered that one of the main strengths of Joni Mitchell was her lyrics. She paved the way for scores of other female singer-songwriters to bring their perspectives to the music industry, and that is evident here with lyrics that are vividly personal and introspective, exploring emotions and human relationships. This album is at least a four for me, but I could imagine it being a five if I had more time to get acquainted with it.

So....I own a Joni Mitchell album and have had it for years, but never really listened to it. I'll have to go back now and give it a listen. Though this is not exactly my type of music,. I was really impressed with it. On songs 2 and 3 I thought to myself, 'I didn't know Joni got down like this'....I mean some of this stuff really jammed. Also, the entire album sounds like a ton of thought and planning was put into it. With this album charting high when it came out, it reminded of some of the more dumbed down contemporary music that is high on the charts today. Some of the songs sound like music theory nerds were involved in the instrument arrangements. I mean when is the last time you heard an Oboe feature prominently on a song? Or French horn for that matter? Joni's voice is very clear and she seems to hit notes very effortlessly and cleanly. The jazz song was kind of a curve ball for me, I had no idea that she could be a jazz singer. I feel like Joni must have been an influence on Tracy Chapman and Alanis Morrisette.

Gran joni mitchell, aunque no es el mejor de sus discos.

I'm torn here. I'm giving it a 4 for first impressions, but I suspect it may grow to a 5 on repeated listens. Lyrically brilliant, playful, and distinct.

My favourite of her work so far. Those last few songs were spunky!

Love Joniiii

More Joni Mitchell music is good music. Nice vocals and instrument arrangement

joni does it again. i like the production on this one more than blue (which i gave a 5 because i fat-fingered my phone and submitted it without realising)

An original. Lyrics and music that last. The muse of the late 60s, 70s. Not even her best album. Very good. Great backing musicians from Robbie to Cheech & Chong. Tom Scott paints a colorful musical accompaniment. Joni deserves all the accolades.

Favorite track: Car on a hill other picks: court and spark, help me, down to you

i’m starting to change my mind on Joni Mitchell. my introduction with her was Blue and i maintain that i hate that album. she sings in falsetto the whole time and it’s slow and boring and terrible. but since then i have listened to Mingus and was pleasantly surprised and now i am listening to Court and Spark and it’s undeniably hitting. also Both Sides Now is a genuinely amazing song that i really liked even when i was anti-mitchell

Entspannter Pop 4/5

Мне нравится Джони Митчел. И мне нравится, как горят от нее пердаки у всяких фанов А Цэ Дэ Цэ, Джудас Прист и проч. Лучшая песня - Help Me.

love it

Love me some Joni.

Great album

A very good album. Released a year after I graduated high school, and I was all about Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and locally the Tubes. So I didn't pay much attention to Laurel Canyon music unless it was on the radio. But surprise, I enjoyed it very much

Muy relajante, la verdad que no me ha parecido tener nada de especial reseñable, pero muy agradable su sonido y tranquilo, perfecto álbum para tener puesto de fondo como relax.

Not wonderful but enjoyable.

Hadn't listened to much Joni before other than the very well known ones. Pretty nice, and I can see why she's had so much influence across the industry.

Love Joni Mitchell’s voice.

beautiful！

I like this better than Blue. It’s diverse but solidly Joni. Big fan.

Not my favorite Joni album, but her effortless and lighthearted style elevates anything she does. 3.5/5

very nice

Some very pleasant and easy to digest songs. I really like her voice as well as the lyrics of *most* songs. The last one on the album was a terrible closer, but the rest of the album was varied and enjoyable.

Oh, this Joni Mitchell album is beautiful. I'm obsessed with the incorporation of jazz to her usual sound. Jazz is a perfect companion to her soft, sincere sound and personal lyrics. Her music is even smoother than her other albums because of the jazz, and oh my gosh what a pleasant listen this album was. The jazz even gives Mitchell more of a bounce than what's typically found in her music. And I know I'm not making this up: Mitchell absolutely uses funk at least once, specifically on "Raised on Robbery." This makes sense for the time of 1974 when Black musicians' funk was becoming popular. It doesn't hit you over the head but it sure makes the album all the more vibrant.

Another solid Joni Mitchell album! I couldn't help but compare this album to "Blue"; "Court and Spark" was written not long after "Blue", and the project is giving me this album not long after I got "Blue". This is maybe the most lively I have heard her, as she leans more than usual into jazz rock, folk rock, and heavier pop sounds. It is still incredibly poetically written and expressively sung, but it somehow feels less introspective than "Blue". It's still a bit sad in its own way -- I think that's just how Joni Mitchell sounds -- but there is a tint of happiness and hopefulness to this particular album that seems a bit absent in "Blue". No matter what, there is just always something special to pick up on on Joni Mitchell albums. At this point, I have listened to all of her albums found on this project, and after being unable to help myself in comparing it so closely to "Blue", I still found this one landing as a nice close second favorite to "Blue". "Court and Spark" somehow feels like light as "Blue" is to dark. "Blue" is the moon, "Court and Spark" is the sun. Anyway, it was a nice way to wrap up touring Joni's presence on this project. She is a musician who won't easily be replicated and could never be replaced.

What a great listen!

ive never been the biggest joni mitchell fan unfortunately. this is enjoyable but doesnt blow me away. 7/10

It's taken me a long time to get my head around Joni Mitchell. I'm only now in my 50s beginning to "get" her. Court and Spark is a great example of her high standards for everything that goes into her recordings. Highlights are "Help Me", "Raised On Robbery", and "Free Man in Paris".

Crying and laughing, both the same release

Love me some Joni Mitchell and this album is absolutely a class act. Still holds up some 40 years later without question. Standout Tracks: Help Me, Car on a Hill, Raised on Robbery

Really interesting and fun, she explores other genres a bit with that same spectacular voice!

Court and Spark // Help Me // Down To You // 3.5-4/5

What a great album that's totally out of my wheelhouse. There were a few songs that had chord progressions that reminded me of Steely Dan. Sure enough, once the album was done, Spotify played Midnight Cruiser from the first Dan album. Another coincidence was that Larry Carlton has played guitar for both Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan. Liked songs added: - Help Me - Down To You - Raised On Roberry - Twisted

If Taylor Swift was as good as her fans claim.

The first half of this was fantastic. The 2nd half stumbles a bit imo, but still a great album.

really like this, quite a eclectic mix of genres from auld joni. great voice

This is one of Joni's best albums

Already loving it! You can tell this has influenced many artist. Like the folk feel to it. Loved that intro.

6/24/24. Joni Mitchell does the folk/pop sound really well, and all the songs are written with excellence. Enjoyed this one.

Tu sais que quand un « Johnny » ou dérivé sort de quoi, ça va être de la qualité (ne s’applique pas à Johnny Test)

That was really good! gonna make less notes, kinda ruins the experience. Would listen again. What a voice. Everything's so warm. 4

Very good, but not her best. Feels kinda country-rock-fusion.

This is not one's favorite Joni (one rates Hissing and Hejira a bit higher), but it's solid throughout, alternately sharp and sweet, dreamy and bouncy.

its kinda cute

Rly good

- Hat mich kalt erwischt und richtig umgehauen - Kannte nur Blue von Joni Mitchell und das gefällt riesig gut! - So eine tolle Stimmung, die die Frau erzeugt. Super komponiert, total gefühlvoll und textlich mega authentisch - Zum Ende hin wirds etwas experimenteller aber meiner Meinung nach auch etwas schwächer 4,25/5

okay on second listen its so enjoyable and cohesive like

I want to bottle her voice up and keep it for days which I feel bad. It’s so unique and cutting, too me, almost a perfectly delicate singing voice, that’s passionate and soothing. I’ve always been privy more to how a song sounds, vs. its lyrics and meaning, but this album strikes both so well. Her other album, Blue, is also terrific which I’ve listened too. 3.7

Nice tunes here

Joni Mitchell is a talented musician, singer and songwriter. Her ability to intertwine her unique blend of musical stylings and meaningful lyrics stand the test of time.

Quality.

never listened to joni mitchell before this. glad that i finally am cause this was great

Overall pretty good! I like Joni Mitchell. I like that there were a variety of musical styles on display. Help Me and Car on a Hill I listened to twice. I felt like a lot of the vocals were talk-singing which sits in a weird space for me. Sometimes I'm interested and receptive, and other times I feel like I'm not listening to music. Nothing here came close to Big Yellow Taxi for me.

Great voice, good songwriting, not quite my style but I get it

For some reason I don't like it as much as Blue or Hissing of Summer Lawns but it IMHO has some bangers, in particular "Help Me".

Great album, enjoyed that one.

This album is mostly calming and pleasant, with piano on some songs that I really enjoy. Some songs are less calm, but still enjoyable.

Help Me Free Man in Paris Car on a Hill

This is GOLD that will never be matched. Her voice was so pure and solid. Truly spiritual. 4 stars easy.

yes I love listening to Joni Mitchell's unique voice. Timeless.

Josiah - 5 Elen - 3 4

Quite enjoyed this. Sounds far more modern than the release date. Very good

Muchos temaikenes

Hermoso disco. Muy buen sonido, grabación, talento y complejidad. Sin embargo, le falta algo de "feeling", la sensación es que no queda nada memorizable. De todas formas, la complejidad de las armonías y las estructuras hacen que cada vez guste más, y sólo lo oí 3 veces.

listened to under a big moon i do get the genius effect, but a lot of joni mitchell voice is a lot. but still rlly liked! 3.75

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Solid 4. I've never been a huge Joni Mitchell fan, but I enjoyed this. Maybe doesn't hit the peaks of Blue but very enjoyable. Highlights for me: Help Me, Raised on Robbery, Twisted. Really enjoy the variety the last two provide.

Soft spoken, beautiful, and well written. Joni hits it out of the ballpark. Blues still better though..

Jazzy Joni is the best Joni

3.5

Das dürfte das kommerziellste Album all ihrer Alben sein. Das ist nicht negativ gemeint, sondern mir hat die durchaus positive Stimmung sehr gut gefallen. Abwechslungsreiche Songs, frisch und lebendig produziert, garniert mit Jazz, Soul, Folk, Pop... Das hätte ich nie von Joni Mitchell gedacht. Danke.

Joni has an amazing voice. Solid folk rock.

Joni Mitchell is pretty great. While I love Ladies of the Canyon and Blue, this record feels like it sits somewhere in between and not quite as appealing to me as either of those. But still… pretty great.

Maybe not as good as Blue. Still pretty great.

It's really good. I enjoyed listening to this, but would probably put Blue on if I wanted to listen to her.

This album was on Rick Beato's 40 greatest sounding albums of all time list, and I can see why. It is subtle, insightful, and beautifully recorded. It's flawless, just not my thing. Four stars for the genius though.

Been waiting for a Joni Mitchell album. I knew very little if anything about her music but I know how beloved she is. I can see why. The songwriting here is absolutely top notch. I could quote multiple lines here but I’m writing this as I leave for work and don’t have the time. The music…is alright. Sometimes it borders on schmaltzy but it usually doesn’t cross the line. I loved the incorporation of jazz and orchestral elements on multiple songs, especially on “Down to You.” And some of the vocal harmonies are just excellent Overall this was great. 4 stars because of the songwriting and in spite of the sometimes corny musical arrangements. Standout tracks: Court and Spark, Free Man in Paris, Car on a Hill, Down to You, Raised on Robbery

Very cool, nice voice and tune. Great discovery