Court And Spark

Easy listening with a couple standout tracks. Her vocals seem old fashioned but also have a little bit of a timeless characteristic to them. Pretty sure that’s the first Joni Mitchell album I’ve ever listened to and I’ll definitely listen to it again.

A lovely album to listen to. No real standout songs, but nothing I can really say negative about it either. 3.5/5.

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

I like this album, but I love Blue.

Amazing voice, might listen again out of curiosity but it didn't grab me right away

owacje na stojaco

court and spark- 3 help me- 3 free man in paris- 3 peoples parties- 3 the same situation- 3 car on a hill- 3 down to you- 3 no more joni, im tired

Not my thing, at all.

"Help Me", Free Man In Paris" and "Raised In Robbery" are the high points of this record, and it's no coincidence that those are the tracks that adhere most closely to conventional song structures. The other cuts on this record mostly avoid choruses and refrains, much their detriment - they're sophisticated and jazzy, but because they don't have solid hooks they aren't very memorable. (Nice cover of "Twisted", though.)

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.

1.5 Winston is right.

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.

It was ok, but not my thing

Неплохой фолк-поп с долькой рока и джаза, звучит очень добродушно и грустно

meh...

Joni Mitchell's magnum opus. Tough rate. As far as influence, Mitchell deserves a place on this list, and this is obviously considered her greatest album. But it doesn't contain her greatest hits (like, none of them), and while she was very influential and paved the way for some really great singer-songwriter women, this is just a super blah album. If it wasn't Joni Mitchell, it'd be a 1. But even her name can't get it to a 3.

Having already listened to Blue from Joni, there was hope for this album to build further on the intricacies of the composition, however this album definitely didn't live up the previous listen. This album really didn't have any songs which stood out, or would warrant a re-listen and as such will receive 2.5/5 which will be bumped to 3 as there was nothing explicitly wrong with it also.

Not as good as Blue. It's not bad, I just wouldn't be putting on this album again. 3/5.

Another day, another Joni Mitchell album that isn't anywhere near as good as Blue. Can't really remember the other non-Blue Joni album's we've had so I imagine they were similarly forgettable. She has a great voice that barely gets used here and the songs are generally straightforward. Went by acceptably enough but not worth a listen.

Not as good as Blue, but better than the other ones we've had from Joni. Court and Spark is a great song - love the urgency. Nice driving rhythm. The rest is absolutely listenable. Wasn't as keen on any of the other tracks.

Not as good as blue, but better then the 2 later albums of hers we've had. More similar to blue too, which I much prefer. Did not know any of the tracks here Again, great voice. 3.5

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

Made me a fan

Inte riktigt blue

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!

Snore fest

3.5 stars. Not my favorite Joni Mitchell personally.

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.

I enjoyed this album. Some songs were a little too country/plain for me.

Not a fan. It’s exactly like someone telling a story and singing all the words but not in a good way. It was boring and annoying.

Ikke beste albumet hennes

I’m confident that every single Joni Mitchell album will be 3/5.

Was OK, expected a bit more.

For someone who has been around for so long and is this well known I was probably expecting a little bit better. It’s all fairly average - nothing particularly memorable

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

Enjoyed this more than I expected to. I don't normally go in for folk. Joni has a beautiful voice though, and the songs here all have a private and intimate feel to them (for lack of better terms).

love love lov pastorious

Joni Mitchell has some amazing lyrical content, but I just didn’t find the album an overall enjoyable listening experience. Her voice isn’t even that bad either. It just her singing remains constant throughout, and I felt there wasn’t enough variety for me. I agree with other reviews, that she should have gone the direction of being a poet.

Jazzy and folky. This is a good album from Joni Michell. While not typically one of my go-to listens, I liked it better than "Blue"

The best Joni Mitchell album I've experienced in this exercise so far by a country mile. Blue, Hejira, and The Hissing of Summer Lawns were all deadly dull to me. The elements that made them dull were felt in the middle of the album. But the bookends actually did include some movement that gained my attention, finally. Finally I will not have an involuntary recoil to seeing her pop up in any playlists

2.7 2x just not loving it, but better than the last Jm album i listened through

it’s was nothing special but after lot of albums i didn’t like it felt maybe better.

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.

I’ve liked other Joni albums but this is got too. I think if I listen to it a few more times it will go up to 4 stars.

Clever and fun

Probably my favourite Joni Mitchell album, certainly my most played. Car on a Hill is just perfection. A beautifully arranged, sumptuous-sounding record that I could (and do) listen to over and over.

Off the cuff remark: with Joni Mitchell I HAVE to be in the right mood, or I will be irritated by the "hippy warbling". Court and spark is not my favourite album either, Blue is far better. Standout track: People's Parties Revisit?: if I'm in the mood for it, though Blue is a more likely choice.

Simply put Joni doesn't speak to me the way she does to her numerous fans.

This spark is courting my wife for a trip to Greece

Surprisingly good

Super stories and varied instrumentation to the songs. Does have a good re-listen quality

Sorry not a Joni fan but I can see how others love her,

Classic Joni.

It will be a sad day when Joni Mitchell dies. 10/10

Not for me. 1/5

Iznenađujuće simpa album, definitivno nije najgore s čim sam se susrela na projektu. Moram priznati da mi glazba više paše od vokala, ti mekani ženski vokali mi se ne slažu nikako uz te surfy psihodelične zvuke kasnih 60-ih i i 70-ih. Sve u svemu, neki prosjek. 3/5, 5/10

songwriter perfection

What could be more seventies than Cheech and Chong guesting on a Joni Mitchell modal jazz vibe album. Pass the quaaludes, man. Fun in its way, but it doesn’t land for me. There are moments - Joni’s voice is a powerful instrument, and she’s a sharp, incisive lyricist. But the songs don’t take on a life of their own. They feel muddled, structureless. These sorts of modal moods can work if there’s lots of interesting stuff happening in the space opened up (sixties jazz; The Dead) but there’s not enough of that here. It’s at once too languid and flimsy while also busy and overfull. Down to two from three because as great as her voice is it often grates on me. Joni may be an acquired taste, and she’s adjacent to lots that I love, so I’ll keep at it.

Really great album - loved the jazzy vibes and vocals

Ohhhh Joni Mitchell, I love you.

I can appreciate why people appreciate Joni Mitchell's work, but it just isn't for me.

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.

The older I get the more I realize that Joni's music deserves to be as celebrated and obsessed-over as any other singer-songwriter in modern history. She was operating at a higher level of complexity and sophistication and ambition than anyone else in the 70's. This album is my least favorite of the handful of records of hers that I've heard though. I really like the stretch of music in the middle of the album, especially the first half of side two, but overall the jazz-pop aesthetic of it all borders on cheesy / easy listening for me. I do think the last song is charming even though it seems like a lot of people think it's cringe.

The sound was quintessential Joni Mitchell. Who might have been Taylor Swift before Taylor Swift. Easy and mellow but filled with a sort of “done wrong” undertone.

Cute and well sung but a tad forgettable

Decent Joni Mitchell album, I did enjoy “Blue” a bit more, from earlier in the project. Favorite track was ‘Help Me’ but they were all solid. 3.25/5

Meh

laatste nummer lekker jazzy

I recognize Joni’s contributions to music and the era in which she emerged. Her voice is lovely and her storytelling is impeccable. Musically, this is just not pleasing to me. It’s like she and her band are on two different pages. Shes just sing-talking, and the band is just jamming behind her. Like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell is important to a generation; just not MY generation.

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.

Court and Spark is the sixth studio album from Canadian singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell. This was the most commercially successful album of Mitchell's career. Court and Spark was regarded as one of the best albums of 1974, and in top one hundred of the "best albums of all time" lists. The album includes "Help Me," Mitchell's most successful single. Her clear, distinct voice is one of the most recognizable in folk - and perhaps all of popular music. These are beautiful, thoughtful songs from one of the most accomplished songwriters of all time.

Found myself going back to help me.

5/5. Vocals, lyrics, melodies, instruments, just excellent.

Joni Mitchell is overrated. She is a good poet, but not really a musical artist. I don't know why she seems to hate writing choruses so much. Most of the songs are just unstructured messes that never go anywhere. 2⭐️

Joni Mitchell has a great distinctive voice and that shows on this album. However overall i was left underwhelmed by the album and slightly bored. For an album lasting only 37 minutes it really seemed to drag at points. The change in tempo for ‘Raised on robbery’ was a welcome relief from what went before but was not enough to lift this album for me overall.

My Joni Mitchell knowledge was limited as I lined this up for a listen, but I was fairly sure it wasn’t going to be for me - and I was right. I can see her appeal, and why she is lauded, but she just doesn’t do it for me. She nearly got a bonus star for her excellent grasp of a song-coming-in-under-three-minutes, but I resisted.

Another artist I got to hear a lot as a kid - my Mum loves Joni Mitchell - but that, Big Yellow Taxi aside, I cannot remember at all. I like her voice but for the most part this album passed me by (though I liked Raised on Robbery a lot). It is however a record I'll try again in the future as I think I could really get into it after a few listens. 3/5

Special mood only, not really into this

Folk

Nice, but doesn't really do anything for me

Heartfelt, fun, jazzy, powerful. Such a great blend of engaging and reflective music that really goes well with any mood. And will definitely leave you feeling better after listening. Top tracks: Court and Spark, Help Me, Car on a Hill

Maybe I’m just in a different mood but I don’t think I enjoyed this one as much as Blue. “Raised on Robbery” and “Twisted” felt a bit different and helped keep the album from dipping below a 3.

It’s easily the most swayed I’ve been by a Joni Mitchell album … but that’s not saying much, unfortunately. There’s a sort of guilt, maybe shame that attaches itself to my inability to enjoy the obviously brilliant songs of Joni Mitchell. It’s nothing personal; I find much of that slice of seventies West coast boho counter cultural ra-ra to be disingenuous and, to use the parlance of today, icky. It’s an unpopular opinion – perhaps even an actually wrong one, they do happen – but I’ve never heard a Joni Mitchell song I wanted to listen to again. And so while I don’t find this record offensive, neither do I find it even the remotest bit charming, beguiling, intriguing or, ultimately, enjoyable.

Not for me

Same as Simon and Garfunkel: brilliant songwriting but not a destination album.

Lovely Joni ❤️

Ok. No es muy mi rollo pero estubo bien. Mezcla justa de pop con folk y algo de jazz y country. Chill pero entretenido. Se me hizo un poco repetitivo a veces. Tiene una forma de cantar bastante peculiar a veces y no está nada mal. Poco mas que decir. Olvidable. 6.5/10->3/5

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

Está bien, lo escuché mientras hacía la cama y me pareció que sonaba bien, pero no me destacó demasiado la vdd.

another god damn bloody foid album. this list has gone completely woke.

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 feel this album gets overlooked, but it's definitely up there with Blue for me.

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

Pleasant enough. Raised On Robbery brings a welcome gear change and is the highlight of the album for me.

No muy fan de ésta tipa, y creo que el anterior disco era más picante. Nota: 2.9

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

Really enjoyed this, not as dreary as I expected

Great classic albom! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I like Joni but this passed me by a bit. Dont love it, don’t hate it, just a little indifferent.

Successful, perhaps, but not a very good album.

#614. Blue, the other album of hers you made me listen to, was like nails on a chalkboard, so I was expecting more of that here. But this is actually tolerable. It's nothing special or anything, but it's miles and miles ahead of the expectations going in. You could actually listen to it without wishing you were deaf. And honestly thats all I've come to wish for with half the shit on this list. 3/5: acceptable.

I just do not like her voice and her music. For me, Joni Mitchell is a bit like the female Temu-version of Bob Dylan.

Tämähän ei ole hassumpi albumi!

Inicialmente el album me aburrió, Down to you y Just like this train llamaron mi atención. Luego, fue la perfecta banda sonora para una gran siesta que mi amiga y yo, inesperadamente, tomamos.

Classic album, just not for me

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

Meh, shes cool but it's like poetry set to music

I respect the heck out of this album, but it's not my vibe.

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

Words

Hermosa voz y hermosa música. Sabía de Joni Mitchell por su trabajo junto con Jaco Pastorius. En lo personal no es un estilo que me guste. Es una especie de folk taciturno muy lindo, pero con el cual no me siento identificado, aunque si me gustan por ejemplo las baladas de Jethro Tull, que tienen una esencia parecida, pero que siento más emotiva. Tal vez porque hay cierta frialdad o inexpresividad en la voz de Mitchell. Claramente una búsqueda artística en la que la voz suena limpia y poco efectista. No hay rasposidad, gritos, susurros, agudos estridentes o graves profundos, canta de una manera lineal, lo que cual no me lleva a conectar con su canto.

The fist time I listened to her in my 20s it sounded fresh, but man it gets repetitive and annoying. Not even sure why.

Good folk music.

Very cool something I’ll not what I was expecting, but I don’t know what I was expecting truly. I’m interested to hear more of Joni Mitchell’s work.

I get why people like it but its not for me.

I like the vibe

Not a fan. Too slow for my taste. Not a lot that made the album stand out.

I dislike this woman very much

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.

I can hear the people she influenced when I listen. It was fine

Started off promising with Court And Spark and Help Me, but then it started to dip. The songs don't seem to have any structure, she's just playing music and singing whatever comes to her mind. Raised On Robbery was a lot of fun though. Best song: Raised On Robbery

Joni beeing Joni

ngl mid. i’m not a huge fan of her voice. she feels like an artist i SHOULD like but i just don’t. was gonna give this a 2/5. however, the last track (“twisted”) SAVED IT. the singular good song on this album. it was so jazzy and tbh fit her voice better than any other song. might even be download worthy. we’ll see. just because of the masterpiece of a last song this album gets 3/5.

OK

Dig some of some instrumentation but Joni’s voice just grated on us after a couple of tracks.

This is a slow burn. Music and lyrics of great sophistication which gradually reveal their power and depth. Beautiful and mysterious from start to finish.

2 Stars (5/15)

Joni knew her audience. I'm not her target. But the arrangements are lovely.

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

A little meandering for my tastes

Me gusta pero no me termina de cerrar.

already aware of ms Mitchell, a true bible. twisted could be an anthem today.

Beautiful lyrics and voice. What's not to like?

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

Not my jam. Unoffensive but not something I would put on purposely.

not my jam but I can tell she is good

Didn't really resonate with me

5/5

Joni’s best record

Joni is best in small doses for me, but this was lovely in a lot of ways. A high three. Faves: help me, raised on robbery, down to you

Classic.

okayish

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

A nice listen but not a single track that hooks me. Furthermore I'm not 100% fine with her voice. 2,5

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

2.45 star. I liked some of the songs but not her voice overall. Sorry women.

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.

Ça a la vibe d'une musique qui a des fans hardcores. J'en fait pas du tout partie

Assez sympa. Un peu jazzy. On a l'impression d'une très longue chanson qui dure tout l'album. C'est pas négatif mais du coup je pense que ça rend moins cohérent d'écouter des chansons individuellement, c'est un tout. Très belle voix et des paroles assez poétiques.

Bien mais pas marquant du tout. J ai déjà oublié la plus part des titres.

Very pleasant to the ear 7/10

Not my favorite Joni Mitchell. Liked that jazzy song at the end though.

Joni Mitchell has really grown on me. Her music is so intricate

Not fab but not bad

Hell yeah I love Joni Mitchell

Nice easy listening album. I enjoyed it.

The most tolerable Joni Mitchell album so far.

Love a good 30 minute album

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

This was an odd one. Joni Mitchell is certainly a cool character, and there is an ease to the way she records music, but elements of this album felt like they had a “forced” attempt at coolness, maybe an unintended consequence of taking on some jazz influences. It seemed insincere and monotonal, which is a shame given how much I rated Blue.

Not bad, but nothing grabbed me.

It was fine.

Realized I’m not a huge fan of Joni Mitchell

I get the sense this was supposed to feel elegant, maybe even intimate. But it's more like being stuck next to someone who hums tunelessly while reading their journal out loud. Feels like she started with poems, added a few notes, and called it a day. Everything sort of puddles together, and not in a fun ambient way. It’s like listening to a very polite ramble. A struggling 3 stars. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Help Me - Free Man In Paris - People's Parties

Great

Arrancamos el casi mediado de mes con esta artista bellísima, de la que escuché todo su trabajo hace unos años atrás. Es increíble cómo la suavidad de la voz de Joni Mitchell relaja, hace que uno baje un cambio. Su forma de cantar es hipnótica. Narra. Relata historias. Un disco pop, folk, jazz. Un equilibro bellísimo de todo eso. Favorite tracks: Help me, Down to you. Gracias por el regalo de comienzo de semana. Hasta mañana

Incredibly middle-middle 3 star album. I think if I listened to the lyrics I would appreciate it more, but music is music, not poetry! It's pleasant to listen to, but nothing special in my opinion. - Joni Mitchell! Another one I'm really curious about - First impression: Female Bob Dylan but a better musician - A little too much sunshine-and-roses to start. I also struggle to connect with lyricists on the first listen, it's hard to catch on a passive listen - I'm sure this is a great album, but I keep missing it... It's just blended mush to me - 2 songs left, I'm bored. Ready for the next album

I have heard better albums from Joni Mitchell a bit wordy and a bit aimless 3*

I don’t what it is but her cadence kinda pmo same way Faye Webster does. Very typical instrumentation in the 70s and felt like I’ve heard it before. Also Twisted being very swingy and Jazzy kinda threw me off since it was the only one that sounded like that, but it might have been the best song. Overall weak. 3/10

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.

Sorry Joni this did not power my run

Ok, first Joni Mitchell album that I could actually see the good in. Still not my favorite because the lack of structure just doesnt work, but the lyrics hit and some of the songs had enough structure to be interesring. Would listen again.

I know some folks absolutely love Joni Mitchell. Based on this album I’m not one of those folks, but that’s okay. I mainly wasn’t into her voice/vocal style, I’m not sure why, too breathy maybe?

It was better than I’d hoped, but it also wasn’t that great. It felt like a lot of the songs weren’t finished to me.

I don't know about this. I haven't really ever sought out Joni Mitchell music and I probably won't after listening to this album. It was fine, not really to my taste -- I think I may have liked her take on a jazz song at the end the most?

This is the second Joni Mitchell album on this journey and I can confirm I’m not a fan. Her lyrics are inventive and well written but I just don’t like her voice. I didn’t hate the album but I also wouldn’t go seek this out and listen again. Some of the music is almost easy listening. At least the music picks up on the second half. It was fun to hear Cheech and Chong on “Twisted”. That was a surprise. I would like a more acoustic album for the next Joni Mitchell album. I’m sure another will appear on this journey at some point. Favorite songs on this album are “Raised on Robbery” “Twisted” and “Trouble Child”

Joni Mitchell, from everything I’ve heard, is a wonderful person. Nothing against her. Her music, on the other hand. . . There’s a special ring of hell made just for me where they play her music on repeat. This album is well produced and varied, and I hope to never hear it again.

I guess the only Joni Mitchell song I know is "Help Me", which I think is a good song. Other than that, at least this album is better and a bit more poppier than her sexcapade roadtrip album we had to suffer through last week.

Really very pretty - Very relaxed - exactly what I'd expect listening to Joni. 3/5

I understand some listeners really like this wordy, narrative style - for them it conjures up vivid imagery and evokes all kinds of emotional responses. I guess my brain just isn't wired up that way, I feel like I'm listening to someone reading passages from a novel out loud and the music is little more than an afterthought. Don't get me wrong - I have heard Joni Mitchell tracks that aren't like this, and some of the musical arrangements here was pretty interesting in places, but there were no songs that grabbed me on Court And Spark, despite listening right through a couple of times. Not great.

Joni is more in love with her voice than what it is she is singing.

Goed, maar niks bijzonders

This was the better end of what ive heard of Joni. Her voice seemed to have matured to remove a lot of the shrillness. The songs were cheerier and there seemed to be excellent musicianship throughout.

very good but not her best work

So good.

Joni Mitchell has one of the greatest voices I've ever heard. And the songs on this album are just beautiful. The album has an effortless natural progression, each song is well written and is a beautiful trip.

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

I like her voice and the way she sings. Tho not the kind of music I’d gravitate on a regular basis.

Deep lyrics and good singing

nice

Sorry, I just don't like Joni Mitchell. Nothing wrong with her music, it's just not my style.

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.

This was between a 2-3 for me. There are some good folk rhythms in the first half of the album that are soft and enjoyable but then it moves to some scatty, jumpy songs towards the end that are not as smooth and too jazzy for me. People's Parties is the best. Landing on a 2 as this is not one of the best albums of all time.

Joni Mitchell is a prolific singer-songwriter. Personally, I love her voice and this album was enjoyable to listen to. However, to me, it was good but not great. Maybe I'm holding it up to Blue too closely, but I couldn't help but compare it to that masterpiece of an album. As others have mentioned, this one has its moments, but overall it's a bit boring.

very enjoyable

Joni Mitchell has nice cheek bones!

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.

This album has a jazzy easy-listening vibe that’s pleasant enough but nothing really stood out. This record needed its equivalent of A Case of You. Raised on Robbery was a fun change of tempo but it came so late in the track listing.

This is a solid album... but every time I listened to it, I couldn't help but think "I wish I was listening to Blue instead" .... which feels unfair. Blue is one of the greatest records of all time (and better be on this list)... and this album is just solid. It has a lot in common with blue, the piano/guitar folk tracks, the sad vibes, the detailed and specific lyrics. I just feel that Blue does all these things better and with catchier songs. Where this album differs is that it's a lot more experimental and linear and genre-diverse. It has the classic Joni folk songs but it also has a bit of psychedelic rock and Jazz and funk. There is a lot more variety in the instrumentation. In general the record keeps you guessing. I'm just not sure all the experiments land for me. I know that she would eventually transition into full-on jazz records... so this record feels like a step in that transition from folk to jazz... which is interesting... but not always good. Also, the lyrics can be really hit and miss on this album. Sometimes they are overly wordy and sorta winey. And there's that one where in a very jazzy voice sings about how she's a genius and compares herself to Albert Einstein. Now if any other folk singer said this, it would be full on insane. But, Joni is a genius and I guess if we're naming an Albert Einstein of folk music, her name would be in the running. But even though it's true, it was still annoying and cringey to listen to. And it happens on the very last track which definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. Sooooo... I'm gonna go listen to Blue. Highlights: Help me Car on a hill - crazy vocal break part way through the track Down to You - sprawling track - beautiful strings Just Like this Train

Her voice gives me goosebumps. This album is cool and vulnerable. It tones down the sickening whimsy that gets in the way of my enjoyment of some of Joni’s other work. The instrumentation fits well, too. She still loses me with her lyrics and composition at times. The “love is gone” choral part in “Down to You” is amazing.. but then it turns into a movie score for the entire second half of the song? “Twisted” ends on a light note. Enjoyed the listen. A strong 3.

Enjoyable enough (due to Joni’s voice) but not something I’d listen to again and again. Highlight for me was Help Me — in nice headphones it’s a crazy experience. 3/5

Not something I would typically listen to. The music is good but the way she meanders through lyrics makes me think of a four year old just making up songs off the top of their head. It’s like if Anne Murray was given a pound of weed and told to do a poetry slam over some easy listening/flower child hippy jam mashups. Not my cup of tea.

Not my thing. I can respect her though for sure.

Meh. Not bad but definitely not great either.

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

Not something I would have ever listened to on my own. Glad I did

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.

Good singer songwriter. Nice to have on, nothing over the top.

Kind of hard to review. To the album's credit, it is varied and well produced. Folky jazzy pop singer-songwriter woman. Solid all around, but lacks a unique selling point or recognizable hit single.

I respect Joni Mitchell’s legacy. I just don't know why it sounds like light jazz for people who knit their own socks.

Honestly better than I was fearing. Still she's going for things she really shouldn't be.

Yay

joni kinda jazzy

I know Joni Mitchell is a legend, and I respect her contributions to the musical world, but all of her songs sound vaguely the same to me. The album is no different. If anything, I like this less than the other songs I’ve heard by her. That said, “Raised on Robbery” was a fun surprise that did stand out.

So much of what came after this was an imitation. This is another one of those albums that could be released now and still be a sensation. Goddamn her singing is so, so pretty. Not my usual style, but I really like this a lot. It’s flawless.

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

Joni Mitchell has a lovely voice but the style isn't really for me

Having to listen to this felt like I was in trouble for something. It's bad enough when it's all folky and droning but then it gets kind of jazzy as it goes along? Blech.

Like a slice of hot apple pie. Mellifluous vocals with a mix of smooth piano and strumming throughout, it's got enough complexity to keep your attention yet still makes for easy listening.

No. I couldn't get through the whole thing.

Really enjoyed this

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

Really fricken good

Ms. Mitchell proves once again why she's hands down the single greatest songwriter to ever exist. And I will die on that hill. From the jump, this album has me mesmerized, constantly asking, "How in the HELL did she even come up with that?" It's truly not fair that someone can be this creative. There are turnarounds on this album that somehow make no sense and perfect sense at the same time. It shouldn't work, and that's the frustrating but amazing part.

Through a fruitful fusion of folk introspection and jazz sophistication, Court And Spark balances commercial appeal with artistic depth and emotional vulnerability with musical ambition, showcasing a songwriter at the height of her powers yet still reaching for more.

Zzz

Vibey. Listened in the car ride on my way to lunch. Reminds me of my mom - she listened to Joni Mitchell a lot when I was growing up. Her singing is very fluid and rubato - not sure I'm a fan. Piano reminds me of Elton John.

Propper songwriting.

el primero que escucho de electric joni. muy bien.

Meerdere pareltjes: "Help Me", "Trouble Child", "Just Like This Train" ... Al met al een soort toegankelijkere versie van "The Hissing of Summer Lawns". Ook iets minder interessant. Desalniettemin zeer consistent.

I did not enjoy this. Too slow and vibes.

I don't necessarily think this album is bad, it's just excruciatingly boring. There's a couple ok songs towards the end.

No one can sing like Joni Mitchell - she has such a unique style that is difficult to replicate, and she has some interesting stories/poetry in her lyrics. I enjoyed the build up in the title track, and how the whole album feels so 70s. But, it's a bit rambly.

She's got such a strange carefree way of singing in general that I struggle to enjoy her music. Like you can't just talk quickly without rhyming and call it singing. However, there were actually a few songs i liked (Raised on robbery, free man in Paris, twisted), so I'll give it a 3.5 rounded down

Fine. Nothing here is bad, doesn't do much for me. I don't really have much more to say.

truly one of the most boring albums I've ever listened to

I enjoyed sone of this. The jazzy elements were not fir me.

Zu seicht :D

I may be a bogan tradie Aussie bloke but fuck me dead I love a bit of Joni Mitchell

Fucking beautiful, I love Joni Mitchell. Blue might be the more talked about album but this is her crowning achievement I reckon. Cinematic jazzy poppy masterpiece

One of the greatest writers of our time, and probably the only white woman has an understanding of “the black man’s experience” ✊🏾

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

Meh, I'm just not a Joni Mitchell fan. Her voice at times can be grating and the instrumental composition for most of her songs just doesn't do it for me. Lyrically she's great though. 2.5/5

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

Another artist I never connected with, I can't understand her popularity. Average singer at best. Must be a poet, the wordy songs were lost on a savage like me. I had never listened to this album previously, but it sounds old and disjointed. It has a pretty good listen count, especially for "Help Me" & "Free Man In Paris", if that's the cream of the crop it's a lost cause for me to continue. Definitely not a T1001 album.

This was interesting. The jazz heavy stuff at the end caught my attention. The rest of it was just Joni Mitchell being Joni Mitchell which can be a bit repetitive. Most of it was not memorable.

I like early Joni Mitchell more. reminded me of Steely Dan at times

Considering this is apparently Mitchell’s biggest selling album, I wasn’t familiar with any of the songs on it. It’s a good enough album, but feel one of her more interesting records like Mingus should have made the list instead.

Нудна музика, з монотонним текстом

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

I know she’s revered as a natural treasure. Doesn’t matter. I’ve never enjoyed more than maybe one or two of her songs. This is the second album of hers I’ve had on this list. I hated the first and don’t like this one. Snoozy and borderline pretentious. I said what I said!

chli weniger nice als blue aber scho au no nice. müessts vlt nomol lose. ame muessi albene mehrmols lose und dasmol hanis eif einisch gost und ned crazy ufmerksam. aso definitv wert nomol inezlose. paar lieder glaub scho no nice gsi anderi jabö

Seems interesting

Was ok.

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.

Its this and hissing of the summer lawns for me. But this is just lovely

I can understand how people like this, but it's not for me 2/5

Honestly, after a third Joni Mitchell record I think i can say: it's good. It's never gonna be on heavy rotation, I'm not gonna gravitate towards it in an emotional moment but I enjoy it for what it is.

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 tunes, i really mess with Joni

I had never listened to this album. I had heard Joni before but always dismissed it as grocery store music. I stand corrected. It is light and airy but not what I had previously perceived. Joni had a lot of influence on artists that I like but I never gave her a chance. Great voice. Great music. My preconceived notions were wrong.

Good for concentration at work!

This was not what I was expecting, this album was so much more enjoyable than I thought it was gonna be! There were some pretty good lyrics and it was more rock sounding than I thought it might be! Overall it was an enjoyable listen!

5*, duh.

First Joni Mitchell album

Somehow I've never heard this album even though I enjoy listening to Joni Mitchell very much This album is an amazing blend of folk and jazz all wrapped in a dreamy and lush package, yet it's just isn't enough to keep me interested for the full length of the album.

It's the voice and that hotel lounge music that is not for me. The music is like a weird mix of Pop and country, it's just so bland. Hold music. Lyrics *Checking on my sex appeal* what????? Polymath Ps The Television album contains one of the greatest lyrics "And the Cadillac left the graveyard"

This was one of my mom's favorite albums and I listened to it in our house all though my childhood. I really enjoyed revisiting it today.

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

It's strange that a more popular album wasn't recommended. I'm totally okay with country music, but Mitchell's songs don't ring my bells.

Dit album van haar spreekt me minder aan. Wel lekkere mix (de remaster althans). Vond het alleen niet zo indrukwekkend als haar andere werk.

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

would’ve been a 4 but since this is maybe the first woman musician we’ve had in a week, and before the last one many months, gotta be a 5. love you Joni

I thoroughly enjoyed putting this on and forgetting to listen to it and then remembering just in time for it to be over. Three times.

Not quite a 5, but rounded up to a 5 - great variability, kept me interested - some bangers for sure - never really listened to her music bc I had a preexisting thought that it was boring but I’m glad I was wrong!

Ended up saving a song. Not too bad!

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.

I had a hard time with Joni Michell’s Court and Spark. The music sounded dated. Very seventies, but not in a good or even nostalgic way. I like a lot of music from this decade but I could not get into this album. Joni’s vocals over some of the music just didn’t fit. It was like trying force a square peg into a round hole. And I had an issue with her vocal style and pattern on many of the songs. One of the descriptions I read for this album said Joni was in between her folkie past and jazz rock future. I think that is fitting. Court and Spark feels indecisive and bumpy like being on a flight with tons of turbulence. You’re never comfortable and you want it to end. There were only a few moments that I found intriguing, but at least those few times convinced me to bump this to a 2. 2/5

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

I can’t find any reason to consider this music bad. I just don’t like this music to my taste. Its reminiscent of music I would have heard my Mum play at home. I don’t specifically see why in 1974 this would have been pioneering personally. Probably deserves 3 but this is about what I think so 2. I really had to preserver to get this album done.

Firstly, I love Joni Mitchell's Blue which might even make my top five of all time. Then a lot of her later stuff I find a bit bland. That runs true with this album, vocally still great but the music is somehow less raw than her earlier stuff and sounds a bit schmaltzy. Dare I say "middle of the road"? I am reminded of my primary school music teacher shamelessly playing over-sentimental tunes on the school piano for singing assembly. An average album from a great artist.

Not my cup of tea, and I like a wide variety of tea.

Love Joni Mitchell's voice, but thought I would like this album more. Guess I'm comparing it to 'Blue', but not as many songs stood out. Not bad or great. Standouts: 'Help Me' 'Raised on Robbery'

Great songs and good arrangements. I just think her voice sounds the same tone the whole time

I’m only starting to get into Joni Mitchell album so hearing this early work was great. Her voice at the time was amazing as were the lyrics. Great album

Mitchell's voice is on display at its most beautiful on this album. Help Me is a perfect example of both her range and her songwriting prowess, she has the power to jerk a listener around with her arrangements in a smooth and almost inevitable way and is probably the best song on the album. Hallelujah to the oddball harmonies and resolutions in Free Man in Paris and Down to You. The storytelling journey is especially strong in songs like Car on the Hill, and the piano breakdowns leave you wanting more. She is also exceptionally dynamic in a way that I don't hear often. I adore the jazz influences and arrangements on songs like Just Like This Train and Twisted (Twisted is just plain jazz, no pop nowhere). Raised by Robbery is the black sheep of the album, it's the biggest thematic departure. To me it's by far her most "standard" rock 'n' roll song, from the more "roll" days of rock. She does a great job but I probably wouldn't like her as much if she stuck to this genre, it's not where her arrangement style thrives. I see other peoples comments about her obviously being a poet first and songwriter almost as an afterthought. I agree with this for parts of the album, like People's Parties and The Same Situation. That said, her lyricism is groundbreaking and more than compensates for the poetic focus. Her phrasing is unusual as a result, but I think that's a plus. I don't see how this is supposed to be a pop album, or a folk album. Its jazz fusion if anything. Overall, I definitely needed to hear this before I die.