Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Really liked this album- turns out I’m a bit of a fan 8/10
Liked the music more than the voice. I never cared for Joni Mitchell’s voice growing up and that still stands. Very talented artist, just not my taste.1
Kinda slow and uninteresting but it’s calming
Oh boy Who suggested this? A regular Joe or a music critic? Joni Mitchell’s music is about as appealing as wet farting in a pair of white pants while teaching a high school class full of delinquents. Catch my drift? So then I throw out any ill feelings towards what I know Joni Mitchell to be. Results? It’s the same. It’s whiney even though I’m sure she doesn’t mean it to be. It’s not catchy although I’m sure she meant it to be. The music alone isn’t even that good. The only positive is that it at least blends well together. I just don’t see anything good in this album otherwise. Might I suggest listening to Fiona Apple instead
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 has been my favorite Joni Mitchell album. Great lyricism as always but this also felt more rythmic and upbeat than other albums I’ve heard like Hejira. The pacing was great and there weren’t any particularly weak tracks. Favorite songs were: Twisted Raised on Robbery Just Like this Train Free Man in Paris 10/10
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
I like Joni Mitchell, but in doses.
Raised on Robbery and Twisted were the two tracks that stood out as different from the rest. Folky, singer-songwriter stuff. Not bad but a lot of it kind of ran together.
Joni Mitchell’s voice has a similar effect on me as Van Morrison’s. Overall, this album is deeply soothing but in an energetic and occasionally frantic way (?) Decent guitar and horns too. Standout tracks are: “Court and Spark” and “Car on a Hill”.
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"
I always have a problem with JMs up and down the scale vocal stylings and this is no different. Solid.
Bof ! I was curious to hear an album by Joni because I had only heard her famous stuff. This isn’t that. Not my thing, voice is annoying and the music all sounds the same, too folky for me. I’m going to listen to some of her later stuff instead apparently it’s more rock jazz
Good but didn't grab me 3.25
I don't like her free-flowing songwriting style at all. The jazz and pop inflections just make worse, IMO. Not a good listen.
This album is way too ordinary for me.
Thought I had acquired the Joni Mitchell taste after the first couple of songs, but my appreciation waned to the sameness of the songs throughout.
Rating based on likelihood of listening again. It took repeated listening to appreciate this album. I'm not really fond of her voice on most tracks, but I enjoyed the lyrics and the stories told.
Some of the songs were okay, but other made me feel like this album was a bit too uppity for me. Not entirely sure why since some were good.
I know she’s one of the most acclaimed songwriters out there but I just didn’t find any of it that interesting to listen to.
Her voice is good and the songs were ok, just nothing to set the pulse racing.
She’s a really great lyricist (albeit I don’t think I’m the ideal audience for the subject matter), however, I’m just not into her songwriting as such.
норм
Enjoyed it Standout songs: Court and Spark The Same Situation Twisted
This is my first real exposure to Joni and... yeah its fine. The jazz elements kept me going and some of the writing is good. She randomly kicks her voice up to 11 and its beautiful but also off putting. I'm enjoying it more on my second listen but do not see it going much further.
Another great album to have on in the background at work.
I’ve never been a fan, and this didn’t change my view. I know she’s revered in some circles, and I know this album along with Blue are ‘big deals’. So I give her an extra star for being a legend, which doesn’t come easily, and for being Canadian.
Listenable.
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.
Boring
This is the album that Jimmy Page and Robert Plant often mention when they talk about their admiration for Joni Mitchell. I personally prefer "Ladies Of The Canyon" from this period of her career, but this, like all of her albums, deserves at least 5 stars.
Not my thing, but Down to You is lovely; very 90s-film-soundtrack sounding. Love the jazzy number at the end though! Very unexpected from her.
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
She's got such a weird 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
Nice music. Nice vocals. I just can't identify with the poetry or the sentiment of this kind of music. My country was going through so different things at that time. Horrible things. This kind of music didn't even make it through here.
Was allright. Not really my cup of tea. "Help me" is a good song. The others all sound alike to me, tbh.
I didn't get enough time for this to sink in - the songs grow with repeat plays. It may bebetter than I first thought.
Beautiful. Jazz-like vocals on top of Americana/folk instrumentation. Perfect morning album.
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.
The more austere tracks on this album re as beautiful as her best work- and while I’m not a big fan of hers, I do appreciate her. The full band stuff sounds like 70s AOR and I do not care for it- they aren’t bad songs, but the production kills them for me. And she’d do jazz better once she hooked up with Charles Mingus.
Give me more listens
2 - White lady with a guitar sings folksy songs. Nothing wrong with the album just not for me.
Joni Mitchell is a national treasure
I can appreciate her talent and she’s good. Just not my cup of tea.
5/10
7/10
Joni has such an amazing voice. I recently saw a YouTube video of her singing live in 2022. 79 and she can still pull it off, gave me goosebumps. Great lyricist, great poet, great singer. A nice album. I’m going to have to go and listen to more of her albums today, and because she reminds of Karen Carpenter I’m going to listen to The Carpenters and Neil Diamond as well. (Then on to some Megadeth🤘🏻)
Vocals unsettled me, almost not in time. I enjoyed the instrumental, if I could remove the vocals I would. Raised on robbery is not bad I enjoyed that song! Twisted instrumental complemented her voice great song my new album favourite great jazzy track!
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
Gepflegte Langeweile. Jedes Stück klingt irgendwie gleich. Unangenehm hohe Stimme, Melodien Mangelware. Nix!
This lassie can write a tune
It’s not bad at all, but for whatever reason, it just didn’t really click with me. Joni Mitchell is one of those artists I feel I should like, but neither of the albums I’ve listened to have made much of an impression. I’m not entirely sure why. Favorite: Twisted; Court and Spark
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.
it was fine. not bad, but sort of mid tempo and i prefer.. not that. i liked that she annunciated her lyrics
I wouldn't pick it over blue... It's fine.
Clearly very good, unfortunately got distracted by work so didn't appreciate it as much as I could have
Beautiful and relaxing. I took a little nap.
Felt like a Free Man In Paris while listening to this album. Don’t get me Twisted, but the decision to listen to this album is Down to You.
Pleasant voice, nice instrumentation. Don't particularly care for listening to someone describing things in a sing songy voice though. I'm left wondering what exactly the point is?
CONSTANT STRANGER YOU'RE A KIND PERSON YOU'RE A COLD PERSON TOO one of my favourite Joni album.
Folksy, pleasant. I would listen in a park
This was kind of a weird one for me. Not really what I expected.
Joni Mitchell takes an experimental new direction. I enjoyed listening to it, although I think the earlier stuff suits her voice better.
Maybe my favorite Joni album. Reminds me of driving to Mwold this was in the tape rotation for sure.
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 singer songwriter album. 2nd half not as good as the first.
Good chill album. 4 stars
i liked it. not enough for a four, but i liked it. hell yea
Pre-listening thoughts: FINALLY we are back with a woman. Thank god and it’s legend Joni Mitchell. So hype Post/during listening thoughts: oh this is fireeee. Folky and jazzy in all the right places, and a masterclass in lyricism. People seem to be divided on her voice but I think it is beautiful. This is amazing. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: mmm no but everyone should hear some Joni Mitchell before they die Fav tracks: no skips but I love Help Me, Car on a Hill, Raised on Robbery, and Twisted Least fav tracks: n/a
This was completely new to me. I had heard of her but had actually never really listened to her. I absolutely love her voice. The type of music isn’t my favorite. Still glad to have discovered her this way.
7/10
Get it twisted. You will never become a generational singer-songwriter. Your talents and efforts mean nothing to a cold, indifferent universe that will send Joni Mitchell to mog the ever-living shit out of you. You think you're safe, hiding in your genre. Sitting there thinking to yourself "I don't make folk rock; she can't hurt me." Then out of nowhere, like she's serving a warrant, Joni kicks in your door and says, "I learned jazz bitch." She proceeds to give you a tight, all killer no filler project. Just spitting hot lead for 37 minutes. Pay attention folks. This is how you blend genres. Sad to see it didn't win AOTY, but if you're going up against peak Stevie, I get it. Joni and Stevie battling it out in '75. Can you imagine? In the year of our lord 2025, I've got to seriously consider if Jacob Collier is going to win a Grammy. We used to be a country. 9/10 Favorite Song: Free Man in Paris/Trouble Child
10/10 Often imitated never replicated. Joni’s songwriting, composition, and storytelling vocals are in full force here. The peak of singer songwriter work here on the levels of Carole King’s tapestry but in its own unique way. Joni could make like a rolling stone but Bob Dylan could never make Same Situation. Favorite Song: Same Situation
Unexpectedly almost fun.
like a penny whistle drowning
Certainly one I grew up listening to quite a lot. Joni has a forever home in my memory.
Not a fan of Joni's voice. I understand she's a big deal in some circles, but I'm unable to appreciate the appeal. This album takes me back to being left home alone in a cabin in the woods with nothing but yellow tinged books, shag carpeting an an old record player with a few records. I'm pretty sure this was in there. Basically, aside from the dozens of photo albums of black and white photos of people I didn't know and the antlers above the fireplace, it was pretty boring. If I had to choose one standout song, it'd be the last track Twisted, because its different than the rest and it's also the last track on the album.
A Joni Mitchell 3-in-1 review to catch up… Joni Mitchell sadly doesn’t really do it for me. When her songs are upbeat and fast-paced, they are tolerable, but when they are slow they put me to sleep. The album “Blue” keeps the pace, but has Mitchell too often suddenly and sharply pushing her voice too high. She’s got a great voice actually, but that is not playing to its strengths. “All I Want” and “River” are deserved timeless hits, though. The album “Court and Spark” has less jarring highs, but too slow of a pace.” “Hejira” was the most forgettable of the three. We still have one more Joni to go. We’ll see if “The Hissing of Summer Lawns” grabs me any more.
I think my problem with Joni has always been that I can’t enjoy music as much when I can’t sing along. I appreciate the instrument that is her voice but the jazz inflections make this more difficult to access and connect with for me.
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).
Lots to like on this, not least Mitchell's voice and the inventiveness of many of the songs. But I don’t really like the laid-back jazz-pop vibe.
2.3 Really can't do Joni's voice. 1 of every 5 songs is bearable but the rest, actually slightly jarring to be honest. Really not for me.
Lovely Album
im sorry this is so boring
very inspirational?
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.
Perfect record to drive home to on a Friday night in LA
I absolutely loved it. Stunning songwriter, pleasantly surprised
great
Didn't like it as much as the first one but better than Bat Out of Hell. Didn't connect with the melodies as much in this album as Carole Kings.
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.
Easy listening, I like her voice and sound
I know she gets high praise in some circles, but I was underwhelmed by this. Easy listening, sure, but there are plenty of other easy listening artists from the period that I would choose over this…
I’ve never really understood the hype around Joni Mitchell. I imagine it stems from her music being part of the larger folk movement hitting at the right moment during post-Vietnam times when the country needed a change. And while I always thought hearing a single Joni song here and there was pleasant enough, listening to an entire album really confirmed for me how much I don’t prefer her voice. So, I get why this album received such high praise. But outside of songs like “Raised on Robbery” and “Twisted” which are standout tracks, most of this just sounds alike.
Oof, there’s a lot to dislike here. So much so that I don’t feel the need to put together a list.
I had my AirPods on and when her voice came in on the first song it freaked me out! It’s like she was whispering in my ear next to me (and not in a good way). I mean…it’s fine. Not really my cup of tea and if I feel like if I listen to much more I might turn into a 60 year old lesbian.
I knew this day would come. And I always thought Joni would be deserving of a 1* bomb, but she is saved by my own ratings scale. I can't bring myself to say this is unlistenable...so it isn't a 1*. But it still sucks and she is overrated. 2/5
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. :)
Joni Mitchell has been a black hole for me musically my entire 40 years of life. I had this idea of her as quietly sitting on a small stool, baring her soul, and while I know that that is indeed a part of her bag of tricks, I was astonished to hear the vibrant instrumentation on this album. It felt like this album was built in order to showcase her versatility as a writer of melodies and hooks, and has officially slid into first place on the list of 'Greatest Albums I've Never Heard Before This Exercise'.
Great. Will come back to this 100%. Lovely tunes, a great voice and thoroughly enjoyable instrumental breaks that are written with care.
2 Stars I just don't understand it, it's not my type. The melody feels ok and feels "free" like a bird. Other than that, I don't understand anything from this album.This is the second album that I have rated and I don't want to stress it too much, but this is not really my type.
Folkie did not enjoy
This album lets you bask in a mood. 5 stars just for being Canadian and making it.
No notes
Hadn’t heard this one, definitely adding to the rotation!
Love Joni ❤️
Good
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.
This hit just right for me. Liked it more than my first listen of Blue or For the Roses. Joni my beloved
I am desperately bored listening to this, and need something much more exciting from her in the additional albums I'll have to listen to. Best Song: Help Me Rating: 5.0/10 3 Star
Darker tone for her but still has a way with words and just a cuts to the heart of the matter.
neutral. probably won’t seek it out but I enjoyed listening to it!
Her voice, as always, is beautiful and unique, the instrumentation is varied, lively and engaging. The blend of folk and jazz manages to be both soothing and invigorating, with flourishes of ambitious sonic textures and experimentation.
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
6/10 - Joni Mitchell has a nice voice. However, some of these songs are quite strange. Especially Twisted. I have no idea what the point of the song was. I liked raised on robbery tho
Still don’t really know how to feel about Joni Mitchell. I like the vibe most of the time, but when I pay attention the songs don’t really work
Inte min grej, gick att ha i bakgrunden, men lägre skiktet av den kategorin
Not my cup of tea but easy to listen to
the best album ive heard from her! its the first album i heard from here where i was thinking that the lyrics should better been used as poems. But this album is also good sounding. (3.0/5.0) i hope its not her peak album yet music wise
Glazed over this one. Not a massive fan of this style. Onto more albums.
Not my cup of tea.
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
It’s fine. Not my cup of tea but has a few good songs.
Better than I expected
Less sad more playful than I thought it would be.
lovely
Not what I would call the best Joni Mitchell album? But basically fine.
easy listening and inoffensive but tends to dull
Joni Mitchell is not my jam
Okay not awful. But please no more Joni Mitchell albums.
4/5 We enjoyed this one. It was quality.
Like a lot of Joni Mitchell's music, I choose to like this album. She doesn't always make it easy for me to like it and in other hands a lot of these sounds and pretensions would seriously irritate me. A lot of these songs have parts I really like and parts I really don't like, often right after one another. I share a home with one or more people who seriously hate her music. So I have to be strategic about when and where I listen to it. In fairness to my housemates, Joni Mitchell's a bit of a musician's musician, I think, and that you'll hear a lot of people like Jimmy Page waxing poetic about her amazing guitar playing, but not a lot of non-musicians waxing about her. I think that's part of why she largely been forgotten over the last 20 or so years. Free Man In Paris is supposedly about David Geffen, who was her manager at the time and during a trip to France together was bitching to her about having put up with random calls from temperamental artists at all hours but in Paris where no one could reach him he was finally free and could relax a little. That's one tune I like all the way through without any major irritations. But my favorite story about Joni Mitchell and David Geffen was the time when he drove her to Woodstock and they got stuck in traffic and ended up just camping out in a motel room and watching the festival on TV where she wrote her song Woodstock that her boyfriend Graham Nash made famous with CSN a year or two later.
I'll admit I'm not much of a Joni Mitchell fan, so this isn't really my cup of tea, but I *do* appreciate it that this album is more interesting and likely more classic Joni Mitchell than "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" (I can see there's still two more of her albums awaiting in this collection, but I don't know yet how "Court and Spark" compares to those two). I enjoyed "Free man in Paris" and "Raised on robbery" more than the others, perhaps simply because there was a bit more oomph to the session band's style on those tracks (I didn't realize that Crosby and Nash were backing vocals on "Free man in Paris" until later, but that might have been part of its appeal, and Robbie Robertson's guitar on "Raised on robbery" puts that song well above the rest). And while I wish I enjoyed her music more, I do appreciate how distinctive her voice is; it's hard to imagine confusing her for anyone else. I'm also impressed how many big names she was able to get to appear as studio musicians for her album (and a nod to getting Cheech and Chong on the kind of cringy "Twisted").
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).
It's not as good as "Blue". "Court and Spark" is a bit too mellow for me. There are some good songs on that album. "Raised On Robbery" is my favourite on "Court and Spark". I've also been getting into more experimental music recently. 3 stars for "Court and Spark".
I liked Help Me and Free Man in Paris a lot. I've never sat down with Joni Mitchell, and this will be a slow burn for me. It was good.
det börjar rätt bra men sen ju längre det går så tröttnar man på rösten. att hon åker upp och ned i falsett och tillbaka hela tiden
I'm afraid this is a bit of a case of admire-more-than-enjoy. Joni is a wonderful artist but this isn't one of my favourite records by her and in truth, although it's quite nostalgic for me (reminds me of my mum), I ultimately find the style here a bit too 'jazz lounge'.
Není to špatný, ale přijde mi, že Joni Mitchell má lepší.
Pretty boring and repetitive
Another fantastic Joni Mitchell album. I forgot how good Raised on Robbery was.
Not my favourite genre but Joni has a great voice. Help me was my favourite song of this album. Album grew on me as I continued to listen.
I liked the atmosphere it created
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.
Well written songs i can appreciate them but it’s not something that really sticks out to me as a whole Car on a Hill is a highlight though that song is amazing
Better than I thought. Had a very 70s feel to it
She has a voice like Amy Mann and the songwriting skills Bob Dylan but for some reason I can't get into it
Lyrical queen. I liked it.
stellar! never heard a joni mitchell album in full before, and really glad this was my introduction.
Not a fan when Joni does traditional rock or jazz, but the typical folky/pop stuff is great.
Great album
It's an okay album with some good songwriting. Doesn't really speak to me however.
Beautiful album
Beautiful vocals but the album didn't excite me until the last couple of songs. "Raised on Robbery" really woke the album up and was by far the best track.
de vrouwelijke Bob Dylan...
Groovy, simplistic lyricism, gentle, beautiful instrumentals, introspective
Easy listening
Quite like this
This is nice :)
Yeah this has some great songs but also has some flops.
A classic.
it's alright, folk ain't my thing and it's also a bit samey
Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark is a stunning fusion of jazz, folk, and pop, tied together by her evocative voice and poetic lyrics. The album feels deeply personal, like a collection of snapshots from Joni’s life. Tracks like "Free Man in Paris" and "People’s Parties" showcase her ability to capture fleeting, intimate moments and turn them into universal stories. Her songwriting feels both observational and deeply emotional, drawing the listener into her world. The orchestration is a standout feature, with lush arrangements and thoughtful touches, like the gospel-like choir in Down to You. Each song feels carefully constructed, yet the album retains an unstructured, flowing quality, especially in tracks like Troubled Child, where the jazzy undertones reflect wandering thoughts and introspection. Raised on Robbery adds energy and relatability, while Twisted ends the album with a playful, witty flourish. With its blend of sophisticated lyrics, vivid storytelling, and rich instrumentation, Court and Spark is timeless and captivating. It’s a collection of songs that lingers in your mind long after the music ends. Final Rating: 5/5
A very pleasant listen!
She's a great vocalist don't get me wrong
Ok. Maybe better than I thought. Almost fell asleep toward the end until raised on robbery came on which was fun. 3 stars cause it's well done just not for me really
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.
I've heard this album before. Not much of a Joni Mitchell fan. I'd like her a lot more if she had more songs like Raised on Robbery and Twisted. But all the other jazzy shit with pretentious and surprisingly misogynistic lyrics is better left forgotten.
Troisième disque de JM après 'Blue' (1/5) et 'The Hissing Of Summer Lawns' (2/5). 'Court And Spark' est dans la même veine que 'The Hissing Of Summer Lawns', avec l'introduction d'éléments plus Jazzy par rapport à 'Blue'. Mais il n'est guère mieux, je n'apprécie décidément pas le chant de JM. =>2/5
It’s a nice mellow listen.
Dazzlingly masterful folk rock songwriting and production.
booooh court and spark mit so schönem bass und slide giti larry carlton aaaaahh. help me het de LA sound mit tom scott horns und sie singt haaammer. free man in paris suuper geili chords gitarre mached so viel bgvs huuere geil im refrain. boooh joni. peoples parties meega schöni 12 saiter und soo kreativi harmonie immer wie? the same situation super schöne isatz vo strings und steel gitarre. es schwebt immer alles irgendwie. car on a hill seehr geils intri tom am sopransax. ich lieb alles bis etz. noooh riichtig geeeil es isch bitz aja time. hihat huere luut haha. down to you kenni. wuuunderschön. LOVE IS GOOOONE fuuuuck huuuui. just like this train kenni au han ich mol die zweit siite vo dem glost? suuuper schön! raised on a robbery mega upbeat für joni aber seehr geil. wafür e sooolo tom. troubled child ultra geil gitarreline. meh en ruhige track macht nöd so viel aber seehr geil. twisted straight up jazz. aaah joni komplizierti jazzmelodie time. aso jo da album isch e heeeerts füfi. easy
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
Nice
Increíble, es muy buen álbum ahora no lo puedo describir mucho pero tiene melodías hermosas (casi prog), ella una voz increíble, buenas letras, muy bien producido.
If this would’ve been the first Joni Mitchell I heard I’d probably be more of a fan. This album is much more playable and upbeat with some great 12 string guitar work. I actually enjoyed the song Help Me and Free Man in Paris. This album had a nice tonal blend of softer hits with great storytelling and uptempo quirk. She seemed like she had fun making this album. Twisted was a curious jazzy rap about therapy. Of her albums, I can actually listen to this one again. Probably won’t look for it but could listen.
I listened to this album several times over the weekend. While I generally like it, it doesn't ever grab me by the collar. It seems a bit more uptempo than the previous Joni album we listened on 1001 but I'm still trying to "get" Joni. One thing I noticed while listening to this album is that Joni Mitchell sounds like an old recording. It would not feel contemporary at all if it came out today. So it is like listening to a bit of a time capsule. Some of it is the production and use of piano. It just sounds old. Not all music sounds old, lots of the music from the 60s and 70s still feels fresh but this does not. Maybe that is part of why I don't "get" Joni.
I like this but only in small doses
I really enjoyed each of these songs, something about her voice just feels magical.
Not sure I have ever listened to this whole album before. I think it may be my favorite of hers. 3.5
All albums will be 1, 3 or 5 stars, with no further commentary or explanation given. Played via Spotify, re-listen. (Forgot to say for last two, both played via Spotify. Ágætis Byrjun was a first time listen, Ten was a re-listen)
this was more like a 4.5, I really enjoyed it + I'd listen to it unprompted, if the mood was right. I felt at times like I was listening to a Lorde album though I couldnt really express why. Her voice also grew on me a lot
Help Me is one of the greatest songs of all the twentieth century
Easily the most accessible Joni album I've heard. I prefer her jazzier albums with Jaco but that takes nothing away from this one. Really enjoyable listening.
I'm sure this is good if you like this kind of thing, but I found it mostly grating.
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.
I can see why this album was her most successful. It is probably among the most entertaining songs I've heard in a Joni Mitchell album. It is short and focused at a mere 36 minutes running time. I enjoyed the playful jazz rock arrangements and the wild instruments choices (jazz flute anyone?) far more than I did the other jazz rock album of hers' on this list. But, too many of the songs felt like she was trying to shoehorn in too many lyrics. While the songs are okay, I think they really could have shined with the less is more lyrical approach to really let the best lines land and breathe. Then again she has always been too much of a poet and not enough of a singer. Suffers from the same disease that Bob Dylan and Neil Young have. Too much poetry, not enough music. These weren't my favorite Joni Mitchell songs but I did enjoy "Help Me", Trouble Child", and "Raised on Robbery". You can really hear the inspiration she had on artists like Tori Amos. That said, I prefer Roger Whittaker myself.
Amazing, a true classic. There's no one like Joni.
Really enjoyable, this takes pop music and adds in lots of rock, country and jazz elements. The guitar is one of the best parts. B
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.
It sounds pleasant enough but it's just boring. Nothing egregiously wrong but also nothing of interest. I'm also not a big fan of Mitchell's singing. Favorites: Car on a Hill, Trouble Child
I can't do it, man. I hate this stuff. Lightweight, meandering warbling that, I agree, shoulda been a poem. Feel like this is an inverted version of women reading Hemingway and hating it.
Great!
I... Can't think of anything to say about this, weirdly. 'Coz it's not in a way like, "Oh, I like this so much that the words just aren't coming to me." No, it's honestly more like... I'm just kind of apathetic to this album? I don't think the instrumentals are bad, I'm sure the lyrics are fine, and I don't even necessarily dislike Joni Mitchell's voice. It was just so easy for me to tune this out while I was listening to it, and then when I started writing the review I hardly remembered anything about it. Even listening to short clips after the fact I couldn't think of anything to say. Jus'... I'unno. I really tried to write a proper review, with a through-line and actually talking about the music, but I've really got nothing. I guess I can give this thing a 3 'cuz this a, y'know, fine enough listen while it was on — and "Raised By Robbery" has a neat instrumental, actually — but yeah. Sorry. Hopefully the one my group gets tomorrow will inspire me to say more.
Just some wonderful 70s pop from a very beautiful voice, which I dig very much. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I… might be at a 10. I’m serious. I’ve never actually heard Joni Mitchell until today – her name was familiar, and I think I have a decent sense of her place in the 60s/70s folk canon, but she’s always been more of a trivia factoid to me than anything else. I’ve just never really had an excuse to interact with her music. I did think this would be good, but my expectations were a little more folk-y & a bit subdued. Holy fucking shit, I was not expecting this though. I harped a lot on storytelling when it came to the Marty Robbins album we got the other day, and this is storytelling in spades. A little more complex, sure, but the imagery she provides throughout is vivid and full of life in a way that’s more relatable to modern times than gunfighter ballads – there are some lines that hit me like a fucking truck throughout this album, and that’s the mark of a fantastic *writer.* There are great songwriters, but she’s really flexing pure writing here. It also helps that she’s really fucking good at making these work as songs; there are catchy choruses and vocal patterns all over this album, but they’re still very easy to follow along to story-wise, save for maybe “Just Like This Train”, but even then, it’s still gettable. That writing ability is just as matched by her vocals (seriously, what a voice – it got me plenty of times throughout the album), and the extremely jazzy/Americana-influenced band behind her. The instrumentals here are fantastic, and give each song room to breathe, their own distinct identity, and just perfectly compliment each other. When this album wants to go full rock, it can do it without blinking an eye – same thing applies to piano ballads, guitar ballads, nightclub tunes, et cetera. I don’t have a single complaint about the production here; everything feels perfectly mixed, and the transitions are seamless when they happen. It all feels totally coherent, and that’s a testament to the quality of every track here. Everything about this album is right down my alley, and I’m really, truly stunned that none of this has ever entered my stratosphere until now. It’s a remarkably tight 37 minutes that kept me captivated on every single word, while still managing to leave room for attention on her vocals and the band behind her. I may simply be blindsided by lower expectations followed by such a strong album, but damn, this really got me good. It’s a hell of an introduction to Joni Mitchell, at the very very least. For my tastes… yeah, I’m at a 10. It was *that* good.
3 stars. not my fav joni album
Διαβαζω για αυτο το αλμπουμ οτι εχει απιστετους στιχους. Εγω ομως αυτο που κανω ειναι να επικεντρωνομαι στο ηχο αποκλειστικα , στα vocals και την παραγωγη πριν κινηθει το ενδιαφερον μου αρκετα για να κοιταξω τους στιχους. Δυστυχως οχι αυτο που περιμενα. Δεν υπηρχαν ρεφρεν και ολη η εμπειρια ηταν καπως βαρετη. Παρ' ολ' αυτα μαρεσει η φωνη της και η παραγωγη σε πολλα σημεια. Shoutout στο μπαμπα που ακουγε. Rating: C+
Tror fan det är tredje plattan med henne och det är så jävla dåligt. Världens mest överskattade kvinnliga singer-songwriter. Vart är Melanie, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Joan Baez och Sandy Denny? Så jävla mycket bättre. På den här plattan fanns det dock ett par låtar man kunde lyssna på under pistolhot.
Beautiful album, as everything she does! In the same vibe as Blue but with more instruments!
Could be worse... Feel like its waiting room music at a beauty store or even hold music. It reminds me of sitting in the loungeroom at my grandparents on a weekend trying to nap but you couldn't because they played this music too loud because they were deaf even though they were more than likely already asleep...
Joni Mitchell is lovely when listened to in the right mood.
Not my cup of Tea! I usually like 70s music but this is one of the albums I would skip. One good song through it was Raised on Robbery IMO.
Folk Music. :/
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
I'm well familiar with this album. Joni Mitchell really isn't my style of music and I don't often listen to her unless someone else turns it on, but she's a favorite of the critics and there's no disputing that this album was a big success for her.
"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
2 Joni Mitchell albums in 3 days, am I in purgatory?
My second Joni! The way she layers her voice on this album is so angelic. My favorite song is Help Me. I love the way she slides her voice on the words "help me", and the chord changes between 30 and 40 seconds really tickle my brain. I can't wait to listen to this again and really soak it all in.
Hated this on the first listen but really enjoyed it second time around
Chad Joni
Wow so much better than Blue
not shabby but pale in comparison to 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
Mixed feelings about this album because I'm not a fan of Joni Mitchell's move to Jazz, but it's quite a pleasant album, and her voice is a as wonderful as ever. I quite liked "Help Me".
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
I enjoyed this. Closer to my normal taste in folk music and some of the tracks near the end really surprised me. I enjoyed the more diverse instrumentation as the album built up.
I owe Joni more time, but I've always had an averse reaction to Big Yellow Taxi and this album didn't help my impression of her. I found it pretty throughout but the closing stretch really lost me. As one of two 1001 albums a day singer songwriter album I've been suggested, I found myself putting it head to head again Joan Armatradings 1976 album and most popular track from it "Love and Affection", which I can't help but think beats probably everything but the opening minute and a half from "Help Me". 2/5
Lovely folk rock goodness, Joni Mitchell knows how to write songs
It was pertty good but a little sleepy for me.
A very good album, even if I don't listen to it often.
Very nice instrumentation. Some jazz elements.
Really dragged down by being a non native English speaker and taking in the lyrics. It just becomes bland singer songwriter stuff when you take away the lyricism. Perhaps I need to come back someday and give it a focussed listen
Not my favorite Joni Mitchell album, but I do love it. Not as good as Blue, but then not many albums are.
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
Spooky sound. Also, I learned about her wild blackface history lol.
This album has such a weird feel. It’s like it should be a steely dan album of things that were cut from their actual albums. She’s got a great voice and a huge vocal range but it doesn’t really click with me. I can’t put my finger on it but I just didn’t enjoy the melodies and found it all kind of lackluster. I like all the parts, just not the whole.
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!
Pretty good. Nothing super standout to me, but I enjoyed it as a sort of pleasant background music. Her voice is always very distinctive, and I appreciate that her lyrics are often quite personal and reflective.
I just have a hard time with her voice. Not for me.
This is #day111 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it was mostly okayish, but not to the extent I'd be willing to turn back to this album in the future. Besides, I suspect more from Joni Mitchell will come down the road. This is a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day112.
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.
не послушала все, но очень нравится голос, чучут не зацепило но думаю я вернусь к нему позже. мне нравятся гармонии и мелодии и как она поет. кросби и неш участвовали в этом альбоме тоже и это слышно шестой студийный альбом канадской певицы и автора песен Джони Митчелл, выпущенный в январе 1974 года на лейбле Asylum Records. бо́льшая часть пластинки выдержана в жанре поп-музыки, а также содержит элементы джаза.
Music was pleasant, I think Joni is a better singer than lyricist and songwriter.
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.
Soft and gentle folk record. This one is a really easy listen and friendly on the ears. Not something I'd listen to regularly, but I will revisit this one as it was nice.
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.
I’ve listened to it and can’t say it is bad. However I don’t like this kind of music to judge objectively hence the score is 3 (neutral). Don’t consider this a review.
Enjoyable sound. Created a laid-back, reflective with own thoughts and feelings mood. Twisted didn't quite fit the mold, but was very entertaining breakaway and ending
Not AS terrible as her other offerings.
This has a very relaxing and chill Sunday morning kind of vibe. Not bad, but I highly doubt if I'll ever purposefully listen to it again. I recognize Joni Mitchell's talent, but she's just not my jam.
Better than the last Joni Mitchell album, but this still isn't enjoyable for me.
Lotta big swings here! And I have to say I'm super impressed. I think after the intimacy and vulnerability of Clouds and Blue, I like that Joni then reaches out to more instrumental richness, filling her songs with bouquets of sonic joy. The harmonies are on point here, the compositions are just delightful - great album! Best Track: Help Me Worst Track: Trouble Child
Best Song: Help Me Worst Song: Twisted
This is certainly a joni mitchell album. 2/5
god every time i hear a new (to me) JM album im blown away and this was no different..
Не понравилось. Такое ощущение, что поёт невпопад: музыка отдельно, слова отдельно. Хотя отдельно и вокал хороший, и музыка приятная
Better than expected. Don’t love her falsetto. Most songs sounded more or less the same. Raised on Robbery best song
I think this is my favorite Joni album I've had so far (this will be the 4th I've reviewed). There's not a dud on this record. Usually I have a hard time getting into a Joni Mitchell album, but this one was great right from the start. She's a poet. This album falls at a time where she was starting to inject more folk and jazz into her music, so I think that helps too. Raised on Robbery is such a high energy song for Joni. It is fantastic!! Favourite songs: Raised on Robbery, Car on a Hill, Help Me, Twisted, Free Man in Paris, Just Like This Train, Trouble Child Least favourite songs: I really can't pick one. This album is super solid. 5/5
I'm a big enough man to admit that me and Joni got off on the wrong foot. This is pretty alright now that she's dropped the screeching harpy act from Blue. Very pleasant lyrics and instrumentals.
The songwriting is good. The instrumentals all sound the same for each song, but they nail that 70s soft rocky sound. Mitchell has a great voice. All in all, though, this music ain't for me.
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 find it quite boring unfortunately
Really good but not anything I will feel the need to listen to again
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
2.5 stars
I really liked this. Definitely Laurel Canyon-y with some Jazz thrown in for good measure.
Such a cool shift in base sound from Blue, Joni keeps her storytelling forefront with jazzier accompaniments.
Not bad, but a bit boring.
Realised after one hour that the album was over and that I wasn't listening to anything. Completely forgettable (for me) and even more astonishing if you see the (good) ratings it got on release.
Really enjoyable
Much more enjoyable to listen to than Blue. Still a bit too folksy for me though.
Iconic
Girls just wanna have fun but this album does not let that. It's so boring except the Twisted song.
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.
I need a break from folk music
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.
Joni Mitchell again. It still gets a bit annoying over time.
My second favorite Joni. Absolutely wonderful. 4.5/5
This is a slightly premeditated rating, in that I loved this experience and know that I will only love it more on repeated listens. Just wonderful.
One of my favorites. They lyrics, the mood. Joni's voice.
Pop, Rock, s.s., Jazz, 1974 -> 3
That was disappointingly forgettable.
Enjoyed the vibe. No part of the album really stood out to me though except the sexual content of "Raised on Robbery." Didn't expect it and it kinda startled me. Other than that the album had a good sound, though I didn't save any tracks from it.
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.
I agree with the common sentiment that she’d make a great poet. I found this record to be ‘OK’, but the melody-writing in some of these songs a little rough. Not bad overall though. Favorite track: Help Me
A wonderful album. Superbly arranged music & vocals.
It was alright
I had never heard Joni Mitchell prior to this but immediately heard her influence on some of my favorite singers like Sean Nelson. I enjoyed this album a lot!
This is a wonderful album
An average album, one that can be easily put on and forgotten about as it is playing. The album had some nice moments like Court and Spark and help me, but I did not enjoy the moments of Jazz that seemed to run throughout the album. Favourite song: Court and Spark Least favourite: Twisted Album artwork: I like the cover