Court And Spark

Bello, interessante, senza tempo

-very fun and folky -70s folk feel -jonis voice is great - i enjoyed

Nice, easy listening. Never really done a deep dive into Joni Mitchell but what I hear is pretty decent, but probably not enough to make we want to listen to loads more at once.

Kind of unstructured beat-pop-poetry-folk. Was different at the time because of that and because it was so personal. Perfect timing for the mid-70's. Also unsatisfyingly short. Eh! 4 for its time and 2 for not surviving past the moment.

It's a completely pleasant album. Mitchell is probably one of the premiere vocalists in the last century of popular music, and while her brand of folksy jazz is not the most interesting to me, I do enjoy hearing the clear influence her vocal sytling has had on one of contemporary favorites HAIM.

I had to talk to my buddy about this one. He's a really good music nerd. So I listened to it and kept thinking it's poetry, but set to the wrong music. Turns out I wasn't far off and Joni has a knack for poems and since she knew how to play it was in fact set to music. I don't want you to think it's not a good album. It's not bad and after talking to my music nerd buddy I wasn't in the right mindset to sit down and listen to Joni. It's stupid busy at work and things are a bit frantic. This album isn't right for the time. I do want to explore her discography though. She's talented and I did enjoy som of these tunes. I hope I remember to pull this album out when things are a bit calmer and I can give it an honest listen.

Good

It was interesting hearing a few of these songs as part of an album instead of individually. That being said, I know she's a talented songwriter, but I'm just not a huge fan.

ja ganz cute aber nothing special

The first time I heard Joni Mitchell, I don't even remember what record it was, but I should've started here. A lot of respect has been built after this listen. She exceeds the expectations for a singer-songwriter. The voice and the pen as instruments. Roller coaster of a record because even though I can appreciate the entire project, not every track speaks to me. Just a matter of preferences. 3/5

01) Court and Spark - 6,5 02) Help Me - 7,0 03) Free Man in Paris - 7,0 04) People's Parties - 5,5 05) The Same Situation - 5,5 06) Car on a Hill - 6,0 07) Down to You - 5,5 08) Just Like This Train - 5,5 09) Raised on Robbery - 7,0 10) Trouble Child - 6,0 11) Twisted - 6,0 TOTAL: 6,14 (61/100) Current ranking: 498/654

Beautiful voice and songwriting as usual by Joni, maybe even better than the magnum opus blue, good jazz pop album, def not my genre

This is something. Id almost like to say I like this more than blue but I dont know how yall would take that lol. But there are some slow songs to start and I liked those well enough. It feels sad but maybe that's just joni I dont really know. Then it gets kinda silly in thr last few tracks. I feel some whiplash to a degree. I do like those songs too but it just feels out of place. Pretty good record though and I enjoyed it pretty well the whole time through.

Ihan hyvää taustamusiikkia. Kuuntelinkin albumin nimenomaan kaiken tekemisen taustalla, joten minulla ei ole siitä sen kummempia kommentteja.

i honestly thought it was not bad. 2-3, it had some enjoyable moments

Good acoustic background music, didn't pay attention to lyrics. Would relisten.

Quite enjoyable, very good guitar playing and some fun tunes.

Good songwriting and guitar playing but no songs were like damn I really need to hear that again. I think her first album is gonna be a lot better

I'm a big fan of Joni Mitchell's early folk stuff and had never heard this.. not sure how i feel about it. Was enjoyable enough but I think I just prefer the sparse sounds of her unique guitar playing accompanied by great lyrics, like on Blue. I don't think the extra instrumentals add much to her music. Raised on Robbery is a great tune but I didn't find a whole lot else compelling. And I find the jazzier tracks, especially Twisted, kind of cringy in the context of Mitchell using blackface throughout her career and defending it as recently as 2017. You're a white woman from Canada, Joni, no matter if you say you feel like a black man in your soul (yikes). Its not a bad record but probably overrated, and doesn't have shit on Blue or even Ladies of the Canyon.

Not bad.

I like Joni Mitchell, but this one's a bit hit and miss for me. Some songs are great, some just don't do it for me.

Mitchell's voice soars through this album. Musically interesting too, with dips into rock and jazz. Importantly doesn't get overblown at any point whilst really letting the strongest instrument, her vocals, shine. Feel like I'll be coming back to this one.

I mostly enjoyed this, especially lyrically.

Joni Mitchell all kinda sounds the same to me

"Help Me" was apparently her biggest hit and it's easy to see how it would fit in on 70s commercial radio. "Raised on Robbery" is fitting single material too, the kind of thing that could easily by licensed for a chase sequence on a dusty road. "Twisted" is a cutely comedic and jazzy send-off for the album.

6/10, favorite was Raised on Robbery

Yeah its alright

I get this a lot more than other Joni albums I've listened to. I need to pay closer attention to the lyrics but I enjoyed it more than I expected. 3.5

Raised on Robbery seemed to kind of pop up out of nowhere compared to the others? I like that her voice is kind of deepening here compared to earlier albums.

it was soothing

Solid musically. Probably better lyrically but that's the side I pay less attention to

Help Me- This track felt nostalgic even though I'm sure I've never heard it before. I think the reason for this is that if her voice were replaced with a soft trumpet, it would fit right in as ambient music in a Hobby Lobby. I didn't mind it, but I was expecting something a little more out of a song with 23 million plays on Spotify. That said, it was musically pleasing and brought me from being in the mood to commit vehicular manslaughter against my coworkers to not considering it anymore. I'll be honest, after reading that Joni is Canadian, I was hoping for more out of this album. It was an interesting listen and I don't regret listening to it, but I could never disappoint my mother as much as this album disappointed me. Most of the tracks just weren't musically satisfying. There just wasn't enough tension built up at any point to be released.

First time hearing Joni Mitchell and I'm delighted. This album was poetic and fun. I don't relate much to these songs, but they are good to listen to. Her voice is amazing. It sometimes seems like she is just telling a story with some music in the background, though.

Very nice. Joni is an acquired taste. Incredible musician and poet. This album wasn't my favorite. Three stars

Some great songs on here, with Help Me and Raised on Robbery being two of her best ever. However, I have trouble paying attention to an entire album of hers for whatever reason and they are generally pleasant listens that eventually become background noise.

Not my thing.

I think it was alright, not for me but...overall it was alright.

I can see why this one is her most popular album - it's much more condensed and palatable than her others. Pioneer she may be, she's just not for me. 3/5

ok

the album was a decent refreshment to someone who listens to rock and metal, raised on robbery has been the surprisingly good one in this album, the rest were ok.

Joni steps a little out of her comfort zone and shows a real spark. Damn, she's a talented vocalist.

Jag tycker inte att det är Jonis bästa album men vissa bra låtar

Jon

A solid 3

I’ve been cursed with a streak of “very middle of the road” albums (2.5/5)

It was honestly just fine. I don’t have any particular standout tracks that come to mind, and I’m not quite sure I’ll ever come back to this. Middle of the road, so three it is

A bit boring for most of the album, but pretty good. The last 3 songs got my attention more than anything else, to the point that I was disappointed that the album ended when it did. I wish those songs had been earlier in the album.

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.

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

"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.)

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

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.

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

Inte riktigt blue

3.5 stars. Not my favorite Joni Mitchell personally.

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

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

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).

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"

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’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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

#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.

Tämähän ei ole hassumpi albumi!

Classic album, just not for me

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

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.

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 like the vibe

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

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

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

A little meandering for my tastes

Me gusta pero no me termina de cerrar.

not my jam but I can tell she is good

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

okayish

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.

Not fab but not bad

The most tolerable Joni Mitchell album so far.

Love a good 30 minute album

Not bad, but nothing grabbed me.

It was fine.

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

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*

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.

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 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

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

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

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.

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.

Meh. Not bad but definitely not great either.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Ended up saving a song. Not too bad!

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

Kinda slow and uninteresting but it’s calming

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”.

I always have a problem with JMs up and down the scale vocal stylings and this is no different. Solid.

Good but didn't grab me 3.25

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I can appreciate her talent and she’s good. Just not my cup of tea.

5/10

7/10

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

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.

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.

This was kind of a weird one for me. Not really what I expected.

Good singer songwriter album. 2nd half not as good as the first.

i liked it. not enough for a four, but i liked it. hell yea

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

Unexpectedly almost fun.

Certainly one I grew up listening to quite a lot. Joni has a forever home in my memory.

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.

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.

very inspirational?

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.

Easy listening, I like her voice and sound

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.

Good

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.

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

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

Not my cup of tea.

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.

Not what I would call the best Joni Mitchell album? But basically fine.

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").

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.

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

Not a fan when Joni does traditional rock or jazz, but the typical folky/pop stuff is great.

It's an okay album with some good songwriting. Doesn't really speak to me however.

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...

Yeah this has some great songs but also has some flops.

it's alright, folk ain't my thing and it's also a bit samey

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

It’s a nice mellow listen.

Nice

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

Not sure I have ever listened to this whole album before. I think it may be my favorite of hers. 3.5

I'm sure this is good if you like this kind of thing, but I found it mostly grating.

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.

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

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.

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+

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.

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.

not shabby but pale in comparison to blue

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".

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.

It was pertty good but a little sleepy for me.

A very good album, even if I don't listen to it often.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Better than expected. Don’t love her falsetto. Most songs sounded more or less the same. Raised on Robbery best song

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.

Really good but not anything I will feel the need to listen to again

Much more enjoyable to listen to than Blue. Still a bit too folksy for me though.

I need a break from folk music

Pop, Rock, s.s., Jazz, 1974 -> 3

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.

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

It was alright

This is a wonderful album

Ballady 70’s

Good vocals, soft / folk

Joni Mitchell's voice is a thing of beauty, such smooth silky tones. I found this album quite soulful and jazzy, rather a pleasant 36 minutes. Not my usual music of choice but I enjoyed it.

Lovely

Though on the surface this seems like it would be too folksy for my taste (and indeed it is too folksy for me to have listened to on my own), it is immediately apparent that Joni Mitchell is special. I really enjoyed the jazz influences that can be heard throughout, and when she really leans into the jazzy stuff, thus album is really fun. I will revisit this but it is unlikely to go into my rotation.

I liked this. Makes me excited to listen to Blue though, because I think I will like that more.

It's Joni! It was a pleasant album to listen to, brings back a lot of memories, but I soured on Joni after seeing her concert in Houston. She was in a bad mood, and took it out on the crowd. Never forgot that, and quit listening to her after it.

enjoyed it. saved the 2nd to last in a nice playlist

Old fav

Pretty good. A couple of weird 70's weird sitcom sounding songs though.

It was perfect that this album popped up for me when it's raining outside. Joni, for me is always best listened to when you're trying to enjoy the quieter times in life, maybe with a cup of tea or your favourite adult beverage (I had ☕). - I find it difficult to listen to Joni Mitchell for long periods of time... Something about her voice makes me 🥱😴💤 - This album contains three of my favourite Joni Mitchell tracks; Help Me Free Man in Paris Raised on Robbery -

Chill

scho cute

Somewhat chill vibes. Godd for jazzy background vibes. But nothing special

de vibe hett passt zum zmorge esse im tooggi

Never listened to full Joni Mitchell songs or albums, but it's exactly what I expected. I'm sure there are moms who love this stuff.

It is one of her best albums.

It’s nice but Joni Mitchell has better albums than this one.

djassskotnar fólk krúsídúllur. ekki slæmt. kaffihús. 3,5.

she has a lovely voice

Something's not right...

I liked it

I understand why this is an important album, but personally it had more low moments than high.

Reckon I'll try this one again at a quieter time. Didn't fully absorb. Enjoyed what I did pay attention to. 6 / 10 Best track/s: Raised on Robbery, Court and Spark

190/1001

My second Joni Mitchell album. I found myself enjoying this one more than the last (Blue). The songs were a little more upbeat and there was a larger variety in tone, especially toward the end of the album, which I enjoyed. Joni's voice sounded nice- she is a good singer, but I am not a big fan of the sped up brrathy singing she does a lot between stanzas. I think thats part of her signature style and I can see how fans enjoy it, but not for me. Overall- it was a nice album that was easy to listen too. I'd say 3.5/5, but not quite up to a 4.

I am a big fan of Joni's classic, Blue, but I'd never spun Court And Spark before. It didn't hit me with the feels in the same way Blue does, but I believe it could grow on me over time.

3+