Court And Spark

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+

sweet and fast

It's cool

5.5/10

Not familiar with this one by Joni before today but enjoyed….

Es ist eine gelungene Mischung aus Folk, Rock und Jazz, die sich hervorragend für die gemütliche Atmosphäre einer Pianobar eignet. Mit ihrer charakteristischen Stimme und poetischen Texten schafft es die Sängerin, die Zuhörer in ihren Bann zu ziehen. Allerdings, trotz der musikalischen Qualität und der schönen Arrangements (“Help Me”), lässt sich nicht leugnen, dass "Court and Spark" nicht unbedingt als Meilenstein der Musikgeschichte eingeordnet werden kann. Es fehlt der gewaltige Tiefgang und die innovative Kraft. Die Songs sind zwar solide, aber sie hinterlassen nicht unbedingt einen bleibenden Eindruck, der über die Zeit hinweg bleibt.

Another artist I can tell is talented, but I just don't like her work much.

I was never a big Joni Mitchell fan, but I love a lot of the artsy female singer-songwriters she inspired. So I'm always somewhat surprised by how underwhelmed I get by her albums. In theory I should love this, but I find it to be just ok. Key tracks: Help Me Free Man in Paris

lowkey kinda bland but I still think she's a good singer 🫶

Mitchell's music and singing is beautiful. I'm glad I gave it two listens. The music itself is not something I'd come back to often. I greatly enjoyed Raised on Robbery though. 3/5!

This was not too bad, pretty nice album for a background listen. I would say that nowadays it is a bit okay-ish, and given that this came out right as AC/DC were formed, you can tell that times were simpler back then.

Ei oikein herätä mitään tuntemuksia. Tosi neutraalia 🤷

What a beautiful record. Joni Mitchell has, I'm my opinion, a perfect voice. This record is varied, a little bit sexy and pretty relatable throughout. I enjoyed it a lot, but wouldn't put it in my regular rotation. It's a 3.5 realistically, but I can't give it a 4

This is a seminal Joni album and objectively excellent. I was familiar with it but don’t remember the last time I listened start to finish. I expected, and wanted, to love it. But it didn’t really hit. Maybe give it another go in the future.

First time ever listening to one of her albums. I can see why people like it.

Once we started this project--around the time of listening to Marianne Faithfull--I assumed we'd hear some Joni Mitchell, which excited me because of her reputation as a great songwriter, and I haven't heard much outside of the poignant "Big Yellow Taxi." Or so I thought. This voice sounds very familiar, exactly that soft Sesame Street/SchoolHouse Rock! instrumentation and relaxed "Laughter in the Rain" vibe that I attribute to the 70's. I assumed her sound was more folky, but there is soft rock, interesting arrangements (flutes, strings, saxophones), and some jazz infused in her melodies. You can tell she knows how to write a song easily, but is choosing to push some more advanced musical ideas, even if some smooth jazz licks may sound like the theme music for Bob Ross' Joy of Painting. I keep hearing glimpses of Billy Joel's Cold Spring Harbor and Tori Amos' Little Earthquakes albums. They are all in good company. Skilled and smooth, but would benefit from more catchy and accessible melodies.

I think I like the idea of Joni Mitchell more than I like Joni Mitchell's actual music.

Definitely not your usual singer songwriter experience hearing this. Interesting melodies and Jodie has a fun and enchanting way of singing. The singing makes me think of an earlier, less angry version of Alanis Morisette somehow, she also has an unexpected rhythm to her singing that I like. I’m writing this review quite a while altering listening to the album, and I realize I have forgotten quite a lot of it, not a great sign. The first song is very good though, and when skimming through it I really like it. On the edge of being a 4, but will have to settle on a strong 3 since it obviously didn’t leave that strong impression on me.

My only relationship to Joni Mitchell is from "Love Actually". Chill vibes. I've always heard the lyrics were the centerpiece but they didn't really stick out to me, maybe due to working will listening to it.... Anyway favourite song was "Just like This Train" and I also liked the country rock song "Raised on Robbery". 3 with potential.

This album is FINE it’s FINE. I gave Blue 5 stars because it’s one of the most beautiful albums I’ve ever heard. This one…isn’t. It’s nice. It’s pleasant, but the lyrics don’t speak of pain and love in nearly the same way. It’s a lot more stories. And they’re fine. But nothing as electric. This might be one of the most 3 star albums for me

Fun singer/songwriter album. Love Raised on Robbery!

Nice

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I did give up on a couple of songs, but just a few, and at least 3/4 of the way through before skipping to the next.

Two Joni Mitchell albums in one week. I feel about the same about this one. 3/5

Ну какое то не пойми что. Поёт неплохо, не раздражает, как фон на который можно не обращать внимание.

Decent folk album think it will definitely grow on me the more I listen to it

There’s no denying that this is good music!

It's nice, it's jazzy, a pleasant listen. But my overall thought is similar to the earlier Joni Mitchell CD, which is that beyond the opening track it's not that strong overall. Mitchell's voice is so good, she just makes anything work. It's a little light and slow for my taste, but the times when she does rock ("Raised on Robbery") are pretty awesome.

Not my favorite but a classic

3 за попытку миксануть фолк и джаз

Folksy

p320. 1974. 3 stars. Well, the voice is great, and the lyrics are sharp - but there are no standout tunes, and the production has NOT dated well. Without the voice this would be soulless mid 70s West Coast FM listening.

Easy listening 3*

An easy listen

Mostly decent but the singing is weird to be honest. 2.72.

pleasant musik

Took sips of this during the day. Joni Mitchell is like Brussel Sprouts - something I hated as a kid but now I think "hmm.. ok, I guess if you smother it with bacon or figs". She does have a lovely voice and unusual phrasing. I've been listening to a little of this album and a little of FKA Twigs LP1 in the same day and strangely I prefer FKA Twigs. How is this possible? A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, 11 Grammy awards winning world renown artist who has inspired many artists vs. something I'd expect to hear in a mall in LA. Oh well. I did like the last song "Twisted" quite a bit though. 2.5 rounded up "Lately I don't count on nothing, I just let things slide"

Never been a huge Joni Mitchell fan, but appreciate it for what it is.

I know it is controversial, but I think Joni is just OK. If you heard her at an open mic, you’d think “Yeah, she’s good.” I’m almost prepared to go 4*, but not quite.

Pretty good. Starts out quite strong and gets a little forgettable toward the end. Very Schoolhouse Rock at times. Made me really wanna listen to You’re So Vain by Carly Simon.

Before Toyota Corolla, what was the mom car? Joni Mitchell is pre Toyota Corolla core

Good vibes. What a time to be a music lover in the 70’s.

A 3rd Joni Mitchell album on this list is insane. Clearly she’s dramatically overrated. That being said, Court and Spark is the best of the 3 I’ve heard. Her vocals are more controlled. It’s not as usual but nothing overly special. 6.0/10

I was trending lower around midway through, her cadence is interesting but gets tedious after 4 or 5 of the same style songs. But the second half of the album had some nice variety.

Beautiful voice and performances. Some of the music is just dated and out of touch. Great songwriting too, but relevancy today is a stretch. Some of the backing horns come in at strange times, and make things seem like a 70s TV show.

Joni Mitchell is an amazing woman and musician. Not my favorite album but definitely not the worst thing ever.

I know everyone loves Joni. I have a hard time getting into a lot of her stuff, though.

A little dated for me but good enough that I don’t mind it on in the background. Good lyrics. I’d give it a 2.5 if I could

It did not make a lasting impression. But for playing it was perfect for playing it in the background.

It’s beautiful, it‘s lyrical, it’s heartfelt. I’m not really sure why I don’t like this more, but it’s lacking a little something for me.

It's nice but doesn't hook me.

It's a fine record I just have never "got" Joni

I finally figured it out So I think Joni Mitchell has both an amazing, real, and pure voice. I also think she is deeply poetic and draws out a lot of feeling in her lyrics. I am always likely to pause or stop whatever I am doing to listen out one of her songs. Nevertheless, at the end of the day I am stuck by the paradox: "Yeah, she is great!" followed by "No, I don't have any of her albums." And this 1001 album site has helped me to understand why! There are no drops, beats, tonal changes, primal screams, ... in short, there is no drama. It is sweet, gentle, sometimes poignant, but she is best if listened to as a blend, on the radio, or in a mix or some other way than a continued line up of songs (although all bets are off if one had the chance to see her live!) In real life, that voice... Yeah.

Alright

6/10 This was fine I guess, well sung and played, but Joni Mitchell being considered a great is genuinely becoming more of a mystery as I hear some of her albums. Going into this project I would have just assumed it is correct that she is a legend, now I am developing the take that she might be one of the most overrated artists of all time. Sorry. Best: Free Man In Paris

This album was much better than I thought it would be. I never really listened to Joni Mitchell but think I might start. Her voice is unbelievable and one of my new favorites, but I think her songs and melodies are too all-over-the-place for me.

Her voice is like butter. I like the review about Stevie Nicks dropping acid while hearing this record. Overa, not my thing but that voice is indeed enchanting.

Classic Joni

Interesting listen 3/5

I think this album was better than the last of Joni Mitchell's that I listened to as part of the 1001 Album project. It's still not something that I care for.

Great vibe and songs, but not as memorable as a whole.

Pretty OK album. Like something I'd hear in a diner or something. Worth a relisten

Each song has its own style and rhythm. No “sameness” between the tracks makes it a very listenable album.

the song writing style of just talking about shit is weird but it is ok 3.5

School house rock voice. 6/10

Court And Spark is an album that i don't have the strongest opinion on but from what i heard, is fairly decent at what it does. The songs at the beginning of the album were not really anything to write home about mostly due to just sounding a little too similar to each other, It handles this better than some other albums but the problem still stands. The back half though really allowed the writers and Mitchell to really flex their creative muscles as the songs here were much more interesting and had quite a lot of jazz elements towards the end which i thought were handled very well. This may not be the greatest album around but its still a solid one. Best Song: Raised on Robbery Worst Song: Free Man in Paris

A female Bob Dylan lyrically. Love what she did for music and what she was doing at the time, but not my cup of tea for a regular listen

Beautiful. Not terribly memorable, though.

very good lyricism but some of the songs go on for too long/becomes boring at times

Pretty good. Clearly a songwriter operating with great skill and assurance, and the album went down smoothly and pleasingly while I listened to it. I wouldn’t want to argue with anyone who claims this is a masterpiece as there are probably layers to uncover with further listens. The problem is there aren’t enough moments that really stick in the memory and make me desperate to invest in those further listens (until arguably the last track, which isn’t really representative of the whole). 3.5

Typical Joni.

A good soothing album, I liked Help Me and Twisted the best.

I forgot how unique Joni's voice is.

I like her lyrics and her voice well enough, it was enjoyable.

Court and Speak 2.8 Help Me 3 Free Man in Paris 3.1 People's Parties 2.9 The Same Situation 3 Car on a Hill 3.2 Down to You 2.7 Just Like This Train 3.1 Raised on Robbery 3 Trouble Child 3 Twisted 2.8 Score: 2.963636364

This sounds like the other Joni Mitchell albums, Blue, Hijra...the Hissing Lawn one. I would have to listen to all of these back to back to sort out the differences. Lyrically this has some clever word play and musically the song mix it up and they don't all sound the same. This is just as good as her run of top shelf 70's albums. This might be the best one, I don't know, it's like splitting hairs. 3.5/5 5/28/2024

Man I just don’t like Joni Mitchell’s singing style. This was better than Blue in my opinion, but despite great lyrics, I just can’t deal with her voice.

smoother than the Blue album

ok

Folk. No me atrapa.

She’s a national treasure but ultimately not my bag

I can definitely see the appeal, although I wouldn't say I loved it. That Jasmine also was pretty poor. Noise, cacophony

Joni is a treasure, but this album doesn't hit the sweet spot like Blue does.

Not sure this is her best

Has the only two Joni Mitchell songs I care to listen to. Or that I wouldn’t mind hearing. Or that I wouldn’t not listen to. Baha. It’s fine and she’s aight.

Recognized a couple of songs here. This album is mostly more lively than those of some other singer-songwriters of the same era on this list - I'm just not really a fan of the genre. I likely won't relisten.

Enjoyed this, but needs a re-listen to see what sticks. More varied than I expected!

I know Joni. Never really truly listened to her but I do know what she brings to the table. won't listen to much of this. Just too americana/folky for me.

Pretty enjoyable as far as folk music goes

ok, aber manches very slow

Good but uninspiring.

Pleasant enough but didn’t grab me throughout the album

She just sounds like a good white church singer. Raised on robbery was my favorite.

Yeah I still don’t really get her

This one seemed like it had a little bit more energy than the one I had literally a week ago, so slight bump over that one but still only a 3.5 for me.

Sounds like all other Joni albums

My first Joni Mitchell album. Pretty much exactly what I expected, good but not entirely my thing. Hopefully I like some of her other albums more. 3/5

Album 385 of 1001 Joni Mitchell - Court And Spark Rating : 4 / 5 I enjoyed this more than I anticipated. There are times when I think Joni Mitchell was just the right person who was there at just the right time and is overrated. Then there are times when I hear something like "Help Me" and I'm forced to reconsider. Maybe just not totally for me as her lyrics are what her songs are all about, rather than the music. In my very first post in this project I mentioned that my favorite music is related to the music...not the lyrics. There are some exceptions. Some of her songs may be among those.

Raised on Robbery is THE highlight

I am not a fan of her in general. When I hear the name, I just roll my eyes and say, “no, please….something else, not her.” Help Me is a great song. The rest, eh… its listenable at least. 3/5

A typically Joni Mitchell Album

People's Parties is the first track that jumped out for me. Her voice and lyrics are interesting, but the music itself is a little bland. A high 3.

I know I'm in the minority, especially in my demographic (sorry, Emma Thompson), but I've never been a Joni Mitchell fan. I just can't get past her weird phrasing, which makes some of her songs almost like jazz. On this album that's not as much in evidence, so it was mostly fine. (And I actually like "Help Me.") But just fine.

This album is a lot like being on the edge of an orgasm. I spent the entire time waiting for her to do something musically that would really put me over the top and call this a great album. It’s just too soft and steady. I got close a couple of times, but never got there. It was a mostly enjoyable experience but I’m walking away feeling a bit blueballed.

Folk. No me atrapa.

Court and Spark by Joni Mitchell was an OK album. It was kind of just some background music. There was one song at the end called twisted that was kind of poppy that I enjoyed. like I said just nothing great but not terrible.

An ok album

Nice but not my vibe right now

I've not listened to too much Joni Mitchell in the past, but her music still sounds familiar. Great album, I feel it's one I need to listen to more to really appreciate it. I'd like to revisit this album again soon.

could i write poetry to this? n

Idk kinda feeling nothing about this. But it wasnt bad at all

Mjög góð, ljúf hlustun

Surprisingly good. I was expecting typical folk music, and although you could feel that it was also a lot more jazz-tinged. I'm not a big fan of her vocals, it kind of jarred a bit with the style of music. Very listenable though.

ну приятненько что-то между 3 и 4

I'm thinking that with Ms. Mitchell's professed admiration for German wine, she and Alan Partridge would get along famously.

Joni is great, she has a great voice and is super talented. The album was fine.

Can't connect with most of the lyrics. Raised on Robbery more upbeat I dig it. The slower folk songs I'm not too high on. Sounds boring compared to even the singer-songwriter stuff from today, maybe she's talking about things I can't relate to not sure.

When music was real!

I wasn't able to listen to every song on this album, but such was unnecessary as I know them from when they saturated the radio, certain parties and even the juke box at the bowling alley. Ms. Mitchell is a brilliant singer, a superb songsmith, and a master of multiple genres. This is a very good album among her many, but it's not my listening pleasure.

Solid Joni, but the very over the top jazzy stuff brings it down.

Каждый альбом из этого списка я ставлю на репит и жду, пока моё ухо начнёт за что-то цепляться. Здесь, сколько бы я ни слушала, я не смогла зацепиться вообще ни за одну песню. Что даже как-то обидно, учитывая, что сам саунд из тех, что мог бы мне понравиться

Nice jazz sounds, maybe too folk-y for me

liked it in the beginning, got bored by the end

Feel good vibes with an iconic voice. Never heard this one before!

Youtube commercials between every song definitely messed with the experience here, but this was all new to me and I generally really enjoyed it. Still hoping she and Spotify make up one day

Not on Spotify but I feel like I would’ve given it three stars if it was

I'm yet to get an album I don't like here. This is the first one not on spotify so i didn't quite get the same experience I had to pull it up on a PC. Some lovely compositions and apparently the start of the jazz influence on her records so I can see why it's so highly regarded.

I'm still not a Joni Mitchell fan, this was my third album of hers. This was probably the one I liked the most.

For some reason I cannot get into Joni’s voice. I see this as a me problem.

Wasn’t on Spotify but was able to listen to on Youtube Music. I like listening to Joni. She has a real easy voice to listen to. There was one song on this album that was pretty fun to listen to, little more blusey vibes. This album still a bit too folky for me but Joni seems to be the Queen of this genre. Rounding down but could be a 4⭐️ on a different day.

This album has some nice tracks, but I would not listen regularly.

I liked this on the whole. Twisted is the weak link on the album. A fairly solid 3.

Full disclosure - not a Joni Mitchell fan. She's written some exceptionally great songs, notably "Woodstock" and "Both Sides Now", but vocally, she's subpar and difficult for me to listen to. But I made it through this, and it wasn't unbearable, so let's call it a win.

Not my favorite.

Good album not my thing though

Not much into folk music but this was somewhat jazzy.

A couple bangers and a nice vibe.

Meh

I don't think I was in the right frame of mind for this album.

Solid album with some greatness sprinkled in

jazzyetyjazzetyjazzetyjazz

Album Nr. 34 Auch dieses Album trifft ncht ganz meinen Geschmack. Die Musik ist jedoch geeignet sich zu entspannen und sich "berieseln" zu lassen.

A nice listen! I enjoyed it. Didn’t know about her until today and I heard about her on the radio this morning and then the album of the day here. Nice, a fellow Canadian 🇨🇦

Enjoyably jazzy, breezy pop that’s very easy to listen to but has considerable lyrical depth. The songs flowed into each other pretty seamlessly, making this a good album to let wash over you, picking out something different each time.

I was not familiar with her work before listening to this record. When she's leaning on the folk-side of the Force, it's really nice; but there is a more "pop" side of her work that I don't like as much. Great voice though.

It was an enjoyable listen. Not my go to type of stuff, probably won't revisit but was worth a listen. Will I listen to again: 10%

Where's big yellow taxiiii???

help me, twisted

Folk. No me atrapa.

Very light and enjoyable album. Easy listening. Nothing familiar but a good mix of folk and jazz styled rock.

A little light for me.

Wel kek album, doen flinke muzikanten aan mee en ‘car on a hill’ lijkt op een Steely Dan nummer. Maar toch is dit een album dat ik wss niet snel nog een keer ga luisteren

Best geinig hoor. Zou er niet dagelijks naar luisteren

I listened to it on YouTube yesterday and thought it was okay. Admittedly I didn't give it my full attention and it all seemed to run together a bit. There was one bit that took a major left turn musically to the point that even Innes stopped eating his breakfast to pay attention. Turns out it was a Nandos advert

I feel like I should like this album more than I do. Three stars. Maybe four.

Couldn’t really listen to it. Listened to few other Joni Mitchell tracks

Hún er skemmtileg þótt hún sé ekki sérlega minnistæð en platan er ekki aðgengileg á Íslandi í gegnum Spotify þannig að ég þurfti að mausast í gegnum YouTube. Það mun líklegast valda því að ég hlusta ekki oftar á plötuna.

De op m'n verjaardag uitgedeelde 1 ster is inmiddels al ruimte tijd de topcomment van een zeer gewaardeerde, altijd objectieve, door Sir Leo Blokhuis geschoolde medegebruiker van deze lijst, dus elke keer dat Joni bij mij naar voren komt moet ik een klein beetje lachen maar zet ik me ook meteen een beetje schrap. "Blue" is best een kutalbum (ik gaf een milde 2) en aan die eerder genoemde topcomment is geen woord gelogen, maar dit album valt dan relatief gezien best wel mee. Ons Joni lijkt wat rustiger en dat maakt de muziek een stuk beter te luisteren. Dit album is verrassend genoeg best aardig te doen. Een prima ochtendalbum zelfs. Bij de laatste track (een soort schijtlollige jazztrack) had ik wel enorm zin om verder te gaan naar groenere muziekweides. Het venijn zit in de staart. Dit is van de drie albums duidelijk m'n favoriet. Een 3.5 die ik toch moet afronden naar een 3.

Another JM album on the list that I cannot get into anymore - vocals are less annoying than on Blue though, 3 stars again.

It's nice but somehow doesn't keep me engaged.

Guess I'm missing the Joni gene, 'cause try as I might, she just doesn't take. A younger me would've loathed this, but honestly that's more an indictment of a young man looking for cool music than the musicianship contained herein. The thing is those biases still linger in me a little, and I was tempted to skip this record. Glad I didn't though - there are definitely elements that I can appreciate and even enjoy, but overall this just isn't a record I'd come back to repeatedly.

It's a nice easy listening album. Probably not one I would specifically seek out, but wouldn't turn off either if it came on.

Remember this well from freshman year of college. Still not my favorite but I appreciate it better nearly 50 years later.

Joni Mitchell is one of those artists who sometimes hits for me and usually leaves me cold. This album is more miss than hit.

Classic album by Joni Mitchell, which means I had a lukewarm reception of it. Neither great, neither bad. Really good voice, but just not my style of music at all.

Very pleasant listen. I've heard of Joni Mitchell quite a bit but have never listened too closely to her work. I thought this was a pretty solid album - didn't love it, didn't hate it, just a good album with a warm vibe.

LOTS OF FOLK

Joni drives me crazy. Her lyrics are matchless. But I need more hooks in my pop/folk. The jazziness is welcome, but the melodies are mostly opaque. It's like a jazz cover of a standard that skips the melody and goes right to the improvisation. Cool, but bring the listener with you! A 4 overall, but a point deducted for the tunelessness of some tracks. I want to like it more, but I don't want to listen to it more. "Court and Spark" Sets the difficult tone: tasteful accompaniment immaculately recorded, but the melody is all over the place and it's hard to follow the words. "Help Me" THERE'S the melody with hooks to spare. And those chord changes! "Free Man in Paris" Another strong melody over a cool backing. Great chord changes - reminds me of some Grateful Dead jams "People's Parties" Unusual structure: just verses, no bridges or choruses. The words are just pouring out, without a strong melody to hold on to. "The Same Situation" Great lyrics but the vocal just noodles along. "Car on a Hill" A melody! A hook! The lyric tells a good story too. "Down to You" Back to noodling, but with a nice instrumental interlude in the middle. Winds up being just a novelty "Just Like This Train" Melodic, lovely backing vocals. "Raised on Robbery" Andrews Sisters-like intro vocals, with a rocker accompaniment. A melody! Sounds a bit like the kind of up-tempo track that James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, or Carly Simon were all doing at this time. "Trouble Child" An attempt at a catchy bass riff, but the vocal is all over the place again "Twisted" - a cover of a bop-era jazz vocal combo.

I love Joni Mitchell, although this is not my favourite album of hers. She seems so sincere and powerful and reckon she would be ace around a campfire with that guitar! This may have scored higher with me but I had to listen to it via YouTube and it’s surprising what a shit experience that is.

Folky jazz/pop album with beautiful performances by Joni.

Not my cup of tea

Not bad, neke dobre pesmice. Lagano, poeticno.

Joni Mitchell withdrew her music from Spotify, which this link goes to. So, I did listen to this on Apple Music. It's fine, not as good as her album Blue