Reviews (page 6 of 8)
I have no idea how this album has made it to that list.
I took a plane to a taxi and a taxi to a train. Oh man. I grew up steeped in Mitchell, including this album many times. It's emblematic of her voice and poetic style, but not her best album by a few.
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 listened to this laying in bed at the end of the weekend. Appropriate because the album is sleep inducing. Coyote started it off well and then everything went down from there. The jazz musicians’ influence does not help either. I also correctly guessed that Joni was way into cocaine based on the album photo. While she had been cured of her cocaine addiction during her solo road trip back to LA, the effects lingered facially for this cover.
Mitchell is one if the great 20th century folk music poets. Her lyrics are often compared to the likes of Nobel prize winner Bob Dylan. 'Hejira' was inspired by her travels across America in the mid-70s and document a time of wandering, drug use, spirituality, and experiences with different lovers. It's refreshing to hear all of that from a woman's perspective, breaking the mold of traditional feminine roles in music and society. Musically, Mitchell moves away from her folk roots here with traces of restless experimentation and subtle jazz influences. Quite a few big name artists have named this one of their all time favorite albums and it's certaining interesting.
Really not sure what to rate this. Felt kind of bored listening to this, definitely solid though.
Meer gesinger-songwrite van onze Joni. Weinig dat opvalt of de aandacht vraagt, ik vind het verder wel prettig luisteren, al schijnt het dat dat niet voor iedereen geldt.
Ha Joni! Ik word dan altijd enthousiast, omdat er een Joni-hater in ons luisterclubje zit. En dat kan nog wel eens een leuke rating-aantekening opleveren. Of zal dat meevallen dat keer? Want zo gek maakt Joni het deze keer ook weer niet. Ze levert in zijn soort best een goed album. Je moet wel goed geslapen hebben, voordat je het aanzet. Anders red je het niet tot het eind. Daarom is 3 sterren ook wel weer ruim voldoende.
Iedereen kent mijn haat-haat verhouding met Joni inmiddels. En oh man, ze begint gelijk het eerste nummer al met Joni zijn. Expres uit de maat zingpraten. Hoe lang zou het duren voordat ze gaat goochelen met haar stem? Track 2 is nog wel te doen, ze houdt het ingetogen en het wordt begeleid met een galmend gitaartje en wat piano en strijkers. Het belerende boomertoontje waarmee ze haar verhalen vertelt, stoort nog wel natuurlijk. Die zelfingenomen bakkes op de hoes helpt daar ook niet bij. Wat vindt ze zichzelf toch goed. Zolang ze alles ingetogen houdt, is het redelijk te pruimen. Wat relaxte bluesy muziek op de achtergrond helpt daar zeker bij. De eerste 5 nummers houdt ze het daarbij. Ik ben gewaarschuwd dat we hierna alsnog de volledige Joni experience krijgen, dus ik zet me al schrap voor de nagels over het krijtbord. Het valt me nog mee. Ze laat het gegil als een krolse kat met haar kopstem grotendeels achterwege. En de bluesy achtergrond blijft. Dus ik kan het zowaar uitzitten. Ik zal het echter nooit uit vrije wil opzetten.
Other than 'Big Yellow Taxi', which isn't on this album, I wouldn't ever listen to this hippie shit.
What is that sticking out of her pocket on the cover sleeve? Anyhow. Joni Mitchell. Can you recall more than one of her hits? Me neither. This is B O R I N G and indulgent. Take your pocket cock, old lady and never darken my earphones again!
Liked it more than I thought I would.
I fell asleep listening to this It's a shame this album was so bad because the background music is good, and she has a lovely voice But it feels like she's singing a different tune to the song. And by singing I mean talking over 2 ⭐️
Not for me I’m afraid. A lot of big sad words over minimalistic music. It’s really hard to follow through when the entire album is like that. Plus for Jaco
I actually enjoyed most of this album, it was more accessible than other's I've heard and listened to it all the way through, which is saying something because I normally find it hard to make through most of her albums. The breezy light jazzy sound is fine and I don't mind her voice on this one. I realize she's a Canadian treasure, super influential, important female folk artist, who has all the credentials to be a Hall of Famer, but I still stop short of calling myself a fan.
Not really my style, but I can still appreciate it. Very chill
- a pleasant listen, but pretty boring tbh - her voice is nice at least
- good storyteller - female Leonard Cohen, but better - enjoyable style for a song or two but not a whole album
Perfect for walking around on a grey springtime afternoon, the mountains ahead, lake in the distance. Joni Mitchell has SUCH A GREAT voice, but she's pretty horny, isn't she? And why not? When a dude is horny and singing about it no one bats an eye. Joni Mitchell does it and EVERYONE LOSES THEIR MINDS. God damn Jaco Pastorious kills it. Fantastic record.
I like it better than Court and Spark, but not as much as Blue. Musically, it’s all pretty good, chiming guitar and excellent bass work courtesy of Jaco Pastorius. But, this is the Joni Mitchell album that most exposes her biggest failing in my eyes. Her utter and baffling aversion to recognisable melody of any sort. She sounds like she doesn’t write any melodies and just improvises them over her accompaniment. And it’s a shame, because all of the lyrics are quite good. They’d just be better and more memorable if if backed by a strong melody rather than the wavering, uncertain style of melody that Mitchell usually goes for. On the other hand, maybe that’s the point? She’s uncertain about her place in her life, on the road, and she’s reflecting that in her melodies? Perhaps, but she was playing that same shit on Court and Spark, and I can’t think of any reason to justify that thematically
not for me, the lyrics are disjointed and are hard to follow a story. music is nice, soft acoustic guitar which is calming and reminds me of Forrest Gump for some reason. I had a hard time listening to this album and enjoying it.
Shoot, my rating didn't take. I had hesitations coming into this album. I remember making fun of my mom with my dad singing Joni Mitchell. It was listenable, but not tremendously enjoyable.
SNF
First time listener.. I enjoyed the story telling and easy listening.
oh joni mitchell my canadian queen....
Pleasing to listen I guess
Nice sounds
Just so damn good. “Coyote”, “Amelia”, “Furry Sings the Blues”, “Blue Motel Room”…perfect songs. I’m honestly not a huge Jaco fan, but his presence here doesn’t even bother me. Probably only my 4th favorite Joni record, which speaks to her complete excellence. 4.5/5
A bit slow.
Okay. Structureless and freeform if that's your thing. Isn't mine
Very chill and songwritery for the most part which isn't my style. But some awesome Jaco bass parts and song arrangements.
hated Joni’s vocals, ended up overshadowing the intriguing concept and amazing instrumentals, as well as the solid storytelling
😭😭😭mega smuk
Har ikke hørt den her før, har hørt et par andre Mitchell albums fra de sene 70ere og de skuffer aldrig!
Fine sange, men lidt for store til min smag..
Nicht meine Richtung
Not actually that bad. Wasn’t expecting anything and didn’t hate it.
Tiene raíces muy norteamericanas, a mi me parece un plomo
Last Joni on the list?
Another one I listen to all the time
Great voice
Not bad but didn’t grab me. A little monotone.
the music is terrible and the lyrics are worse
Great guitar folk
Yea, this sounds amazing. Awesome folky instrumentals with great vocals and amazing storytelling.
interesting story in lyrics 4/5
I had to give this one a few goes through with the good headphones. It's a fantastic record. The minimalistic sound and the poetry in her lyrics are just perfect.
Really liked this, but I don’t think it’s her best
Joni Mitchell is not for me, this is one of the least interesting and just plain boring records I've ever heard. It's also too long, and all of the songs are too long. Can't believe how much this dragged. I have given her the benefit of the doubt on the two previous records of hers I've had on this list, giving both 3/5 stars. This will receive less for sure.
nostalgic
Decent set of songs
Gave it a couple listens bc it sounds like she was saying a lot and I may have missed something. I just kept zoning out even on the second listen, I really liked Blue but Herija just didn’t click for me, maybe I’m dumb, maybe Joni’s flighty deliver flew right over my head today. 3 stars
Très Midnight Shutdown, j'aime beaucoup. Super voix, cet album a très bien vieilli.
Everyone gives Joni Mitchell credit as a singer/songwriter and as an instrumental innovator, but what people rarely mention is her ability to craft a really decent concept album. She did it with “Blue” and she does it again on “Hejira.” It’s all about roads and traveling and the hard wisdom gained from the journey. Plus is enters new musical territory with a jazzier feel married to a Pop sensibility, something of an echo of “Court and Spark” but matured. Another in a collector’s deck of classics.
Probably the 5th best Joni album.
Couple of good songs, mostly have Jaco on bass. However, this was a tough listen for me, lost a lot of interest once the songs got to be over 5 minutes.
Respect for her musicianship and songwriting, still I never could quite connect with her music. A 3 from me for general pleasantness but I don't think I'd spin the whole album again.
Joni Mitchell's music is breezy and relaxing to listen to, I like her poetic songwriting and especially the instrumentation.
Voice beautiful, atmosphere sometimes also catching, lyrics interesting, but still... I can't find it very inspiring
Not for me
Beautiful storytelling through lyrics, fun basslines and tones. Lots of swirly guitars that kinda got tiresome. But Joni’s lyrics are beautiful and override that. Not my style but a great album.
Feels longer than 50 minutes, I don’t think I will be listening to this again. Not bad tho.
Folk, Jazz, 1976 -> 2
Are you trying to make me cry? I shouldn't be listening to this while trying to get work done. I should be in a bubble bath, sipping a pinot noir. Honestly, the first time I heard this one was because I had just learned about Jaco and found out he played bass for a string of Joni records, so I drew a bath - probably my first since childhood - drank a bottle of red wine, let it all wash over me, and cried. Nothing about me should like Joni Mitchell, especially because she's the epitome of what my mom would listen to, whose taste in music I've often been skeptical of, but had she ever listened to THIS Joni, I might've never thought that. Easily 5/5. This is artistic genius.
Great record, but not as easy to listen to as her other records on the list. Favorite song: Coyote.
I really enjoyed this!!
6/10 One of those "I can see that it is a very good, maybe even great" albums, but not for me personally Jazzy folk rock, not a lot of melody or hooks - which are important to me - and more focused on poetic, long, storytelling-style lyrics Great voice and guitar work, although the music does all blur into one Best: Song for Sharon
Didn't hate it, love her lyrics and voice. But damn, it was boring. It just didnt come together for me.
The album is lyrically dense but her vocal performance is detached from the music, and perhaps that is the emotion she is trying to convey, but I was having difficulty emotionally relating to it, and therefore did not enjoy it much. I think the arrangements could have benefited from also exploring dynamics to keep from feeling quite so similar to one another. I prefer a different album of hers than this one. Also, apropros of nothing, I am aware that it is just the image of Joni's wrist and upper hand bleeding through the cover image, but it really looks like a penis on the cover and I'm having trouble unseeing it. It is unclear to me whether that was intentional or not.
They all sucked, she sounds good sometimes? But mostly it sounds like she’s trying too hard. Instruments are weird too idk what was going on. Lyrics no good Favorite: Furry sings the blue Least favorite: Hejira, Song for Sharon 2.6/5
The only song I knew from this album was Coyote. This is a tremendous collection of folk jazz epics about travellin' and gettin' some strange. Way to go, Joni.
I definitely liked this more than hissing lawns. A couple of tracks I actually really liked - Amelia, song for Sharon, blue motel room. But still this is like 3/5.
I never had Joni on the list of most overrated artists of all time but maybe I should have. While vocals on Hejira are as great or as bad as some of her other albums but everything is so bland, it’s borderline offensive 3.9/10
This is just background music for me. I can appreciate the musicality of the tracks, but I just find them long and boring.
A true neutral for me. Nothing to dislike, but also nothing that really spoke to me. Coyote feels like a good example of Joni Mitchell's sound, but it's not all that exciting. Legitimately surprised this is here.
Musically very cool, but I'm really not a fan of her singing style.
Love Joni Mitchell's voice but this album was more stories to backing music. She never really pushed her vocals like on the previous album, and the few times she sang properly just made it clear what the rest of the album was lacking. The stories suffered from the same issues as other indie storyteller songs, a lot of specific places names and discussing a conversation back and forth but strip all that back and its just vague chat about love. Some of the music was pleasant and I think Joni is great but this album didn't do it for me.
Good voice and good writing but I really switched off. Preferred her earlier stuff, even though I recognise this is a good album.
Great voice, great writing, glad she's back on Spotify. Not quite as good as "Blue" but still very good. There's something about her voice. 3.5
its weird mix between pop and folk and for that its fine
Joni's greatest achievement.
Falling in love with an album that’s not on streaming is just the worst feeling. And the last time I remember wanting an album to be on streaming so badly was when I heard Exmilitary for the first time. But that album doesn’t hold a candle to this. I appreciated The Hissing of Summer Lawns. But maybe I don’t remember it sounding very similar to this. I thought of it more as a Steely Dan inspired singer-songwriter record. But if it did, then I was sorely mistaken in my score. Because holy shit. This is one of the most stellar pieces of music I have heard in a long time. If it isn’t obvious by the many albums I have given high scores to, I love jazz. And I love all things inspired by jazz. So the combination of her traditional folk sound with more progressive jazz elements is a match made in heaven. Joni just has a voice that speaks to my heart. She’s like a female Neil Young. I just can’t deny how warm and fuzzy their voices make me feel. And her uniquely creative style of lyricism makes for a handful of delightful moments. I was also really blown away by how elegant the production is. This album probably has some of my favorite guitar tones and textures I’ve ever heard. Those, put together with the very deep and full bass sound, creates this beautifully layered sound profile. I will admit that I’m guilty of not listening to the albums I say I love as much as I should. But this is one that I immediately wanted to put back on and dig into once it was over. I could also see myself falling asleep to this in the future, because it’s really relaxing. Rating: 10/10!
This was a lot more jazzy than I was expecting. It was still quite folksy though. It didn't fill with me joy, but I didn't feel the need to rip my ears off either. I went with 2 stars but it's probably closer to 2.5 stars (definitely not 3 though). No one reads these reviews anyway, so why the hell am I explaining myself.
Fave: Hejira, Coyote Least fave: Amelia, Strange Boy I'm not a huge fan of folk story songs, but obvs Joni Mitchell is amazing
I've heard nothing but incredible things about this singer-songwriter legend Joni Mitchell, so I was certainly both intimidated and excited to dive into her catalog for the first time here with one of her "mid-era" albums. And honestly, I got exactly what I expected out of this. To start, the instrumentation here is incredibly restrained (say for maybe the song "Black Crow"). The instrumentation is very textured and doesn't take any tangible form, it's more of a mix of gorgeous and serene bass, guitar, minimal percussion, and synth. There are hints of folk and country-inspired instrumentation scattered across a few of these songs (like the harmonica hanging in the background on "Furry Sings the Blues", courtesy of Neil Young). I can't overstate how genuinely pleasant and calming the sound of this album is, there's a hint of coldness but that only makes everything else feel like a warm blanket made to shield you from said coldness. The best example of this is "Amelia". I know Mitchell does the guitar herself on this album, and she does an incredible job. As for Mitchell herself, on first listen, I certainly enjoy her performances as a singer. I love how off-kilter her melodic flow is in the opening "Cayote". Her melodies tend to be all over the place in a good way, but she still often returns to a common motif in many of these songs. As for the lyrics here, on first listen, I find there's a lot to take in. Albums this dense in meaning need many listens but I can still say I enjoyed most of it. Songs like "Blue Motel Room" and "Cayote" take me to particularly dream-like places. Many of the songs here tend to be story-driven in one way or another. Joni seems to be retelling the events that unfolded at certain points in her life vicariously through a character or fictional person or just anecdotally. The songs are loosely tied together through themes of separation and isolation, likely related to Joni's relationships, but I haven't taken the time to dive too deep into her personal life; I mainly took the lyrics at face value. I do enjoy the second half slightly less than the first, finding a lot of the sounds to get repetitive, but I can attune that to the fact that this is a first listen, and on subsequent listens, I assume I'll enjoy it far more. This was a very pleasant first experience with Joni's music and I'm certainly looking forward to listening to more.
I've needed to listen to this for ages, so thanks for the kick up the arse! Love version on Spotify is cool. I'll find the studio version and listen again.
Seems addictice
My parents were anomalies. They started their adult lives in the 1970s and we had records like James Taylor and Carole King in our house. For some reason, Joni Mitchell never got played. In fact, this is the first real experience I have had in actively listening to her music. I’m not sure why some singer songwriters of this era made it into our collection and she did not. But this is not an artist that shaped my musical education. I really wish she had. I loved this album. I understand why she is such an important figure to so many artist and musicians that I love. The poetry and storytelling are one of a kind. I love the sound of the guitar on this album too. Unfortunately, this album was not on Spotify so I had to listen on YouTube which is not my favorite method of music consumption. We’re not for that. I would guess that this album would be on regular replay in my house from this point on.
Another great Joni album. I'm going to have to go back through and listen to all of hers again. Really feels like something that is going to grow with me over time. Kind of felt jazzy at times, and folksy. Sounds like she wrote a lot of this on road trips which is cool. And a totally rad album cover too. Song for Sharon was my fav I think, but I enjoyed them all.
Joni is always welcome here! This is a bit later in her catalog, and it's got a road-weary feel to it, she's veering into that jazzy, jaded territory, and overall it works really well. The opening track is such classic for me, I first heard it when I watched that Scorcese-directed Dylan documentary, truly a road dog anthem. She may not have the bright-eyed youth here, but it was replaced by further wisdom. I really dig this one too, so many tracks I'll be saving that I don't know how I could give it less than 4.5. Favorite tracks: Coyote, Amelia, A Strange Boy, Hejira, Song for Sharon, Blue Motel Room. Album art: A wispy shot of Joni in all black, holding a cigarette. Part of her body is a cloudy road, pretty perfect for this music if you ask me. Great cover. 4.5/5
Listened Before? N Unavailable on Spotify, and I don't really like much I've heard by her so I'm not going to track it down. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: none.
Not available on Spotify.
Very original road trip inspired lyrics over jazz influenced pop, with some craZy ass bass lines from Jacob. Yeah, this deserves a few listens for it to really be appreciated.
Like fingernails on the chalkboard.
It was okay, too slow for me though
this is one of my favorite albums ever
Furry Sings the Blues
yeah lets see the next album.
Hippy rubbish. Her singing doesn't even sound like it's following the music. So boring I cried myself to sleep. Oh and put your music back on spotify you dumb bitch.
Better than I thought it would be
It's more fantastic Joni Mitchell
Very relaxing… maybe the best of her jazz works. Always a treat hearing some Jaco Pastorius too
De hä va rätt kova. Cool cover också
Didn't know some artists took their music off of Spotify. Joni Mitchell is always a win. One of the best female voices IMO.
Very pleasant to listen to.
Girl can SING and make me FEEL
I’ve only heard Hejira a couple of times, as I find myself revisiting albums like Blue a lot more than Mitchell’s later more abstract work, but it is really beautiful. Her songwriting and vocals are next level, and my god the bass playing on this is incredible. The songs do begin to blend into one for me a bit, but that’s really down to my lack of familiarity with their more complex structures and the absence of any real hooks - it’s a 4 for now but one that could easily grow to a 5 after a few more listens
This album kind of pours over you. It doesn’t really have enough of a punch to grab me. When I do happen to pay attention to what’s happening I find beautiful singing and descriptive and dancing lyrics. There is also an active bass line that is fantastic, but not in the texture I like.
This one has a bit of a strange duality with jazz-oriented instrumentation but Mitchell's voice which sounds better suited for standard country pop music. Applying that voice to jazz song structures makes everything sound a bit sing-songy and meandering. Nonetheless, the album grew on me during it's spin. It's soothing, pleasant and warm. Probably a great fit for a cozy indoors-afternoon while it's heavily raining outside. 3.5 rounded up.
Not available on Spotify
I really didn't care for this album at all, and it was a slog to listen to. I almost gave up on it.
jaco pastorius and joni mitchell 4eva
First time listening to Joni Mitchell intentionally, it was pleasant in the moment I also don’t think I would seek this out in the future
I **almost** gave this a 4 purely because I was comparing it to Blue, which is perfect. But then I realized I have no notes for this album and it really is a 5.
Some amazingly deep tunes, little one note but for a folk album she has great range 3.8
Joni has made better stuff, but this is good. Some amazing jazz and blues turns for this remarkably versatile and talented singer/songwriter. But, this sound isn't mine - for me, it's all pretty much - meh.
Much better than the other Joni’s ones we’ve had. 3.5 really but rounded down to be mean for no reason.
Very chill album. Definitely isn't bad but not much standed out for me. I'm pretty indifferent with it
listened 2x. not a big fan. 1.6/5
Se me ha hecho largo. Un poco repetitivo.
Still unable to resonate emotionally with Joni Mitchell
I'm more familiar with the acoustic sound than this jazzier sound, I like the conversational story telling, need to give the album a few more tries
I mean, Joni and Jaco. Perfect.
I didnt enjoy this album, although I didnt hate it either. It felt like a crazy lady going off on endless tangents where Im unable to foresee where the music is going. Sometimes this is great, in this case it just felt unnecessarily random and incoherent. Having said that, there were still some songs and certainly some beats that I enjoyed. It was upbeat.
🚨 BANGER ALBUM ALERT! 🚨 OK I feel like I earned this after the last stretch of stuff I had to go through. I feel rewarded. We have a winner. The album is Hejira by Joni Mitchell. I will preface this by saying I knew NOTHING about her going into this, except for her name. This thing had me floating. Maybe more like drifting. Floating but a little bit sad. I don't know how to phrase it but Joni Mitchell would because she's also a fucking poet. Some of the best lyrics I've ever heard. It's heavy and beautiful. And with the instrumentation, everything is necessary Nothing is done in excess. The music always pairs perfectly with the subject matter of the lyrics. Longing, loss, love, wanderlust, dissociation, materialism and spirituality, even gentrification and environmentalism at points. It sounds on paper like the messages would all get muddled but they don't. I got misty eyed at the title track, and while I usually get attached emotionally to good music, that doesn't happen to me a lot. It's all delivered in a very human way. It's human music. Maybe the most human music. 5/5.
This is the third Joni Mitchell album on the list so far and the songs on “Hejira” are more languid and stretch out more than the songs on “Blue” or “Court and Spark.” The music feels inspired by the open road and the American west. More than usual for her music, I feel I need to pay a little closer attention to the lyrics or else the songs drift by. The guitars on “Black Crow” are cool. It’s one of the few songs with a driving momentum. This is a nice, mostly gentle album. I'll give it a few more plays to see how it grows on me.
Joni Mitchell twice in a row. Love it. This one feels a little more modern than "Court and Spark", which was just before this one on the list. Probably because of the fretless bass on track 1. "Coyote" is a great starter. I particularly love the groove and unrelenting energy in it. I love this album cover and the technique- I think it's called a double exposure? It's cool and makes an artistic choice to not have so much of her black coat fill up the image. Overall great record. I think I like "Court and Spark" more, and it's hard to not compare when they are so close in proximity on this list.
Boring
Gear: Focal Clear (ZMFed) Mix: herrlich detailreich und unbeschwert. Bass spielt besonders jazzig daher Musik: Die dichten Lyrics wollen erstmal interpretiert werden - lädt zum bewussten (Wieder-)Hören ein. Dadurch aber nichts für jede Stimmung und zwischendurch. Gesamtes Album aber doch nicht am Stück geschafft. Sorry. Wertung: 2-3/5
It’s very “writerly” and more than a little self-indulgent. Jazzy and poppy in the most boring way possible.
Joniiii
Post your music online you pretentious fuck
this is THE album to hear before you die like i want Hejira to be what i am hearing as my soul shuffles off this mortal coil beautiful hypnotic melodies & swirling sprawled lyricism jaco’s harmonics also had me Weak obligatory : furry sings the blues? you mean twin fantasy?
Love the landscapes that this album conjures up, I love that bass that runs through the album like a river. Love how fully realized of an album this is. I didn’t always love the lyrics though.
Lovely instrumentation. Creates sweeping landscapes with its sound and really captures the open road feeling she intended. Beautiful lyrics as well. The delivery however often plays fast and loose with the meter which this album made me realize is important to me, only part i dont love, just feels a bit slam poetry-y. 3.5 rounded up
Mellow, feels like background music for a rainy day drinking coffee. Not overly exciting, but worth another listen.
Folk. Interesting soft chillmusic. Very 70's
Har aldrig förstått mig på Joni Mitchell. Det här är faktiskt skitdåligt. Tacka vet jag Melanie, Buffy Sainte-Marie och till viss mån Joan Baez.
Very easy to listen to. I like Joni. sad she’s not on Spotify.
No he encontrado el álbum como tal en Spotify, pero sí las canciones live sueltas y me parecen una maravilla.
I was surprised by this album. I can't say I have heard anything by Joni before, unless it was top charts at one point. The storytelling here is quite elaborate and thought out. It's kind of spoken word, which I am not the biggest fan of, but this is well-executed with a great voice and backing instrumentals. I will likely be back again when I am in the zone for some ballads. Best Track: Coyote. 4/5 I will be back
This is what you get when you prioritize lyrics over everything else in a song. I guess it's not terrible but I did not enjoy this and it was a chore to get through.
This was ok. I'm not the biggest fan of Joni Mitchell. I don't think her music is bad, but it's not something that I'm usually in the mood to listen to.
I don't think I like Joni Mitchell, but I guess I won't know what I've got till it's gone.
Relaxing, easy listening experience 3/5
The first Joni Mitchell album I ever heard, and forty-odd years later, still amazing
Another album not on Spotify. This one also didn't have an album video on Youtube. I watched each song on Youtube with intermittent ads. Canadian folk.
I think the only material I've ever heard by Joni Mitchell is her song about paving over paradise. I had slightly less than zero interest in hearing anything else she had produced during her long career, imagining it would be lightweight fluff. Now I know where Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, Carly Simon, and probably a whole load of others got their inspiration from. If this hadn't been a mid 70s album, I would have probably assumed it was a direct rip-off from one or more of those other artists. I really liked the musical arrangements here, sort of poppy jazz with a lot of strange bass sounds which was hard to tie down. The lyrics were interesting, although songs about road trips and relationships did begin to drag a little towards the end. The main weak point was probably Joni's voice, which was great, but I just don't enjoy female vocalists, not her fault I guess. I'm going with 4 stars for this one, as it was definitely above average, but not quite good enough for that last star.
I just don't know if I'll ever be a Joni Mitchell, even if I really want to?
Joni Mitchell has a lovely voice, her lyrics are thoughtful, and the music is pretty, but I wish there was more variety (in terms of up-tempo vs downtempo, different styles/genres, and mixing up the instruments) because I began to get bored listening to it. The songs, for me, began to blend together. Joni and her guitar, sometimes backed by bass, flutes and some backup singers, but all the songs begin to bend together for me. I prefer "Court and Spark," which has some variety to it.
This was my first Joni Mitchell album and I found it and her voice really relaxing to listen to, especially loved Song for Sharon.
What can I say? Joni Mitchell is iconic. She directly influenced much of my favorite music. Some great fretless tones on the album
Una voz excepcional y potente....
I wanted to rate this higher because I liked the lyrics/storytelling, and the instrumentals were nice, but the cadence of her singing sort of lost me. I think this is one I need to revisit. 3 for now, but it’s on the cusp of 3.5…
Doesn't have a bad voice but I found a lot of the music compilation incredibly annoying. Singing and then talking just isn't doing it for me.
my god, now this is an album i feel like is worth talking about for hours. this is not an album, this is a journey across the land. what a listen. i absolutely adore every track; just listening to those guitars for a millisecond makes me instantly spellbound, enchanted. i am here and i am happy to listen to every bit of joni's life and the clear-as-day imagery she expresses in every single line. there's certain albums that i've just... i've never heard in my life and after hearing this, i can safely say that this entry is one that has changed my life forever. it's so gorgeous.
Mi ne povis aŭskulti ĉi tion ĉe Spotify. La albumo ne estas malbona. 3/5
I just don’t get it with Joni Mitchell. Her music leaves me completely cold. 5,6, 8 minutes at a time and they just meander on interchangeably, getting nowhere. 2 stars because I recognise some decent musicianship in there (hello Jaco Pastorius) and she would make a good poet or short story writer
proper songs and texture - earmarking it that future me will like it a bit more than current me
4.
Beautiful production and beauty in lyrics and melodies.
1001st album! (but there's about 1090 actually)
The Music, especially Jaco made this more interesting and enjoyable. we already have like three joni mitchell albums which is way more than needed. Three stars for Jaco and the band. 2 for joni
Not a huge Joni Mitchell fan, but I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I think a lot of it has to do with the instrumentation. I love Joni's guitar tone on here for some reason. And, of course, Jaco's phenomenal bass playing makes the record in my opinion. I believe one of the things holding this record back is Joni's vocal delivery. Not a big fan of the talk-singing that she does. For me, it makes it kinda hard to follow the lyrics.
Different bluesy sound than earlier Joni. Enjoyed it.
This album is a sprawling and contemplative journey though Joni Mitchell’s life at the time. Here she is unsure of what she wants, and she expertly weaves lyrics that meander yet go straight to the heart of her restlessness. The music itself is similarly open and more meandering. In this album, it’s beginning to embrace a jazz feel over the folk base. Overall, this album is intensely vulnerable, absolutely beautiful, and relatable for anyone who has ever felt adrift.
Eh, not my favorite.
Not for me
Not bad. Artsy. Not really for me but I can appreciate it. Trying to decide 3 vs 4 stars..
super mellow - nice hanging out or relaxing music
a masterpiece. Period
No disponible en Spotify
love her voice
It's fine, I guess? I listened to the whole album and I'm just not into it. Its not bad, though, its just not for me. 3/5
Avec Mitchell, c’est surtout l’entrelacement de la voix et du texte. J’avais parfois l’impression que la musique avait une vie à part.
Meandering, ethereal, and beautiful. Gonna call it a 4 with room to grow.
Couldn’t listen to this on Spotify
I admit, I just don't get Joni Mitchell. I like reading her lyrics, I like the music the musicians play, but put it all together with her singing and I just don't like it that much. I wish her singing was more connected to the music instead of doing its own thing
Really good album. The only song I did not enjoy was the title track. There is something dissonant about the way it sounded to me. Minus 1 for the severed penis haha
4.6 - Joni, I don't know why I ever doubted you. Maybe it was the collaboration with Jaco Pastorius that had me skeptical - would there be too much noodling on bass? Or, would your hippie-dippie coffehouse lyrics make me cringe? Looking back, I don't blame myself for harboring these reservations. But, goddamn, somehow you were able to tame those unruly elements and put together another masterpiece, another stunner in your stunning catalog. I'll never doubt you again, Joni.
Need to finish. I think 4 stars. Not available on spotify
Until now I've only heard Joni's Blue and Ladies of the Canyon, both of which I adore. Hejira is definitely different from those albums' guitar- and piano-driven sounds and I LOVE IT TOO. Joni's vocals and lyrics are just so so singular and special. No skips. I can't wait to put this on my regular rotation. Would I revisit this album? Absolutely!!
This isn't for me to get. But I don't get this. The music is slushy with no real form. And she isn't singing to the music anyway.
Gosh, what would we have had if Jaco Pistorius had a long career and didn’t die in a bar fight? His bass lines on this disc are sublime. “There’s something comforting about melancholy” - yup, I see the birth of Lana Del Rey and St Vincent in this album. It’s nice; it’s lovely rainy day music.
Relaxing album, nostalgic, great voice
Beautiful wordy music with altered tuning guitars, and Jaco Pastorius' warm and round-sounding singing fretless bass. A bit too floaty and indistinct from one song to the next to want to revisit often, but lovely while I was listening to it.
Could see myself listening again.
Interesting
This album was much better than the other one of hers that I've had so far (The Hissing of Summer Lawns). Favourite songs: Black Crow, Furry Sings the Blues, A Strange Boy, Song for Sharon, Blue Motel Room, Refuge of the Roads, Amelia, Coyote Least favourite songs: Hejira 5/5
a sound so comforting, as well, as songwriting and chords that flow so seamlessly yet can still surprise you. An absolute master at work
A cozy atmosphere surrounds this album. Really nice, although songs are a bit anonymous
I need a full blown ACDC immersion to cleanse me of this pretentious intellectualism.
A bit wordy and just not my thing.
This is the third Joni Mitchell album I've listened to on this list so far. Hope its my last
Not bad, I like her sing talking vibe and some really groovy instrumentals. Points of for not being on spotify
I've never listened to Joni Mitchell on purpose before. I didn't hate it, but probably wouldn't again
It’s Joni Mitchell, the soft acoustic poet. Either you already know, or you’re about to.
Very nice album overall. I'm just not a fan of the spoken word she does sometimes. Thankfully for me it's not too much. I thought the harmonica didn't fit Furry Sings The Blues. I thought Song For Sharon drags on a bit. I love the addition of Jaco Pastorius on this album. The timbre of his bass is so cool.
Meandering.
God I was not expecting to hate this so much.
Never listened to Joni before! Ah, I am not enjoying this. At all. It’s like she’s just kinda rhythmically talking and there happens to be music playing on the background. Every song sounds exactly the same to me. Was this good in 1979?
Muy agradable. Cantautora. Folk jazzjazz-popjazz fusion
What a run of albums led to this. One of her most enigmatic, but seductive albums. Everything comes together on the final track which one of my very favourite of hers.
This all very same-y. I think it's OK but would like more variety.
It's not on Spotify. So it's in the bin.
Favorite Tracks: Coyote, Amelia, Hejira, A Strange Boy, Song for Sharon, Black Crow, Blue Motel Room
Such a dreamy, magical album. I love the jazzy vibe and Joni’s lyrics are beautiful. Coyote, Song for Sharon and Blue Motel Room are all such good songs, but really liked the whole thing.
Not available on Spotify. Listened to title track on youtube.
Good but not her greatest imho.
The first Joni album this generator gave me was "Blue", so it has kind of ruined every other album by her for me, because nothing could ever live up to that one. This is still fine, but probably the weakest one by her that I've had so far. Listening to music on Youtube also makes me connect with it less for some reason. Put yer shit back on Spotify, the jig is up. Same with Neil. And the Cardiacs.
not my cup of tea
Two Joni Mitchell albums in 3 days, ooft. Let's hope the next few albums are a little better than this. Why does her music put me to sleep? Perhaps I am not a woman of a certain age who has the life experience needed to help understand the themes and struggles of an early 30s woman... oh wait that is me. Maybe it's a generational thing, because she certainly doesn't look in her early 30s on the album cover. I truly hope that this is the last album I hear of Joni Mitchell. Best: A Strange Boy Worst: Song For Sharon
The voice is great, the songwriting is occasionally awesome - but the mid-70s production is where this suffers. A bit too polished or trebley, or maybe it's the high bass lines, or something. Nice but not the best Joni on offer.
Some beautiful songs. But also pretty similar, making the whole album a bit boring sometimes.
Joni took her music off of Spotify. Listened on YouTube. More folksy storytelling like Dylan. Smooth and chill for the most part. I really like her voice, but the freewheeling nature of some of the songwriting keeps it from being super memorable.
Not available to listen to at Spotify :-(
gostoso que só
A diverse and dreamlike record from a truly great folk singer-songwriter who stretches on this one. Not her catchiest work, but a good example of her jazzier stuff if you're uncertain.
Went into a wikipedia rabbit hole looking at Saskatoon Canada as I was listening to this. Canada is crazy, there's so much land and I feel like it must be snowy like 75% of the year in 75% of Canada. The fact that there are nightclubs in Saskatoon and that Joni Mitchell used to play in them blew my mind. Decent album but after a while the sound got kind of old to me :(
Was pretty pissed I had to sit thru youtube ads for this album (no adblocker on phone). But honestly the album kinda slapped. Def wish it was on spotify. Id listen to it more if so
Great, soothing
Niet zo spectaculair
Very interesting how this reminds me of Sting and Red House Painters at the same time. I've never really listened to Joni Mitchell before and I really dug this. Everything feels carefully calculated yet effortless as the instruments weave around her voice with an unusual quality. The inclusion of Jaco Pastorius was a perfect touch.
Dásemd.
I like poetry set to music sometimes I guess?
Taustoissa ei ole mitään mielenkiintoista, ei vaikka kuinka yrittäisi erotella niiden kerroksia. Laulussa on toki ääni on tosi kiehtova, toivoisin vain että Jonilla olisi muutakin kerrottavaa kuin Boheemin Naisen Elämä.
Hypoteesini on, että sanat ovat tässä tärkeämpiä kuin musiikki. Mutta jos musiikin kuuntelu tuottaa vaikeuksia, miten keskittyä sanoihin? Artisti on erityisen taitava sabotoimaan tavallisuutta, mikä tuntuu obsessiiviselta. Tosiaan: kuulija ei ole artisti itse.
Like an obviously objectively beautiful album, especially the guitar on song for Sharon, but not for me
JACO PASTORIUS on Fretless Bass <3 (on "Coyote", "Hejira", "Black Crow" and "Refuge of the Roads") Ascoltate anche il suo album "Mingus", ben più complesso di questo da ascoltare.
I can understand the musicality, and I’m sure the speak singing was chic and refreshing at the time, but in the current context it feels lazy and unfortunately reminds me of Coleen Ballinger/millenial women with Ukuleles. Was not a fan
I can’t seem to connect with Joni’s music and it was no different here. For me it sounds like a rambling of a slightly unhinged and neurotic woman.
Class
The third album from Joni Mitchell's 1974-1976 period. Like Court and Spark', and 'The Hissing of Summer Lawns' it is jazz, blues and folk infused, lyrically dense, and excellent. This record may be the best of the three. It is characterised by long, meandering, chilled, songs. They tell stories of the road, on which they were written. Despite being long and verbose, Mitchell's voice makes them constantly lovely and never boring. Every so often a lyric will jump out and plant an image in your brain. Here are two examples: From Refuge of the Road: "In a highway service station Over the month of June Was a photograph of the earth Taken coming back from the moon And you couldn't see a city On that marbled bowling ball Or a forest or a highway Or me here, least of all" From Blue Motel Room: "You and me, we're like America and Russia We're always keeping score We're always balancing the power And that can get to be a cold cold war We're going to have to hold ourselves a peace talk In some neutral cafe You lay down your sneaking round the town, honey And I'll lay down the highway" A quality album. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Coyote Date listened: 08/09/23
This is so lovely. Such a great voice, such wonderfully intricate stories. Fave tracks: Coyote, Song for Sharon.
I like this more than "Blue", but still, there's something about Joni's delivery that rubs me the wrong way. On paper this should be exactly my cup of tea, but in practice, no, I do not like. Fave track - "Hejira" maybe?
1 star bc i cant listen to it. im sure its a great album but i cant find it.
Yeah. No. I feel as though I should like it, but I don’t. I feel bad but there you are
I love you and your conviction Joni Mitchell but I’m too lazy to find this record online (I’ll go by what I remember of it for the rating)
Cool record. I was familiar with a few of the tracks, but hadn't listened to this album before. I'll definitely have to give it another listen.
I don’t hate it, but I’m not enjoying it. The writing is fantastic as Joni’s always is, but the songs are repetitive and monotonous. Her vocals are completely inoffensive and that’s all. All very meh, to me. 3/5
She has a unique voice
This is a 5 star Joni album that stands up there with “The Hissing of Summer Lawns” and “Blue”.
I didn't vibe with album very much. Probably the coolest part is the bass, but that's because of Jaco Pastorius. I read that she was on the road when she wrote this and someone said her rambling vocals made sense with that in mind, but honestly none of the melody was very interesting to me. There really wasn't much dynamics happening with the instrumentals making this album just feel boring in general Favorite Track: Coyote Least Favoite track: Furry Sings the Blues (that name did not age well)
A calm morning listen. Reminds me of my mom
There is a reason why she sold so many albums. She is smooth enough to tell a story even without a solid voice
Liked this one! Very even, high quality throughout the record.
Was not looking forward to this listen as I always though Joni Mitchell as pretentious and not for me. I actually really enjoyed this album. The chords progressions are fresh and guitar sound different. The bass has some really lovely licks too. Just a really great mood album with some beautiful lyrics.
Ganske uinteressant
Huh. Joni Mitchell makes a Joni Mitchell album. It's about as Joni Mitchell as Joni Mitchell can be. You can hear Pastorius from a mile away. It's a nice combo. Unfortunately, Joni Mitchell is another one of those "tolerate in small doses" artists, and this whole album is too much for me to ingest in a sitting.
First the speaker tried to play me 'Hey Shearer' by Newcastle United. Eventually listened on my phone, would like to listen again properly, think I liked it. Lots of motels.
Can’t listen due to rogan
This unfortunately was a bit of a miss. Joni Mitchell is iconic, I love Blue and Court And Spark. But this one stays too much in the same style. It feels musically a big uninteresting, doesn’t really go anywhere. But it’s mostly a lyrical story I think. Her voice is good though. 6 out of 10
Not on Spotify
Not bad, but not her greatest work.
Everything by Joni Mitchell is 5 Stars. She's the fame Bob Dylan.
This just isn't for me. The songs are way, way too long. I'm sure this was revolutionary and inspiring to the people it hit at the right time, but it's quite dull to me.
I’ve always enjoyed this album. An expansive sound and feel with some great bass playing from Jaco Pastorius. It’s not particularly easy to dip in and out. I think it’s much more of a textured whole album listening experience and surprisingly works well as background music too. A high 3, but not immediate enough for the big 4.
10/10 Some of Joni Mitchell’s best work absolutely breathtaking
pretty nice
Of course, a wonderful record. If I had my way, I’d meet Joni Mitchell in a cafe on the road (always the road). We’d have a torrid love affair with a lot of conversation and mid-afternoon wine at cafes and then we’d part and she’d stay on the road and it would be my deepest wish that our brief time together be memorialized in a single phrase on a Joni album as great as this.
Jaco Pastorius and the actual arrangements in this album are doing very, very heavy lifting for me here. Singer-songwriter albums rarely hold my interest, especially when they're based in folk. This album is no exception sadly. The instrumentals are good throughout, and are quite excellent at times (Hejira, in particular). But the main attraction of the album does nothing for me.
Perfectly fine, just like the other Joni Mitchell album on here. Not really anything I'd listen to again, but something that I decently enjoyed while it was on
This record was fine but very rambling both lyrically and melodically. There was no hook in anything - no rhyme, no repetition, no interest building. Just rambling poetry and no chorus haha that's how it felt anyway. I almost gave this a 3 then remembered the very cringey "we're like America and Russia" metaphor and decided on a 2.
Poetic in her observations, boring in her delivery. A departure from the catchy melody of Blue. An album of wandering through relationships like landscapes. Her guitar-playing evokes such wide open spaces. There's almost no melody to latch onto. A lot of meandering and returning to the same undulating rambling musical phrasings. Not afraid to underuse the harmonica. Title evokes idea of not only traveling but also one with overtones of "discovery".
Joni is a living legend! Just a great album top front to back. I had to listen to this one on YouTube and so of course there were comments. And many were rightly praising the talent of Jaco Pastorius, but Max Bennett's bass work on this album is equally impressive and deserves to be noted. Great bass players deserve their props and he earned them on this. Back to Joni though, her lyricism and vocal work is great on this album! I would return to this much more often if it was on Spotify still, but I also respect her decision and wish the jackass was gone instead of her and Neil. Great album!
Decent album. Had a good time with the country ones on this list.
Боб Дилан в юбке... такая же нужная музыка
I hate that I have to use YouTube to listen to this. I was so annoyed that I wanted to hate it, but I did not at all. The opener "Coyote" really drew me in. This album ahas a relaxing/hypnotic quality to it. In retrospect I feel bad that I really didn't like the other album I had from her (Blue?) I know I didn't like it at the time. I'm wondering if maybe I should go back because this was so good. Really good album. Will probably revisit again.
I didn’t understand
really enjoyed this one. although i prefer joni mitchell's blue more this album is more musically intersting and has many instruments and the title track was amazing.
This is the second Joni Mitchell album that I've gotten. This one was alright, the other one is my favorite by far. I'm still looking forward to hearing more of her music. I enjoyed this one enough.
Joni is a legend and this is one of her best. 10/10
Very chill, but there's a lot going on when you pay attention
An important and exciting transition point in Joni Mitchell's career. I love hearing her experiment with these kinds of arrangements where everything feels so open but still remains grounded by her songwriting.
At the very least this is my 2nd or maybe 3rd favorite Joni Mitchell album.
Cool
I'm thinking Joni Mitchell has a beautiful voice but her music is just not my thing
I do not like it
Joni is an excellent story teller, and an exceptional poet. Her music is more than just music, it’s truly and art. I believe this album has songs that take time to digest though.
I just can't get into Joni. Everything sounds the same & the songs are soooo long.
pretty good stuff
I need more melodies, Joni. You can ramble some, but you've got to come back and catch me sometime.
i was talking to a friend about musical horoscopes. i really like sibelius. my friend really likes bruckner. i really like bob marley. they really like king crimson and yes (terrible). this is a lot of peoples favourite album. it really just does nothing to me. funny old world.
My second Joni Mitchell album. Liked it less than Blue which his really grown on me. Could see myself really diving deep into her discography. 3.5/5
Interesting music. More like telling stories over a few instruments doing their own thing. Just OK.
Boring
Great album and love the different direction she was taking with her music on this. Jaco on bass works so well, folk jazz!!
Mitchell is a top shelf songwriter and her phrasing works perfectly with this band and the direction she’s taken her music. One of my favorite Joni Mitchell records (with Blue and Ladies of the Canyon).
I like Blue a bit more. This was good but not as seamless as Blue.
I liked it. Blue is better, this is more of a 3.5 but I'll round up.
Difícil opinar sobre un disco para el que solo hay una canción en Spotify. Aun así, se nota que es una voz con carácter y que imprime fuerza
I found this really boring. I fundamentally don't like the song structures or compositions on any of these tracks. She effectively sing-talks over all the tracks, and each track is SO dense with lyrics, it's just incessant. She doesn't allow any of it to just breathe, or introduce any interesting hooks or melodies. She should have just written a book of poetry or something.
Really good
Joni Mitchel is probably one of the most popular artist I just do not get. Everything about her musical style and lyrics just seems to be rambling and nonmelodic.
I did not care for the album. I was bored and I did not find the music or the lyrics good in any way. It was a relatively short album. I did not need to revisit this album. It is better than a one, but not really a two. I will round up only because I did not skip songs.
Too much to take in. Feels cramped, getting in as much as possible.
Hard to listen to. But I guess it must be some kind of influential. I don’t need to listen to it a second time
Hejira is Joni Mitchell in constant change and constantly moving. It's folk in the backseat of a car, progessive poprock on a plane, and jazzy fretless bass on a train. Always while looking up and realizing that the clouds and the world around her are moving much faster. Hejira somehow creates even more vivid mental imagery than the masterpiece Blue, and Mitchell constantly seems to be in complete control of not only her own voice but the expressions of a dozen genres. Everything comes together when she momentarily directs her melancholic gaze backwards in time on the phenomenal 'Furry Sings the Blues'. This is what every singer/songwriter should aspire to be.
When reviewing Blue earlier on this list I called Mitchell one of the, if not the, greatest songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s. Maybe ever? I was right then and after Hejira I still am. Other than Joni Mitchell herself that fretless bass is the true winner of this entire album. What a sound!
I could understand the sprawling lyrics (cocaine can do that to you). But besides that, I enjoyed this a lot. Jaco's bass work really added new dimensions to Mitchell's poetic lyrics. I wish I hadn't first read what the lyrics were in reference to because it colored my interpretation of the songs. I have to wonder if something like this would be made today, because it's not something you would her on the radio or streaming to get millions of hits on youtube (not on spotify, so...). Definitely one I would like to come back to.