The Hissing of Summer Lawns is the seventh studio album by Joni Mitchell. It was released in November 1975 on Asylum Records. The album continues the jazz-influenced sound of Mitchell's previous album Court and Spark while featuring more unconventional and experimental material than its predecessor. Additionally, the album saw Mitchell experiment with sampling and synthesizers such as the Moog and ARP. Contributors to the album include jazz-rock groups the L.A. Express and the Jazz Crusaders alongside backing appearances by James Taylor, David Crosby, and Graham Nash. Lyrically, many songs on the album focus on narratives revolving around women's experiences such as standing up to patriarchal norms ("Don't Interrupt the Sorrow") or frustrations with suburban life (the title track, "Harry's House"). As with many of Mitchell's albums, she created the cover art herself, in this case a painting depicting a group of men carrying a large snake superimposed over the Beverly Hills suburbs; Mitchell's own house can be seen shaded in light blue. The album has seen a retrospective appraisal and has gone on to become one of her most acclaimed works. The album appeared at number 258 in Rolling Stone's 2020 edition of its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, and at number 217 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums in 2000. In 1977, at the 19th Grammy Awards, Mitchell was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the album.
The Joni Mitchell hate on this website is embarrassing.
This is an incredibly expansive album. Joni Mitchell employs various genres, instruments, and rhythms to create a kaleidoscope of sounds that remains coherent. She was beginning to explore sounds outside folk, and incorporated a fair amount of jazz into what would turn out to be an avant garde masterpiece. The back half of the album in particular resonated with me. I am fairly new to Joni Mitchell but I am already firmly convinced of her genius.
Nice production value. The Jungle Line is cool and not the sound i associated with Joni Mitchell. I’m a fan!
God this is boring
Joni Mitchell doing her usual blend of folk rock and jazz. Her lyrics will always be standouts as she has a canny ability to create songs that often feel like you're listening to a painting. It's wonderfully detailed, fascinating stuff.
😴 zzz zzz....
This was like a time piece for someone who loathed the late 60s/early 70s.
Not my cup of tea. Too slow and jazzy, maybe it's that I don't understand the context of the time the album was written. Almost fell asleep listening to it. Best: idek Worst: The whole album??
There are several Joni Mitchell albums I would prefer over this one, but The Hissing of Summer Lawns is still very, very good. The overall atmosphere is just very pleasant, and I like the jazziness that will be further developed on Hejira and Don Juan, probably my favourite albums from her.
Pretty remarkable, even if Joni Mitchell has a voice that I seriously cannot get along with. The craft and talent are apparent but, man, that voice...
So I have realized that I hate Joni Mitchell
This totally warrants a relisten, but I already know it’s a 5. The Dylanesque lyrics embedded in the jazz/folk/rock texture is a treat. Also that straight-ahead blues number in “Harry’s House / Centerpiece” is outstanding.
Its a bit controversial but I'm gonna say this is one of the best albums of that decade. The production value alone is amazing. It spans genres and emotions. Joni Mitchell was on 🔥
Fuck she's good hey. Harry's House/Centrepiece is an incredible song. Fond memories of her voice accompanying me and Alexander on a drive through the Blue Mountains while visiting Charlotte. Double J were doing a deep dive on Blue.
Notes - Joni mitchell’s 7th album - Jazz-rock folk album - Ive never really listened to Joni mitchell other than her big hits - Definitely someone that I’ve missed in my musical education - Her lyrics and singing just feel effortless - Totally relaxed and natural, like she’s telling you a story and just so happens to be singing really incredibly at the same time - This album sounds and feels like nostalgia for a time I wasn’t alive in - Its “jazz” but only enough to add an extra dimension to the instrumentals Fav - Edith and the kingpin - Love the story of this song Least fav - Sweet bird - Good song, goes on a bit long 5/5 - I NEED to listen to more joni mitchell
Incredible. the unique vocal style of Joni mixes with meladolic instrumentation to create an otherworldly tone, when more bass-ey instruments on "The Jungle Line" are used it really succeeds in disrupting this and making you feel an uneasyness underneath. Similar sounding country for the most part to some of crosby stills and nash which makes the use of jazz piano stand out being an older musical style adds to the theme of nostalgic longing in the song that features it. Fav song: Harry's House/Centerpiece Least fav song: The whole album flows so well i cannot pick one
Haven’t heard anything like it.
Mitchell is a master and this is a masterpiece
Estoy convencido de que Joni Mitchell es poeta, jaja. Ya había dicho creo que su voz me resulta agradable, relajante y aquí pasa lo mismo, si bien a diferencia del Court and Spark, acá hay más relajo respecto a las letras y sobre todo las melodías. Se nota, pues, como este intento de jazz fusionado con lo pop, lo folk y el resultado me gusta. De repente parece poesía musicalizada, pero que no todo lo sea es lo que me convence. Mis canciones favoritas fueron "The Jungle Line" y "Harry's House / Centerpiece", la primera por esos tamborcitos y todo el tono (que me enteré de que son un sample y es el primer sample reconocido en música "comercial") y la segunda por su composición y además la manera en que inserta "Centerpiece". En sí, todas me gustaron, es un bonito recorrido y a "The Boho Dance" también le tengo cariño porque Björk la covereó. Btw, "The Jungle Line" suena de repente a "Earth Intruders" en sus principios y también entiendo cada vez más que a Lana del Rey le guste Joni. 9/10
Joni Mitchell has made more than a couple of perfect albums in her career, this is one of them. So good
These mid-70’s Joni Mitchell records are something else: Densely layered, intricate songs with flourishes of jazz and psychedelia. She takes risks and experiments. They’re really beautiful and unique records and it boggles my mind that this record, Court and Spark and (maybe to a lesser extent) Hejira don’t get talked about that much - There’s just too much heat going on for these records to be overlooked in the way that it seems they are. I think I liked Court and Spark a bit better than this one, but make no mistake, this is another excellent record from Joni Mitchell.
"The Hissing of Summer Lawns" by Joni Mitchell is a mesmerizing and introspective album that delves deep into themes of suburban life, societal expectations, and personal freedom. Released in 1975, the album marked a departure from Mitchell's earlier folk sound, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and world music. One of the highlights of the album is the haunting title track, which features lush arrangements and Mitchell's evocative lyrics. The album also includes the standout track "The Boho Dance," a poignant reflection on the allure and emptiness of bohemian life. While "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since been recognized as a masterpiece of Mitchell's discography, showcasing her unique songwriting and musical talents.
Fascinating! This Joni Mitchell could have been a boring coffeehouse singer-songwriter, but this is avant-garde coffeehouse. I love the jungle line! It reminds me of Ween. Way ahead of its time and stretching the power of the moog. Sweet bird, shadows and light, and the opening track "France" are also great. I give it 8/10 - a great album and I'm glad I listened.
Big ol vibe
Joni Mitchell pissed on my face when I tried to comfort her during a break up. Due to this, I have to score this record as 5 stars.
Growing up in Canada during the 70's, artists such as Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell have been so ingrained in our culture, I sometimes overlook the talent this country has produced. I can't call myself a Joni Mitchell fan. I appreciate her "hits" and sometimes you don't realize how much music she recorded and how many concerts she must have performed since the late 60's. I own only one Mitchell album (ok, it was part of a collection I received), Blue which is a classic, perhaps her best album, but I still wasn't blown away by her artistry. Similarly, to Young and Lightfoot, she produced a lot of "essential" records, but also a ton of duds and weird stuff. The Hissing of The Summer Lawns has some weird songs on it (The Jungle Line) and though you have to give her credit for exploring different sounds, I'm not a huge fan of synths and sampling, which she was experimenting with on this record. Most of the album has more of a jazz-pop styling and though it was pleasing to listen to, I didn't love it. For most of the Mitchell albums I've heard, there is always some bit and pieces and good tracks to appreciate her talent and I would say the same with The Hissing.
The jungle line rubs me the wrong way, and with it being song #2, put me in a bad mood. She's a heck of a songwriter, and most of the music is beautiful. But overall, something that I'd most likely not put into the rotation.
I love the sort of free-flowing inventiveness of the song structure and the arrangements here, but none of it ever sinks in for me.
Production value was better. Still don't care for the music. Joni Mitchell does not speak to me.
I just do not like Joni Mitchell.
Not my thing, I did not enjoy this album.
Top. Songwriting.Qualität setzt sich einfach durch.
"The Hissing of Summer Lawns" is the seventh studio album by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. The album continues her jazz-influenced sound from her previous album "Court and Spark" with more uncoventional and experimental material. It features sampling, synths (Moog, ARP) and contributions from jazz-rock groups LA Express and the Jazz Crusaders. Other contributors included David Crosby, Graham Nash and James Taylor. The album initially received negative reviews with critics saying the music didn't live up to the lyrics but the album has since been very much considered acclaimed. Commercially, it hit #4 in the US and #14 in the UK. "In France They Kiss on Main Street" opens the album with acoustic guitar, bass and an underlying piano. Very country-rock and jazzy. This sounds like Steely Dan and what do you know, it's Jeff "Skunk" Baxter on the electric guitar. It's about the coming of age in the 1950's during the rock and roll era. "The Jungle Line" samples the Drummers of Burundi and has a Moog synth. A plodding rhythm. She's paying homage to French painter Henri Rosseau and blends his work with the imagery of real life, music industry and drug culture. "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" is an acoustic-based guitar song. There's congas too. Stream-of-consciousness lyrics stressing women should stand up for themselves as individuals. "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" gives more of a soft jazz vibe. Trumpt, flute and sax accentuated. The Moog again. Subtle vocals as Joni sings about a woman stuck in a marriage where's she's just part of the man's portfolio. I think there's a reason for Joni's anger. "Harry House/Centerpiece" starts acoustically and adds trumpets and echoing vocals. The songs goes even deeper into jazz territory as it frames the jazz standard "Centerpiece" by Harry "Sweets" Edison and Jon Hendricks. Joni's lyrics are delivered in her typical storytelling style. There's a brilliant edge to the lyrics which was probably the result of touring in the male-dominated Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour. The accompanied music is somewhat adventurous covering jazz, orchestral, World music, electronic and experimental. I can see why it may distract some but I found it great matching her vocals. A definite must listen for all.
holy shit this is impeccable. i need to listen to more Joni Mitchell cause this is perfect
Fantastic album! Joni seamlessly blends jazz and folk with such harmonious finesse—it’s amazing how well it all works together. And Larry Carlton on guitar? That’s an automatic extra star from me!
YES. A masterclass in how to write interesting and surprising songs. There are elements of everything in here, but she obviously just did what she wanted and it naturally came out this way. It feels effortless and spontaneous. It's not even my fave Joni album, but still loving every second of it. "Coy and bitchy, wild and fine" indeed.
All time favourite Joni Mitchell album made in a period of an incredible string of albums.
oh joni, never ever change with your pleasant jazzy tunes and intriguing, poetic songwriting... this is another standard joni mitchell fair, however this one doesn't get afraid to dive into the earthy and experimental side, some songs having an african influence. i really do enjoy how joni writes, it's the kind of lyrical content that someone would write on a whim. on a walk, in a café. this album feels... human. does that make sense? human music. i like it!
Didn’t know this album. Wow! Beautiful music.
Enjoyed this one a lot. The jungle line is so innovative it surprised me. Time to do a Joni deep dive Rating: 4.6
Good album.
incredible album. can’t believe i’ve never listened to joni mitchell before today
The most amazing and appealing part of Joni Mitchell's music is her lyrics. I really believe its genius how she tells a story to a melody but kind of makes her own rules with how she does so. This album has a great mix of different musical styles to accompany her as well, which makes it even more interesting.
10/10. Loved a lot of the lyrics. Joni is one of my favorites lyrically in general and the style is so unique with amazing vibes. The frontend of this album specifically was super enjoyable thematically.
I think I went to heaven while listening to this album and so I listened to it a second time. I want to wander around in Joni's world forever. I don't know if it's her best album - I still haven't made it through her entire discography - but it's a 5 star album for me, and one I hadn't listened to yet. I have listened to Blue which is widely regarded as her best, but maybe this one will be a personal favorite. I'll let the recency bias wear off before deciding. I love this jazzy Joni.
Some albums are five stars because you get everything the artist has to offer and its wonderful. Joni Mitchell, and in particular this album, gets five stars because every time I listen to it I discover new things, new moments of melody, playing or rhythmic twists that it seems I've never noticed before. The finest Joni 'band' album.
I loved this album!
I got more out of this one than Blue; this is my favorite Joni Mitchell record.
Joni ….. youngsters won’t get it but this album is astounding. Just listen …….
Some of the best albums I have experienced are the ones which defy categorization and genre bend. Prime example, this one. I love how everything weaves around her vocals and narrative. This holds some very unique experimentation, too.
I've listened to several Joni Mitchell albums from the 70s, but this one is the most 70s of them, I think. That's not a bad thing. It just feels a little less timeless than the others. Favorite misheard lyric: "Edith Ann, the Kingpin."
Not familiar with these tunes from Joni, and some meander a bit more than I typically care to listen to, but Joni makes it all sound so wonderful!
Brought to mind a late summer supper of fresh tomatoes and basil and corn on the cob, chatting on the patio with friends in the fading light. Love.
A lovely album that was on the ramblier storytelling side of Joni Mitchell. Everything was new to me and I loved it!
This is when Joni was leaning toward Jazz influences and it was for the better.
Joni is someone who, like PJ Harvey - every time I listen to her, I'm like, "WHY am I not listening to her more?!".
The end of an Era
Nearly everything seems slightly off on this soulful record. The singing performance goes its own way - accordingly to the political, feminist and idiosyncratic lyrics. The instrumental backing is nicely off, too. Jazzy, arbitrary but also restrained im davor of Joni’s Voice without being castrated. 4.5
Loved the avant-garde jazz influence on this album. They are so subtle and so calm, not overbearing at all, just what I like. Fav song from the list has got to be Shades of Scarlet Conquering. Really digged this album.
Well, I’ve always thought I need to listen to a Joni Mitchell album. I’ve heard quite bit about her unorthodox guitar style, and interesting song structures, beyond her unique vocals. However, I’m not much of a fan of folk music, so I’ve been wary. Well, I listened, and WOW. I really had no idea. This is not what I expected! Among the things I read about this album is that the drums on “The Jungle Line” is essentially a sample, and possibly the first-ever. Not sure if the little horn part at the end of the drum loop is part of the sample or not, but that loop is fire. These songs really transport you when you listen to them. So many great little touches. Love that the album flirts with jazz for much of the album, and at one point one track just completely becomes a jazz tune. But yeah, I find myself so lost in the songs I become unaware of the song structure. Am I in a chorus? Is it a verse? A bridge? The songs just feel like you're getting a tour of some place you've never been. You take a right, you take a left, where are you? Who knows, who cares, it works. And that's some genius-level shit. I get why people love Joni Mitchell now. I like this album WAAAAYYYYY more than I ever thought I would.
One of the best ever
Creative and lushly arranged and a little weird in the right ways. Joni Mitchell's musical choices here are often surprising and adventurous, but still pleasing on the ears. The stories Joni weaves with her lyrics are vibrant and engaging, worth reading on their own as poetry. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): The Jungle Line, The Hissing of Summer Lawns, Shades of Scarlett Conquering, Edith and the Kingpin, Don't Interrupt the Sorrow, In France They Kiss on Main Street, Sweet Bird, The Boho Dance, Harry's House, Shadows and Light
cetait super ( bring back joni on spotify)
A excellent understated album from a fantastic songwriter.
A second Joni in a row lfg
not on Spotify
4.75
It was like listening to a stone cat on mushrooms with a fur coat as a pillow
Joni Mitchell was always one of my blind spots so during quarantine a few years ago I downloaded a bunch of her albums. This one and Hejira really knocked my socks off.
All of Joni's albums belong in the top 1001. The Hissing of Summer Lawns isn't my favorite of hers but I definitely pull it out once in a while.
9/10. Glad to get a great album for number 1001, and one that I hadn't listened to yet, despite hearing it was really good after listening to some of the other Joni Mitchell album on the list. Definitely something I want to return to.
Vraiment un bon album de Joni Mitchell. super artiste ! Certains n'aiment pas le arrangemetns musicaux sur cette album. J'ai trouvé ca vraiment bien, mais c,est toujours la voix et les paroles de Joni mitchell qui se démarque. 5
great
Amazing!
There's little if anything new on the Hissing surface, and that dials the focus right to where it needs to be. There are plenty of places for familiar Mitchellian phrasing, including the bridge two-parter that works as the album-in-miniature. Happily not totally, though: Most tracks seem to be doing something a little bit outside while returning to the timeless voice in the end. Even the end end.
badass album. wish it was on spotify
This is my favorite Joni album, largely due to the curve ball that is "The Jungle Line." Nothing sounds quite like that song, it's both primitive and futuristic at once. The only thing I can think of that's even comes close would be by Bjork, who came about 20 years later. It goes to show you how Joni is far from simply being just some folky singer songwriter. On the rest of the record it's like she's fronting Steely Dan, seamlessly blending genres till you don't know how to classify it. Is it jazz? Is it rock? Is it folk? I don't know... but I know I like it. She even drew the cover for God's sake! A total artist.
Another excellent album from Joni Mitchell, although I find the experience bogged down by ads (I do respect her stance on Joe Rogan, but why would Spotify keep someone who says misinformation about COVID over two of the greatest artists of the 70’s, the other being Neil Young). Her lyrics are amazing, as always. One song that really grabbed me instrumentally is the proto-electronic ‘The Jungle Line’ - it just stands out from a lot of other things coming out in the mid-70’s. This challenge is helping me realize Joni Mitchell’s greatness, both from this album and C&S, so 5.
Not available in my country
I'm a Joni Mitchell fan but never ventured much farther than Blue. This is more experimental but truly excellent. Best song Edith and the Kingpin
so amazing. I live and die for Joni Mitchell
A classic
5.0 + Props to Prince for promoting this stunning gem of a record. Mitchell sounds so coolly in command singing jazzy turns of phrase. Instrumentally, the album is packed with nuggets. The interplay of distorted drums and growly bass on “The Jungle Line”, along with Mitchell’s lines of coffeehouse poetry, are a true highlight on a record filled with stunning moments.
Yup. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Feels like the first perfect day of summer. Jazz, folk, beautiful poetic lyrics. This might be my favourite from Joni Mitchell.
awesome album and super impressive for 1975 The Jungle Line sounds like if Tyler, The Creator produced the beat for a Björk song, and again to make a song like that in 1975 is extremely impressive overall, I love Joni Mitchell’s discography and this album is one of my favorites of hers, 10/10
mjög kosy plata mjög nice að hlusta á i like it a lot
A happy Joni Mitchel that I din't know! Loved it! Melhor música: The Jungle Line e Shades of Scarlet Conquering
Beautiful
Really liked it. Eclectic and interesting.
I was sort of dreading this after her more folksy albums, but it's kind of perfect. The sort of thing Air were trying to do, minus the tongue-in-cheekness.
Fantastic. The vocals and lyricism are breathtaking, and closing track was one of the biggest surprises in music for me.
One of my faves
Really nice album
Queen stays queen
Joni knocks it out of the park on this one. Summer feels with an excellent blend of nostalgia, melancholy, and ambience.
I mean, Joni Mitchell is classic, and surprisingly, I’d never actually listened to one of her albums. I enjoyed this one and would look for more of her in the future.
as I get older I feel the pull of folk music on my soul. I'm not sure why but it just works for me these days. I'm not even a big Joni Mitchell fan to begin with, but man this put me in a great mood.
Washed over me like a soft wave of folk. Not much stood out but I feel like I will enjoy it more on future listens
Joni Mitchell me sigue sorprendiendo gratamente, apareciendo en esta lista nuevamente con un trabajo que se siente como una mezcla perfecta entre jazz y folk. La voz de Mitchell es hipnótica y las canciones lo suficientemente interesantes como para mantenerte atrapado en la propuesta. Mi canción favorita es The Jungle Line, sumamente intrigante. Volveré a escuchar este LP, y ud. debería escucharlo sin falta.