The Hissing Of Summer Lawns

I like Joni. This album is a bit more avant garde than her earlier work, I think, in terms of the lyrics and instrumentation and particularly the use of other vocalists. It's good!

I’ve come to appreciate Ms. Mitchell more as the years go by. Was not familiar at all until this popped up. And this album does not disappoint. Unfamiliar but totally familiar after listening.

really fucking cool psychedelic-jazz fusion that i didn’t expect. lyricism and themes also hit. any record about nyc in the 70s is probably going to work for me. i also didn’t really ‘get’ joni before and i do a lot more now.

A lot of this music and lyrics are great. And Mitchell has an objectively beautiful voice. But im just not into this. But I think thats mostly a me problem. I put this in the Leonard Cohen camp of good poetic music that just isn't my thing. I think it maybe has the Bjork problem of having great music but with a singer that doesn't really do it. Again, a me issue. 4 stars

Very mid-70s

It’s a great problem to have, but my problem with today’s album lies in the fact that every other album I’ve heard of Joni Mitchell holds such beauty. It set my expectations very high before the album started. This album is very good, but it didn’t hook me in quite as much as Blue or Court and Spark. It is still very much in line with the sound of the other albums, but the less strong of the three in my little opinion.

This was a pleasant surprise. Just a nice listen overall.

Enjoyed the closer, Shadows and Light

Joni Mitchell's music is always beautiful.

Really interesting and different from the other Joni Mitchell albums I’ve heard!

This was nice. It sounds very much like Joni Mitchell, but there were a couple of songs that pleasantly surprised me.

I’m not sure I like this as much as some of the other Mitchells, but it’s got enough stuff that’s weird and unexpected that it was still a treat. If the production was a bit less slick I bet I would like it more. I’m gonna round it up here, though, to continue to show my appreciation that this list made me into a Joni Mitchell Guy.

listened to again so effortlessly cool

It's good I just like Blue and Court and Spark better

Bobo dance go like 💃 🕺

Though not all of Joni's global influences and experimental touches here work for me, her piercing examination of suburban materialism and the gilded cages of domesticity from a feminine perspective easily outweighs the occasional missteps.

I’ve read that Blue is considered her best album. But I enjoyed this work much more. I think it’s because her vocals are more consistent here.

This felt more experimental and jazzy than the other Joni Mitchell albums I’ve gotten so far, so it’s also the one I’ve liked the most. Honestly a very cool album - the first of Joni Mitchell’s that resonated with me. The Jungle Line, Shadows and Light 4.5

This is the first Joni Mitchell album I've listened to that appealed to me--I respect some of her other music, but it's not as appealing to me. I felt like she was just a couple of steps and technological advancements away from full on folktronica (which is possibly my favorite genre). Favorite Track: The Jungle Line

This was very pleasant and enjoyable, but it's hard for me to really dislike anything from Joni Mitchell. "In France They Kiss On Main Street" and "Don't Interrupt The Sorrow" were my favorite songs, but there were things I liked about all the tracks on the album. Not perfect, but really, really good, which is not a surprise given it's Joni.

I am mostly only familiar with Blue, so it was nice to hear some of Joni's other stuff. This album was really nice. It's hard to not compare it to Blue. I liked that it felt a little more intense than Blue, with more vocal harmonies and musical explorations.

Pretty chill

Love joni so ahead of her time

4.5

This is actually my first time hearing this album as a whole and I absolutely adore it. Definitely a great sister album to Court & Spark which I historically have had at 4½. This list seems to have all three of her albums that document her journey from folk artist to her more jazz influenced form on Hirja. I'm looking forward to both of them coming up. (9.6) ★★★★½

A very solid Joni album. It's no Blue, but what the hell is?

Never listened to Joni Mitchell before, so didn't know what to expect, but wasn't necessarily expecting a fantastic jazz-tinged folk record. Incredibly dense for folk music, but still accessible. Definitely gonna spin this a few more times to pick out some playlist stuff, but immediately my favorites are In France They Kiss On the Streets and Edith and the Kingpin. You know an old record is great when you read that reviewers of the time thrashed it for being "too experimental", and then you listen to it and it doesn't really sound particularly experimental because it's influence is heard all over modern music (Bon Iver, Radiohead, Gorillaz). It just sounds like a damn good, classic record. It's funny because the one song they picked out as good, The Jungle Line, is easily the most experimental track on the record, and IMO one of the "weaker" cuts (still good). Weird pull, but this album has Animal Crossing vibes. Would not be surprised to hear Totaka took influence from this album for the soundtrack to those games, haha.

Actually really really liked this!!

New to me. I like a folkie who gets a band working.

IMHO, this is *the* first great JM album. As an aside: the Moog revolutionised bass lines, didn’t it?

8/10. The music is really charming. The lyrics are very poetic. It is a really enjoyable album.

Joni Mitchell's "The Hissing Of Summer Lawn" continues the exploration the began with "Court and Spark," venturing further by blending elements of jazz, R&B, and global music rhythms, alongside innovative use of sampling, synthesizers, and reverb. Each track from this sonically diverse album presents a distinct and compelling arrangement, ranging from the resonant horns and psychedelic Moog effects in "The Jungle Line" to the jazzy wandering of "Harry's House / Centerpiece." Other notable tracks include "In France They Kiss On The Street" and "Shades of Scarlett Conquering." The lyrical poetry remains a hallmark of Mitchell's work, this time delving into themes of suburban life, societal expectations and norms, and personal freedom. While "The Hissing Of Summer Lawn" never received the critical acclaim of "Blue" or had the commercial success of "Court and Spark", this album might be her best example of capturing the essence of what makes Joni Mitchell such a compelling and important artist.

Normally I’d need more than a few listens to appreciate the lyrical aspects of this sort of album - but this time Mitchell has simply exceeded my already high expectations by the first minute of the first track. By the record’s own admission, it was born of a cohesive accident - “unfolding like a mystery”. Indeed mysterious is some of the track choices, The Jungle Line especially with its comparatively weird-sounding tribal percussion so early in the album. Mitchell ends the liner notes’ preamble with that “it is not [her] intention to unravel that mystery for anyone”, essentially, just enjoy the music and shut up. “I feel like I’m watching a movie” is a quote I found on the last.fm page for the title track, and it’s something I felt too with this track and one or two others. Mitchell’s storytelling is oftentimes second to none. And that’s just on first listen.

Great

Despite growing up with her as a constant in my life, Joni never really stuck out to me until this album. Her beautiful and unique voice truly is highlighted here along with the fitting instruments and musical whims. Big fan.

I do love mid-70s jazzy Joni - even if this one isn't perfect and a little weird for weird's sake at times. I always heard this as a transitional/experimental album by Joni, wedged between 2 of my favourites of hers. e.g. "The Jungle Line" is a real curve although I respect the efforts and completely different feel - was a poor choice making it the 2nd song on the album; that's a classic "bury it on side 2" deep cut, come on. It throws off the flow a bit, as everything after just follows so well with smooth clarity. I know a number of people who have no use for *this* Joni, sticking with the "Blue" era which I get - that's a perfect album - but in that way of thinking why continue down that road when every and anything would inevitably be measured by it? Even if she doesn't perfect this direction until the next album (Hejira) by coalescing the sound into better songs overall, the vibe here is something I can always be in the mood for and I just love this sound - including the ridiculous musicianship and production. 7/10 4 stars.

1. in france they kiss on main street: solid production, great acoustics, loud bass, great vocals and drums, short buzzy lead guitar solo, vocals remind me of rush, chill, cool song 2. the jungle line: distorted drums intro, loud bass, quiet guitar, strange song, lack of melody 3. edith and the kingpin: chill, great vocals, soft keyboard, calming, cool song 4. don’t interrupt the sorrow: bongos, calm boring vocals, weird sound effects, repetitive 5. shades of scarlett conquering: calm piano intro, good vocals, chill, very quiet drums, great piano and strings, cool song 6. the hissing of summer lawns: good bass intro, great bridge, nice horns, cool song 7. the boho dance: nice piano and bass riff, nice break in middle, kinda forgettable 8. harrys house/centerpiece: louder, muted trumpet, nice layering of vocals, nice keyboard solo, loud drums, nice vocal harmonies anti male lyrics, ragtime piano sound 9. sweet bird: fade in acoustic, nice piano, atmospheric guitar, repeating lyric fade outro 10. shadows and light: nice isolated vocal, harmonies with nice synth bass, moody and soulful overall: solid album, good production, good vocals, sometimes boring, anti patriarchy lyrics, might grow one me later rating: 7.5/10

Some high tier Joni right here, can tell she's starting to experiment more around this time. She blends it in well though.

Enjoyed this.

A lot more chaotic sounding to start with than I was expecting, this really feels like it wants to go in both extreme directions of Folk and Rock. Thankfully this does calm down a bit after the first two tracks. It is pretty smooth sailing from there, all very easy listening. But there is better tracks to come

A great album where a few of the songs ended up making it to my all time favourite playlist I enjoyed them that much. But the consistency just isn't there to push it all the way unfortunately. 8/10

not my favorite of joni’s but a very fun stylistic change from her

Not my favorite effort by Joni Mitchell but I gotta give her credit for making this musically interesting. I really liked the lean into jazz fusion and the themes were cohesive. Probably 3.5 but she’s earned the benefit of the doubt

Super weird arrangement choices (loud bass, distorted drum loops, etc.) but it's also really pretty

Love Joni. 4.

Joni Mitchell's blending of jazz and folk is genius. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

I don’t think I’ve listened to enough Joni in my life.

I don't know this album, but Joni is instantly recognizable and I love the mix of folk and jazz. I'll definately revisit this album. Someday it may be a five star album for me.

This is another Joni Mitchell album that means a lot to me — still have my original vinyl. And while I knew this came out in the vicinity of Hejira (my fave!), I thought this followed that (it preceded it). Anyway, fond as I am, I wouldn't have included this on the must-listen list. I just don't think the songs are quite as captivating or the mood quite as consistent as Hejira, and as these both represent her jazzy apex, IMO, this one just comes in second. But, what wonderful moments. The opener is one of her finest, "The Jungle Line" is super cool, and "Shadows and Light" is one I'm also drawn to. Plenty to chew on. She's one of the best, so I guess most everything is worthy of a listen!

Very good

3.8 - I grew into this, but felt like it was just a filler Joni Mitchell album for me. Nothing standing out but still good

Joni being Joni. Not many of the tracks stand out but I think its a good solid album. 3.8/5

pretty music with pretty words

Favourite Song: In France They Kiss On Main Street

I actually really enjoyed this. I never really got into Joni Mitchell but this album was great. A wide range of influences can be heard throughout, the subject matter is engaging and thought provoking, this is just really well done and it makes me want to dive into more of her stuff.

Quite liked this but couldn't tell you why. Summery.

Liked this 7/10

Joni har varit lite av en blind fläck för mig så det här ska bli spännande… Efter flera genomlyssningar kan jag konstatera att skivan växer men att jag gillar andra halvan klart mer än den första (kul när det händer, det hör inte till vanligheterna). Om första halvan är en trea så är andra halvan en fyra. Känner mig generös och avrundar uppåt. Ska definitivt lyssna på lite annat av Joni.

You know what? After a string of 5 albums that didn't feel fully justified in being on this list, some Joni Mitchell is kind of what I needed right about now. What am I supposed to do? Complain about listening to Joni Mitchell? I would never. Anyways, The Hissing of Summer Lawns is pretty good. It's not as good as Blue, but there aren't a ton of albums that are. Besides, The Hissing of Summer Lawns is a different enough album from Blue for me to think more about the great elements of this album on its own. Of course, Joni Mitchell's songwriting is still excellent on this album. The storytelling on songs like the opener, "In France They Kiss on Main Street" and the title track is absolutely sublime. Where the album diverts from an album like Blue is with the instrumental style. Blue's style is a fairly standard folky singer-songwriter type deal. It's an outstanding folky singer-songwriter album, but that's definitely what it is. The Hissing of Summer Lawns still has that core, but adds in elements of genres like jazz rock to create a more experimental album. Fortunately, these experiments work in the album's favor. It makes certain songs stand out, namely the two I mentioned earlier. Overall, The Hissing of Summer Lawns is a pretty good album that further cements my belief that Joni Mitchell is a great musician. Strong 4/5.

Wow this album rips. Way jazzier, groovier, and experimental than I expected going in. Some interesting gems in here (looking at you Jungle Line and Harry's House / Centerpiece), and her voice is so calming. Album opener In France They Kiss starts folksy and brews into a hell of a jam. Love the key work and the jazzy bass+guitar. The Jungle Love is a wild change of direction, and I am here for it. Love the synth burble and syncopated percussion. After the relative discomfort of Jungle Line, Edith and the Kingpin is refreshing. Pretty jazzy little one. My God, I love Harry's House / Centerpiece. Such a swanky sounding jazz track -- well delivered. For me this is a very high 4. Not something I'll pull out all the time, but I welcome repeated listens.

Such an incredibly strange album in a great way. Did not know that Joni was this trippy, compared to her last album we listened too which seemed like straight up country. Every song was so unique on this album and her voice is so good that I was completely engaged the whole time listening. Pretty strong 4

Damn I am really, really digging Joni Mitchell's vocal delivery. Something so unique and soothing about it. Kinda reminds me of Grace Slick in a way from Jefferson Airplane. This was a high 4.

Pleasant yet complex soft jazz rock thing. Will revisit!

Zeer origineel, niet echt mijn muziek, maar dit is wel goed. Varierende arrangementen houden het interessant.

a joni mitchell mandava demais essa banda de jazz ao fundo tbm dá outra pegada pro álbum mto foda

ou, esse aqui é uma DELICINHA hein. bão pra ouvir tomano um cafézim de tardinha. mais jazz do que eu esperava, inclusive. the jungle line eh top.

My mother chilla

Ssssssssuper

I got a lot out of this one. Some Court and Spark vibes with some more experimental moments.

## Overview of *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* Released in 1975, Joni Mitchell's *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* marks a significant evolution in her musical style and thematic exploration. This album, her seventh, diverges from the confessional songwriting that characterized her earlier works, such as *Blue* and *Court and Spark*, and instead presents a more abstract and complex narrative structure. The album's sound is a rich tapestry of jazz, pop, and experimental elements, showcasing Mitchell's willingness to push boundaries in both music and lyrics. ## Musical Composition ****Instrumentation and Style *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* features a diverse array of instrumentation, including synthesizers, electric pianos, and horns. This eclectic mix creates a lush soundscape that contrasts sharply with Mitchell's earlier acoustic-driven works. The incorporation of jazz elements is particularly notable, with contributions from notable musicians such as the Drummers of Burundi, whose African percussion adds depth and texture to the tracks. The album opens with the title track, which sets the tone for the rest of the record. The song features a mellow groove underpinned by electric piano and Moog bass, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and unsettling. This juxtaposition reflects the album's overarching themes of suburban ennui and the darker aspects of domestic life. ****Vocal Performance Mitchell's vocal delivery on this album is both haunting and powerful. Her soprano voice glides effortlessly over complex melodies, often employing unconventional phrasing that enhances the lyrical content. In songs like "Harry's House/Centerpiece," her voice transitions between playful and introspective, mirroring the emotional landscape she navigates through her lyrics. ## Lyrical Themes ****Exploration of Identity One of the most striking aspects of *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* is its exploration of feminine identity within the context of suburban life. The lyrics depict various archetypes of women—trophy wives, aging actresses, and housewives—each grappling with their roles in a society that often confines them to superficiality. For instance, in "Shades of Scarlett Conquering," Mitchell reflects on the legacy of *Gone With the Wind*, examining how societal expectations shape women's lives and desires. ****Social Commentary Mitchell's lyrics serve as a poignant critique of upper-middle-class America in the 1970s. She delves into themes of materialism, isolation, and the struggle for personal autonomy. The song "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" addresses the complexities of female repression, suggesting that traditional gender roles perpetuate a cycle of dissatisfaction. Lines like "Don’t let up the sorrow" encapsulate a sense of resignation to these societal constraints while simultaneously calling for awareness and change. ## Production Techniques ****Innovative Soundscapes Produced by Mitchell herself alongside Henry Lewy, *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* employs innovative production techniques that enhance its experimental nature. The use of synthesizers was particularly groundbreaking for its time, allowing for a sound that was both modern and reflective of jazz influences. This sonic experimentation creates an immersive listening experience that complements the lyrical content. ****Layered Arrangements The arrangements throughout the album are meticulously crafted, with layers of instrumentation that reveal new details upon each listen. For example, "The Boho Dance" features intricate horn arrangements that intertwine with Mitchell's vocals to create a vibrant musical dialogue. This complexity can be both rewarding and challenging for listeners accustomed to more straightforward pop structures. ## Influence and Reception ****Critical Acclaim Upon its release, *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* received mixed reviews from critics who were divided over its departure from Mitchell's earlier style. While some praised its ambition and depth, others found it less accessible than her previous works. Over time, however, it has come to be regarded as one of Mitchell's most significant achievements—an album that captures her artistic growth during a pivotal moment in her career. ****Cultural Impact The album has influenced countless artists across genres, particularly those in folk and jazz circles. Its themes resonate with contemporary discussions surrounding gender roles and societal expectations, making it relevant even decades after its release. Artists like Prince have cited Mitchell’s work as influential in their own creative processes, highlighting her impact on subsequent generations. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Lyrical Depth**: The album showcases some of Mitchell's finest songwriting, presenting complex narratives that explore feminine identity and societal issues. - **Musical Innovation**: The blend of jazz elements with pop sensibilities results in a unique sound that pushes boundaries. - **Production Quality**: The meticulous production enhances the listening experience with rich textures and layered arrangements. ### Cons - **Accessibility**: The departure from traditional song structures may alienate some listeners who prefer her earlier works. - **Complexity**: The abstract nature of some lyrics can be challenging to interpret fully on first listen. - **Niche Appeal**: The experimental sound may not appeal to all fans of Mitchell’s more mainstream hits. ## Conclusion *The Hissing of Summer Lawns* stands as a testament to Joni Mitchell's artistry—a bold exploration into themes often overlooked in popular music at the time. Its intricate musical compositions paired with profound lyrical insights create an album that invites deep reflection on identity and societal norms. While it may not cater to every listener's taste due to its complexity and abstract nature, its influence on music remains undeniable. As an artistic statement, it marks a significant chapter in Mitchell's career—one that continues to resonate with audiences today.

A little yacht rock-y in a good way. Lots of jazzy riffs behind Joni’s ethereal voice.

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.

this album is so green

I completely understand those who complain about Joni Mitchell's albums. They are not easy to relate to and her art can often seem inaccessible. On the other hand, I also understand those who appreciate her work, after all, she is great at telling stories and bringing her audience closer to the universe she creates in her work. This was an excellent follow-up to her album Court and Spark, both of which have jazz as their main influence. "The Hissing the Summer Lawns" is rich both lyrically and instrumentally. The songs here soothe the mind and heart of those who listen to them.

She's very good - similar voice to Weyes Blood.

Beautiful lyrics. 4/5

Lots of compelling melodies and arrangements. Very pretty singing. Poetic lyrics. Jungle Line, Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow, Shades of Scarlett Conquering, Hissing of Summer Lawns, Shadows and Light - all really lovely.

My third Joni album on this list. This one was more experimental than I expected. On first listen some of it didn't gel with me, but I loved the rest of the album. After listening through a few times I just didn't enjoy this one as much as her earlier works.

Relaxing

Really great. She backs up her intelligent yet raw emotion with intricate, well-crafted music. I need to revisit her other great albums. I think I wasn’t ready for them back when I first heard them

Only my second Joni album ever. I listened to Blue a long time ago and disliked it. I should revisit that album because this is really great.

I like the lyrical inventiveness, but a lot of this has a weird, classic-rock kind of energy, sometimes a bit country, not sure it really works with Joni.

Joni Mitchell isn’t someone I will put on typically but oh man, that voice and her ability to crate such great imagery with the lyrics, it’s so cool. Joni is such a great songwriter and I really respect what she does, this is close to Blue as far as her work goes. Title track is great and Jungle Line was really interesting, with the interpretation of the African drums to add another wrinkle to the music. Really cool to hear a shoutout to Highway 115 as well having driven that a ton. I’m a Joni fan, Canadian icon. 4 stars

Maybe not as good as Blue. Still pretty great.

This seemed like a much more diverse record than the last Joni Mitchell listen. I liked this a lot more. So much so that I think I will give this one 4 stars. Her voice was much more pleasing to me on this record as well. Perhaps I was in a shit mood last time lol.

This had more depth to it than I think I was originally going to appreciate, it's good I expected just country and western fluff but yeah a suprise to me, just scrapes a 4 as not sure how often I would listen to this

I enjoyed it more than I expected. Easy to listen to, one last taste like early summer when it's November here

On thing this list has given me an appreciation for is how varied Joni Mitchell's sound was throughout her career. This album has much more of a jazz/experimental feel. It fits her voice really well, and I found this more interesting that some of the later Joni Mitchell albums that I've listened to 4/5

Joni Mitchell gets a little jazzy with it, a little weird with it, a little interesting! It's cool to see artists exploring, evolving, experimenting in ways that you wouldn't expect. Still, these songs are rooted in her unmatched songwriting that are just as much stories as they are songs. The Hissing Of Summer Lawns is a testament to Mitchell's range as an artist, conceptualizing incredible setpieces for her music that evoke imagery so vivid that it puts honest-to-goodness paintings to shame.

If the whole album was like the first track, it would've been perfect

Fav: Harry’s House / Centerpiece Least Fav: Don’t Interrupt The Sorrow Damn Joni, I was not familiar with your game

seria perfeito se o álbum inteiro fosse igual à primeira música

You really start to hear Joni stepping out in this one such as with the percussion & is that synth..? on The Jungle Line, bordering an allusion to some electronic music heard today. The instrumentation really fills up with groovy, breezy spots of jazzy, yachty flourishes. Along with her individualistic approach to instrumental arrangements come her trademark songwriting depth. Each song an impressionistic narrative vignette into her perspective on characters navigating the world, fleeting love, and inevitable loss. Again I love the yachty feel to a lot of this. So many warm Rhodes keys, sudden saxophone solos, and crisp plucky bass tones. Joni forever!

The first song was my least favorite; otherwise loved it

lovely

I heard Joni Mitchell's Blue album when I was younger but never really dived into her catalogue other than maybe the greatest hits. Wow have I been missing out this is every bit as good as Blue if not better, it's more musically expansive packed full of great songs.

joni does jazz is so good

A new (to me) Joni and what a treat as ever. I enjoyed the music a little less than her other records by my god her words are always unimpeachable. Will DEFINITELY relisten.

I like folk, jazz and Joni Mitchell. Never heard any of the songs on this album but will revisit it.

The forth Joni Mitchell album I've gotten so far. Did we need 4? Probably not, but she must be growing on me because I got in the groove and really enjoyed this one. Bongos and a plucky bass, the most singer songwriter you can get

Good album! Had not listened to it before but liked it

I, at the very least, understand where her idea for her album, Mingus, came from, as this album is far jazzier than expected, although once you actually hear Mitchell perform this way, it makes total sense. She has always used her voice as an odd, "do whatever the Hell it wants," sort of instrument, and that allows a lot of the tracks to not only exemplify the poetic lyrics a lot stronger, but also be catchy in a way no other musical artist can be. It can be repetitive, but every song here is at least good, and some unique ideas allow this album to feel like a new experience to those familiar with her work while still feeling like you're right at home. A solidly great album, with very little notes.

Cantautora de 70's. Voz preciosa, agelical.

Like beat poetry with jazz instrumentation in the background as much as anything else. A very cool departure from her earlier work. Suck it haters and losers.

Nice singer-songwriter album

Prachtig

Not my favorite of Joni's albums, but it is still a great listen!

4.5/5 Gorgeous, but some of the lyrics were a bit strange - if the lyrics were less nonsensical and less questionable this would have been a 5/5 My favourite - In France They Kiss on Main Street 5/5 Least favourite - The Jungle Line (AWFUL)

I loved this jazzy and airy album by Joni Mitchell. Production-wise, Joni once again proves that she's capable of throwing together these gorgeous and unique soundscapes - like on the distorted sampled drums on 'The Jungle Line' or the acapella and blaring synths on 'Shadows and Light'. Most of the music here sounds so feathery and soft, yielding highly enjoyable songs like 'The Hissing of Summer Lawns'. Lyrically, it's hard to tackle and describe what I love about it exactly. I find everything here so vivid and down to earth, yet simultaneously surreal and dizzying at times, like in the stories of 'Shadows of Scarlett Conquering' and the tragic 'Harry's House/Centerpiece'. The vivid imagery is everpresent in the opening track 'In France They Kiss on Main Street' as well - it's a talent not unique to Joni but it's one she certainly excels at. From the little I've heard, I find Joni just has this knack for beautifully rounding out and polishing her records. She manages to go above and beyond in both her songwriting and production choices without having one overpower the other.

i am a big joni fan, but i have not listened to a lot of her non "big" albums. this was my first time with this album and i really liked it. what i thought was interesting is that clearly it is an evolution on the style from 'court and spark' adding a lot more jazz feel to it than her music before. also included are a few instances of abrasive synthesizers which i was not expecting at all. her songwriting is still great. what i think made this album stand up lesser than her others that i adore is that it feels like a lot of the "pop" joni is gone from this one. in a lot of her earlier music, there is sort of a sing-songy-ness that i didn't realize i was so attached to and i didn't get the same sort of feeling from this one. obviously it is an evolution to a more mature sound, but i'm not sure i particularly enjoy this stage of the evolution in full.

Day186 - these real wordy fun story-telling songs that joni mitchell writes are what i love

The voice and the lyrics of a poet.

really good

"The Jungle Line" - what a mesmerizing song. TIL it's the first credited song to use a sample. The Drummers of Burundi/Bo Diddley - super cool. So many layers across this album, it'll take multiple listens to really appreciate it.

Lovely, not my fav of hers

Pretty good.

It's a loose jazzy record with plenty of experimental sounds. It's less immediately accessible than her previous albums but the shifting, kaleidoscope of sounds make this an artistic triumph

Enjoyed this more than I had expected based on previous albums I've heard. Great lyrics and variety of sounds and styles, a nice soothing start to my day. Will definitely be giving this another listen.

Album cover is cool

I like some of this better than Blue. Second song was really good.

This is my second Joni Mitchell album to review, after Court and Spark, which I gave four stars. I'm expect this album will probably fall in that range as well. Like Court and Spark, this album features some brilliant song writing and fantastic vocals from Joni Mitchell. Feminism seemed to be the main theme that ran through this album, and I loved the many facets of this topic that Joni sang about. "Shades of Scarlett Conquering" was really great, and I loved its references to Gone With the Wind, even going as far as quoting Scarlett's feeling about how women have to be frail and delicate in a world that also demands their toughness. I appreciated how the song was soft in its sound, despite being empowering in its lyrical tone. "Harry's House/Centerpiece" was probably my favorite track on the album. Its examination of a souring marriage from two points of view was really well done. The shifting in musical tone between the two points of view was really well done. I found it really interesting how Harry still had his career and life outside the home despite his crumbling home life, yet his wife longed for the time when there was still passion and romance in their life. Musically, I wasn't wild about this album, and I found parts of it pleasant but a little bland. I did enjoy the more rock and roll sound of "In France They Kiss on Main Street," and "Shadows and Light" had my favorite arrangements of the whole album. Even after looking up the album on Wikipedia, I'm not sure what instrument created the really the fuzzy sounds or the sounds that were akin to a keyboard or organ. I did like the horns that were utilized throughout the album as well. This was a really good album, and I'm looking forward to the other two Joni Mitchell albums that I have left to review.

I can’t think of another voice that calms my mood as much as Joni. Everything in the world seems easier when I’m listening to Joni. Not heard this Joni album - a bit different to others which is nice. Some quite eclectic vibes going on! 3.8

Joni Mitchell is a revered songwriter with a distinct, expressive voice. She wrote haunting, thoughtful songs that are set to arrangements that are influenced by jazz. On The Hissing of Summer Lawns, her songs follow this pattern - complicated orchestrations and lyrics that could be written poems.

Great singer-songwriter folk music. Popped it on for the dog's walk this morning and it was the perfect soundtrack for a nice walk on the path through the woods.

Lyrically, she’s one of the best and this album is one of the best examples of that. Arrangements can sometimes be a bit sparse, but they’re never bad. Instrumentation and vocals never show off, but demonstrate strength. Production is great, wish they were a bit more experimental with it though. 4/5

But for "The Jungle Line" and "Shadows and Light" this would be an easy 5 from me. This is the type of thing I would want to throw on to appreciate and enjoy the experience of a whole album rather than just wanting some background noise where the 1 or 2 songs worth hearing are buried amongst a bunch of filler. Joni surrounds herself with a lot of heavy hitters that I admire - Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, Jeff Baxter, James Taylor, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Wilton Felder and Bud Shank among others. I really liked the tasty bass in several songs, especially on "In France..." This was a solid entry and I love this jazzy era of Joni's music.

Another Joni Mitchell album I enjoyed quite a bit!

Favorite Tracks: Harry’s House/Centerpiece In France They Kiss on Main Street Shadows and Light

This took a couple of listens but the more I listen the more I’m falling in love with this album, lyrically and musically it’s so impressive, this is a hidden Gem to me anyway, given Iv only really listened to blue before. 4 stars for now might come back and give it 5 later.

Great album - quintessential

Great lyrics, not quite as gripping as Blue.

Love Joni Mitchell. I’ve not heard this album before. Lovely stuff

Such a warm and cozy feeling. Faves: The Jungle Line and Harry's House / Centerpiece

This is my fourth (and final 🤞 ) Joni Mitchell album through the list, and I have to say I like it better than the others. I don't _think_ it's because I've warmed to her - this album really is sufficiently different to her others. As soon as "The Jungle Line" started I thought it sounded awesome. Although, catching some of the lyrics, and re-examining the song title and cover art immediately set some alarm bells ringing. A quick read up and it seems she thought she was a black poet for a while? And then later had a blackface alter ego (who was a pimp 🙄 ) - that is some epic white nonsense right there. It's a shame more of the album isn't like that song production-wise. Gotta give her props for using sampling (and world music) first, I guess. I'd probably rate this album 3.5 overall, but I'll round up so I can easily see which of her albums I tolerated best if I ever get the urge to revisit her. Fave track - as well as "The Jungle Line", I also liked the jazzy "Harry's House - Centrepiece"

Oh my goodness I love Joni Mitchell’s voice. She sings so tenderly. This is a great album. The music is a mixture of folk, electronic, and jazz. A really cool mixture. Unfortunately, the last couple songs are just okay, which will not make this a 5. But man, the songs that are standouts are some of the best I’ve heard from this book. Standouts: In France They Kiss on Main Street, Edith and the Kingpin, Shades of Scarlett Conquering, The Hissing of Summer Lawns, and The Boho Dance.

Jazz is a double-edged sword. Sometimes, it's this album's greatest strength; sometimes, it's this album's greatest weakness. Thankfully, it's also Joni Mitchell, so it's still amazing even when it gets a little wobbly, and she's really in her prime lyrically, which is what really sells me on this record. A great Joni Mitchell album [aka anyone else's best album].

Naaraat ovat erittäin töykeitä, he katkaisevat puhelun, jos soitat ja veloittavat sinua liikaa kaupassa. Naiset antavat eri hintaa samasta ruoasta, miehet veloittaa minulta vähemmän. Kauppa on likainen ja olen nähnyt yhden naisen sylkevän pesualtaaseen. Sinun on tarkkailtava niitä, koska ne joskus pudottavat ruokaa lattialle ja joskus laittavat silti vatillesi. Olen yrittänyt antaa tälle paikalle useita mahdollisuuksia, mutta en aio holhota yritystä, joka ei kunnioita asiakkaitaan. Heidän ruokansa oli oikeastaan ​​kunnossa.

This was my first time really listening to Join Mitchell. I’m now going to listen to more Joni Mitchell

Un album qui mêle parfaitement l'air du temps des années 1970 à des influences plus jazz ou de type «chansonnière folk». Bel équilibre entre valeur sûre et originalité

Joni Mitchell is always a win.

So good so so good just feels lush and clever and happy

3/12/24. First Joni Mitchell experience and I was thoroughly impressed! Really, really good songwriting here. Seems like I hear Joni's influence in a lot of newer music I've heard over the years. Also loved the non-traditional elements and some jazz feel to the songs.

Deeper and weirder than Court and Spark, the whole album is held together by Joni Mitchell just being herself. She can turn anything into a sprawling, encapsulating experience. A model for so many independent women in music down the road. Early indie music even

Mellow, langorous and interesting-offbeat throughout, easily one's favorite Joni Mitchell outing. A minor masterpiece of tone and mood.

Don't interrupt the sorrow Darn right In flames our prophet witches Be polite A room full of glasses He says, "your notches liberation doll" And he chains me with that serpent To that Ethiopian wall Anima rising Queen of queens Wash my guilt of Eden Wash and balance me Anima rising Uprising in me tonight She's a vengeful little goddess With an ancient crown to fight Truth goes up in vapors The steeples lean Winds of change patriarchs Snug in your bible belt dreams God goes up the chimney Like childhood Santa Claus The good slaves love the good book A rebel loves a cause This album is worth the listen. 4/5

I prefer jazzy Joni over folkie Joni.

It was quite enjoyable!! Her vocals are nice, interesting lyrics too

Classic Joni

Cantautora de 70's. Voz preciosa, agelical.

I've tried listening to Joni Mitchell before but the music's never really clicked. Maybe because she's similar to Bob Dylan in some ways. Although her voice is better, but there's something about it I don't like, can't put my finger on it. Listening to this though I actually enjoyed it, nice production, just nice to listen to.

The John Cage inspiration is really apparent in this one. Does get a bit a bit redundant after while though.

Really crazy and expiramental. Harry's House/Centerpiece needs a lyrical deep dive.

There’s not a lot of real standout tracks on this, but the mood and tone of it is very intoxicating, and the shifts in Mitchell’s sound to include more jazz influence and different instrumentations make it a rewarding listen as someone more familiar with her folkier work.

Going into this one totally blind. Never done a full album of hers. So far, this is much better than I expected. More interesting and complex. Lots of compelling melodies and arrangements. Very pretty singing. Poetic lyrics. Jungle Line, Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow, Shades of Scarlett Conquering, Hissing of Summer Lawns, Shadows and Light - all really lovely. I think I like Joni Mitchell’s style more now than ever. Calm and super pretty.

4.25

C'était biengue bravo

Shades of Scarlett Conquering is a pleasant song with a nice piano/string section. The self-titled song and Boho Dance are also quite nice and smooth with some trumpet. Harry's House/Centerpiece is a great song with impressive piano solo. Shadows and Light has an interesting a capella section followed by synth. I like the jazzier aspects of this album, which is where the second half shines. A few of the first tracks lulled a bit but overall would relisten.

This is some pretty good folk music. It's also some pretty weird and unique music, which I quite like. Starts off strongly, and I also really liekd Harry's House/ Centerpiece.

Very good. Buttery voice. Relaxing but with a message. So clever with lyrics. I enjoyed it.

Joni has a way of transcending simple genre. With songs that craftfully demonstrate superior song writing skills, each one carries you with it.

Too much Joni Mitchell? Or not enough? Part of me wants to call this her best album. Since I'm never one to drive in the middle of the road, that part of me also claims it's better than Blue. It's certainly not as melancholic if you will. It's clearly aging incredibly well. Every generation gets the Joni Mitchell it deserves. I'm Gen X, so that means I ride with PJ Harvey (which means either Gen Z or the Millennials or whatever generation after me is saddled with Phoebe Bridgers). But I still marvel at Joni's amazing run of incredible albums. There seems to be a reappraisal of Joni's work since the 50th Anniversary of Blue. I'm hoping on this album's 50th Anniversary next year it'll receive similar kudos.

must be listened once again

This really grew on me. Loved the title track and Harry’s house. Interesting effects and lyrics

What I heard is very good

this took a while to rate, my first impression was that it's a bit slight, like 70's AM radio pop, but there are quite a few interesting layers and diversions that I didn't quite get on the first listen. odd and disjointed but I might love it HL: "In France They Kiss On Main Street", "The Jungle Line", "Shadows and Light", "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow", "Shades of Scarlett Conquering" P.S. With the way I stopped and started this project, I've gotten a Joni Mitchell once a year since 2021. Looking forward to Hejira in 2024

Quite good, I like addition of sounds that we seen as experimental at the time, but currently sound quite modern. And jazz also fit quite nicely

Das melhores execuções de folk, voz e cordas em uma harmonia impressionante.

Love Joni Mitchell! This isn’t her best album, though. Seems like experiment for the sake of experiment.

Before I dug into Joni Mitchell's discography, I always felt a bit nonplussed by the intricacies of her songwriting and her acrobatic, emotive voice. I didn't "get" it. I read how people loved *Blue*, *Ladies Of The Canyon* or *Court And Spark* and I didn't fully understand. Then I listened to "The Jungle Line" and something clicked. I still remember where I was. I was at a winter holiday resort. Everything around me was dark and snowy. And yet it's as if a universe filled with colors and lush tones opened up for me. It's true what they say: Joni Mitchell writes songs the way she paints all those watercolors. It was not only the groundbreaking elements of that track--all those loops and samples, done during the seventies to boot!--that drew me into that universe. It was the sheer emotions that the song triggered in me. Since that day, I have loved *Blue*, *Ladies Of The Canyon* or *Court And Spark*. *The Hiss Of Summer Lawns* is the record that started Joni's Jazz period, but it's probably not the best album from that "Jazz age"--that would be *Hejira*, that I love as much as the records I've quoted up there. Yet it's still a wonderful adventure. 4/5 for the purposes of this list. Which translates to a 9/5 grade for more general purposes (5+4) Number of albums left to review: less than 400 (I've temporarily lost count here) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I *might*  include: a quarter, approximately. Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me).

I liked it a lot. Surprised me that I would like it that much.

Beautiful

Best song: Shades of Scarlett Conquering Worst song: Harry's House Really cool production and good vocals. The songs sometimes sound too similar.

I was ready to hate this but then immediately fell in love. smooth world jazz with a touch of folk. some of her lyrics are so random tho lol "like a priest with a pornographic watch" WHAT?!?!

Really good, sadly not on Spotify. 8/10

If Steely Dan had a female vocalist. I don't know if it's as instrumentally dense and refined as a Steely Dan album, but it still feels just as uplifting and breezy. Joni just absolutely soars over these cool soft jazz rock instrumentals with her beautiful voice. In France They Kiss on Main Street is an excellent opener, and does a good job of setting the tone for the rest of the album. And I think every song tries something different to innovate slightly on the sound the album is going for. For example, the Centerpiece section of the 8th track with the piano sounds amazing. The only song I don't enjoy is The Jungle Line. Purely because it leans so far into the left-field, and is very out there compared to the rest of the album. Rating: 7/10

Happy to have a 4th Joni Mitchell album on the list, even though she's so wonderfully ethical her music isn't on Spotify! Annoying to listen on YouTube music with my screen on the whole time, but predictably great Joni Mitchell!

A beautiful, sometimes ethereal folk record following Court & Sparks on her trend of combining rock and jazz. Songwriting is top notch as always. Heavily utilizes synths and backtracking to create shocking effects that often works and sometimes misses the mark, but it's never bad. Favorites: Jungle Line, Edith and the Kingpin, Hissing of Summer Lawns, Harry's House

Great voice, easy listen but it gets boring over time

С Джони Митчелл у нас сложная история взаимоотношений. С первого взгляда я её невзлюбил. Как выяснилось - не я один такой. И вообще это больше музыка для музыкантов, как мы выяснили. Но в этот раз, пошло лучше. Какие-то эмоции от всего этого остались, от этих простых женских историй. Прям вайб фильмов Греты Гервиг, я бы сказал.

Muito bom, um clássico!

Not a Joni album I know, and none of the songs are familiar. Really loved the jazz vibe and the lyrics and music as interesting as ever. Not sure it quite has enough to get to the four stars but I think this is an album I will listen to again so it might just tip over.

The fact that this isn’t on Spotify is tragic plz add it back Joni

9/10, really loved this one

This does feel like a hot summer in album format. Really enjoyed the variety of heartfelt, soulful, bluesy, upbeat, downbeat... great.

Pretty good, I never really knew Joni Mitchell did more produced work. For some reason I always thought she was just an acoustic guitar and singing kind of act.

Love her.

I really enjoyed this album. It showed Joni Mitchell’s range and talent, and I liked the experimental elements. I was blown away by the last track.

Very nice indeed

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns sees Joni Mitchell lean more into the Steely Dan inspired jazzy pop-rock without ever abandoning her playful vocal melodies. I am not a huge fan of the instrumentation, but this doesn't matter a lot, since Mitchell's lyrics and vocals are still at the center of everything. And with such a strong core, it's difficult to do anything but let the poetry wash over you.

Somewhere between 1974-1975 Joni Mitchell apparently got her hands on a Moog. Even though The Hissing Of Summer Lawns is not as strong as some of her previous efforts, it’s still a record that would easily be considered the best album in the discography of nearly every other songwriter. Also, is this the birthplace of Björk?

The leader of jazz-folk is at the top here with an album rich in textures, artsy tricks and arrangements. Very uplifting overall. Loved it.

I love the warm jazziness and the fearless wandering of this album. Obviously lots to unpack, will require more listens and I have a feeling it won't get old.

Excellent, not an album of Mitchell's I was familiar with before. Typical of experiments of its era the synth sounds can come off a little basic, though at the time I'm sure it was quite avant-garde.

I liked it a lot more than I remembered liking it. Still not a very top tier Joni for me, I like at least 4 other albums more, but much better than I had remembered. 3.5/5 rounded up.

New discovery for me. Familiar with other Joni, but not this one. A little more adventurous and stylistic, which I appreciated. And the way she wraps her voice around all the instrumentation is top notch as always. 4/5

Complex musical settings for her lyrical brilliance. To a certain extent, it feels like she is fully an artist for the first time.

Joni does it again - her folky albums are lovely and Blue is still my favourite, but her more experimental and jazz inspired ones are just so interesting, and her voice and the melodies she writes fits this style so well. The first two songs were particular highlights along with Harry’s House/Centrepiece but the whole thing was delightful really

Like a Paul Simon record but with wonderful female vocals from the legendary Joni Mitchell

Second Jodi Mitchell album in a week of listening, and after listening to both, I can see why she's rated so highly

Experimental, progressive, jazzy Joni. Lots of high points though a couple of misses too.

Good jazz 70s sound

Dies ist eine schöne Platte. Von einer Musikerin, die viele gute Platten gemacht hat.

its good

It's good. Towards the end it gets a little boring. Favorite song: the jungle line

Cool mix of folk and jazz

Damn, Joni does it again. I've heard tale of this album, and I think another one as well, as Joni's departure into weird jazz stuff. I can hear that, she's definitely leaning into the free-associative corner of her style, but some of it just seems like really great avant-garde alternative singer-songwriter stuff, the kind of music that would even fit in in today's landscape. Quite impressive to be honest. Lots of cool stuff going on here, most of all what's stuck in my head is sudden, gritty production that appears on tracks like "the Jungle Line," or the layered vocals on "Shadows and Light," damn that sounds heavenly. There's just so much surprise to this one. I'm obviously biased because I just think Joni Mitchell is the bee's knees, but this is a fantastic album, definitely deserves a place here. Favorite tracks: In France They Kiss on Main Street, the Jungle Line, Don't Interrupt the Sorrow, the Hissing of Summer Lawns, the Boho Dance, Sweet Bird, Shadows and Light. Album art: Fittingly abstract, or avant-garde, or whatever you want to call it. Some strange figures transporting a snake? I like this one a lot, there's intrigue. 4.5/5

A predominantly jazz-rock album with elements of folk. I like the experimentation with synthesizer effects on some songs. Mitchell’s voice is soft and relaxed. The piano break during the middle of “Harry’s House” is fire! Favorite songs: In France They Kiss on Main Street, The Jungle Line, Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow, Harry’s House, and Shadows and Light.

A really nice, pleasant jazz pop/folk/experimental record.

Ethereal

Ljúf og notaleg Joni. Mæli með.

can't believe how much i enjoy Joni

A beautiful album with Mitchell trying new forms with some success. When you’re this good a songwriter you can do as you please. Lyrical, beautiful and if it doesn’t quite hit the heights of Blue or Court & Spark, look who Joni is up against - Joni Freaking Mitchell.

I thought this was pretty good! There was a fairly interesting mix of elements and inspiration to this folk-driven album, from some jazzy notes, to some more bossa nova-esque rhythms. A few of these songs got a bit boring and got tuned out, and I don't think this'd be one for my regular listening sessions by any means. But it suited the mood quite well for a Sunday evening. Favourite: In France They Kiss On Main Street

Hard to put my finger on what is so good about this era of popular folk music, but the Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon records on this list have been so damn good! Maybe it's not this era necessarily, and more Joni Mitchell's strength as a song writer, but there's something about this record sonically that just makes it so easy to place in pop music chronology. Great record, will definitely listen again, and most likely seek out a physical copy at some point.

Another good Joni Mitchell album. 4/5

More Joni! Pretty good stuff, but it’s not as impressive as the other albums of hers we’ve covered so far IMO B

I love Joni Mitchell

Joni continues to demonstrate what a remarkable musician and contributor to music she was in the 20th century. I love the way she finds such unique ways to work her signature singing style into and style of composition. No standout song or single but just a great album of music.

Enjoyable album without any standout songs but an overall nice atmosphere, created by Joni's voice and the Jazz instruments

New Artist! Followed! Next listening to “Hejira” 4/5

Beautiful album with some amazing songs.

Not heard this one. Cool and jazzy underpinning to Joni. Like it a lot on first listen. Going to be a favourite.

Such a strange and interesting record. Some really weird stuff with the drum loops and synths. Some of it sounds so ahead of its time and some of it sounds so 70’s. Seems to be one of her more experimental records and kind of transitional in style. Kind of enigmatic for me . I really enjoyed listening to the album and there’s some really great stuff on here, but it didn’t move me emotionally like some of her others. Tough one for me to rate. 4

Joni mitchell :D

Ikke tilgjengelig på Spotify.. Blue er favoritt så gir 4 *

Joni Mitchell is has such a lovely voice. I had never heard this album for but I really liked it

Have it. One of her best albums.

Much more interesting than Blue. Title cut, “Shadows and Light,” and “Edith and the Kingpin” all work well. It’s safe to say that one prefers the more observant and jazzier Joni to the outwardly emotional Joni.

Nice, did not know what to expect

Unable to listen as Joni removed all her music from Spotify. I'll take a guess on the rating based on my knowledge of her other albums.

A pleasant surprise. I have honestly no experience with Joni Mitchell so this was a first experience for me. I thought there was a ton of originality, a good vibe, and a cool sound. I'll be listening to some of the songs off this again for sure. The only reason I knock it down a star is because sometimes I feel like she tried to do a bit too much with the lyrics. This isn't a huge deal but was a bit distracting on what was an otherwise very pleasant listen.

Possibly best Joni Mitchell album I have heard?

Musings on suburbia with her usual lyrical dexterity and folksy touch. There’s some excellent layering of vocals here too.

This was very pleasant. Having not reviewed the track listings there were a couple of times I thought she was going to break into Big Yellow Taxi. Also, there were a few instances were I detected some politicising in the lyrics but because it was so pleasant you almost don’t even realise!

None of the songs were absolute stand outs, but all good

I enjoyed this, nice and folky and she has a very pretty voice.

First album that I couldn't listen to on Spotify (thanks Joe Rogan).

I've never been particularly into Joni Mitchell but damn if this isn't one of the prettiest albums I've ever heard.

Pretty good

Good album, enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting. Very different vibe from Blue, more varied instrumentals and the lyrics are quite nice. Particularly liked Don't Interrupt the Sorrow.

I kinda only knew Joni Mitchell from that one hit (Taxi) and the Prince cover, but I'm very glad I finally fully listened to some more of her music. The album is an amazing combination of folk and jazz.

Good album. I rated the previous Joni Mitchell album 3 stars with the only criticism that the songs don't really feel like they're going anywhere. This one seems a bit more mature musically. The poppy jazz instrumentation was a great background for Mitchell's beautifully soothing voice. I liked it.

I am #always #available for some Joni

one of my favourite 1001-ers

Very good. Vibey and beautiful.

If you like slow music, then is is just for you.

Bra album! Bästa låtarna: In France They Kiss on Main Street Don't Interrupt the Sorrow The Hissing of Summer Lawns The Boho Dance Harry's House / Centerpiece

Very vintage sounding, very calm, is nice

super cool jazzy sound, not my cup of tea but a great listen

Lovely way to start the morning.

The jazz, folk and experimental sound of this album make it worth listening to.

I definitely see why this alienated Joni Mitchell fans of the time. It was a little more artsy, a little more jazzy, a little more psychedelic than her other musical endeavors. However, I thought it was an experiment that yeilded a great end product! Maybe not the instant classic that Blue was, but a great album of its own; I want more time to digest it.

Se antoga para una tarde nublada de depresión y vino, y sí, eso es un cliché. Nunca había escuchado nada de Joni, pero sí la tenía presente como una figura femenina importante de la música de su época. igual y por no tener más referencias de ella no tengo claro el impacto o la razón de su inclusión en esta lista (?)

Mitchell does some of her jazz/folk. BT: In France They Kiss On Main Street, Don't Interrupt the Sorrow, Harry's House / Centerpiece

Joni is good for all moods. 🙌🏼

Love her

Sonically and lyrically interesting. I would probably revisit this one a few times to see if I can make more sense of it.

I didn’t love it, because it was Joni Mitchell I was tempted to score high, but maybe it’s not as high as I think

My mom used to listen to her a lot. Makes me feel like I should be in the 70s listening to this.

Sets it's stall out in the first 20 seconds: "Downtown My darling dime store thief In the War of Independence Rock 'n' roll rang sweet as victory" Lyrically very striking, musiclly interesting. Liked it a lot. Feels like it would have more to give on repeat listens. 4/5

Me pareció sonicamente mucho más llamativo que el anterior qie escuchamos de ella. A pesar de que son canciones con tonos que usualmente no me interesan, la verdad sí disfruté mucho este disco, melancolía y dulzura. Canciones favs: Harry's house y shadows and light. Mood: estoy muriendo?

“The Hissing of Summer Lawns” by Joni Mitchell (1975) Lyrics. Lyrics. Lyrics. To appreciate this album is to immerse oneself in the Lyrics. Here Joni Mitchell demonstrates her superlatively intelligent transformation of serious thoughts and feelings into meaningful sound. Her poetry is smart without being pretentiously erudite. She employs highly referential subject matter in service to exquisitely feminine introspection and evocation. Each line is vivid. Each phrase punctuated by perfectly placed consonants, begging a listener like me to shut down my interior (male) voice and surrender my attention to her. Joni Mitchell could get me to do anything. If I were so fortunate as to take her out on a date, my first words to her would be “Conquer me, Scarlett.” Musically, this is a very well produced album, well executed and recorded, and very appealing (if the listener has developed a taste for both jazz and folk—in that order). Dispensing with standard structures and melodic conventions, she walks her own path. Glad to follow. 4/5

Cantautora de 70's. Voz preciosa, agelical.

I now understand one of the places music I like came from.

NO es el Blue, pero es un disco mayúsculo

I never listened to Joni Mitchell at all until this album, and while it was a great album, it just didn't resonate with me. I even listened to this twice at work, and i still couldn't feel this...if it makes sense. " Don't Interrupt The Sorrow" was definitely the best song of the album, which was incredibly well done, and i still give this high marks, maybe i'm just crazy, or the next listen-to will change things for me.

Well how could you not enjoy this album? No clue.

Well this was an interesting listen. Definitely an experimental time, Joni must have been influenced by synthesizers, jazz and progressive rock as much as her previous style. There are definitely some words and lyrics which I didn't understand. This could be as much the way she chooses to sing them as much as the words themselves. I feel like I'm missing something in the lyrics, it could be the age of the album. It could be the way she sings. Perhaps someone more familiar with both the 1970s and Joni would know. Overall, I enjoyed it and would probably listen again. 7/10

Approaching a masterpiece, this album is quite an experience! Much more sonically diverse than her other stuff I've heard, and the lyrics are so profound. Way to kill it again, Joni!

Ahh, não devia ter ouvido o Blue antes desse, né? Agora fico querendo comparar os dois e não tem como algo bater aquele álbum incrível. Mas esse é muito bom!

Yeah that was good I liked it

very relaxing and sweet, nice voice and good riffs

What a strange album. I love Joni Mitchell's voice. This album is an album that doesn't know it's own genre. I didn't know a single song, but would listen again.

Like this much better note than I did years ago

Great pop album. Solid from start to finish.

Very nice and calm.

First half much better than the second

If you've heard one Joni Mitchell album, you've heard them all. I'll concede that she's a talented songwriter, but all her music sounds exactly the same to me. This is my third Joni album on this list and on this one, she tries to inject some jazz fusion elements and avant-garde field recordings. While tracks like "In France They Kiss on Main Street" try to bring a bit of an upbeat rock energy, they quickly sink back into that same mid-tempo, rambling folk-jazz delivery that defines her entire catalog. Her lyrics are undoubtedly poetic and sharp as she critiques suburban life, but the vocal melodies are so loose and conversational that they just blend together into one long, acoustic blur. Like many of my 3 star albums, it was okay background music while I worked but that was about it.

A nice, gentle, easy singer/songwriter/folk record. Joni has that hippie/flower child sound to her voice, with matching music to accompany her. It's not something I'd listen to regularly, but I'm not mad at it, and it's quite calming.

Better than the last album I listened to by her. Seeing her name twice in a week was not exactly fun. I just don't really like her style. The way she talk sings and forces a lot of words and syllables in short melodies.

I like the Joni albums that play around with musical styles more, since her lyrics never really pull me in. This one had a nice variety to start but homogenized into her usual soft meandering by the end

i dont get joni and im ok with that

weird combo of styles

Wednesday, 17 June, 2026 The music is amazing. Joni’s voice and lyrics are amazing. They don’t sound great together here except a few tracks.

Quality stuff from a quality Canadian

I didn't like this as much as Blue, but it was still a pretty pleasant listen. I appreciate the experimentation and the jazz/rock style. I liked the music more than I liked the lyrics in some of the songs.

Can't really complain with more Joni Mitchell. There are maybe one or two blips here, but overall a pretty strong record where Mitchell experiments with the synthesizer and some sampling for the first time. The lyricism is prominent as per usual too, with Mitchell musing about suburban life and the patriarchy among other subjects. Calling this the third best Joni Mitchell album on this list is an accurate assessment I think.

поняла что прям неприятно её вокал слушать. сами песни-то ок, даже к тексту прислушивалась

Otro disco de Joni Mitchell, la sobre representación de artistas canadienes es insólita. Nada contra Joni, de hecho es lo mejorcito que han mostrado hasta ahora, pero aburren.

Lovely. Favorite track: Jungle Line

Joni ventures further into the world of jazz-pop in this more avant-garde-ish album. Subtle melodies and strange orchestration fill the sound of this album, which is not particularly hard to listen to but at the same time really fails to grasp the listener. I can sort of see the sound she is going for but this isn't for me.

I tried this many times and it was nice but didn’t blow me away. Neutral.

Many of the artists I like seem to appreciate Joni, but this album doesn’t do it for me.

it's pretty good. fleetwood mac vibes. not too much my style

I feel guilty with how I am scoring all these Joni Mitchell records. She clearly writes exquisitely crafted character studies. They’re just about people and situations I don’t care about. Bit like Jane Austen.

Pretty good - pleasant listen

Not sure on this one, would probably need a Few more plays to get into it, prefer her earlier stuff

Groovy and good lyrics. Little bit of lounge mixed in. Easy to listen to. Solid and at times beautiful, but also somewhat forgettable.