Reviews (page 4 of 8)
my disdain of Joni Mitchell grows with each album of hers I have to listen to
I actually liked this, I haven’t been into her other albums but this one has enough experimental sounds, jazz, and synthesizers to get me hooked. I think this allows me to see what her greatness is, thank you for this one being on the list.
Nobody makes a singer-songwriter album like Joni Mitchell. She has a singular voice and style. This particular album was full of surprises. There were lots of production and arrangement choices I wasn't expecting, including a few moments that sound ahead of their time. It was an interesting ride with a lot of great music.
This is a Joni Mitchell I'm pretty unfamiliar with. I'm much more used to "Blue" and it's use of sparse acoustic instrumentation.. and when this one started and the fretless bass guitar jumps into the intro I actually had to re-look at who the artist was. There's also a sort of levity to this album; maybe "Blue" is just too strong of a reference for me that I feel obligated to compare to it but this album has such a different lightness to it. I really like it; and it's fitting for a nice Monday morning. Alright "The Jungle Line" is the heavy-ness. I really love this. Unfortunately I'm noticing the lyrics too late into the listen and I'll have to replay this one with the lyrics in front of me. I love the tom groove here and the saxophone... very cool sound! This is a great record, really glad to have found it here. Typical Joni Mitchell quality stuff.
Favorite Track: Sweet Bird
I was a fan of some of Joni's earlier work, and I bought this album for the track "The Jungle Line" which sampled Burundi drumming (previously featured on the 1971 single "Burundi Black" by "Burundi Steiphenson Black"). I wasn't a fan of her Jazz-Rock style, preferring her earlier Folk music. Album opens with "In France They Kiss on Main Street".
Unpopular opinion, but I liked this album more than Blue.
Really solid album, not something I woudl put on all the time but a solid mix of pop, jazz and the like. It’s always a good time listening to albums in this vein. 4 stars is solid.
I prefer Blue but this is still pretty special
this is the 4th album of Joni Mitchell..... WHY!!!! Every song sounds the same nothing amazing, extremely mediocre. Even her most famous song is not even holding up to allot of other one hit wonders. The author of this list is insanely biased to Joni and Costello. Before this list I thought they were one hit wonders if barely that, but after this list I now feel they are extremely overrated artist that I now hate instead. There are soooo many more famous artist that only got 1 album. Wish I could edit all the other entries to 1 star. As an artist she is a 2 star because it is listenable as background music if there isn't anything other around but she will get a 1 star for being extremely overrated and don't deserve more than 1 album TOPS!
credo di aver dato lo stesso voto a Court and Spark anche se in realtà lo preferisco. Questo è più sperimentale, e mentre court and spark è più introspettivo, questo è più uno sguardo verso il mondo esterno in generale mi ha coinvolto di meno però la voce resta sempre bellissima
Bell’album, molto tranquillo, atmosfere simili all’altro album. Mie tracce preferite: In France they kiss on Main street e Harry’s House/Centerpiece
This reminds me of The Boho Dance. Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow and listen to this.
Putting me to sleep unfortunately. Think I'd like it more if I was more of a lyrics guy.
Very avande garde and experimental attempt by Joni but the core of this album is as sweet as that of Blue. Despite having such experimentation it doesn't step far from what made her special. This one would definitely take time to appreciate for a casual. But its a good time.
Ehkä vähän hidas vaikkakin taidokas. 3/5
Not my style. I think I enjoyed the later songs more than the first ones. It’s good as background music tho. Funny that Taylor Swift has been compared to her. 5/10
I didn't find anything special bout this in 2025.
I listened to this one right after Court and Spark, and it's cool to compare them side by side. This one kind of lights off more of where Court sparked. It definitely seems more like a rock album, where as the former is still mosty folk with rockish and jazz vibes sprinkled throughout. The first track and "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" are great tracks. The rest was pretty solid all the way through. 4/5 Jungle Line is a pretty cool song for 1974. It almost sounds like Bjork 15 years before Bjork.
A good enough album. Joni is a good songwriter. Has a distinctly 70's vibe to the music, but not in a bad way.
This was fine, but nothing memorable
5/10 - nice easy listening, you know what you're getting with Joni Mitchell
jamen endnu et gudesmukt album. Ved ikke helt om jeg ville have inkluderet fire Joni Mitchell albums på listen, men jeg har nydt dem alle i fulde drag
Til den underlige side i forhold til de andre JM plader vi har haft (positivt!). Virkelig lækker plade.
Beautiful but a bit more boring than her other albums... Maybe 4 albums are bit much on this list?
Singer/songwriter uit 1975... Geen idee wat ik mij daarbij moet voorstellen.. Bob Dylan achtig? Eerste nummer bevalt mij wel ergens. Zanger zingt erg hoog, dat is wel even wennen. Het is heel lief ofzo, met af en toe een lekkere gitaar rif. Ben benieuwd naar de rest iig! Oef, het 2e nummer bevalt mij toch een stuk minder.. Erg vreemde beat. Ergernis is dan toch het woord wat in mij opkomt. Nee, mijn muziek is dit niet.. Al had de piano in Harry'sHouse zeker nog wel iets. Ik kom uit op een magere 3.
Franchement c'est pas mal on ne s'ennuie pas trop. Après pour moi c'est pas le classique qu'on attend
3,5
Very forgettable.
I listened to Joni a lot in my formative years, thanks to my bra-burned hippy of a mother. I didn’t mind it so much, and this style of music might have played a role in the development of my soft and tender side. Helped with the ladies. Within ten years, I fully switched to Punk, and really couldn’t give a fuck. Now a days I can take it, but prefer to leave it. Lyrics are too wordy, pitch and tempo are all over the place. Keep it simple soul sister! Cappuccino!
Probably my first full length Joni album listen (sorry) and realise it’s a bit of a mid-point to enter her style. But curious to see how it lands… The message is important. Great songwriting and lyrics and just not so grabbed by it. Some really lovely jazz refrains. Pleasant enough but just left a bit meh from it Don’t interrupt the sorrow ✊🏻
*Cool use of the Moog synth and the lyrics are compelling. I just don't find too many of the songs catchy enough to want to listen to more times.
I have never cared for Joni Mitchell's singing style - tone or phrasing - and her music typically is not a style I generally like. In that context, this album surprised me. I did like a lot of the music on this album - it's inventive and interesting, and diverse across the album. I enjoyed listening to it well beyond my expectations, and Jungle Line is actually a song I'd say I enjoyed! I still can't click with her vocals and lyrical style, and I won't listen to this album again. But certainly glad this project got me to listen to it this once.
Pretty and delicate.
I don’t know man, I just didn’t get into this one.
joni is incredible. this is an expansive and deep album. Blue is better, but this stands up well over time. Love that she does her own cover art
I think it's good. Probably needs multiple listens to enjoy
It's a pretty melancholy album, beautiful, but sad.
On first listen, this is a difficult album to appreciate, and I’m scoring accordingly to how I feel. No doubt, I enjoy Joni Mitchell’s voice. I think my problems with the album arise more from how unconvential it is. It’s hard to predict where a song is going to, and it just progresses in very odd directions, almost awkwardly. It was uncomfortable at times listening to this album because it’s just too out there for me.
Rolling Stone 258 A good Joni Mitchell album but as a whole a minor work, not very memorable moments or songs.
I’m sorry, Joni Mitchell. You’re fine, I just don’t have the energy for you at this time in my life. The last song sounded like it could be from Self Esteem, reminding me that everything has already been done, I just probably haven’t heard it yet.
Not my favorite.
Sound listen.
Bland Joni
Fint nok.
I have a troublesome relationship with Joni Mitchell's music. Take this album. There's truly beautiful music, the musicianship by the quite impressive list of studio musicians is astonishing, the production is great, it sounds fantastic. Opener '...In France they kiss on Main Street' and 'Shades of Scarlett conquering' are the highlights. But you would wish that they sometimes break loose, it's all too restrained, too, I don't know, beautiful, too shy I would almost say. Well, it's not all beautiful. 'The jungle line' is a total miss, it's a dreadful song. It's these Burundian warrior drums - quite suitable since I am writing this during the cycling WC in Rwanda - with merely a bit of Moog sounds on top, there isn't even a melody. It could have been 8/10 but because of that song it's a 7/10.
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Etwas fad.
Join Mitchell is pretty cool
was not my style but the instruments are really good and the singer too
Didn’t listen
Somehow I dislike this more the Blue
This was good but her blue album was even better. Love me some Joni Mitchell
3,3
this lady's alright. 3/5
sounds too complicated to be enjoyable
Not my favourite Joni Michell record that I've heard so far, but it's good nonetheless. I enjoyed the first half of the record, but it fell short in the latter half, more specifically in the last 2 tracks. Favourite Track(s): The Hissing of Summer Lawns Least Favourite Track(s): Sweet Bird
Jazzy album from Joni Mitchell, a bit different than her other work. Favorite track: the hissing of summer lawns other picks: harry's house, jungle line, edith and the kingpin
Great voice. Nice songs. Good album
Light 3. Love Joni’s voice, love the story she tells in her songs. Hmm she sure does bring up black people and the black experience a lot in her songs, I hope she’s never done anything weird re: black people before!!!
There’s a jarring dissonance between the lyrics and the music. It’s very much a reflection of its time, and while the jazz influence carried over from some of Mitchell’s previous works is on display again, it’s paired this time with synthesizers that diminish the power of her words. ‘Sweet Bird’ kind of works, but not much else does.
*** gentle snoring *** Huh? Wha? Is it over? I fell asleep about three songs in. Joni Mitchell is a one-trick pony. It's a fine trick, but we're talking about, what, 19 albums? That. All. Sound. Exactly. The. Same. Influence 2 (it ain't this album), hits 1, quality 4, it's . . . it's so, so boring 1.
This didn't really do anything for me, but the more Joni Mitchell albums I hear the more I get the appeal. It's growing on me, but not quickly enough for me to have really enjoyed this haha
Joni moves further into the jazz age. When I first heard this album I kinda hated it, but I realized it was a natural progression in her sound. I like it a good deal more now, but it’s also harder to get hooked. Her voice is till in peak form though, and it’s a pleasure to listen to her move into different moods and methods.
Cool listen 🎧
I’m not a fan but appreciate what she has done for music by women, for women. 3
meh.
Cool
Admittedly, I’m only familiar with Joni Mitchell’s original version of Big Yellow Taxi. Her voice is very distinctive and actually sort of reminds me of Karen Carpenter of the Carpenters. This was meh overall. Not awful, but not great either and not memorable.
Joni's first jazzier album and sounds great. Blue will always be my favourite as it has all the hits, but this is lovely too.
An interesting album, I didn't resonate with it 2/5
The instrumentation sounds very lush, and Joni Mitchell's songwriting sounds great and poetic as always
This one is okay, not something I would go back to, but it’s non offensive. 2 point something, but I’m not rounding to 3.
Won't be taking a listen to this one again, nothing caught my ear.
This just isn't in my wheelhouse for music.
Heard it before. Not my favourite from Joni tbh. But hey, it's Joni 3/5
I don’t know Joni Mitchell but she has a late 90s type of sound yet sounds very 60’s.
Wow, such a beautiful voice. I think this journey is giving me a better appreciation of folk music, and this was a gem.
Wow 😍 beautiful and gorgeous and pretty. I really liked Court and Spark, my last Mitchell album on here, and this sounded like a complete level up. The melodies! The chord progressions and jazzy touches! Very transporting. Must-listen #208.
Magnificent album. There are a lot of layers to this thing. A few listens in, no matter what instrument I focus on has something interesting going on. The piano solo in Harry's House. Good night nurse. It's obvious every musician on this record has mastered their craft. I've heard Joni called the greatest songwriter of the modern era, I can't really argue against that.
Ok
Enchanting, experimental, and eloquent. Her voice is just that good that it sounds good over anything, but I love the jazzy and electronic instrumentals that really take some risks but give each track so much character. Not entirely a casual listening album, but never unpleasant either.
This was very interesting. The voice of Joni Mitchell is incredible. I would have never listened to this if it wasn't for this site, but I really liked it!
Side A is fun, Side B is boring. 3/5
A very soothing listen. Has a nice balance of bopping melody with a lot of interesting jazz fusion. Some of the more experimental moments/songs don't always land for me, but an overall really enjoyable album. Top tracks: In France They Kiss on Main Street, The Hissing of Summer Lawns, The Boho Dance
Experimental jazz-rock.
This didn't quiiiite hit me as much as the last Joni Mitchell album I heard, but it's still pretty decent!
Another really great outing from Joni! This one's more jazz-inflected than Court and Spark, especially Centerpiece. Goes wonderfully with her voice.
I didn’t like it as much as the other Joni Mitchell album I’ve gotten (Court and Spark) but it was good! I really enjoy her voice. Specifically liked the title track and the guitar magic on the opener.
Very solid record! I love what she can pull off with these instrumentals, but it feels like Joni ends half her lines on the same drawn-out, sustained note (the closing track is especially egregious). This sameness in delivery drags the record down a lot, imo, though she does have a beautiful voice nonetheless. Standouts: The Jungle Line • The Hissing of Summer Lawns • Harry's House / Centerpiece
This is such a good album to me because she really had massive success on Court and Spark and then said "You know what? I'm changing the formula" and succeeds. The first time I heard this i didnt like it because it was too weird and far from what I thought she should do. Now I appreciate her daring.
Joni Mitchell is a name I’ve always heard in relation to the 60s and folk music and something that older people like, but never something that found its way into my ears. I always put her in a box with Joan Baez, and since I don’t remember Joan’s music either I’m not sure if this comparison is fair or not. ¨The Hissing of Summer Lawns¨ is such a cool title that actually listening to the album itself threatens to cheapen it. I imagined a less angry, more refined Patti Smith and that’s basically what I got. Replace the grime of the 70s with the vaguely optimistic vibe of the 60s, put it in your kooky aunt Tabatha’s album collection and there you go. {Note: this album came out in 1975, the same year as ¨Horses,¨ but it sounds 10 years older} I found the music to often be a bit boring, but the opening ¨In France They Kiss on Main St.¨ was exciting, as was ¨The Jungle Line.¨ What isn’t boring is the poetry she spews, painting pictures as good as Dylan or Nas, often eschewing any sense of verse or chorus. If an album could ever be considered ¨a grower and not a shower¨ it would be this. What was boring on the first listen I found nuanced on the second. There are musical and vocal choices that superseded any kind of expectations I’d normally have of a singer-songwriter. Respect to Joni Mitchell. Best songs: ¨In France They Kiss on Main Street,¨ ¨The Jungle Line, ¨ ¨Harry’s House/Center…¨
Nice
I have never gotten into her voice or songwriting style. There were a few tracks toward the end that held me better than others, but I accidentally let this loop and I was 4 tracks into the relisten before I realized it.
something about the production here sets my nerves on edge and makes me grind my teeth. it's like someone lifted the vocals off another album and put it over a recording they made of a band playing in the next room over. it's also not really my bag.
fun. airy. fine.
Bon album dans l'ensemble avec des bonnes chansons mais les quelques expérimentations au synthétiseur et autres samplers sont ratées.
J’ai étonnamment vraiment aimé! D’habitude, les auteurs-compositeurs-interprètes me gossent sans savoir pourquoi, mais la vibe est impec
Most of it is very folk and very refined. Towards the end it becomes particularly ethereal and a bit church like.
loved some didn’t enjoy others
Not my favorite classic Joni, but still classic Joni.
She has a beautiful voice and the production value for this album is really good, but man that was so boring.
Big Yellow Taxi was the main hit of hers I knew. This album introduced me to a lot more of her sound, and it totally feels like a time capsule of the 70's - pleasant, easy drinking, soothing music.
I like the synthesizer components to the songs, interesting songcraft. Probably won't often go in circulation but I enjoyed it.
I didn’t even finish this album. I am sure it’s great for some people, but so not my speed.
Sounds fine but it is incredibly boring.
It's okay as a background album, but it should've been more interesting. It has one song that really makes you go "oh, I was listening to something!"
Ehh couple of interesting arrangements but didnt really connect to any of it.
Nadie hizo nunca nada parecido. 4.5
not his best pero con cosas interesantes
Not my thing
I've never really known what to do with Joni Mitchell. While I love 'Blue' it is everything before and after I have difficulty with. This is a good album. I dont know if I will ever listen to it again.
#679. Whiny hippie music. Joni Mitchell just isn't as important as the guy who wrote this seems to think she is. 2/5: meh
horrible
Interesting, but not my thing
Joni Mitchell's brand of quiet, contemplative resistance seems quaint and almost archaic in today's world. Still, it's a decent album.
Joni Mitchell’s entire career after “Blue” was a Sophomore Slump. There are way better albums to spend your time with.
I have never been a fan, I just…have not. So hard to get into it for me.
Super chill, and beautiful voice.
probably should be higher. the lyrics hit but a whole not my jam. closer to 3 probably could i write poetry to this? n
How many Joni Mitchell albums are on this list? Starting to feel like it might be all of them. Pick one, Dimery. We already know you love Joni and all things from the 1970's Laurel Canyon scene. But, c'mon... this is ridiculous. This spot should have gone to an Ani DiFranco album.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
My Joni Mitchell reviews are basically me just respecting what she’s done. I don’t necessarily enjoy her music. This record though, was a little more experimental sounding than what I am familiar with. But over all it was just ok. Weird lyrics, sung angelic. Music was a bit of everything.
Although this album is good - especially the lyrics - it just doesn’t quite hit the same level as her other albums enjoy. So I’m going high 3
Not classic Joni but Jazz Pop Joni. Very enjoyable and engaging.
It’s one of those albums that is just so beautifully performed that, despite not having individual songs that I’d pull out and shine a light on beyond the opening a closing track, still come together as a grand and satisfying whole. The only song that I didn’t gel with is The Jungle Line which interrupts the flow a little bit. It’s stunning that’sJoni Mitchell is such an exceptional artist that this excellent release doesn’t stand amongst her best albums.
The lowest of Joni’s 5s for me but I’m a huge fan.
I have for some time now been of the opinion that this lady deserves a place in my record collection, and this album only confirms that. Great voice, great words, great melodies, performed superbly. What's not to like? So now it's time to score it. Well I said like not love, so 5 is out. She is more than capable of producing a 4 or 5 album, I just don't think this is it. Don't get me wrong this is a good album it's got to be a 3.8, but does that mean I've got to give it a 4? No, something is stopping me from doing it, don't know what, might regret this. No, it's better than average.
I think I’m the wrong demographic for this crap.
Thus was better than I expected. But I kept listening out for said hissing. Nope couldn't hear it. I have notified trading standards to have a word with her. It was nice and mellow, but not enough to hold my attention.
My 4th Joni Mitchell album of this project, the 4th good Joni Mitchell album of this project. 4/4
Felt like an album someone wrote from simply observing humans and writing their thoughts on interactions down. Very genuine, funky, and conversational.
I didn’t care for this. I came away feeling like this was Joni Mitchell’s Hour Long Guest DJ on a FM Smooth Jazz channel. Oh and do we really need 4 Joni Mitchell albums on The List?
I liked the second track - interesting beat. (Jungle Line) The jazz influences on Harry's House / Centerpiece are nice too; overall this is an interesting track - lyrically as well I really like the vocals on Shadows and Light - the way those harmonies kick in! GREAT ending track
an incredibly beautiful album with incredible arrangements and beautiful story telling by Joni - was 5 stars in 1975 and 5 stars today!
Nice listen for while I did some work. Her voice is just so beautiful. Also really love this album art.
Pretty awesome
Great
interesting start, with a bluesy guitar driven folk song. not a bad album. Thee was nothing that stood out, but a couple of notable songs including the title song. I think I like Edith and the Kingpin the most. I would listen again, but not something I would seek out to listen to. 3.5 stars
I like Joni Mitchell, and the songs here were good, but I don't know, it just didn't grab me as well as Court & Spark or Blue or Clouds. Four stars.
This is the second Joni Mitchell album I get on this list. I really disliked the first one. This one is slightly better – mainly because it’s not just her and a guitar. The second song, Jungle Line, is an interesting experiment, and works quite well. There’s a few other nice moments throughout the album – as far as instruments are concerned. I’ll admit it’s creative, and if it was strictly an instrumental album, I may have rated it a 2* or even a 3*... Unfortunately, Joni’s singing completely ruins the experience for me. I can’t really explain why, but her voice just rubs me the wrong way... It doesn’t help that I have absolutely zero interest in the stuff she sings about ; I can’t relate and I don’t care. I know that many people like her, so I’m probably missing something... But listening till the end of the album was almost physically painful for me. I just can’t, sorry.
Going into this I would have put Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell on the very opposite ends of the singers I enjoy listening to continuum. But then I listened to this album and I didn't like it. And then I listened to it a couple more times and I still didn't like it. And I listened to it a few more times and I started to like it. Eventually I had my opinion of Joni Mitchell completely overturned. Did I get more sophisticated from listening to one album? I doubt it.
Joni rules. While I appreciate the experimental nature of The Jungle Line, it starts to get grating in an otherwise gorgeous album.
thoughts: i did enjoy the jazzier back half of the album a lot more but this is honestly pretty disappointing. love joni’s voice as usual but eh, this just didn’t hit the way i thought it could’ve songs: “don’t interrupt the sorrow”, “harry’s house/centerpiece”, “shadows and light” rating: 5.8/10
A strange experience for sure, but it's unique style was fun trying to understand. The more vocal driven songs could feel slow and shallow at times, but when the experience culminates in certain patterns and grooves it is able to highlight Joni's voice. 5/10
I loved the jazziness and the detail of the lyrics (especially IFTKOMS) and didn't find it boring at all. Also, I love the songs which represent being stuck in a suburban home with a man and, overall, the experiences of women. I think the lyrics portray that very well, and they almost sound satire. Favourite: In France They Kiss On Main Street Least Favourite: The Boho Dance
Damn!
Listened without skipping any tracks
Scho ä gueti Musikerin, aber ich finds ächt langwiilig
in frances they kiss on main street isch jo preeeemium geil giti vom skunk baxter und de song isch de haaaammer mega kompliziert aber huuere geil. super joni. the jungle line huuuere weird aber i like haha. synthbass super cool und ihri melodie macht wiedermol iiiirgendöppis. ich ha das album glaub schomol glost, edith and the kingpin kenni au. super weirde song, bass mega geil, flöte und bgvs huuuere geil. boooh wies uflöst uf de schluss woooow. joooni. uf dont interrupt the sorrow tönt die akustisch gitarre sooo guet und wie d chords sich beweged und denn d licks vom robben ford ufde dobro bröööder. shades if scarlett conquering meh en gschichtliverzelle type song. sehr chillig super schöni drums. und mega cooli celli und so. hooo was macht d bridge? unglaublich schön joni. titletrack isch okaaay? nöd de best ufem album. boho dance meeega geil uiii. mega schöns klavier. ah isch sie selber wow. harrys house au fucking premium shit. centerpiece plötzlich meeega jazz standard time goooil. rieeese solo joe sample. sweet bird classic joni mitchell suuuper super schön. steel guitar maann wie geil. FUMF
MITCHELLL uii was isch denn das füren bass, very cool jungle line megaa funny? tönt moderner als 75 findi ahh okay nachfolger vo court and spark, macht sinn I guess es risst mi nanig so mit :( the hissing isch super! sehr zrugghaltend iwie aber schönn uhhh harry's house sehr jazzy, s klavier isch super poaaah shadows and light isch als letschts lied suuper aber ja scho fertig. s isch sicher recht villsiitig aber hautmi leider nöd so um. d stimm isch wie immer en einzige traum! knapps 4? guets 3? ach chum de mitchell chani das schlecht abspreche
It all sounds like the same sappy shit.
Mere jazzy Joni. Et ok album men mere anonymt end Blue.
I just found out that I am a fan of Joni Mitchell. The story telling on this album is amazing and it's a great blend of jazz and folk. 4.5 stars
Finally, the last Joni album. I'm not sure what it is about her but I've come to learn that I really don't like her music. Maybe it's her grating voice but I'm glad to have finished this one. 5/10.
This was a pleasant enough listen. Feels like 1 really long song. It’s fine. Can’t say I paid attention to the lyrics much which is where I’m sure it shines but for a first listen, I like it.
Not a Joni Mitchell fan apparently 🤷♂️
As we go through this process i worry more than finding new artists i really love it is more a case of reevaluating ‘great’ artists who i only have a limited (one album or a greatest hits) knowledge of. Unfortunately Joni falls into this category. I like that this album appears to try musically different things from what I’d expect from Joni Mitchell, but i really dont like tracks like the ‘Jungle Line’. ‘Edith and the Kingpin’ feels more safe JM territory and its strengths in being a gentle flowing song unfortunately are why it doesn’t grab me. I just find it a bit dull. ‘Shades of Scarlett conquering’ is a bit more engaging. Generally this sounds like a Sunday morning album from my childhood, inoffensive background music with people only occasionally aware of its presence while going about their morning
This is now my second Joni Mitchell album of this project, and I still don’t really get it - maybe it’ll be third time lucky?
The second Joni Mitchell album the generator has handed out and I don't think my opinion is much different from the first: she has a lovely voice but I'm not sure she's really for me. Joni Mitchell is very different to what I thought she was as someone who only really remembers Big Yellow Taxi - parts of this reminded me of Fiona Apple (The Jungle Line in particular) and its far weirder that I ever expected. This album passed the time while I made a lamb curry but I can't imagine I'll listen to it again. 2/5
Probably my third or fourth favorite Joni record. "The Jungle Line", in all its experimental beauty, is one of my absolute favorite songs of hers; the title track, "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow", "Shadows and Light", and "In France They Kiss on Main Street" are other big highlights for me as well. Skunk Baxter's guitar work on the latter is damn cool, and as always, Joni's lyrics are stunningly perfect. 4.5/5
This album represents the best of the 70s and why this decade continues to resonate with so many (me). I don’t have much time to write a full piece but I’ll start here: the genre blending of this record is nothing short of inspiring. You’ve got jazz that soothes the soul, folk that teaches lesson through excellent storytelling, and an avant-garde pop and soft rock style that combines ethereal chord progressions with high gain, indistinguishable instrumentals (see The Jungle Line). Some of these songs are just so entrancing if not beautiful. To be honest, something about this record stuck out more to me than Blue. Perhaps I am more accustomed to Joni’s work now and can thus appreciate it more, but I believe the variations of singing also may have done it. Of course, Joni’s always been one of the best pop singers out there since her debut, but I believe that she truly shines here in a way not widely seen today among pop contemporaries. I would go more into depth on the song-for-song ratings and overall sequencing, but alas this website once again decided to delete my thoughts from prior. And so I leave it with this: easy 5.
doesn’t hit quite as hard for me as other joni albums! still solid though
Ah, Joni Mitchell, this was on my todo list anyway. All I know from her is Big Yellow Taxi, the cover from Janet Jackson „Joni Mitchell never lies“ I cannot warm up to her voice. The vibrato feels staged, the more dynamic singing too quirky. It seems she never settles. Why did she get famous? The compositions sound academic, overthought, they don’t flow. Whenever she built up a melody or mood she immediately destroys it by taking a left turn. Why? To be unpredictable? Best track: hissing of summer lawns (but also here I‘d prefer if someone else sung it), Harrys House (2nd half)
Very diverse, wasn’t actually expecting that as i guess i just assumed Joni to be a country/folk artist but this had a lot of different genres, obviously the classic country/folk is still their but there is also a lot of jazz and even electronic music. Every song feels very different to each other minus the similarities in styles obviously, one of the most unique ones here for me was the jungle line which had jungle style drums (hence the title) and a very cool electronic bass line. A big part of this album is the lyrics as well which of course are great as Joni shines in this aspect. Production wise this album sounds amazing aswell. Favourites: the first 4, title track, the boho dance and harry’s house/centerpiece. Overall, 8/10.
I am not so found of all that jazz ( that kind of jazz) but I appreciate the lyrics. I read them and it's just poetry. So if we listened to this album as sung poetry (not all songs have that ambition). it's quite allright. And it's Joni Mitchell!
This album is packed with high profile features (but no Jaco yet)! The influences go way beyond her early folk stuff, one track even has a Björk vibe (The Jungle Line). A lot of it leans into that smooth jazz bar sound that became her musical future. What a voice! The production is beautiful, though too smooth. The songs tell stories, often painting pretty pictures like she’s singing about fancy neighborhoods in San Francisco. It’s lovely, artsy… kinda feels like music for upscale hipsters. All around a bit too flat.
I really haven't connected with Joni Mitchell during this project, which is surprising. I thought I'd be super into her. The albums just feel noodle-y and aimless. They're very pleasant to listen to, but not songs that resonate with me in a serious way. This almost slipped down to 2 stars for me, but something is keeping it at 3 for me.
NICE
Second joni mitchell album. Still not a fan.
I get her place in history. But damn she is hard to listen to for 45 minutes.
it’s actually crazy how much better this full band joni mitchell stuff is from her solo acoustic stuff. pretty great throughout
I don’t quite know why Joni Mitchell does nothing for me. On the face of it she should be right up my street - folkish singer songwriter with a great voice, but it just doesn’t spark anything in me.
Joni is really growing on me as I age. Her style of music does at time seem a little more like spoken word and sometimes falls out of rhythm with the music (which can be distracting to me). However, her perspective is one that is important and one that has taken me a long time to connect with. I enjoyed this album slightly more then the previous album, it flowed better overall.
The Hissing of Summer Lawns is the point in Joni’s career where she thoroughly embraced jazz structures in her songs. They tend to ramble and never feel like they make too much of a point, but Joni’s appeal is her chill delivery, and her fierce experimentation…as heard on the wildly rhythmic The Jungle Line. Overall, for me she embodies Sunday morning chill ambience and art house music done fairly well, if a little boring on this particular album. She’s also at the top of the list of artists who are “an acquired taste”. Once it seeps into your soul though, you’ll find yourself defending her to the death.
I wasn't particularly fond of the last Joni album we had, but I enjoyed this one a bit more. She creates cool jazzy atmospheres with these songs, it's not just her voice telling stories. I especially enjoyed the unique and dark sounds of The Jungle Line and really liked Harry's House with the piano too. Her lyrics can feel a bit like abstract art, I don't always understand what she's singing about, but apparently some of these are standing up to patriarchal norms, so I'm all about that! Overall, while this was an intriguing and thought-provoking journey, this style of music just doesn't move me. The songs meander so much and there's no rhythm or beat that gives them shape.
It is a really nice sounding album, but it's not my vibe
I like Joni Mitchell. Her music is something I listen to when I wish to feel a very specific type of melancholy. My criticism of this album is just that there aren't really any songs on it that I can remember the next day.
Jesus Christ Almighty, do we need the entirety of Joni Mitchell's hellish discography on this list? I can't stand it anymore. That obnoxious voice, that obnoxious album title, the obnoxious songs and lyrics. Release me from pain! 1/5
Some pretty sounds but didn't entirely click, gotta say
I adore Joni Mitchell! Jazz!
i love joni and listened to her entire discog this year ... she is probably i guess one of my goats even tho she is insane and very racist. i love folk music
I think Joni is brilliant. I've been a fan for over forty years; mainly listening to three or four albums in particular, of which (as it happens) this isn't one, although I do know it. When this one came out, a little later than my favourites, the overall band sound is definitely very 70s, and the songs are more jazzy and less acoustic (and there was still jazzier to come). But there are still some classic and wondrous Joni songs here, my favourite being Edith and the Kingpin: songs with that melodic, meandering storytelling, weaving a beautiful spell. It's not my favourite allbum of hers, and The Jungle Line is, frankly, odd, but I love her. She has musicality in spades; a true artist.
Album 836 of 1089 Joni Mitchell -The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975) Rating : 3 / 5 I’ve spent decades trying to form a solid opinion on Joni Mitchell, and somehow I’m still not there. I fully appreciate her talent, her influence, and her place in music history—but I’ve often wondered if her recordings, which I find perfectly fine, might be just a bit overrated. I know that’s a risky statement, but there it is. As for this album, it was... again, fine. It kept a similar tone and feel throughout—nothing bad, just not much that grabbed me either. I have a hard time criticizing a legend, but I’ve yet to find my seat on the Joni Mitchell bus, though I'm still open to it.
Joni Mitchell is an artist in the truest sense
I’ll say what I keep saying about Joni Mitchell - as someone who didn’t grow up listening to her I’m amazed at how familiar she sounds. I understand why she’s so important to so many people. Excellent album.
It’s obvious that Joni Mitchell is a great songwriter, and the albums that I’ve heard from her - including this one - are certainly testament to that fact. However, her vocals just really aren’t my cup of tea, so I don’t think I will ever move from appreciator to real fan.
Joni Mitchell is a reliably intelligent and inventive songwriter and this album is frontloaded with interesting material. It descends into bland jazz at times towards the back half, but is still a good listen overall.
Love Joni's voice. Some of the instrumental backing is lackluster but that is made up for on songs like The Jungle Line and Shadows of the Light. Sidenote, I accidentally listened to this album on shuffle so I might have missed some continuity between songs.
I just can’t. ———————————— My non-musician scoring system. 5 - Love it. Would play anytime, buy, see live… 4 - Good music. 3 - Average playlist. Depends on time and setting. 2 - I can’t listen to whole songs. 1 - No.
love you queen
Not quite as good as Blue for me, but goddamn. What beautiful storytelling.
Unexpectedly cool second track. Not terribly exciting or interesting besides that.
Wasn't bad, feel like i didn't give this one enough attention. Was kind of bored listening to it, but could be better with several listens.
I have been a Joni Mitchell hater for many years, mostly based on an image of her rather than her actual music. I thought she was just a boring folkie with an acoustic guitar, warbling songs with that “annoying” voice. Boy was I wrong. I loved this album musically, as well as her singing. And her writing. I’m looking forward to more of her albums, rather than the dread I felt when I saw what today’s was. Such a pleasant surprise.
Meh
I can’t believe how many times you listened to this!! I like the music, I like her voice but I am just not into the rambling melodies. Perhaps it will grow on if I listen more but…
boooooorrrrriiiinnnnggggggggggg
- Man who is writing these bass lines? I'm loving them - The instrumentation is so freaking good on this one and Joni's voice over the top is just amazing - Whoa The Jungle Line was a little jarring - I'm loving the variety and experimentation in this album - Joni Mitchell always seems to surprise me
This was rad. I like the experimental, avant garde and jazz influences here. It feels like Joni wanted to just do something else and make things more interesting. Which I thought she pulled it off. I don't want to say it was too long, but there were parts that it kind of lost my attention. Though, I think on repeated listens, you'd be able to pin down those nuances. This was great! Joni is a treasure.
The deeper Mitchell's music, the denser its sound. I've always found her mid-to-late 70s records difficult to dig into it. While I admire her brave artistry, her willingness to develop her style, her utterly original blend of jazz-folk, and her vivid lyrics relentless in their images, the resultant sound too often stays within the same lane and becomes bland. A few exceptions submit themselves in 'Centerpiece' and 'Shadows and Light', but I can never remember much else about this album.
Jazz-Rock-Folk mit Stromgitarre, das ist ja mal was. JM ist nicht mein "cup of tea" aber ich finde diese Songs hier experimentell, originell und "frisch" für 50 Jahre auf dem Buckel. Aber vielleicht habe ich auch schon zuviel Gin Tonic intus.
4-
Incredible funk
I mean sure why not
Pretty good, but not her best.
Magnificent, deep, layered, beautifully crafted, and such magnificent lyrics - "In France, they kiss on Main Street Amour, mama, not cheap display"
Not for me. 1/5
A good semi-experimental, jazz release from Ms. Joni, but if anything I wish she pushed her experimentation to further lengths
Niet helemaal af kunnen luisteren, maar het klonk niet zo geweldig. Goed genoeg, maar allemaal wat saai
Good, never heard before.
I don't get her, not even a little bit. Boring, folksy, poetickly wordy, and overall lame. I'll leave this one for the rest of you to enjoy. You're not alone, many of the songs had 1-3M listens (mind blown). Missed the mark for me from start to finish. Her voice is instantly disinteresting and I can almost tune the song out as I drift off to think about things that stimulate thought. "The Hissing Power Of Summer Lawns", the title says it all, was fucking awful. 1 star, wow was I bored suffering through that. I can't even imagine what justifies making the T1001 list, what's worth listening two twice on here? No hits, not influential that I'm aware of, no staying power, no one even mentions her name or this album, no longevity. If Spotify adds her to my algorithm now I am gonna be PISSED!
I was prepared to hear Joni sing songs only dogs could hear (SNL). I was not prepared to like much of this due to the music. Glad I heard a full album of hers.
This was a nice listen. Joni has a great voice and I found myself really vibing to this. Will happily listen to this again!
Cheeky achtergrond muziekje maar een beetje te dramatisch voor mij
Ahhh een bekend albumpie. Mijn ouders zijn fan en deze stond vroeger zeker vaak op. Vooral Edith and the kingpin klink nostalgisch. Lekkere luister op de achtergrond
Legendary singer, not her best album in my opinion. Still enjoyed it though
Back to back Joni and consecutive releases - what are the odds!? That said, this one passed me by a bit like yesterday’s did - probably a 2.5.
very calming, very nice
I think the significance of this album is to show that queens can flop too. Rounded up for the lyric “like a priest with a pornographic watch”
Joni always seems like she’d be my speed but she’s usually slightly too snoozy. This one’s quite snoozy
I feel like i should love her, she's got an interesting clear voice and a lot to say. But it doesn't speak to me. 2, because although I don't want to hear it ever again, it's skillful and pleasant.
The first time I've had two albums by the same artist back to back. I liked this album better than Blue - her vocal style is less extreme and swoopy, and I enjoyed the jazzy vibe.
It was ok, pretty out there for 70s, nice change of pace
Christ, how many Joni albums are there on this list? Occasionally interesting ('The Jungle Line'), but inconsistent and ultimately far more meandering than the others on here.
Maybe not something to listen to in the background
By 1975 Joni Mitchell was done being everybody's muse. She had been fitted through so many guises and scenes of other men's makings that they had begun to define perceptions of her. It was time she had her own muse, her own scene; her own guise was beginning to break through. The Hissing of Summer Lawns was the perfect start of that shedding of the skin. Signposts had been placed prior but here is the full on immersion of the experimentation that was sought. Whatever inroads there were when it came to Joni and her music, from this point onward, had to be hard-won and there was little to no easy path to take. Yet The Hissing of Summer Lawns remains a rewarding listen when one sits down and really dives into it and its renewed reputation over the years proves its worth.
ok. Fine. Another Joni Mitchell album. This one was better because it had more going on, but still…not my thing. It was fine, I guess.
First time listening. Quite enjoyable
Poetic and sublime. 'Sublime' is one of those vagaries that a truly good writer would do well to avoid, so I allow myself to use it. But here I use it to express the feel, mood, attitude... something below the surface, outside of your five senses. Joni Mitchell floats in, doesn't force her way, you can go with her or not, up to you. If you do go, you are rewarded with that (struggling again to expel the word I want from my tight chest) transcendent place that you want music to take you. Joni Mitchell is extremely generous with that reward, bringing in surprises and poetry and characters and stories like nothing I've heard elsewhere.
Edith and the Kingpin // Shades of Scarlett Conquering // Harry’s House / Centerpiece // 3.5/5
some melodies are heavenly
I love the lush atmosphere that songs like In France They Kiss on Main Street create. But there are some serious low points on this album as well like the jungle line and harry's house.
I really like the instrumentation on this one and the album art is 10/10.
Don't Interrupt the Sorrow The Hissing of Summer Lawns
For many years this has been my favourite JM album. Many people go for Blue, Court&Spark , Hejira (and others for all I know.) But this one has the perfect blend of beautifully crafted songs and bang-on performance with bits of jazz leaking in everywhere. I love it.
yay joni
Interesting lyrics, not a big fan of the sound
Nice, but doesn't stand out to me tbh
It's Joni Mitchell. Can't not like Joni Mitchell
I really liked Harry’s House / Centerpiece especially the talking bit
Alright
Sorry all fans of Joni out there, but this is sooooo terrible for me. I hate these moments of this list. I decided at the beginning to listen to all albums, but albums like this make me claw for ending that. But I kept through, I survived (although it may have done some permanent damage), I'll still continue my journey of the 1001 albums and I'll still listen to all albums.
Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it.
I like Joni Mitchell. I didn’t like this though. Simpsons: No
Nice pleasant album
I liked it but there are bits of this album that definitely remind me about the whole blackface thing.
I like her blending of folk and jazz.
Pleasant listen, I enjoyed her jazzy sounding voice. 3.5
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.
I'm just not into Joni Mitchell...
I get the appeal of Joni Mitchell. She has a great voice and a distinct sound. I just don't like it.
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.
The best Joni Mitchell's up to this point. More jazzy, less folky. I like it.
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
This album is my introduction to Joni Mitchell. I've heard of the name, know the impact and influence of her music, and still, never listen to a song of hers, that I know of. I mean the story telling, off the rip is above par. Been noticing a lot of 70's, 80's music have a lot of story telling in general. Mix of sounds, wasn't even sure what time of ROCK to label this album. Soothing voice, takes you away. Slow album, you're not head banging to this one but you might be taking a nice walk to the park,
Not my favorite Joni. Appreciate her exploration on this album, but the lyrics felt more disjointed than other albums. Did not enjoy the moog synth on Jungle line.
Joni > Dylan iykyk lol but seriously there are few artists who can come close to prime Joni Mitchell. Peak musicianship and incredible story-telling. Her voice is always so captivating. So many genres and so many special moments always bring me back to this one.
You know I liked this and thought it was more interesting than I was expecting. There is some weird avant-fusion stuff happening underneath some of these songs, not nearly as out there as I'd like but interesting nonetheless. At the end of the day, it does just kind of feel like folk music to me that doesn't hit super hard, but I enjoyed this.
I totally respect JM but this album is not good.
Aika viehättävä, a-puoli erityisesti. Kuulosti tuoreemmalta kuin 70-luvulta aina paikoin. Tarinankerrontaa, mukavaa kävelykuunneltavaa. Mutta en muista yhtään biisiä enää seuraavana päivänä. 2,5
Säestystä, joka polveilee kaikkialle tai ei minnekään (myös parhaimmillaan).
Gostei muito não. Não vou me explicar.
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.
There's a lot of Joni I love, and a lot of Joni I don't, and this is closer to the don't.
I'll still give it a 3 for the lyricism but I don't like this album. Don't like the weird jazz, which I don't think meshes with her style. It detracts from it. I'll stick with her pre-1975 albums.
Too hard for me. I'm going to listen to the Carpenters again.
GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS (also the first album in almost thirty recs by a woman artist......)
Unique voice, and songs. Sounds of the 60’s and 70’s.
So far, im not seeing why Joni is so reveered. ⭐⭐⭐
It's got some funky beats, but it's not my favorite album.
This was a pleasant surprise. Just a nice listen overall.
Enjoyed the closer, Shadows and Light
2.5
I'm not a Joni fan, and this isn't helping to win me over. She still has a tendency to shove way too many lyrics into each song, and for the most part it's just really boring. The music is at least a little weird and interesting on one or two songs, but the overall impression is just a bit meh.
Joni Mitchell's music is always beautiful.
Really interesting and different from the other Joni Mitchell albums I’ve heard!
Not my favorite Joni album but had some great songs on here
Joni Mitchell doesn't have my favorite voice, if I'm being honest. What she does have is an unmatched ability to weave a tale that you feel like you are a part of when listening to her stories (songs). I really appreciate this quality as a writer. The acoustic guitar is really the only instrument I could pick up while listening for a majority of the songs, and it felt like it was more music playing in the background of a scene. It helped enhance the stories Mitchell was telling with her voice. No doubt that there are very "of the time" topics and lingo being used throughout, but what I loved about it is that I felt like a character in each of her songs just living through the events she is retelling. It was truly a joy to listen to, and the only folk album I've really enjoyed thus far.
😳
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.
Ihan passelia sävellystä kahvilan taustalla soitettavaksi. Muuten käteen ei jäänyt mitään.
listened to again so effortlessly cool
Joni Mitchell is the lady mirror of Paul Simon, and neither of them is for me.
It's good I just like Blue and Court and Spark better
yawwwwwwwwwwwn
If you are not paying too much attention to the lyrics (as I tend to do) this was enjoyable listening. If you’re trying to hear and understand all the lyrics, then this album would be lots of effort (for me anyway). Classic Joni Mitchell stuff.
Joni! This kind of looks like the Brian Eno album cover. Is that just what 1974-1975 was like? I like the Canadian vowel raising on "flags". To be honest, 'In France They Kiss on Main Street' is giving SNL's Garth & Kat. And 'The Jungle Line' Regina Spektor. But the rest is more Joni, who I like, but don't love, because it's all a bit too mellow for me (right now?).
Wowee preach it to me Joni! Preach sister!
I love Joni. This is when she starts getting far out jazzy but I’m here for it. Edith and the Kingpin goes so smooth
Bobo dance go like 💃 🕺
Her voice and cadence are amazing on this album and work incredibly well with the music. Bass playing is exceptional. Overall a good album. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
NOPE. Did not hold attention, even with synths. Too smooth jazz 80s-ready
Joni can do no wrong, once again proving herself as one of, if not the best, songwriter of all time. Hissing isn't as cohesive as, let's say, Blue, but the tracks here are not afraid to play around with instrumentation and take harsh left turns that keep an already investing song interesting.
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.
Chorus-less songs really don’t work for me on this one.
Lkec it much more than Blue. No chirpy choppy vocals and you can really hear how lovely her voice is on this one. Still, not really my thing overall. 3.5* rounding down.