The Hissing Of Summer Lawns

Hissing of summer lawns is an amazing name

Not entirely my cup of tea, but no real complaints about it either

I’ve never been a big Joni fan. While this album didn’t change my mind in that, I did enjoy it more than I was expecting to.

not the mood for today.

Ok nothing special, great voice, ok songs.

A mixing of Folk, Jazz, and Pop. The second half the album is stronger than the first. Sweet Bird, and The Boho Dance are the standout tracks.

Probably very good technically but didn't grab me. Will listen again.

Spotify. Sorry Joni i don’t get it

A little too experimental. This is my least favorite of Joni Mitchell's albums, but it's not as if there isn't good material. Best track: Sweet Bird

Enjoyable and easy listen

Interesting, super jazzy. Not something I'd listen to a lot but glad to have heard it. Favorite tracks: "The Hissing of Summer Lawns", "Harry's House/Centerpiece"

6.5/10 FT: in France they kiss on main street

3

Nearly a 4.... much better than I thought!

......

Vocals ruined it for me, too shrill. really lovely instrumentals

Another day, another Joni Mitchell record. I have nothing against her, but she doesn't make music for me. I will say that the instrumentation on this record is a lot more interesting than the others I've given a listen, but still not enough to keep my attention.

Joni Mitchell is a tricky one for me. She is a great sing and songwriter, hugely creative. But I cannot say I truly like what she makes. It does cool things, but it just doesn't grab me. I find it hard to describe what exactly I don't like about the album.

got bored by the end a bit too jazz for my taste

I really enjoyed the prevs joni record and gave this one multiple chances but for some reason never could quite get into it

Fine

It sounds ahead of its time, like I would have placed it as mid-80s. But still, I think you had to be there to appreciate it?

With all due respect, I just don't care for Joni Mitchell.

I appreciate that Joni Mitchell is an icon who has influenced countless artists, but her music doesn't do it for me.

4/10 Pretty okay but not my favorite type of music.

I can see how someone would like this. I am not someone.

Very much a mixed bag. I was taken by “Shades of Scarlett Conquering” and “Harry’s House,” but some of these songs sound to me like failed experiments.

2 stars. Couldn’t wait for it to be finished. Only saving grace is that it isn’t that long of an album

She can sing and has some interesting things to say. Musically pretty solid too. My everyday listening or lifestyle really doesnt mesh well with this. Still appreciate Joni a lot.

Nice vocals, but mostly really boring.

It was okay but just kinda boring for me. Felt like a safe album with no risks or interesting sections. Now that it’s the next day, this album was so forgettable that I can’t even recall anything about it.

1: OK track, hope it gets better. Interesting beat to lyrics choices 2: the tribal drums of Jodi Mitchell. Bad 3: jazzy ballad. Kinda sucks 4: folksy eh Bad. Dropped

Awful

Easy listen but no stand outs

Mediokert

Jag har gett Joni ett par lyssningar men hon tilltalar mig inte nämnvärt. Produktionen är tidstypisk murrig. Det blir någon form av skvalig fusionjazz som varken är jazz eller singer-songwriter. Med fyra sjuttitalsalbum av Joni i boken återstår att se om det blir bättre eller mer av samma.

Mitchell continues to evolve from just being another folkie with a guitar and embraces a more jazzy sound. Unfortunately I found this record dull as dishwater. Mitchell's voice is not particularly strong or memorable and I wasn't pulled in by her words. The random flourishes of jazz instrumentation are the strongest parts of the album. Album closer 'Shadows And Light' is the best song on here. Mitchell's usage of a synthesiser gave the song a choral feel. The sampling of African music on the 'Jungle Line' just reminded me of how Mitchell would dress up in blackface for her bizarre alter-ego. I'd recommend googling that story as it is way more interesting than anything you will find on here. This is the type of folk music that I can't vibe with.

More of the jazzy style from Hejira and Court and Spark. Once again the music and the singing exist separately from each other and her vocal delivery ignores the pacing and tempo that the instruments are setting. She has a great voice and the backing tracks aren't too bad, but it doesn't come together into something that's enjoyable for me.

Not a big fan

2/5

Much like anal sex, one must really be in the mood to enjoy Joni Mitchell. Being ordered to engage in such activities by random generator will never quite hit the spot.

The accompanying music didn't do much for me but Joni has an amazing soulful voice which demands attention. Favorite track: The Hissing of Summer Lawns

Ok

Barely okay

JFC another Joni Mitchell. The more I listen to her, the less I respect her.

The thing with Joni Mitchell is, I am sure if you really listen to the words, there is some deep meaning there. But if you just have it playing in the background like I do, it a just sounds the same.

Not at all what I expected. Lots of different sounds and instruments. I didn't like it, but I'm glad I listened to it. I suppose that's the point of this whole thing.

Final Joni Mitchell, and what a ride it's been. I went from hating Blue, to being indifferent towards Court and Spark to then somewhat seeing the merit in Hejira. Hopefully I'll come away liking this album with how my opinion of Mitchell has been trending, but in all fairness she does have three misses to her name. It's been about 340 albums since I listened to Hejira. I don't recall much about the album, though I do remember liking the warm acoustic guitars. Joni's songwriting remained distinctly shitty, however. It wasn't as bad as it was on Blue, but she sure does love that warbling, waffling vocal style. I'm a proud, card-carrying woman respector, BUT that style of music is so incredibly menopausal and has tormented generations of wahmen (i.e., Kate Bush and Bjork). We need to keep women out of the recording studio until they can learn how to behave. Anyways, on with the album of the hour. I guess my Joni Mitchell worst to best ranking is in chronological order. I liked this more than Court and Spark, but Hejira is the more fully-realised body of music. The appeal of this album is contained in just a few bits and pieces for me. Joni Mitchell is at her best when conveying a warm sound through her guitars, and such a strength is rarely given time to shine on this album. The guitars have a near-constant presence, yet they're continuously muddied by the jazz and electronic influence peeking through on this album. What's worse is that none of these components are bad. The jazz and electronic instrumentation occasionally has its moments, yet the music never comes together into a satisfying whole. I know Mitchell is primarily revered for her lyrics, so I hope can be forgiven for not paying any attention to them. I'm more than used to her lyrical style at this point, and said style in incredibly jarring. Mitchell abandons any regard for solid vocal hooks and gripping songwriting, instead zeroing in on these bloviating, platitudinous, arrhythmic messes of songs that are stretched incredibly thin and go absolutely fucking NOWHERE. Her worst eccentricities are more reeled back in the case of this album, but I'm still left scratching my head regardless. Overall, this was a fine album, even if I was left twiddling my thumbs for most of it. Book time. Preceded the popularisation of jazz and world music by over a decade, apparently. "...the artist pigeonholed as a confessional folk star dazzled with an eclectic collection of symphonic-style compositions". A politispergy album that laments "...the spiritual bankruptcy of the U.S. meritocracy", whatever that may mean (I don't speak liberalbabble). The rest of this entry is just about the lyrics. Wikipedia says this album belongs to a period of experimentation in Joni Mitchell's discography, had a good number of collaborators and was initially shunned by critics before receiving a glowing reappraisal in the years following. The album charted well in every Anglosphere country aside from New Zealand and was the 58th best-selling album on the year-end Canadian charts. The album also peaked at No. 16 on the US charts in 2024 when it was re-issued on vinyl. Yeah, I'm favourable to this pick. It's distinct within her discography and four Joni Mitchell albums seems right for an artist of this standing. I cosign this inclusion.

Kinda sounds gospel-y

Soft jazz folk rock isn't for me, but I really liked The Jungle Line. Seemed quite out of place with the rest of the album. If you told me it was a current artist and recorded recently, I'd believe it. 1.5⭐️

Her voice is really nice. I don’t know why I hate it so much!

There's some on stuff here, but not much for me.

It sounds like, literally and metaphorically, a rehearsal for Hejira which is vastly superior. Typical overkill by Dimery and his cronies.

70’s Folk ⭐️Shadows and Light

2/5 bof

You know what this will be. Every Joni Mitchell song is the same. Every Joni Mitchell album is the same. No variety whatsoever, I suppose Joni's voice is fine, but when you hear the same thing multiple times, it gets a bit annoying. I won't revisit because I know exactly what I will hear.

I live her voice. It’s just not my style of music.

A huge amount of "not for me" on this album. Just thankful it wasn't a double album, tbh.

⭐⭐+ Lite överraskad av det här albumet, inte direkt det folkalbum jag förväntade mig från Joni Mitchell. Det är en större produktion och inte bara sång/gitarr. Influenser från bla Jazz och adult contemporary. Det är välpolerat och prydligt men jag saknar lite nerv och har svårt att bli engagerad. Bäst är The jungle line.Tycker det är lite för bra för att få en tvåa men ser inte att jag kommer lyssna på det igen så det blir en 2+

Not my cup of tea

Not for me. I suppose there will be many that enjoy this and I can understand that give the stretching of genres, but found it a bit boring.

Probably deserves a higher rating but I cba

Sorry, Joni

I am sorry, it is nice for a song, but after two songs Joni Mitchell just loses her audience.

The little forays into jazz and rock don’t suit Joni Mitchell. She is one of the great American folk artists. This is outside of what she excels at and it’s not good jazz or rock…or folk. Artists experimenting with new styles and sounds can work. But here it doesn’t. And who knew there were songs about pinball that weren’t by The Who? I will say Mitchell is a poet and the lyrics and storytelling are good. But still, I don’t like it.

Not my thing, but I expected worse

Compared to the other Joni Mitchell albums from this list, I find this one quite listenable. Mainly just because her vocals are not that dominant here. But still I wonder what classifies her to have four albums on this selection. worst: "Centerpiece"

Not a fan. It was like lounge music. Light jazz with a female vocal.

Kinda repetitive and some questionable lyrics. Joni has other better music I think

Artists should always be allowed to evolve… but I’m not on board with this.

Too much whining

Boring. Probably deserves another chance, but doubtiful that will happen.

Not my taste

..

Nein, nicht meine Musik.

This is by no means bad. Actually it's pretty good, musically speaking. Some very interesting choices going on. I enjoyed it but not as much as other things on this list. Not exactly my cup of tea that much.

Just boring as hell. Not much more I can say.

Ni fu ni fa

kinda meh

Disappointingly boring.

4.0/10

I’m mostly familiar with Joni Mitchell from her album Blue, so this jazz album was a departure from the folk songstress I was expecting. Her voice is still amazing and her lyrics poetry, but I found the music a little milquetoast under her commanding presence. It’s cool that The Jungle Line was the first commercial track to contain a looping sample. Critically I’m sure this deserves more stars, but personally I just didn’t enjoy it.

I’m sure Joni Mitchell is an important and formative artist for a lot of people, probably even some musicians that I really like. However, I just found this album kind of boring overall. There were a lot of songs where repetition went from feeling artistic and meaningful to just feeling lazy and drawn out. This was another album where I actively felt myself think “this isn’t over yet?” And that’s always a bad sign.

2.0 (42:34, 10 tracks, 7th album, 1975) Soft Rock (Jazz Pop, Folk Jazz) Boring as fuck. Second album on this list I’ve got by Joni (first being Blue, I liked blue more, it was 35 minutes and better music to take a nap to.) This album has more of a jazz infused sound, which, for me, doesn’t work. I really don’t want to hear a Canadian white chick do jazz poorly. She is credited as the first white person to literally steal (sample) black music – certainly nothing new for music but an interesting tidbit. She did jazz better on her previous album (1974) not sure if that’s on this list, kind of hope not as Joni is already WELL represented with two albums, three, at least to me makes her overrepresented. I hate the name (Hissing of Summer Lawns) and the artwork (Joni’s own) is atrocious, this alone turned me off to this album. The solid green, the big snake, just why? So a bunch of men (possibly black) are carrying a big snake past her house? I think in 1975 if I were female, I could have eventually got into it. This is the type of album you eventually grow to love but don’t like much at first. The man-bashing is a bit much as I’m not female, but I respect her for it. I think this definitely needed to be said in 1975 and 50 years later in 2025 it’s not exactly like it’s not still a relevant issue. Meh

Her calling Madonna a whore might be accurate but it’s also a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Nice voice, shame about the music.

I am not a very patriotic Canadian, I find Joni Mitchell boring

Not sure I was in the right mood for this today tbh, especially given her dodge past choices

Wouldn’t rush to listen to it again, but enjoyed it

Found this be very boring - tried to listen twice and there weren’t any that stood out to me

shades of scarlett conquering and the hissing of summer lawns sounded nice. the rest were a difficult listen… very experimental with the lyrics and instrumentals

This is the 4th Joni Mitchell album I've listened to because of this list. The woman has released 19 albums, I pray they are not all on this list. I have not liked a single one yet and I would have been fine with dying before hearing any of them. Here's hoping that a 5th Joni album isn't lurking out there somewhere on the list.

Compared to the previous Joni Mitchell album, Hejira (1976), these songs had more structure and the lyrics were more in cadence. It had more approachable music in my opinion.

Unbearable.

2/5

Jeg synes instrumenterne i alle sangene lød ens så det blev lidt kedeligt.

Strange & kind of same-y, but still enjoyable mid-70s from the mixing/mastering down to the style.

not my jam.. stängde inte av

just not my vibe

This seems like music you play and discuss how to make your vagina smell like a flower. That conversation would be more interesting than these songs.

Ehh, she’s talented for sure, but I just never cared much for Joni Mitchell. Still don’t

Really didn't care for the jazzy soft rock with poetry going on here....call me a dolt if you must.

Very weird. Not my taste at all

I like the cover and the beginning notes of the album's titular track, but I just can't get behind Joni Mitchell's whole workmanship. It doesn't touch me but I can tell there went a lot of effort into creating this album.

This was all a bit flowery for me. I imagine at the time it was a perfectly decent album, but it seems lacking now.

Meh. Boring, background music. Not one memorable song.

I’ve enjoyed some other Joni Mitchell albums but this one didn’t pique my interest much. I may try to revisit this at some point but today 2.25/5

not my thing

Litt kjedelig, men fint

This is #day481 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... here's to my penultimate Joni Mitchel record. Funnily enough, I'm getting them in the order they were released. So I only got Hejira left. At least this time around, I found the music occasionally interesting (the first couple of tracks, actually). Still, this is a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day482.

This is two different albums being played at the same time. The vocals and lyrics don’t seem to have anything to do with the accompaniment; separately each might be more enjoyable, but together it just doesn’t work for me.

4/10 Deeply unenjoyable. I strongly dislike Joni's penchant for rambling, jazzy songs. Every so often an actual song threatens to break out, but then it is swamped again by meandering.

The Jungle Line I had heard before, I love the first five seconds and then those pulsing drums just fade into the background. What a waste of an amazing sound. I don't think I've ever listened to the whole song before. This album never really picks up. Glissandos, soft trumpets, similes that are either obvious or nonsensical. Soft jazz, yuck. The spoken-word quotes at the end of Centerpiece were something different, but again a bit obvious and underdone if you wanted quiet suburban desperation.

It's alright, there's a lot of talent involved here but it feels weaker than the sum of the parts. The Jungle Line reminds me we don't always need to fully encourage creativity. Or maybe the fact that I remember it means we do.

I'm not in the mood for this. I kind of like The Jungle Line. Sounds like proto Björk. In the past I have enjoyed her voice, but it was not working for me this time. Also, we don't need this many Joni Mitchell albums on the list.

the ones I like, I really like

Nah. 2 stars

Ich hab' es bei Joni Mitchell schon mit "Blue" und "Court And Spark" versucht, aber ich raffe ihre Musik scheinbar nicht. Dieses Album hat daran auch nichts geändert.

1. In France They Kiss on Main Street - 6 It's lyrically very good. The guitars on it are brilliant and instrumentally it's a massive enjoyment. My issue is with the constant pace change of the lyrics in the verses. It's as if some lines are well paced and great and others have too many words and forced to crash into each other just to fit and not throw the pace of the track completely off. 2. The Jungle Line - 5 Instrumentally this track is very interesting. It's got some heavy drums and the lyrics are good. It's nothing phenomenal but it's still a decent track. 3. Edith and the Kingpin - 8 Lyrically it's very good but the highlight of the track for me is all the different effects on the instrumentals and how they're used to up and down the pitch of the song. It's like they constantly switch the mood through this absolutely perplexing song that is filled with intrigue more and more as you go through it. Solid track. 4. Don't Interrupt the Sorrow - 5 It's an okay song. There's some parts of it that are lyrically masterful and others that are dull enough you'll zone out of the song. 5. Shades of Scarlett Conquering - 6 It's a good song about loving making and a southern girl. Lyrically solid. Nothing over-the-top phenomenal but it's a good track. 6. The Hissing of Summer Lawns - 6 Decent track. Love how well it's lyrically written and there's genuinely a lot to enjoy here. 7. The Boho Dance - 4 Bit boring a track. It's definitely the pass over track of the album. Very slow, lyrics aren't great, and overall the track just feels like it's all over the place. 8. Harry's House / Centerpiece - 2 It's just all over the place. The pace is rushed on the lyrics in Harry's House like they are in In France They Kiss on Main Street. Then the song shifts rather non-seamlessly into Centerpiece which has an incredibly jazz sound on the piano. Honestly, the piano here is the best part of the entire album. It's amazing... but then the bridge into the outro have a completely different sound that just doesn't fit the track. The track is just absolutely all over the place because of it, sounding in the end like just loose noise before Joni Mitchell returns to the same structure and sound that was in Harry's House. Way way too random a track. 9. Sweet Bird - 1 Joni is too quiet on the track and it's overly simple. The piano is back but it's not the jazzy vibe and the pace and tempo of the piano is too quick, throwing the rest of the track completely off before Joni resumes her vocals. 10. Shadows and Light - 2 I'm not a person who enjoys acapella and that is what this is. Average Rating: 4.50 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 2.25 Rounded Down: 2 Stars

Dull. Not much more needs to be said.

Pretty tedious stuff 💤

Pleasant but didn't connect at all. Mostly lyrical. Too light for me.

2.5

I could not yet into it. The last song “Shadows and Light” was interesting. Recently I heard an interview with some musician that said Joni Mitchell represents femininity and women must accept that to like her and men may never understand and never like her music - or something to that effect. With that in mind I tried listening to Blue and could not get into it. So I had a feeling going in this would not be my thing.

A backing band that sound like Steely Dan noodling over Crosby Stills and Nash make for a surprisingly good sound - warm and loose, jazzy jammy, with a touch of controlled fuzz and something approximating funk - she's getting a little bit wierd with it, incorporating dark synths, dense soundscapes, and lush tropical arrangements. I still don't like her voice though and there's just so much of it.

my disdain of Joni Mitchell grows with each album of hers I have to listen to

Putting me to sleep unfortunately. Think I'd like it more if I was more of a lyrics guy.

5/10 - nice easy listening, you know what you're getting with Joni Mitchell

Very forgettable.

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.

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.

Bland Joni

Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Etwas fad.

sounds too complicated to be enjoyable

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

meh.

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.

An interesting album, I didn't resonate with it 2/5

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.

She has a beautiful voice and the production value for this album is really good, but man that was so boring.

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.

Not my thing

#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

I have never been a fan, I just…have not. So hard to get into it for me.

probably should be higher. the lyrics hit but a whole not my jam. closer to 3 probably could i write poetry to this? n

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.

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.

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?

Scho ä gueti Musikerin, aber ich finds ächt langwiilig

It all sounds like the same sappy shit.

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

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.

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 is a really nice sounding album, but it's not my vibe

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.

Unexpectedly cool second track. Not terribly exciting or interesting besides that.

Meh

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.

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.

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.

I like Joni Mitchell. I didn’t like this though. Simpsons: No

I'm just not into Joni Mitchell...

I totally respect JM but this album is not good.

Gostei muito não. Não vou me explicar.

There's a lot of Joni I love, and a lot of Joni I don't, and this is closer to the don't.

It's got some funky beats, but it's not my favorite album.

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.

Ihan passelia sävellystä kahvilan taustalla soitettavaksi. Muuten käteen ei jäänyt mitään.

Joni Mitchell is the lady mirror of Paul Simon, and neither of them is for me.

Wow. The Jungle Line track does not belong on an otherwise humdrum, boring rainy-day album. The Jungle Line is thought provoking,, has a unique sound and reminds me of TV on the Radio's Wolf Like Me or even the entire Return to Cookie Mountain album. Wonderful track. Subpar album. Go listen to TOTR.

Fine

Not for me thank you

So this list hates jazz, right? Cause every jazz-ish record I've gotten so far is this soft, wallpaper, inoffensive coffee shop jazz and not the cool innovative type. This was boring af. 3/10

I really wanted to like this more but found it pretty lackluster. The jazz and synthesizers were cool but there was a lot of meh moments throughout. It took me days to make it through so really didn't keep my attention well. 2.4/5 -> 2/5

Mostly dull slow British rock. Not much interesting. The Jungle Line had an annoying background noise throughout the song. Her voice is nice, and the guitar work can be fun at times. Harry's House comes in nicely though, with a great bass guitar beat and some killer piano riffs. It was a really fun listen on an otherwise forgettable album. Best song: Harry's House

Joni Mitchell just didn't make music I enjoy. Heck of a songwriter. Just not my thing. Also: Jungle Line almost made this a 1 star album. What an absolutely terrible song.

Not a great album. Good lyrics, but uneven in melody and tempo

There's a lot to love about this album. Joni Mitchell goes for a little more experimental sound here, delving further into jazz sounds while also exploring new genres and sounds. It really works in some places, and when it does it's great. There are a few moments where it really borders on corny of having aged poorly. Beyond that, some tracks are what I'd classify as "beautiful but boring," a label I try to use for tracks or albums I appreciate for their beauty but that end up being just...boring. They're usually slow, don't change a whole lot, and have long and drawn out vocals. It's a bummer because that kind of stuff never really hits with me. And that's a lot of this album. Really, all you need to know is that I liked the first two tracks of this album and then everything else was just ok. It had such a promising start for me, but really tapered off quickly. Bummer. Mitchell is so talented. I just wish this was more interesting and that more tracks sounded different from each other. Two stars.

Not impressed

Jaja

Not for me

I keep trying to like Joni Mitchell, but it’s just not happening

Ok 2/5

Relaxing yet still on the experimental side of singer-songwriter music. I do appreciate the jazzy and nonconventional elements on here. Joni is also an inventive songwriter. But I just didn't enjoy it that much. It might be because of her shrill vocals, particularly her ear-piercing falsetto combined with that incessant vibrato. Plus the occasionally experimental arrangements don't seem to serve the songs. Ultimately it doesn't come together for me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Albumi #154, 21.02.2025 Joni Mitchellin seitsemäs albumi vuodelta 1975 jatkaa Court and Sparkin jazzahtavaa linjaa kokeellisemmalla otteella. Albumi ei yllä edeltäjänsä tasolle.

Joni Mitchell is very influential and highly regarded, an inspiration for many women, especially women in music. I just don’t like her music though, no matter how many albums end up in this list. Even if the instrumentation changes, which of all her music seems to be the most varied on this album, once she starts singing she sounds the same. And maybe her lyrics are poignant and brilliant, but I’ll never know because her voice has a Charlie Brown’s teacher effect on me. La La La La na na na La La na La wa wa La da La That’s all I hear. Sorry, Joni fans and fanatics. I’ve tried. Many times. I just can’t hear anything else. But I’m glad she made what she made for all those who love her.

kind of a nothing album really

I know a lot about Joni Mitchell but have never really listened to her. Probably not the best introduction as it's way too jazzy for me. Favorites: Shadows and Light Would I listen to it again: No

I tried, I really did. One can recognize the importance and talent of Joni Mitchell and still think that this album was blandly homogeneous. Shadows and Light was a fun song that stood out (slightly).

Love Joni, but this album is forgettable for me. I tend to agree with critical reception from the era regarding her amazing lyricism being diluted / overshadowed by the experimental jazz stylings.

3/10 I didn't know I could not like Joni Mitchell. I don't like that this album made me face that. The rating is unfair because of that 1-07-2024

This album is pleasant background music but also easily forgettable. Nothing grabbed me at all, everything sounded the same and blended into one. Jazz and folk are not my genres and when mixed together give you a 1/5 Favourite song: I couldn’t pick one Least favourite: Harry’s House / Centre piece. Album artwork: Cool cover

I thought the musically it was not bad but found her lyrics a bit disjointed at times.

Just like the other Joni Mitchell album I rated, the lyrics, and writing are top tier, but this doesn't necessarily translate into good music. I found myself rather bored while listening to this album. Favorite Song: "The Jungle Line".

I like Joni Mitchell overall but couldn’t get into this

One part of me enjoyed this and another part of me hopes to never hear it ever again.

De vierde keer Joni Mitchell. Ik herhaal: De vierde keer dat ik Joni moet doorstaan op deze lijst. Absolute waanzin. Geef minimaal twee, maar liever nog drie van die plekken aan een andere vrouw. Misschien aan die Charlie XCX, die ervoor zorgde dat allerlei jonge vrouwen de hele zomer zonder BH in een wit hemd rondliepen. Hulde. Als je Joni eerder hebt gehad weet je wat ze ook op dit album gaat doen en daarom is het waanzin om haar vier keer in deze lijst te zetten. Het is altijd hetzelfde en het roept altijd een stukje irritatie op. De band heeft er weer gewoon zin in hoor, maar Joni's gonna Joni. Vooruit, op track 2 doen we experimenteel qua geluid. Qua muziek althans, Joni doet gewoon haar irritante Joniding. Ik ga twee sterren geven omdat de band het echt wel prima doet en de productie heeft de boel lekker in de digitale plaat gekerfd, maar verder een hele harde houdoe namens mij.

1.5 boring

Had to play this a couple of times because it confused me. Turns out I like the song The Jungle Line and dislike the rest. Jazzy singer-songwriter music with too many chords and too-convoluted-to-be catchy melodies. The Jungle Line is a strange experimental ditty combining sort of tribal drums (apparently it's the first ever use of a sample on a commercially available song) and burbling electronics sounds. It's wonderfully weird and way ahead of i's time. I can live without the rest of the album.

It's OK I guess. No hits. Some catchy songs, decent background music. Lots of the same? I wonder if it was done by anyone else if it would have even made the list.

I've always kinda thought she sucked, album is about right

Started of really promising with a kind of progressive song. Than dulled down really quickly and became really plain and boring.

Fine but pretty boring

Snoozefest

Another Joni Mitchell album, and once again I feel I should enjoy it more than I actually do. Good jazzy arrangements, good vocals, good lyrics, but no melody jumps out at me. Maybe one day it will click Key tracks: In France They Kiss on Main Street The Jungle Line The Boho Dance

Meaning whiny bullshit. Not a song in sight.

01) In France They Kiss on Main Street - 7,0 02) The Jungle Line - 7,0 03) Edith and the Kingpin - 6,0 04) Don't Interrupt the Sorrow - 6,0 05) Shades of Scarlett Conquering - 6,0 06) The Hissing of Summer Lawns - 5,5 07) The Boho Dance - 5,5 08) Harry's House/Centerpiece - 5,5 09) Sweet Bird - 5,5 10) Shadows and Light - 5,0 TOTAL: 5,90 (59/100) Current ranking: 298/362

I couldn't make it through, probably my own fault.

Kinda boring

I found this album very bland and boring. Sorry, Joni, not a fan. This is the second album I’ve had from Joni Mitchell and I have not enjoyed a single song. 1

Very good but nothing I will really remember

I've listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell's, so it's quite strange to hear an album full of mediocrities

Mitchell's vocals are beautifully on-brand and the melodies are sweet and sentimental, exactly as 70's folk music should be. I bit of a snoozer, though.

Quite bland this. Never really seemed to go anywhere, had high hopes for it too. Clearly got a class voice, and if every song was as good as The Jungle Line then this would be an easy 5. But they arent.

Blue was a really good album - this is more in line with some of the other albums. I switched off for the most part, but the title track was pretty.

Did not know any of this. She has a great voice, but it did not grab me like blue did. Had some ok bits though. Bit more jazzy and out there than blue too Probably won't be back. 2.5

Not a fan of this one at all. Didn't jive with Joni's singing style or her lyrics. Felt at times the band behind the lyrics was ok as well.

Beautiful voice, but the music sounds really dated. It hasn't aged as gracefully as other albums I've listed to in this project. I think this is a one and done kind of album. I know her other album "Blue" (I think it's called) is highly rated, so I'm looking forward to that one. I did like the jazzyness of "Harry's House" I really didn't like the church hymn style of Shadows and Light, I guess if art is to make you "feel" something, this song is art, just not the type I like

Second Album de JM que je découvre. Le précédent, plus ancien (Blue) ne m'avais pas plus du tout (j'avais rapidement arrêté l'écoute). Cet album est moins minimaliste que le précédent, avec un accompagnement plus intéressant (jazzy, quelques chorus), voire "expérimental" (The Jungle Line). Cette fois je suis allé jusqu'au bout, mais je trouve que le chant ne se marie pas toujours bien avec l’accompagnement. Je ne l'écouterais pas une seconde fois. =>2/5

Sounds like she makes up tunes as she goes along. Cat melodion

Not my cup of tea, annoying voice and jangly music...get some soul girl!

Joni is a legend no doubt, but it feels like every two weeks is another one of her albums. We don't need to listen to her whole discog. Plus this one is pretty boring.

It’s hideous lounge singer shit.

Avante jazz Too many words.

Not really into it

The first song was good but the rest was pretty mediocre. The Jungle Line was exceptionally bad though and is hard to listen to. Everything else is really boring with garbage lyrics (although the bad lyrics go for the first song too). I was optimistic going in, but it's definitely not worthy to be on this list.

This album had some nice songs but most of them were quite boring to me. Not my thing. 2/5

Eh, I’m not much of a Joni Mitchell fan.

Its joni mitchell alright

Not my fav. It’s fine. Probably won’t revisit this album.

Technically excellent but somehow unbearable.

2,5

The Hissing of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell marks a departure from her earlier folk roots, diving deep into jazz-infused territory. While her poetic lyrics and storytelling remain strong, the album’s intricate jazz arrangements might not appeal to everyone, especially if you're more accustomed to her earlier work. The complex melodies and layered instrumentation can feel dense and less accessible, making it a challenging listen for those who prefer her simpler, acoustic sound. However, it’s not without its merits. Mitchell’s vocal delivery is as captivating as ever, and the album’s exploration of social themes is thought-provoking. Although it’s not a personal favourite, it’s clear that The Hissing of Summer Lawns showcases her artistic growth. It’s an album that some may appreciate for its boldness, but for those who prefer her more straightforward style, it might not hit the mark. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None

Couldn't get into it. Boring, weird.

Yawn soz

it didnt really connected to me sonically. lyrics were likeable. few songs that stood out to me.

I might have PTSD, the first second of the second song reminded me of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHjojY2B1eo It was alright. Kind of weird how it's old-fashioned and experimental at the same time

Interesting album and quite a bit of variety. Unfortunately not much I liked though. High 2.

2.2/5 listened 2x. good lyrics but not my style

I know i should lile she is great n all. Just found it a little dull ans well flat. Soz Joni.

I listened to it. It ended. Moving on.

Prog-folk. A meandering fairy frolicking across a Summer lawn overgrown with dandelions. But getting dizzy and tripping into a pond. Then feeling nauseous and needing to sit down for a while in the shade, give up, pack up and go home. That's kind of how I felt trying to get into this record.

I made it through this once. I don't need to again. It's jazz with words, which are probably great words given Joni. But I can't get past the medium, which at a certain point you just realise is random notes and chords with words over top which gives it a rambling and unfocused feeling. Not a great entry point into Joni's works I'm afraid.

Not for me. I like one or two Joni Mitchell songs but this was a bit of a slow slog. Some nice guitar work, some interesting attempts at arrangement but often incoherent dross

This was nice as background music but not too great. There wasn't really happening in the songs but it is a very old album, so it's okay.

Yeah, for all the progression into a jazzier sound, undoubtedly good lyrics and general legend status, I just don't like her voice. I'm sorry I can't get past it.

I've just realised that I absolutely do not like Joni Mitchell. It's rare for me to be this bored while listening to an album. Everything just sounds dated, and the few bits that are not incredible uninteresting are straight up annoying.

I realize she's very influential and highly respected, I just don't like this.

It was okay

Some decent tracks, but also a lot of low effort filler tracks. Not great, but not terrible.

Wel oke, maar niks bijzonders

I quite enjoy Joni but this album didn't quite hit like her others

Alright

She's a solid vocalist, and walked so that so many modern female vocalists could run, but the album is just ok. 2* Highlights: harry's house (jazz!)

I didn't really care for her soft jazz/pop/folk aesthetic. This wasnt for me.

Album Nr. 80 Keine Ahnung, wie es anderen geht, aber dieses Album hört sich für mich durchgängig gleich langweilig an.

This isn't the Joni Mitchell that I know and love, but it's still good. Glad I listened.

Great voice and good music. But it’s like the did not match them up together

Meh! Love her but this is not her best work. Something seems off.

Mitchell, along with seven other musicians, pulled most of their music from Spotify during 2022 due to the spread of misinformation regarding COVID-19 and its vaccine.

Correcto Por momentos, muy lindo, raro y aburrido también

Joni Mitchell sounds like she took the smooth jazz that plays on your town’s public access channel with the slides of what’s going on locally that week and freestyled lyrics on the fly.

I have never been a Joni Mitchell listener. Didn’t know any of these songs. Nice voice tho.

It was okay. Joni Mitchell has a lovely voice.

Meh.

You just don't do it for me Joni, you just don't. 2 sympathy pats on the back out of 5

I've tried to like Joni Mitchell, but I just can't. By all accounts I should like this, but it doesn't speak to me. Did like the synthier/bassier parts of this. Kudos to her for being a pioneer, though. 2/5

Disjointed and choppy. Not good.

Not my Jam.

cant give a good review bc i had to listen to it on youtube and it was not a good experience

This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting from Mitchell. I fully expected flower in your hair happy 60s folk. It was more than that. Very jazzy and I think there were even analog synths on Jungle Line. I don’t necessarily like it but I respect it. 5.9/10

Well I didn’t expect semi-psychedelic 70s tunes from Joni Mitchell. Ultimately I ended up being lukewarm on it

Hold a sec... Need to fire up a fatty. .... 🔥... 🫠.... OK. Put that needle on tha reccad!

I'm not really into it... The voice is weird, the music is weird, just not my thing

Just left no impression at all....

Not crazy about it. Joni Mitchell just doesn’t really do it for me I’m realizing.

Música com poesia cantada não me pega nunca, o jazz misturado parece que não bate e tem umas 2 músicas mega experimetais que entendi nada

Ugh this is so boring. She’s technically a good singer, but she just has terrible songs.

Singer/songwriter album from 1975. Quite like the vibe starting off… Ended up dragging on me quite a bit. Don’t hate it but won’t listen again. 2/3.

There is a time and place and now is not the time and I don't know where that place would be except the early 70's Laurel Hill Canyon

General culture

This is Joni but it’s not my Joni. I love her voice but on these songs, it doesn’t quite work for me.

Her voice is unpleasant to my ears.

We moesten eerder al naar Blue luisteren. Op dit album schoot ze geforceerd alle kanten op. Wat daardoor soms niet aan te horen was. Al zal ze een Kate Bush er wel mee geïnspireerd hebben. Op dit album hoor je wat er gebeurt als je wat normaler doet. Een aantal nummer wordt dan gewoon te saai. Er blijft wat creativiteit over en ok, dat redt haar wel wat. Maar daarmee trekt ze het echt niet naar een voldoende.

Four Joni Mitchell albums and I feel the same about all of them, so I'll just quote what I said last time. "Fine background music from a talented artist but doesn't move me, Mostly a bit boring for my liking."

I do not like Joni mitchell

It feels like one long song. It’s a bit boring, there may be beauty to be found in the lyrics, but it’s not reaching me.

Listened to almost all of it. I won't be coming back to this one.

2.5

A really strange album for me. On lots of songs there were things I really like or drew me in. But then something would happen that felt like something that would happen in an snl sketch with weird singers. Ultimately I didn't like this much but it's probably the album I disliked with the most random moments I loved.