No wonder they are so iconic, this album is a great intro to Earth, Wind & Fire -- I really only knew September and Shining Star, so I am glad that I got more. The vocals are killer, incredible range, and the songwriting is super solid. The lyrics are so incredible and have a lot more meaning than the upbeat instrumental. The horns, drums, and bass are crazy on every single song. I want the instrumental injected in my veins, honestly. I am quite obsessed with the feeling this album brings on -- warm energy, dance, and positive vibes. They captured a beautiful summer evening into an album. **Africano may be my favorite track on this album. It's hard to pick a favorite, as this album is overall so groovy. **Another notable favorite is That's the Way of the World - I love the lyrics, and they especially speak to me at this moment in my life. **Help Them See the Light reminds me of the awakening of many Americans under the Trump dictatorship. I hope that we all can continue to help everyone see the light. In all aspects, political, emotional, and spiritual. I give this album 10/10! Starting the ratings off high.

-Bad: synths go hard. I know this song really well. The drums are hypnotizing. I didn't know the meaning behind the song was regarding fighting back against oppressors, specifically Black youth/adults in the sphere of police + societal oppression. The drums make it real good and serve as a strong backbone to this song's overall feel. -The Way You Make Me Feel: very familiar with this song again, MJ was a pretty big deal in my family. The strings, synth, and horns are awesome on this track. Obviously, drums too. It is the feeling of certainty and excitement when you met the one. "my lonely days are gone" is such a sweet line. -Speed Demon: FUCKING BASSSSSSS HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The buildup towards the end of the song is incredible, love them horns. -Liberian Girl: transition from the last song flows good. I do enjoy the intention to uplift the women of Liberia. Appreciate that he used vocals from South-African singer Letta Mbulu. The instrumental FUCKS. This wasn't originally released in the U.S. which is interesting. I've never heard this song. Not sure if I'm the biggest fan of this one. -Just Good Friends: Stevie Wonder and MJ team up for this track. Again, bass on this album is hitting - on this song, it slaps. I'm not quite sure what's going on lyric-wise... Are they both seeing the same girl without knowing? LOL kinda odd. The guitar's effects sound synthy and fun. Their voices sound good together. -Another Part of Me: the lyrics are very empowering on a humanity unification level. Reminds me of Black or White's message. Positivity in the face of oppression. The instrumental again is impeccable. Big horns and drums before the chorus hit each time. This again resonates in the highly charged political climate that we exist in, we all are experiencing it as one... "You're just another part of me." -Man in the Mirror: To make a difference in the world, you gotta start within. I have heard this one million times, probably one of his best. It is a beautiful message of self-growth and learning to fully accept and love yourself. The drums carry this song. Sweet layered synths add to the reflective lyrics. I will say this song drags on a bit, I don't love how repetitive it is. But that break before the choir & MJ during the chorus is crazy. The emotion of how hard the self-healing journey is. The choir behind his vocals adds fullness. -I Just Can't Stop Loving You: "I'm so proud to say I love you" - this ballad is so sweet. Siedah Garrett's vocals layer like honey on MJ's. The choir in the back sounds angelic, perfectly matching the dreamy lyrics. I enjoy the inclusion of snaps too. Love the piano in this. I love following the Man in the Mirror; once you can love yourself, you can fully love someone else as he talks about in this one. -Dirty Diana: guitar has a nice lead on this, it really adds a rock-star intense feel. The fact that this song is about his disgust for groupies, "Diana," the crowd cheering post-chorus fits well. The drums and strings post-interlude are intense. This has strong storytelling, I can envision this perfectly. Not my favorite and I don't enjoy calling women "dirty" for being sexual, but hey, it was the late 80s and quite frankly, she tries to destroy his love life for her own personal gain, so... -Smooth Criminal: I KNOW THIS SONG LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND. I wanted to do a cappella tap solo to this. I have seen the music video millions of times. One of my personal favorites. I didn't put together that Annie, are you ok is an allusion to CPR Annie for teaching resuscitation. The bass fucking hits and the drums remind me of gun shots. Horns too. I think there's layered basses which fucks. This was originally made to be a Western musical with MJ as the gunslinger, but then it turned into a gangster scene. -Leave Me Alone: bass carries this song, the drums are intense, sounding like claps. The lyrics are pretty sad as he is being used by someone he loved, and he's at his last straw. The real meaning is targeting the media publishing lies about him, which makes a lot more sense, even though it still would in the context of a deceitful lover. The instrumental interlude is sick. The outro is him pleading whoever to stop begging him, I like his yelling vocals.

1. Liquid Swords: love the Kill Bill beginning. Fucking love this beeeeat, it's like a skipping kinda feeling and the metaphors are great. Sick start to the album 2. Duel of the Iron Mic: Buildup in the beginning is amazing and flows into the beat perfectly. This sample is fire. GZA pops offfff. I love the ending too 3. Living in the World Today: ABSOLUTE banger, one of the best IMO. Just too good of a song/beat/energy 4. Gold: I love the "Ain't No Mountain Higher" sample and the little horns rock. Insane lyrics/storytelling per usual 5. Cold World: the lyrics hit deep about the inner-city life and hoods, all the gritty realities. It brings in examples along with the consequences, some of the worst ones. All the communities being ignored is a cold cold world. The wind behind the dark track and the droning beat are hypnotizing. 6. Labels: LOVE Calling out these labels. Also a great message for rap in general, aspiring rappers need to be mindful of the dirty labels. The metaphors go hard. 7. 4th Chamber: WOAH Guitar is amazing in the beginning. Rock vibe for sure but I like the beeps and beat on top of it. Ghost's delivery sets the whole song. Killah Priest's bars are amazing and RZA's flow is NUTS. Lyrical genius GZA. 8. Shadowboxin': METHODMAN!!!! Obvi GZA too, this needs to be known 9. Hell's Wind Staff / Killah Hills 10304: Love how long this song is and the story in the beginning sets it all up. There's no hook, but it's still really great. Reminds me of a mob movie. 10. Investigative Reports: the powers are strong on this song, talking about life on Staten Island and all the reports being made without actually helping the communities -- where they find their investigative reports. Ghostface Killah's verse goes hard on this beat. 11. Swordsman: the theme of learning to think for yourself and not believing everything you're told. The second verse is my favorite. Also, calling out the overly scholarly/academic 12. I Gotcha Back: breaking down the cyclical nature of inner city violence among the youth. The lyrics hit deep, and that chorus of having your back while you watch your front. The horns kinda sound like cop sirens in a way. This song was supposed to be the end of the album since B.I.B.L.E. is an extra track. The ending of this is fucking crazy, matching the assassin/sword energy of this whole album. 13. B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth): breaking down religion in many facets and the institutions involved. "for years religion did nothing but divide." I know it's from a while ago but the abortion comment was crazy. Love the sample on this one

1. Speed King: intro is great, the organ is brain-tickling. I'm not the biggest fan of the vocals personally. The chorus riff is awesome, same with the bass. The organ solo versus the guitar is my favorite part of this song. Lyrics don't hit for me. 2. Bloodsucker: A Black Sabbath riff is evident, and the influence is apparent here. The drumming reminds me of a storm. Lyrics about wanting to sleep with someone and use them, only to move on to the next. Boring and toxic man shit. The shrieks made me giggle. MORE ORGAN V GUITAR!!!! 3. Child in Time: immediately vocals are better, soft beginning. The percussion and organ are haunting, along with the lyrics. This song is anti-Vietnam War and I think framing it as talking to a child is hard-hitting. "I wanna hear you sing" = everyone needs to scream their protests. Also noting the buildup before the solos and into the heavier, war-related drumming. It all picks up so quickly, relating to the intensity of the global climate. This resonates still to this day. "Sweet child, in time, you'll see the line"; "Blind man shooting at the world." The guitar is insane on this track. Picks up at the end to emphasize the gravity of the urgency for peace. 4. Flight of the Rat: this one is about a tyrant leaving the people quite content. The drumming is crazy, keeps the energy up, matching the people's happiness from freedom. Ian Paice (drums) eats this track up, Ritchie Blackmore (guitar) also does, love the whammy. "Now I'm free, I can see, I can see" - I can only hope that the world can be freed of the tyrants that continue to oppress and divide us. "Please stay away" = me to all capitalism, fascism, conservatism & oppression. 5. Into the Fire: the guitar tone stands out a ton. I love the overall heaviness of this track from the beginning. This riff is sick. This one is a metaphor for drug use, directly from the song title. Crazy this came out in '70. 6. Living Wreck: the distortion on the main guitar is wild, I feel like it adds to the weirdness of the lyrics -- essentially I think he wants a woman he's seeing to change herself because she's freaking him out? I guess she's way too odd for him or is lying/masking as something she's not?? Pretty harsh "you know you're a living wreck" made me... ooooof. The guitar is very basic but complements that organ going crazy, the bass is fire. Drums are amazing throughout this whole album. 7. Hard Lovin' Man: the screaming on this track is really good, Ian Gillan does have such a distinct voice and range - I have grown to appreciate it as I've continued to listen. Maybe not my cup of tea still. Haunting lyrics and wild organ noises, experimental for this time, I would think. The fast arpeggios hit.

1. Monday, Monday: the vocals are dreamy, the layers are cool, but the backing on only one side of my ears vs the lead on the other is not super smooth sounding - it feels empty in a weird way. Lyrics are schoolboy kinda love/how terrible Monday feels post weekend happiness. Nothing super notable. 2. Straight Shooter: the bass and guitar on this reminds me of a love story western kinda vibe. The vocals are immaculate, a constant throughout their work. I am taking the lyrics to be more about a drug addict looking for another fix. 3. Got a Feelin': the clock ticking along with lyrics of wasting time with an unfaithful lover. The vocals are so dreamy and soft. The drums/clock and synth put the intuitive heart-dropping feeling into sound. 4. I Call Your Name: this is a Beatles cover. I don't know what the original sounds like, so I cannot compare. I liked the tempo switch, swingy energy, along with gorgeous vocals. Whispering "John" during the cover as a nod to John Lennon, who wrote this one. I enjoy the ending of this song a lot, it kinda reminds me of a happy ending in a movie. 5. Do You Wanna Dance: very 60s sweet love song. I imagine that this was played at every school dance/wedding/etc. The strings add such romance and tenderness to the already cute lyrics. Again, the split mix in headphones is throwing me off. It doesn't blend. 6. Go Where You Wanna Go: TEA on this song, it's written by John Phillips (vocals/writer) about Michelle Phillips cheating on her husband with Denny (both part of the group). Kinda really strange lyrics and overall vibe - feels like a sarcastic song. 7. California Dreamin': I think everyone has heard this one; it's incredible. The vocals from Denny are so strong. LOVE the flute. I think this may be about the impending doom of Michelle and John, due to her affair. 8. Spanish Harlem: the background vocals are very angelic, super nostalgic track - feels like a flashback to a beautiful time. The violins, along with this imagery, are stunning. "It is a special one; it's never seen the sun. It only comes out when the moon is on the run." 9. Somebody Groovy: fun lil track, I can envision people dancing and swinging around. The rhythm backing is great, I feel groovy and easy listening to this. 10. Hey Girl: very bluesy, I enjoy the piano. Yearning for someone who has been hurt by a player, waiting around for her. The conversation lyrics that go back and forth through this album gets more of a story across, giving both sides which I love. 11. You Baby: very wholesome love song, in typical 60s feel and lyrics. This is exactly how it feels to be head over heels for someone. "Greatest thing since rock and roll" -- such a time in music and culture. Vocals paired with clapping reminds me of a heart pounding with admiration. Cute to follow Hey Girl, maybe the story follows through or I'd like to imagine so. 12. The "In" Crowd: Cass' voice is so strong and takes this song to another level, it's striking. I wish the vocals were mixed on both sides rather than just the left. "If it's square, we ain't there." Being the cool guys here, they know what is in and what's not. The lyrics kinda don't land great but it has a mesmorizing energy/beat. This whole album flows nice, most of the songs are super strong and their vocals are just unmatched altogether. The drums and synths add to the dreaminess of the layered vocals. I am super disappointed in the mixing of this album as most of the vocals were on the left side, not both and I think it would hit super hard if they were equally balanced. Who knows, could be a decade thing.. This album is huge and highly respected, it has aged pretty decently for a '66 record.

1. Black Mirror: lots of paranoia, the overall feeling of being watched. The takeover of screens and the dependence on them is going to take over completely. Nobody can run away from it; the mirrors are everywhere and increasing as this was released in '07. This relates directly to the mass surveillance in the US, along with the rise of fascism and AI. This being the start, it paints a heavy and moody album ahead with outward dark themes. 2. Keep the Car Running: the Orwellian influence is so apparent, I think it was inspired by Why I Write and 1984, themes of dystopia and the political culture. The idea of patriotism and intelligence, the balance or everything crumbles. Thus far, I am not super into the drums and guitar here - it is very folk-indie, and it doesn't quite match. Like the ukulele here? Not sure. 3. Neon Bible: dealing with religion and culture, again inspired by a book - A Confederacy of Dunces. I do enjoy the critical view of holiness in the greed and corruption of politics/general culture. I don't love this track. Honestly, this album is giving "I'm so much morally better than you, and you should listen to my wisdom after I read some books that made me think." I don't know if that's justified, but that's how I feel. 4. Intervention: talking about the War on Terrorism and criticizing the politicians for lying and continuing to push everyone else down. The haunting patriotism and the chimes, consistent beating drums feel like an army instrumental. "Every spark of friendship and love will die without a home." The trauma that soldiers face when they come back, the inability to reintegrate into society. For what? For their life to fall apart under the name of "God"? "Been working for the Church while your life falls apart" -- all of this disaster and tragedies under the name of the State, which claims to be serving God. 5. Black Wave/Bad Vibrations: a reference to "Good Vibrations" about creating a new self and future. "Ce sera un long voyage sur les vagues de l'oubli." When Win Butler comes in, it kinda destroys what was built in the beginning. Also, talking about eating in the ghetto with an expensive plate... didn't land with me. I get the sentiment, but it could've been worded differently IMO. I like the outro a lot. Buildup is great on this song. 6. Ocean of Noise: this song is hitting another symbol apparent in this album of the ocean as a lack of control in life. The noise here is consumerism and propaganda. Especially nowadays, people get lost in their tailored feeds and fake news. They are lost in the noise of the internet, and we opened Pandora's Box, especially with AI. I am haunted by how closely this ties to how I feel about the state of the world currently. The piano is super heavy and sonically consequential feeling. The end feels like accepting the chaos of life and the massive ocean that we all exist in. "Time to work it out," along with strings/horns that feel more upbeat and light. Optimistic ending. 7. The Well and the Lighthouse: about a person who made decisions leading to ruin, following malice because of their poor decisions. I'm not sure what this track is doing on this album? "You always fall for what you desire or what you fear" is an interesting lyric here before the switch-up of rhythm/melody. The strings are so beautiful in this switch-up. I'm confused about this one and the message behind it, maybe I'm missing something... 8. [Antichrist Television Blues]: this song is inspired by Joe Simpson using his daughter Jessica Simpson, increasingly worse abuse. Super creepy reality of her horrible trauma with her father. Sacrificing his daughter and her well-being for fame and fortune under the guise of the Lord. The reference to the mockingbird lullaby is so gross, and fits how her father justified his actions. There are heavy biblical references, I am not well-versed enough to point them all out. The end is abrupt as fuck. 9. Windowsill: carrying potential pain from living with the singer's father, metaphorical or not, it could also be about the beliefs that the family held. "I don't wanna fight in a holy war"; "I don't wanna live in America anymore" - the way this is still the feeling almost 20 years later. The impact of TV and media, along with consumerism and propaganda, takes away his view from his windowsill (the way he perceives the world?). The message on this song captures exactly how I've been feeling about the world, anticipating another world war, and the incessant ads/propaganda fed to us. 10. No Cars Go: very big shift in energy from the last one. This is upbeat and joyous, I love the drums and guitar riff on this. I think the "heys" could've been left out, kinda reminds me of the Lumineers lol. I do enjoy the lyrics about knowing a place where you can truly escape the corruption and terrors of the world today. I'm wondering if that place is sleep, a place where the luxuries of civilization are obsolete. Lyrics are so basic and kinda don't have much substance in my opinion. I agree with a comment on Genius that a 12-year-old could've written these lyrics... This song dragged on for way too fucking long. I was cringing the last few minutes, I had a hard time sitting through it. 11. My Body is a Cage: drum beat reminds me of a pulse, pipes are haunting, and that organ is too. This song delves into the mental struggles of anxiety and the mind holding one back from their potential/what would make them happy. I think I've heard this one in Euphoria, and it was such a heavy song that fit well. This song is relatable as someone with extreme mental health issues. I feel like the music builds to an anxiety attack or total shutdown. I don't feel strongly about this album. I get what they were going for, but it just gives a false higher morality vibe, and that contradicts all the messages in the song. It doesn't flow through super well, and I just think it's alright. I would not listen again. He just kinda cringes me out, icky vibes from him. Turns out he's a creep!

1. Do It Again: the chimes in the beginning are so magical. I already liked this song a lot, the chorus is too catchy. The drums feel like the endless cycle of evil that we all commit at some point or another. The verses touch upon the things that bring misery and suffering to all from men. Greed, violence, and women. Kinda reminds me of the story of Sisyphus being doomed to push his rock up. Cyclical destruction of mankind by man. The organ solo is sick, again, love the chimes. 2. Dirty Work: the story of a man and a married woman's love, but she uses him for what she wants. The guitar riff is one of my faves, and the lyrics are sad here. The SAXXXXOPHONE!!!! I LOVE A SAX SOLO. Soulful and catchy. 3. Kings: Robin Hood tale v. American politics. This still holds weight in today's climate. The piano and guitar rock. "Though we sung his fame, we all went hungry just the same" - we are so below the "King," and although we gave that fame, the hunger ensued with the rise of such extreme power. This directly relates to the current cheeto as our president claiming he is the "king." Kinda haunting listening to this over 40 years later, and it's the same old story here in the land of the "free". 4. Midnite Cruiser: the beginning is my fav, so beautiful. Harlem is the birthplace of jazz and a lot of culture, a place that is inspiring to Steely Dan. Reminiscing on lost opportunities and the passing of one's "prime" as a wandering soul. I think there's some fear of being forgotten as a theme here. 5. Only A Fool Would Say That: this song is heavily shading the naive/out of touch political movements, specifically John Lennon. Again, I feel this song relates to today, where people are regurgitating political ideology that their actions don't match, just trying to fit. Especially the upper-class population. Rich men asking for world peace is the craziest thing; it just doesn't make sense. I love how he is calling this bullshit out. Only fools would justify themselves behind a social movement. 6. Reelin' in the Years: this breakup song has always been a fav of mine, very popular for reminiscing - not sure if people have this meaning in mind when it is played lol. The SOLO on this song is so smooth and incredible, it kinda reminds me of the ups and downs of a long-term love. I think this song is reflecting and accepting the ending of something that he put so much effort into trying to understand and work through. Love the guitar and upbeat drums. The guitar is the best on this album thus far, those solos leave NO crumbs. 7. Fire in the Hole: the beginning goes hard, the piano immediately draws me in. The lyrics are about the draft and how they both escaped it during the Vietnam War. There's nothing left to burn because they burned their draft cards, and nowhere to go since they are supposed to be serving in the military or arrested. Also, there's nothing left to burn because the destruction and suffering the U.S. put Vietnam through have been exhausted. The piano/drum break feels like being on the run. 8. Brooklyn (Owns the Charmer Under Me): this more bluesy/jazz energy keeps the flow. I wonder if this is touching on the gentrification of Brooklyn... Maybe not as in the 70s, it wasn't AS desirable as it is today. There was a lot of normalcy and culture in Brooklyn before it was fully torn down by the white man. Maybe Brooklyn had the same effect Harlem had on his inspiration/artistry. 9. Change of the Guard: the guitar is great, the drums build lots of anticipation. The lyrics are describing change and transformation, both internally and as a society. Also, how the different generations change the direction of the waves. There will always be massive change throughout the decades, and in my opinion, this emphasizes living it fully out and transforming yourself to reflect what you want from the world... Which would in turn change the guard. Change the pace and tempo up. The rhythm gets a bit faster as the song proceeds. 10. Turn That Heartbeat Over Again: BASS. BASS! The bass and piano hit. I think this is about addiction, redemption, and regret. Morality is a theme here, too, possibly relating to the addiction - asking for another chance, a good man trying to redeem himself despite his criminal and destructive decisions. The yearning for change and growth. I love the chorus here, it is very catchy. This is a great end to the album. LOVE them chimes at the end.

1. Fine Time: immediate funky/disco/dance vibes from those heavy drums and synths. This is super brain tickly. Lyrics talk about meeting someone compatible, minus their age difference, being too old for this young girl. Or potentially someone too young taking drugs in a club sorta sense... Not quite sure. Either way, super dance song, insane way to start the album. No wonder the album dominated the acid house movement in Britain in the late 80s/early 90s. 2. All the Way: the guitar riff and effect are great, crisp vocals. The chorus is dancey and light, despite the deeper lyrics. The chorus resonates with my spot in life right now, "it takes years to find the nerve to be apart from what you've done"; "to find the truth inside yourself and not depend on anyone." This is an upbeat song with an empowering message. 3. Love Less: clapping drums start the song off strong. The vocals are so clean thus far. The guitar riffs are soft and keep the upbeat tone. Pretty sad lyrics about someone moving forward, who used their lover, despite giving them everything. The ending was not amicable and left the other questioning why they are now enemies. I love the bass line. 4. Round & Round: damn crazy start, I feel like lasers are shooting everywhere. Super late 80s dance iconic sound. The drums hit, and I love how the BPM is high for this album. I guess this was about a failing marriage, but it turned into addressing frustrations about the record label owner, using money for dead-end projects. Big techno at the end, the drums give such a big buildup. I can imagine dancing in a colorful disco-esque club. The end tickled my brain a ton, I love the way it had an 8D effect in my headphones. 5. Guilty Partner: the bass is very on brand for New Order. The lyrics have me feeling a bit sad. Sounds like their love is addictive, and it's a craving for more. A mad despair of hopeless devotion. He is gaslighting himself to justify his addiction. The loud drums and bass add to the darkness of coming to this realization. Gaining awareness of his partner being the guilty partner. Definitely relates to the last track in a relationship sense. 6. Run: the lyrics touch on a person having issues with working hard for all they want and still being dissatisfied with their life. The guitar solo into the instrumental outro fits this weird feeling of wanting more, yet having everything you'd ever want. Almost like continuing onto a non-existent destination. The drums keep this a strolling kinda tempo. The bass is my favorite, along with that chorus guitar riff. 7. Mr. Disco: BASS. BASS. BASS. YES. Thumping drums to get the song started. Dreamy, soft vocals. "I can't find my piece of mind/without you" resonates with my life right now. Maybe discussing the struggles of a touring musician and his lover. The synths and bow bows (laser sounding thing) rock. Or the ending of a long-term love, and being unable to find them after separating. I have read that this album is inspired by a divorce. The instrumental bridge is wild and feels like aimlessly trying to find someone in a chaotic crowd. The whispers at the end with the static, "never found you," into the void-sounding end. 8. Vanishing Point: POUNDING drums get this going. The synth and bass intro keep me bopping along. I think this is about growing up in a toxic household and learning to heal from that trauma as an adult. The tone of the synth is sorta eerie yet still dancey as fuck. Anytime there are chimes with synth, I'm in. "I've seen what a man can do, I've seen all the hate of a woman too," - nodding towards a toxic family, though you must continue to persevere and grow. 9. Dream Attack: a lot lighter drums in the beginning, the bass is thrusting forward more. Lighter energy is being brought. Guitar is super chill sounding, I like the tone a lot. Themes of issues with commitment, yet wanting someone to be fully devoted...He is acknowledging that he cannot change, despite wanting to be with someone who already is in love. I love the main riff. And the way the tone of the bass changes in the chorus. Synths build up this internal indecision. The guitar solo is fabulous. Not the ending that I was anticipating for this album; it was a lot more chill. Still a great dance track, not as psych/acid house feeling IMO. This album will keep your head bopping, and I felt like I was in a dance club most of it. Lyric and theme-wise, reflection and heartache. Along with growing awareness. Kinda acceptance vibe with the dance heavy instrumentals.

1. All I Want: the acoustic is stunning, her voice is beyond. Her range is so strong, and I love the way it sounds with an acoustic guitar. The drums are super soft. The lyrics are so sad as she's reminiscing on better times with a lover, what they once had, and potentially what they could have again. This is legitimately lyrically exactly how I have been feeling with my partner. The ending fading out, holding strong = holding onto hope for better days. 2. My Old Man: reflecting on a more domestic partnership with her ex, the way their love felt like they were married without actually being married. The theme of blue is already presenting itself, the blue being her sadness without a lover. The piano is somberly nostalgic, and her voice during the chorus is wild. I love the high notes that she effortlessly slides up to. The ending piano rings out as the relationship fades apart. 3. Little Green: slow and gentle guitar, the finger picking is so sweet. This is a very personal and sad song, with poetic lyrics about how Joni had to give up her daughter for adoption due to financial issues. Sounds like her song for her daughter, with hope for a brighter, better future. Happy to read that they reunited later in life. Ballad-sounding song. Beautiful last note. 4. Carey: not a big fan of this one. The lyrics again reflect on her rebounding with a mean man... Along with the homesickness while exploring and traveling, especially with growing stardom. Just focusing on where she is and having a nice night. The guitar kinda gets drowned out at points, I like the drums. 5. Blue: the piano ballad is so ethereal. The poetry about depression and the neverending blackhole of despair. The piano and her lower range for this song fit super well with the overall mood. This song brought a tear to my eye. I enjoy how she touches on things people do to escape, yet the end feels like acceptance and trying to work with the sadness. 6. California: nostalgic and homesick, the guitar matches that feeling. She is talking about her European travels and new experiences. Had a hard time sitting through this one. I don't know, just didn't capture me. Maybe I'm missing something on this one. There are SO many damn songs about California in general, maybe it made me check out...lol. 7. This Flight Tonight: racing almost guitar riffs in the beginning as she talks about leaving and chasing the stars, though regretting making such an almost impulsive decision. The riff reminds me at points of Ain't No Rest for the Wicked. Again, this hasn't captured me... Am I again missing something?? 8. River: I cannot take the Jingle Bells ass intrumental seriously. Make a Christmas album if you wanna make a Christmas song. I never enjoy Christmas songs on normal albums... It doesn't make any sense. Her lyrics definitely match this album's depressing themes, but could've been anything else, and I would maybe care more. Corny ass song. This dragged on way too long, and it took everything in me not to skip upon hearing the first 7 seconds. 9. A Case of You: a poetic ode to a lover whose soul she is tied to, despite him not providing a healthy relationship. Referring to him/their once-love as a deep red wine that she could drown herself in and endure through. I love the guitar if I can not pay attention to the lyrics. Didn't stand out yet again, but matches the theme and symbolism of the color blue. This song is apparently super acclaimed and popular. 10. The Last Time I Saw Richard: this song is supposed to encompass the larger themes of this album: optimism and cynicism, along with deep sadness/longing/nostalgia. I like some of the lyrics "go look at your eyes, they're full of moon"; "you got tombs in your eyes"; "all good dreamers pass this way someday." Her vocals and the dreamy/sad piano are smooth. The last line is a beautiful way to wrap the album up. BIG bummer that she was frequently doing black-face and racist skits/performances. I do enjoy the guitar and piano on this album a lot, and her vocals are undeniably fantastic. I'm not the biggest fan of her lyrics, they just don't hit for me. They are so long, and the songs drag on; the story isn't painted well in my perception. I don't feel super drawn into most of the songs on this album, nor to her lyrics. Some of them are gorgeous poetic lines, but most of them are telling, not showing. I was expecting some less overt lyrics here. This is the first Joni Mitchell album I've listened to in full, and will probably be my last due to not wanting to support yet another racist artist.