Was once said by Joni Mitchell, “I’m a painter first. I paint my joy and I sing my sadness. It may seem odd given her reputation as one of the most renowned singer-songwriters of the 20th century that she prioritizes her work as a visual artist over her singing.
Mitchell has never been straightforward to describe, though. She succeeded in the late 1960s and early 1970s with socially conscious songs like Woodstock and Big Yellow Taxi, sharing the stage with artists like James Taylor and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Nevertheless, Mitchell was a shapeshifter, shifting from folk to experimental jazz and from experimental jazz to avant-garde and synth-pop, unlike some of her contemporaries who never ventured beyond their initial sound.
Although not all of her experiments were successful, even her least memorable albums had their moments of brilliance, and each one, unfortunate or not, has a place in her discography. Here is our list of Joni Mitchell albums, ranked from worst to finest.
1. Blue
Compared to Blue, Mitchell would release albums with greater ambition. She would produce albums with greater sales. But she could never make one that was superior. The culmination of all she had been striving for was Blue, her fourth studio album, which was released in June 1971.
The album, which was written after her relationship with Graham Nash came to an end, contains some of her best songs, from the upbeat Carey to The Gorgeous River.
It’s the ideal coming-of-age record that everyone needs to hear at least once since it is introspective, intensely personal, and hauntingly lovely. It is a significant occasion that is still amazing, as it was fifty years ago.
2. Court and Spark
Joni Mitchell released an album with the same name as one of its songs in 1974, and the song “Court and Spark” was included on that album. The song is well-known for the jazz-like orchestration that it has, as well as for the dense lyrics and Mitchell’s distinctive voice.
It is widely regarded as one of Mitchell’s most well-known and lasting songs, and it has been covered by a variety of musicians over the course of its career.
The lyrics touch on subjects like one’s identity, one’s relationship with fame, and one’s creative process; as a result, they have been interpreted in a variety of different ways by both fans and critics.
3. Hejira
The eighth studio album by Joni Mitchell, “Hejira,” was released in 1976. The album is renowned for its intricate musical arrangements, which combine acoustic guitar, vocals, and a variety of jazz-inspired instruments, notably Jaco Pastorius’ characteristic fretless bass playing, with Mitchell’s performance on the instrument and his vocals.
Mitchell drew on her experiences of living on the road and traveling throughout America to write lyrics that explore themes of travel, freedom, and self-discovery.
The album is regarded as a high point in Mitchell’s discography and has received high praise from critics. It includes songs like “Coyote,” “Amelia,” and “Hejira,” which have all gained popularity with listeners.
4. Ladies of the Canyon
Mitchell’s first two albums were minimalistic, minimalist affairs based around Mitchell’s vocals, piano, and guitar. These three instruments were the only instruments used on the albums.
On her third album, Ladies of the Canyon, released in the 1970s, she takes a more exploratory approach to the music, adding multiple layers of arrangement and producing a broader sound overall.
The fuller sound doesn’t overpower her works; rather, it brings forth their best qualities. The fact that some of the songs included on the album are called Woodstock, The Circle Game, and the title track certainly didn’t hurt the album’s chances of becoming a classic.
Get ready for a sonic adventure through the discography of Dream Theater, one of the greatest progressive metal bands of all time. Check out our article on their best album, where we explore their unique sound, technical proficiency, and mind-bending compositions.
5. Clouds
Mitchell had already started work on her second album less than a year after the release of her initial record. Clouds are based almost entirely around Joni Mitchell’s voice, guitar, and piano, similar to the way that its predecessor was.
The songs are the primary point of differentiation. The blockbusters were “Both Sides Now” and “Chelsea Morning,” but the album’s deeper tracks, such as “Roses Blue,” “I Think I Understand,” and “Tin Angel,” are just as hypnotic.
It may be understated, but if you’re searching for some of Mitchell’s most mesmerizing pieces throughout his career, you’ll find them on this album.
6. The Hissing of Summer Lawns
The seventh studio album by Joni Mitchell, “The Hissing of Summer Lawns,” was released in 1975. The music on the album deviates from Mitchell’s earlier folk and rock-influenced sound by fusing jazz, world music, and experimental avant-garde styles.
Mitchell provides a scathing commentary on the inconsistencies of contemporary life in the lyrics, which cover themes of suburban malaise, gender stereotypes, and societal critique.
The album has been praised as a masterpiece of musical ingenuity and poetic expression and includes notable songs like “The Jungle Line,” “Edith and the Kingpin,” and “Shades of Scarlett Conquering.”
7. Song to a Seagull
Mitchell’s debut album, Song to a Seagull, was published in 1968. With the exception of Stephen Stills lending some bass assistance, Joni is primarily performing alone with a guitar, a keyboard, and a microphone. It’s a touch hesitant and extremely folky.
In the end, all you really need to create a modest masterpiece is that. She would go on to write better songs in the future, but everything that would come to characterize those songs is already present, including the complexity, contemplation, and melodic melodies.
By any definition, this is a remarkable debut and a remarkable introduction to one of the finest songwriters of the 20th century.
If you’re a fan of classic rock, be sure to check out our article on the magic of Billy Joel’s best album, where we dive deep into the legendary singer-songwriter’s discography.
8. For the Roses
Released in 1972, “For the Roses” is Joni Mitchell’s fifth studio album. The album includes a variety of musical genres and influences, such as jazz, folk, and rock, in addition to Mitchell’s trademark acoustic guitar playing and soulful vocals.
Mitchell reflects on her experiences as a musician and the difficulties of juggling personal relationships with a creative career as she sings about themes of love, loss, and artistic expression in the lyrics.
Outstanding songs on the album include “Barangrill,” “Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire,” and “For the Roses,” the album’s title song.
Mitchell’s status as one of the most avant-garde and significant singer-songwriters of her generation has been cemented by the album, which has received a great deal of praise for its emotional profundity and musical sophistication.
9. Night Ride Home
Joni Mitchell’s “Night Ride Home” is her fourteenth studio album, which was released in 1991. The album stands out for its bare-bones, acoustic sound, which highlights Mitchell’s potent vocals and expert guitar playing.
Mitchell reflects on her own life and relationships as she sings about subjects like love, memories, and time passing. Come In from the Cold, Nothing Can Be Done, and the album’s title tune, “Night Ride Home,” are a few of the album’s notable songs.
Mitchell’s status as a great songwriter and performer was cemented by the album’s critical acclaim and appreciation for its musical skill and lyrical profundity after its debut.
10. Both Sides Now
A song by Joni Mitchell entitled “Both Sides Now” was originally performed and released in 1969. Vince Mendoza, a renowned composer, and arranger created a sumptuous orchestration for the song that incorporates distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar work from singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell.
Mitchell reflects on her personal experiences of love and loss as she sings about the ebbs and flows of life and love in the song’s lyrics.
The song has gained notoriety and longevity as one of Mitchell’s most well-known and enduring works, having been performed by a variety of musicians over the years and appearing in a large number of movies, TV episodes, and commercials. The song has become a well-known classic of the singer-songwriter genre thanks to its enduring melody and moving lyrics.