Joni Mitchell 24 in London, Courtesy of The Guardian
Author: Svetlana Sohoni
Growing up there are some artists that feel like a comfort food to me, and Joni Mitchell tops this list with her stunning songwriting, timeless records, and passion for her art. Joni Mitchell is a household name but not someone I often hear being spoken about, especially amongst my peers.
Recently, when Joni Mitchell found herself making headlines for removing her music from Spotify in response to the platform refusing to remove Joe Rogan’s covid misinformation, I thought it would be a perfect time to highlight why she is worth a listen.
Her humble roots are found in folk music after first coming to the US and playing in small clubs and bars all around the country. This sense of intimacy is still present in her recorded music which is a rare characteristic to find. One of the most identifiable traits of her music is the lyricism which can often hold up on its own. Joni Mitchell’s lyrics are poetry alone and when paired with her beautiful musical composition have been turned into some of the greatest folk songs of all time. My first introduction to Joni Mitchell was “Both Sides Now,” one of her most famous and recognizable songs. Her high voice seemed to float above the chords when I first began listening. I found myself humming the words for the next week and suddenly Joni Mitchell became a constant in my life.
Her second album Clouds is a joy to listen to and was the record that first threw her into the spotlight. Before the release of this album, Mitchell’s songs had found more commercial success being covered by other artists but on Clouds she took the opportunity to re-record some of those songs. One of the standouts from this album is Both Sides Now which gained her worldwide attention. This song had already reached commercial success after being covered by Judy Collins, but turned into the iconic ballad after Mitchell recorded it. Another album on Clouds that was a standout was Chelsea Morning. Something about Mitchell’s voice is so effortless and her musicality along with the beautiful lyricism never gets old. I don’t think there are many artists who have and will continue to stand the test of time as Mitchell has.
Another album of Joni Mitchell’s which received wide-spread success was Blue. This record is deserving of all the praise it received and more. Listening to the album from beginning to end is like reading a story book with the pictures that Mitchell paints with her words. One song that is a staple soundtrack for my life has always been California. The first time I watched a video of Mitchell performing live was her sitting with a microphone singing and playing the dulcimer onstage alone. This was the magic of Mitchell who could fill a whole room with her magic without anyone else to support her. Her talent instrumentally works perfectly with her confessional lyrics and that is why Blue is such a special record. It feels so personal and genuine to listen to and includes many of Mitchells inner monologues spoken in the most beautiful poetic way. Other songs to listen to on this album are Blue, which has always been a very emotional song to listen to for me, as well as River.
My last recommendation for Mitchell’s music is her jazz album made in collaboration with Charles Mingus. This album is two of the greats creating a masterpiece and shows how two unlikely artists can come together and create something amazing. Although this album did not receive the mainstream success of reaching gold status like her previous ones, I think this record is worth the listen and an iconic piece of art. I personally love Joni Mitchell’s jazz music and think it is just another example of her diversity as an artist and musician.
My praise of Joni Mitchell does not even scratch the surface of the impact she has made on American folk music and poetry. Her music is timeless and will always be held close to my heart along with her millions of other listeners.
Svetlana Sohoni | KXSU Music Reporter