Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter, known for her distinctive voice, intricate guitar work, and poetic lyrics. Her fourth studio album, Blue, is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time and a masterpiece of the singer-songwriter genre. In 2020, a limited edition clear vinyl pressing of Blue was released to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Track List:
Side A:
- "All I Want" – 3:34
- "My Old Man" – 3:33
- "Little Green" – 3:27
- "Carey" – 3:00
- "Blue" – 3:05
Side B:
- "California" – 3:50
- "This Flight Tonight" – 2:50
- "River" – 4:00
- "A Case of You" – 4:20
- "The Last Time I Saw Richard" – 4:17
Blue was released on June 22, 1971, and was produced by Joni Mitchell and David Crosby. The album was recorded in just three months, following the breakup of Mitchell's relationship with Graham Nash and a trip to Europe that left her feeling homesick and alone. The result is an intensely personal album that explores themes of love, loss, and loneliness, with Mitchell's evocative lyrics and soulful vocals perfectly complemented by her intricate guitar work and sparse arrangements.
The album was a critical and commercial success, and has since been included on numerous "best albums of all time" lists. In 2000, it was ranked number 30 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The album's influence can be heard in the work of countless singer-songwriters who have followed in Mitchell's footsteps, including Taylor Swift, Brandi Carlile, and Phoebe Bridgers.
The clear vinyl pressing of Blue was released by Rhino Records on June 12, 2020, to mark the album's 50th anniversary. The pressing is limited to 10,000 copies, and features the album's iconic artwork on a clear vinyl disc. The release includes a booklet with rare photos, lyrics, and an essay by Brandi Carlile.
