Because of the obvious reasons, my last two reviews were LPs from two of the finest singer-songwriters, Bob Dylan and the late Leonard Cohen. This time I have picked up an album by another giant from the same genre to complete the trilogy of sorts. And the fact that it happens to be a lady, adds another dimension to the poetic nature of the work. Blue by Joni Mitchell is a brilliant study on love and longing from a woman’s perspective.

Musically, bare yet supremely melodious and complex. Poetically, she has poured blood from her heart into each of the songs. In the words of Joni Mitchell herself, "In Blue, there's hardly a dishonest note in the vocals. At that period of my life, I had no persona defences. I felt like a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes. I felt like I had absolutely no secrets from the world, and I couldn't pretend in my life to be strong." 

The LP starts off with one of the best starts in the history of popular music…the album’s trademark Appalachian dulcimer, played by Joni herself. All I Want, which goes like, ‘I am on a lonely road and I am travelling’, sets the tone for the album – a woman on a journey to experience the nuances of relationships.

My Old Man is an ode to the time that she spent with Graham Nash (CSNY). Little Green is about the daughter that she had to give up for adoption during her really poor days in Toronto in 1965. They later re-united in 1997. Yes, that’s a story on its own.

Then there is Carey, a relatively happier song about the time Joni spent in Greek island of Crete. Stephen Still (CSNY) plays on acoustic and bass guitar here.

Then comes the last track of Side 1, the title track, hauntingly sung, brilliantly written, here Joni is sieving pure pain. Its sadness is devastating yet riveting. "Blue here is a shell for you, Inside you'll hear a sigh, A foggy lullaby, There is your song from me."

Side 2 begins with California, a song written while she was in France, missing the California scene. The great James Taylor plays the guitar here. Next up is This Flight Tonight wherein she is leaving her lover to catch a flight but wants to come back.

Then comes the delicate yet a grand conceptual track of giving Christmas a twist. Here Joni wants to escape the Christmas on a River. The lyrics go... "It’s coming on Christmas, They’re cutting down trees, They’re putting up reindeer, And singing songs of joy and peace, Oh I wish I had a river, I could skate away on..."

Over the years, it has become a Holiday standard, covered by many including a beautiful version by Joni Mitchell herself in the Herbie Hancock’s tribute to her music, Joni Letters, in 2007. The next track, A Case of You is the most effervescent and sensuous song from the album. It’s about her scene with the late Leonard Cohen. "Oh I could drink a case of you darling, Still I’d be on my feet, Oh I would still be on me feet". The final track of the LP is The Last Time I Saw Richard, a storytelling song about her first husband, they say.

Figuring in almost every all-time greatest albums list, the album’s intensity is staggering. Its Joni Mitchel’s purgatory which can also make you feel a little better, if you have gone through relationship rollercoasters. ‘Blue’ has healing abilities.

Year: 1971

Genre: Folk

Duration: 35:41

Label: Reprise

Producer: Joni Mitchell

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com