Joni Mitchell - Clouds

Joni Mitchell's second album contains the first manifestations of her artistic brilliance. Where her debut, Song to a Seagull, has hints of greatness, Clouds displays the real thing. With her newfound control on melody and lyrical economy, she delivers songs that are readily accessible, instantly hummable, and virtually timeless. Her hippie excesses are still in view ("Songs to Aging Children Come" is untamed), but, for the most part, she has found her voice. "Both Sides Now" has become a lite-FM staple (thanks to Judy Collins's cover). While songs such as the incredibly idyllic "Tin Angel" (nicely covered by Tom Rush on his classic Circle Game), "Chelsea Morning," and "I Don't Know Where I Stand" have become modern folk standards. --Rob O'Connor Amazon.com

"I think I Understand"

This is Joni Mitchell's second album, a harbinger of things to come, showcasing her wide range despite the economy of words and lyrics. Most people are familiar with "Both Sides Now," or more accurately Judy Collins rendition of this classic song. Joni Mitchell's version is more haunting and emotional, displaying the sheer joy of her talent. The lyrics are evocative of the 60s folk-rock tradition, while hinting at Joni's diverse style on display more completely on later albums.

The true test of any artist is Auto-durability (essentially, how long one keeps it in the CD Player in the car). This is one album that resides in my car for every long periods of time, particularly in Spring and Fall seasons. My favorite cuts include Tin Angel, The Gallery and Songs to Aging Children Come, and I Think I Understand. However, there isn't a bad track on the album.

It is also nice that the CD comes with the original album cover art as well.
June 14, 2008

Great Early Joni Mitchell

Songs to Aging Children Come is achingly beautiful & haunting, one of my favorite songs of any artist

Chelsea Morning is one of those songs that I don't know how anyone couldn't like though I suppose it's possible

Fiddle & the Drum is a spirited rebuke of militarism that would no doubt be considered silly and pretentious by many. Unfortunately it isn't and continues to be relevant through the years.

Both sides now is simply a classic, about as deep as a twenty-something gets

the rest is fine late sixties music, Joni Mitchell is an essential artist in anyone's music collection March 9, 2008

Good for the soul

Joni's voice and its tone have become so rich and full over the years. We were glad to add this to our collection. The orchestra backing her is a wonderful accompaniment. It's a long way from Woodstock, but really not so far. A wonderful addition for any fan or anyone who enjoys deep, full sounds and lyrical vocals. The final track is awe inspiring!

February 8, 2008

Amazing lyrics, so-so melodies

Judging strictly by the lyrics, this record would easily get full marks. In fact, the lyrics are arguably the strongest of her career, often vague and impressionistic, but still very impressive, and she touches on a lot: putting down Casanovas ("The Gallery"), painting a sympathetic portrait of mental illness ("I Think I Understand"), reflecting on life ("Both Sides, Now"), or just plain being a poet ("Songs to Aging Children Come"; the a capella "The Fiddle and the Drum"; "Rose Blue") - there's even a love song or two ("Chelsea Morning"; "I Don't Know Where I Stand"). There's more to life than just lyrics, though: the biggest - actually, the only, but it's huge - problem with this album is how often it slips into boredom. The arrangements are often reduced to just a repetitive acoustic guitar figure (maybe three of them that get sporadically reused through the album, to be precise) and vocals. And there's only so much you can do with that. Which is why, for all their lyrical virtues, songs like "That Song About the Midway"; "Rose Blue" and "I Think I Understand" fail to really do much for me. In other words, more variety of instrumentation would've been appreciated (she doesn't even work in a piano, in fact!), so that way the great songs on this album would have legs to stand on ("Both Sides, Now"; "Songs to Aging Children Come", which is chilling; "Chelsea Morning"; "I Don't Know Where I Stand"; "Tin Angel") November 22, 2007

Cloudy

This record is a little samey, even for Joni, although most of the songs are just beautiful. My favorite Joni song, "Both Sides, Now", is included on this album, and it alone is worth the purchase price. But this is one of those peculiar products of its time, that seemed normal at the time and now seems windy, self-indulgent, and slightly ridiculous. Still and all, Joni has quite a lot of talent and it's in full flower here. May 14, 2007

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