Acclaimed 4th studio album from Canadian singer-songwriter. Regarded by music critics as one of the best albums of all time, Joni Mitchell was already riding a wave of success from her first three albums, Song To A Seagull, Clouds and Ladies Of The Canyon, before she took a break from performing in early 1970. It was on this break while vacationing around Europe that Mitchell wrote many of the songs on Blue, including "Carey" and "California". Mitchell also drew inspiration from the many facets of relationships, from infatuation through to insecurity (she had been with Graham Nash from '68-'70 and James Taylor from '70-'71). Even though the compositions feature relatively simple accompaniments on piano, guitar, and Appalachian dulcimer, Blue represents a "turning point in 20th century popular music," and is a record that should be in every vinyl collection. Recommended.

• clear colored vinyl
• indie exclusive
• housed in gatefold jacket
• limited edition
• original release year: 1971
• music label: Reprise 2024

reviewed by Ralphy Corduroy 1/2019