Complete List Of Joni Mitchell Albums And Songs presents the studio albums of a musician and songwriter born Roberta Joan Anderson on November 7, 1943, in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada. Joni Mitchell is one of the most iconic figures in the world of folk, rock, and jazz music. Her musical journey began at a young age, with her teaching herself to play guitar from a Pete Seeger songbook. Eventually, she moved to Toronto, where she began performing at local folk clubs and cafes. It was during this period that she changed her name to Joni Mitchell, adopting the surname from her brief marriage to folk singer Chuck Mitchell.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Joni Mitchell gained initial fame as a songwriter with her compositions like “Both Sides, Now” and “Chelsea Morning” being performed by established artists like Judy Collins and Fairport Convention. However, her career took off in earnest with the release of her own albums. Her debut album, Song to a Seagull (1968), produced by David Crosby, marked the beginning of her storied discography. Mitchell’s 1971 album Blue is often cited as her magnum opus, featuring raw emotional depth and innovative open-tuning guitar work. The album went on to become a commercial and critical success, solidifying her position in the annals of music history.
Evolution and Experimentation
Mitchell never confined herself to a single genre or style. She ventured into the realm of jazz with albums like Court and Spark (1974) and collaborated with eminent jazz musicians like Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter, and Charles Mingus. Her album Mingus (1979) was a collaboration with Charles Mingus himself, recorded shortly before his death. The late ’80s and ’90s saw her experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines, as evidenced by her 1985 album Dog Eat Dog.
JONI MITCHELL STUDIO ALBUMS
Song to a Seagull
Released 1968
Joni Mitchell’s debut album Song to a Seagull marked her entrance into the folk music scene. The album is divided into two parts: “I Came to the City” and “Out of the City and Down to the Seaside,” and it showcases Mitchell’s poetic lyricism and complex guitar tunings. Although it did not achieve significant commercial success at the time, the album has since garnered critical acclaim for its intricate songwriting and emotional depth.
The album featured Joni Mitchell on vocals and acoustic guitar, Stephen Stills on bass, and it was produced by David Crosby. It was released on Reprise Records and was recorded at Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, in 1967.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Had a King” – 3:37
- “Michael from Mountains” – 3:41
- “Night in the City” – 2:30
- “Marcie” – 4:36
- “Nathan La Franeer” – 3:18
- “Sisotowbell Lane” – 4:05
- “The Dawntreader” – 5:04
- “The Pirate of Penance” – 2:44
- “Song to a Seagull” – 3:51
- “Cactus Tree” – 4:38
Clouds
Released 1969
Clouds is Joni Mitchell’s second studio album, featuring some of her most famous songs like “Both Sides Now” and “Chelsea Morning.” The album received critical acclaim and won Mitchell her first Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance. This album truly set the stage for Mitchell’s breakthrough into mainstream success.
The album was solely performed by Joni Mitchell (vocals, guitar, and dulcimer) and was produced by Paul A. Rothchild. It was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1969 and was released on Reprise Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Tin Angel” – 4:09
- “Chelsea Morning” – 2:35
- “I Don’t Know Where I Stand” – 3:13
- “That Song About the Midway” – 4:38
- “Roses Blue” – 3:52
- “The Gallery” – 4:12
- “I Think I Understand” – 4:28
- “Songs to Aging Children Come” – 3:10
- “The Fiddle and the Drum” – 2:50
- “Both Sides, Now” – 4:34
Ladies of the Canyon
Released 1970
Ladies of the Canyon includes some of Mitchell’s most popular early songs like “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock,” and “The Circle Game.” The album reflects the singer-songwriter’s growing maturity and is often considered one of her most accessible works, appealing to a broader audience beyond the folk community.
Joni Mitchell handled vocals, piano, and guitar on the album, and it was produced by Joni Mitchell herself. It was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1970. The album peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified Platinum in the United States.
CD Track Listings:
- “Morning Morgantown” – 3:12
- “For Free” – 4:31
- “Conversation” – 4:21
- “Ladies of the Canyon” – 3:32
- “Willy” – 3:00
- “The Arrangement” – 3:32
- “Rainy Night House” – 3:22
- “The Priest” – 3:36
- “Blue Boy” – 2:53
- “Big Yellow Taxi” – 2:16
- “Woodstock” – 5:25
- “The Circle Game” – 4:51
Blue
Released 1971
Blue is perhaps Joni Mitchell’s most iconic album, featuring a raw emotional depth that was groundbreaking at the time of its release. Tracks like “River” and “A Case of You” have since become staples in the American songbook. The album was a commercial success, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified Platinum in multiple countries.
The album featured Joni Mitchell on vocals, piano, guitar, and dulcimer, Stephen Stills on bass and guitar, James Taylor on guitar, and Russ Kunkel on drums. Blue was produced by Joni Mitchell and was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1971.
CD Track Listings:
- “All I Want” – 3:32
- “My Old Man” – 3:33
- “Little Green” – 3:25
- “Carey” – 3:00
- “Blue” – 3:00
- “California” – 3:48
- “This Flight Tonight” – 2:50
- “River” – 4:00
- “A Case of You” – 4:20
- “The Last Time I Saw Richard” – 4:13
For the Roses
Released 1972
For the Roses was a departure from the emotional intimacy of Blue, offering a more analytical approach to romance and fame. Songs like “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” were explicitly commercial, while the title track was a deeply personal take on the price of fame. The album was critically well-received and went on to be certified Gold in the United States.
The album featured Joni Mitchell on vocals, piano, and guitar, supported by various musicians such as Wilton Felder on bass, Russ Kunkel on drums, and Tom Scott on woodwinds. Mitchell produced the album, which was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “Banquet” – 3:01
- “Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire” – 4:17
- “Barangrill” – 2:52
- “Lesson in Survival” – 3:11
- “Let the Wind Carry Me” – 3:56
- “For the Roses” – 3:48
- “See You Sometime” – 2:56
- “Electricity” – 3:01
- “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” – 2:40
- “Blonde in the Bleachers” – 2:42
- “Woman of Heart and Mind” – 2:38
- “Judgment of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig’s Tune)” – 5:22
Court and Spark
Released 1974
Court and Spark marked a significant shift towards jazz and pop, reflected in tracks like “Help Me” and “Free Man in Paris.” It remains one of Mitchell’s most successful albums, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and earning multiple Grammy nominations.
Joni Mitchell took charge of vocals, piano, and guitar and was backed by several session musicians, including members of the jazz fusion group L.A. Express. The album was produced by Joni Mitchell and was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1973.
CD Track Listings:
- “Court and Spark” – 2:46
- “Help Me” – 3:22
- “Free Man in Paris” – 3:02
- “People’s Parties” – 2:15
- “Same Situation” – 2:57
- “Car on a Hill” – 3:02
- “Down to You” – 5:38
- “Just Like This Train” – 4:24
- “Raised on Robbery” – 3:06
- “Trouble Child” – 4:00
- “Twisted” – 2:21
The Hissing of Summer Lawns
Released 1975
The Hissing of Summer Lawns presented an even greater departure from Mitchell’s earlier work, exploring themes of marriage, corruption, and suburban life, all layered over intricate jazz and world music influences. While it received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since been reevaluated as one of her most ambitious works.
The album featured Mitchell on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, with supporting musicians such as Robben Ford on guitar and Max Bennett on bass. It was produced by Joni Mitchell and was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1975.
CD Track Listings:
- “In France They Kiss on Main Street” – 3:19
- “The Jungle Line” – 4:25
- “Edith and the Kingpin” – 3:36
- “Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow” – 4:04
- “Shades of Scarlett Conquering” – 4:58
- “The Hissing of Summer Lawns” – 3:01
- “The Boho Dance” – 3:49
- “Harry’s House / Centerpiece” – 6:48
- “Sweet Bird” – 4:11
- “Shadows and Light” – 4:16
Hejira
Released 1976
Hejira represents another pivot in Mitchell’s discography, featuring songs she wrote during a cross-country drive from Maine to Los Angeles. The album is noted for its introspective lyrics and minimalist instrumentation, most notably Jaco Pastorius’s distinctive fretless bass.
Joni Mitchell performed vocals and guitar, and she was joined by musicians like Jaco Pastorius on bass and Larry Carlton on guitar. The album was produced by Joni Mitchell and Henry Lewy and was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1976.
CD Track Listings:
- “Coyote” – 5:01
- “Amelia” – 6:01
- “Furry Sings the Blues” – 5:07
- “A Strange Boy” – 4:15
- “Hejira” – 6:42
- “Song for Sharon” – 8:30
- “Black Crow” – 4:22
- “Blue Motel Room” – 5:04
- “Refuge of the Roads” – 6:42
Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter
Released 1977
Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter is a double album that found Joni Mitchell pushing the boundaries of her jazz explorations, working again with Jaco Pastorius and diving deeper into rich, textured soundscapes. Although the album received a mixed critical reception, it has grown in stature over time as one of Mitchell’s more daring works.
Musicians on this album include Joni Mitchell on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, Jaco Pastorius on bass, and John Guerin on drums, among others. The album was produced by Joni Mitchell and Henry Lewy, and was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1977.
CD Track Listings:
- “Overture / Cotton Avenue” – 6:41
- “Talk to Me” – 3:45
- “Jericho” – 3:22
- “Paprika Plains” – 16:21
- “Otis and Marlena” – 4:01
- “The Tenth World” – 6:45
- “Dreamland” – 4:38
- “Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter” – 6:37
- “Off Night Backstreet” – 3:22
- “The Silky Veils of Ardor” – 4:03
Mingus
Released 1979
Mingus was a collaboration with jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus, who died before the album’s release. The album comprises songs written by Mingus for this project and performed by Mitchell. Despite its lack of commercial success, Mingus is often regarded as a significant work in Mitchell’s oeuvre, fusing her lyricism with complex jazz compositions.
Joni Mitchell performed vocals and was accompanied by musicians such as Jaco Pastorius on bass, Peter Erskine on drums, and Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone. The album was produced by Joni Mitchell and recorded at A&M Studios in 1979.
CD Track Listings:
- “Happy Birthday 1975 (Rap)” – 0:57
- “God Must Be a Boogie Man” – 4:32
- “Funeral (Rap)” – 1:07
- “A Chair in the Sky” – 6:42
- “The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey” – 6:35
- “I’s a Muggin’ (Rap)” – 0:07
- “Sweet Sucker Dance” – 8:06
- “Coin in the Pocket (Rap)” – 0:11
- “The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines” – 3:22
- “Lucky (Rap)” – 0:04
- “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” – 5:38
Wild Things Run Fast
Released 1982
Wild Things Run Fast marked Mitchell’s return to a more pop-oriented sound after her experimental jazz works. It introduced elements of rock and new wave into her music. It received favorable reviews and spawned the hit single “Chinese Café / Unchained Melody.”
The album was produced by Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein, and it features several talented musicians, including Klein on bass, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Michael Landau on guitar. The album was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1982.
CD Track Listings:
- “Chinese Café / Unchained Melody” – 5:18
- “Wild Things Run Fast” – 4:12
- “Ladies’ Man” – 2:37
- “Moon at the Window” – 3:42
- “Solid Love” – 2:57
- “Be Cool” – 3:12
- “(You’re So Square) Baby, I Don’t Care” – 2:36
- “You Dream Flat Tires” – 2:36
- “Man to Man” – 3:42
- “Underneath the Streetlight” – 1:59
- “Love” – 3:46
Dog Eat Dog
Released 1985
Dog Eat Dog is often seen as Mitchell’s commentary on the socio-political landscape of the 1980s. The album embraced synthesizers and was markedly different from her previous work, both musically and thematically, addressing issues like environmentalism and televangelism.
Produced by Mitchell and Larry Klein, the album includes performances by several high-profile musicians like Michael Landau on guitar, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Larry Klein on bass, and additional vocalists including James Taylor, Michael McDonald on backing vocals, and Thomas Dolby on synthesizers. Dog Eat Dog was recorded at A&M Studios in 1985.
CD Track Listings:
- “Good Friends” – 4:25
- “Fiction” – 4:14
- “The Three Great Stimulants” – 6:11
- “Tax Free” – 4:19
- “Smokin’ (Empty, Try Another)” – 1:43
- “Dog Eat Dog” – 4:41
- “Shiny Toys” – 3:27
- “Ethiopia” – 5:53
- “Impossible Dreamer” – 4:30
- “Lucky Girl” – 4:02
Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm
Released 1988
Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm was co-produced by Joni Mitchell and her then-husband, bassist Larry Klein. The album features guest appearances by various artists like Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, and Billy Idol. The album is often cited for its layered arrangements and a more tempered, melodic approach compared to her earlier works.
The album was recorded at The Kiva in Hollywood and A&M Studios in Los Angeles in 1988. Notable musicians include Larry Klein on bass, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Michael Landau on guitar, among others.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Secret Place” – 5:01
- “Number One” – 3:48
- “Lakota” – 6:25
- “The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms)” – 4:51
- “Dancin’ Clown” – 4:13
- “Cool Water” – 5:25
- “The Beat of Black Wings” – 5:19
- “Snakes and Ladders” – 5:40
- “The Reoccurring Dream” – 3:02
- “A Bird That Whistles” – 2:40
Night Ride Home
Released 1991
Night Ride Home is a reflective, introspective album that delves into themes of love, aging, and loss. The album’s production is stripped back compared to her previous ’80s albums and was generally well-received by critics.
The album was produced by Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein, and was recorded at Kiva Studios, Hollywood Hills, California. Musicians involved include Klein on bass, Alex Acuña on percussion, and Karen Peris of The Innocence Mission as a guest vocalist on “Two Grey Rooms.”
CD Track Listings:
- “Night Ride Home” – 3:21
- “Passion Play (When All the Slaves Are Free)” – 5:25
- “Cherokee Louise” – 4:32
- “The Windfall (Everything for Nothing)” – 5:15
- “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” – 6:54
- “Come In from the Cold” – 7:31
- “Nothing Can Be Done” – 4:53
- “The Only Joy in Town” – 5:11
- “Ray’s Dad’s Cadillac” – 4:33
- “Two Grey Rooms” – 3:57
Turbulent Indigo
Released 1994
Turbulent Indigo won two Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Album, despite its limited commercial success. The album was seen as a return to form for Mitchell, as it covered social and personal topics with a depth and intensity reminiscent of her early works.
The album was recorded at The Kiva, and was produced by Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein. Musicians include Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone and Klein on bass.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sunny Sunday” – 2:36
- “Sex Kills” – 3:56
- “How Do You Stop” – 4:09
- “Turbulent Indigo” – 3:34
- “Last Chance Lost” – 3:14
- “The Magdalene Laundries” – 4:02
- “Not to Blame” – 4:18
- “Borderline” – 4:48
- “Yvette in English” – 5:16
- “The Sire of Sorrow (Job’s Sad Song)” – 7:08
Taming the Tiger
Released 1998
Taming the Tiger received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and complex musical structures, although it didn’t achieve significant commercial success. It was during this period that Mitchell started seriously questioning the music industry and its constraints.
The album was recorded at The Kiva, Hollywood, California, and was produced by Joni Mitchell. Notable musicians include Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Mark Isham on trumpet, and Brian Blade on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Harlem in Havana” – 4:25
- “Man from Mars” – 4:09
- “Love Puts on a New Face” – 3:46
- “Lead Balloon” – 3:37
- “No Apologies” – 4:17
- “Taming the Tiger” – 4:16
- “The Crazy Cries of Love” – 3:51
- “Stay in Touch” – 2:59
- “Face Lift” – 5:03
- “My Best to You” – 2:52
Both Sides Now
Released 2000
Both Sides Now was a deviation from Mitchell’s typical songwriting style as it featured jazz standards and reworked versions of two of her own songs. It received widespread acclaim and won two Grammy Awards, including Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
The album was recorded at AIR Lyndhurst Hall, London, and was produced by Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein. Featured musicians include Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone and Herbie Hancock on piano.
CD Track Listings:
- “You’re My Thrill” – 3:52
- “At Last” – 4:28
- “Comes Love” – 4:29
- “You’ve Changed” – 5:04
- “Answer Me, My Love” – 3:22
- “A Case of You” – 5:45
- “Don’t Go to Strangers” – 4:11
- “Sometimes I’m Happy” – 4:22
- “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” – 3:49
- “Stormy Weather” – 3:07
- “Both Sides, Now” – 5:46
- “Blame It on My Youth” – 5:32
Travelogue
Released 2002
Travelogue is a double album featuring orchestral renditions of some of Mitchell’s classic songs, offering a new perspective on her extensive repertoire. The album, though not a commercial success, was generally well-received by critics who praised its ambition and complexity.
The album was recorded at AIR Lyndhurst Hall, London, and was produced by Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein. Among the key musicians featured are Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone, Kenny Wheeler on flugelhorn, Plas Johnson on tenor saxophone, and Herbie Hancock on piano.
CD Track Listings:
Disc 1:
- “Otis and Marlena” – 3:54
- “Amelia” – 6:48
- “You Dream Flat Tires” – 3:49
- “Love” – 5:40
- “Woodstock” – 5:55
- “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” – 7:12
- “Judgment of the Moon and Stars” – 5:20
- “The Sire of Sorrow (Job’s Sad Song)” – 7:09
- “For the Roses” – 3:48
- “Trouble Child” – 4:00
- “God Must Be a Boogie Man” – 3:56
Disc 2:
- “Be Cool” – 5:09
- “Just Like This Train” – 4:24
- “Sex Kills” – 3:56
- “Refuge of the Roads” – 7:55
- “Hejira” – 6:42
- “Chinese Cafe” – 5:45
- “Cherokee Louise” – 6:00
- “The Dawntreader” – 5:38
- “The Last Time I Saw Richard” – 4:57
- “Borderline” – 6:21
- “The Circle Game” – 6:51
Shine
Released 2007
Shine was Mitchell’s 19th and final studio album before she retired. The album was a commentary on the state of the world and received favorable reviews. It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “One Week Last Summer.”
The album was produced by Joni Mitchell herself and was recorded at Castle Oaks Productions in Calabasas, California. Musicians include James Taylor on guitar and vocals, Herbie Hancock on piano, and Brian Blade on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “One Week Last Summer” – 4:59
- “This Place” – 3:54
- “If I Had a Heart” – 4:04
- “Hana” – 3:43
- “Bad Dreams” – 5:42
- “Big Yellow Taxi (2007)” – 2:47
- “Night of the Iguana” – 4:38
- “Strong and Wrong” – 4:04
- “Shine” – 7:29
- “If” – 5:32
Complete List Of Joni Mitchell Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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