Joni Mitchell’s Greatest Hits
Review by Sarah Yanuck, March 7, 2008

On the CD are huge, original hits such as Circle Game, Big Yellow Taxi, Chelsea Morning and others. Her style, folk, often favors minor chords, and slightly unusual melodies. This gives her music a very unique flavor. She sings of topics such as the environment (big yellow taxi), love (many songs), life (circle game) and others. Her everyday experiences are what shape her writing, and the lyrics are simple enough that that is clear. Her lyrics are easy to understand, and she shapes her messages creatively with her words.

The beginning of the CD is richest in upbeat songs, as well as in her most famous hits. The end is thicker with slow songs, songs that flow richly or lightly, all obviously coming from a specific worry or sadness.

She sings them in her simple, pretty voice, and often reaches for notes far higher than the rest of the song, and it always sounds good. The song, Both Sides Now, is one of my favorites. It is beautifully written with repititon of melody, chorus and patterns of her poetry.

Joni Mitchell is an incredible songwriter and musician, I highly recommend her music.