Ashley Sofia
Singer/song writer Ashley Sofia loves Joni Mitchell. I asked her to send us a list of her favorite top ten Joni Mitchell songs and she happily accepted this task. A big thanks goes out to Ashley. Of course, pizza is optional while listening to these Joni Mitchell songs.
If anyone wants to see how Ashley has been influenced by these top ten Joni Mitchell songs and the rest of Joni’s catalog, check out Ashely’s music right here. Is it too much to say, Ashley is the 21st century incarnation of Joni Mitchell, espcially lyrically? You be the judge. Whatever your thoughts are on that subjective call, there’s no doubt you’ll love one of Ashley’s latest songs called, “Let Me Go, Hold Me Back.” You’ll find it on her site
Ashley & I hope you enjoy these Top Ten Joni Mitchell Songs
1. A Case of You
From the album Blue
Original Release Date: June 30, 1975
Download or Play a Sample of A Case Of You (LP Version)
I love that this song is more about the true anatomy of a breakup than most commercial songs. One moment Joni discusses her frustration, in the next her adoration. Love is like that. And most songwriters don’t delve into that dichotomy.
2. Cactus Tree
From the Album Joni Mitchell (AKA “Song To A Seagull)
Original Release Date: July 5, 1968
Download or Play a Sample of Cactus Tree (LP Version)
I’ve always related to this tune. Instead of subscribing to the mentality that “all men are dogs” or “all guys are the same” I’ve always felt like there are really so many, many good men out there and at times it’s been hard for me to know if I was making the right choice by dating at all. I was, as she wrote, “busy being free”
3. Blue
From the album Blue
Original Release Date: June 30, 1975
This song walks like a poem. Not many tunes can do that. It sounds like what blue looks like when you hear it.
4. California
From the Album Dreamland (US Release)
Remastered Version Release Date: September 13, 2004
Download or Play a Sample of California (Remastered LP Version)
I like this tune because it discusses that very folk rock need to ramble and hit the road. In the 60’s and 70s so many artists were drawn to specific artistic locales. California was that place for Joni. Though she was from Canada she calls California her home. I’ve felt that way in certain cities- like it’s a perfect fit, and if I could be there I would.
5. For Free
From the Album Ladies Of The Canyon
Original Release Date: July 1, 1973
Download or Play a Sample of For Free (LP Version)
This is not her easiest tune to listen to. It’s very plain, but it has a beautiful message. Joni talks about all of the incredible musicians out there who do it simply for the love of it. It’s purer. She says “ill play if you have the money, or if you’re some kind of friend to me. But the one man band by the quick lunch stand, was playing real good for free.” She valorizes his lack of need for fame and fortune and I really agree.
6. Carey
From the Album Blue
Original Release Date: June 30, 1975
Download or Play a Sample of Carey (LP Version)
This tune is fun, good lyrics, good melody, Joni at her happiest with a sharper tongue.
7. This Flight Tonight
From the album Blue
Original Release Date: June 30, 1975
Download or Play a Sample of This Flight Tonight (LP Version)
I flew to England a few years ago and listened to this song on repeat. I knew it was a mistake and I kept thinking “I should not have gotten on this flight tonight.” Which was Joni’s exact line in the song. She has a funny way of singing what I’m feeling.
8. People’s Parties
From the Album Court And Spark
Original Release Date: June 24, 1975
Download or Play a Sample of People’s Parties (LP Version)
This is a beautiful song that describes what Joni feels in a social situation. She’s at all times perfectly aware of the people around her, their materialism, and even her own insecurities despite her fame. It talks about feelings I think at one point or another, we have all felt.
9. Conversation
From the Album Ladies Of The Canyon
Original Release Date: July 1, 1973
Download or Play a Sample of Conversation (LP Version)
Like Taylor Swift’s “You Belong to Me” but much more subtlety and eloquence.
10. You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio
From the Album For The Roses
Original Release Date: March 5, 1976
Download or listen to You Turn Me On I’m A Radio (LP Version)
I don’t know what it is about this song but I’ve been known to cry when I hear it. I think it’s the way Joni sings like a bird fluctuating between notes and saying out loud all the things we ought to keep to ourselves. It’s just perfect.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this Top Ten Joni Mitchell Songs list. Are there any Joni songs you’d love to add? Please do so in the comments below. We want our PizzaSpotz readers like you to make this list an exhaustive Joni songlist. Thanks!
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