Get well soon: Essential songs from Joni Mitchell
JONI MITCHELL is in intensive care after being discovered unconscious at her home in Los Angeles.
The legendary Canadian singer/songwriter is reported to have regained consciousness and is said to be in good spirits, according to the singers official website.
In a career that has spanned over 30 years, she has created some of the most iconic songs in the music industry, so as good wishes pour in for the star, we have compiled a list of her greatest songs.
Joni Mitchell Both sides now on Mama Cass Show 1969
Both Sides Now (1967)
Brought to a whole new generation via Love Actually¹s heart breakingscene where Emma Thompson realises her husband¹s infidelity, this classicwas first released in 1969.
The song was later re-worked by Mitchell in 2000 for her album of the same name.
The two versions are in stark contrast to each other.
The original shows all of the innocence of youth and love, and the latter a journey through hardship and experience.
Joni Mitchell - Chelsea Morning
Chelsea Morning (1969)
From the 1969 album Clouds , this folky classic was first recorded by Judy Collins a year earlier.
The track also has the rather unusual claim to fame of naming a president¹s child, as Bill and Hilary Clinton confessed it was the inspiration for calling their daughter Chelsea.
Woodstock ~ Joni Mitchell
Woodstock (1970)
This song came to embody the idealism of the late-sixties, where hippies reigned supreme and Woodstock was the Mecca of an entire generation.
All despite the fact Mitchell did not actually attend the festival herself.
Joni Mitchell - Circle Game
The Circle Game (1970)
Written in response to Neil Young’s Sugar Mountain, The Circle Game is one of Mitchell’s most recognisable songs. Of the track Mitchell said: “[Young] wrote this song that was called 'Oh to live on sugar mountain' which was a lament for his lost youth. And I thought, God, you know, if we get to 21 and there's nothing after that, that's a pretty bleak future, so I wrote a song for him, and for myself just to give me some hope. It's called The Circle Game."
Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell
Big Yellow Taxi (1970)
This anthem was penned by Mitchell in Hawaii and spoke of gentrification and changing landscapes of our towns and cities.
In 2002 the song was covered by Counting Crows featuring Vanessa Carlton and appeared on the soundtrack for Two Weeks Notice.
Their version was the most successful to date and re-introduced Mitchell to a brand new audience.
The Last Time I Saw Richard - Joni Mitchell
The Last Time I saw Richard (1971)
From the album Blue, this is one of the best-loved songs in Mitchell’s entire collection.
About the disillusioned bliss of ‘pretty lies’ and perceived love, The Last Time I saw Richard is an anthem for the romantically cynical.
River by Joni Mitchell
River (1971)
Perhaps the most heartbreaking Christmas song ever released – well second to Mad World.
The song describes the feeling of trying to escape the inevitable pomp and paraphernalia that accompanies the festive season – made worse by being alone.
With a Jingle Bells motif that runs through the track, it’s definitely worth a listen.
Joni Mitchell-A Case of You
A Case of you (1971)
Accompanied by James Taylor on the guitar, this little number a beautiful showcase of Mitchell’s ability to reach an audience with her delicate and powerful voice.
Creating imagery like no-one else can, the track enlists the help of Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar, “I am as constant as the Northern Star”.
Carey - Joni Mitchell
Carey (1971)
Carey is the anthem for anyone who has ever dreamt of running off to live free in a commune somewhere by the sea.
Born of Mitchell’s own experience in a hippie community in Crete, the whole song oozes freedom, sun, salty air and happiness.
Joni Mitchell - California
California (1971)
Continuing her nomadic theme, California is a love song from a weary traveller to her home city.
Touching on the Vietnam War and the peace demonstrations erupting across North America at the time, it seems that Europe just couldn’t compete with the excitement of home for Mitchell.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?
