Description: The book weaves together a range of reactions to Joni Mitchell's most beloved album, Blue. Critics have ranked it among the greatest; fans become devoted to the songwriter for her ability to speak to their own troubles; listeners are awed by the music's visceral impact and extraordinary beauty. Whitesell situates Mitchell as a key figure in the singer-songwriter movement and shows how Blue represents a turning point in the confessional approach. He illustrates how Mitchell captures snapshots of the counterculture and explores new choices available to women. In detailed analyses of lyrics, melody, harmony, and vocal performance, he identifies the qualities that set Mitchell's music apart for its ingenuity and sophistication.
