Released in 1976, Hejira was Joni Mitchell’s eighth studio album, and although many would disagree, I think it’s her best. I wavered for years between Blue and Court and Spark and, while I take nothing away from those great records, Hejira is just on another plain for me. I love just about everything about this album – it’s one of my all-time favorites by any artist. Mitchell wrote most of the songs on a cross-country trip and the theme of the journey permeates the record. In her words, "the whole Hejira album was really inspired... I wrote the album while traveling cross-country by myself and there is this restless feeling throughout it... The sweet loneliness of solitary travel."
The journey through the album is populated with vivid characters and themes of love and longing, the internal struggle of the artist between attachment and freedom. Mitchell finds herself searching for meaningful connection, yet aware of her need to be a solitary traveler. It’s a lyrically complex group of songs; a rich mine of great imagery and introspection.
Musically it’s bluesy, folky and rhythmic while maintaining a cool smoky lounge feel throughout. It’s seldom overtly jazzy, the possible exceptions being Coyote and Blue Motel Room. The great bassist Jaco Pastorius shows up on a few tunes, but the playing throughout is fine. It’s an album that flows seamlessly and begs to be taken as a piece, although there are a few undeniable standouts: Coyote, Refuge of the Roads, and the absolutely stunning Amelia:
The journey through the album is populated with vivid characters and themes of love and longing, the internal struggle of the artist between attachment and freedom. Mitchell finds herself searching for meaningful connection, yet aware of her need to be a solitary traveler. It’s a lyrically complex group of songs; a rich mine of great imagery and introspection.
Musically it’s bluesy, folky and rhythmic while maintaining a cool smoky lounge feel throughout. It’s seldom overtly jazzy, the possible exceptions being Coyote and Blue Motel Room. The great bassist Jaco Pastorius shows up on a few tunes, but the playing throughout is fine. It’s an album that flows seamlessly and begs to be taken as a piece, although there are a few undeniable standouts: Coyote, Refuge of the Roads, and the absolutely stunning Amelia:
