The List of Joni Mitchell Albums in Order of Release

Joni Mitchell Albums Images

Joni Mitchell Albums in Order: Embarking on an extraordinary musical journey, Roberta Joan “Joni” Mitchell, born on November 7, 1943, has left an indelible mark as a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter.

Roberta Joan “Joni” Mitchell, born on November 7, 1943, is a Canadian-American icon renowned for her indelible mark on the folk music scene of the 1960s. A singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter, Mitchell’s artistic prowess spans across genres, seamlessly incorporating elements of pop and jazz into her unconventional compositions. With ten Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, Mitchell’s influence on the music landscape is immeasurable.

Recognized by Rolling Stone as “one of the greatest songwriters ever” and hailed by AllMusic as “the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century,” Mitchell’s journey began in small nightclubs in Saskatoon, eventually leading her to the vibrant music scene of Toronto. She made her mark in the United States from 1965 onwards, leaving an indelible impact with classics like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Woodstock.” Mitchell’s 1971 album “Blue” stands as a pinnacle in musical history, often cited among the greatest albums ever made. As her career evolved, Mitchell delved into jazz, collaborating with notable musicians and expanding her vocal and instrumental repertoire.

Her contributions to the industry were acknowledged with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002. Despite a hiatus from touring and the release of her last original album in 2007, Mitchell’s legacy continued to grow. A health setback in 2015 prompted a period of recovery, during which retrospectives and compilations celebrated her extensive career. Joni Mitchell’s return to public life in 2021, marked by in-person awards and surprise performances, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of her artistry, reaching a crescendo with her live appearance at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival and a headline show in June 2023 at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington State. So, if you are a die heart fan of Joni Mitchell Albums then check out here we have list of Joni Mitchell albums in order of release so far.

 

Joni Mitchell Albums Available on:  Apple Music 

 

How many albums does Joni Mitchell have?

The discography of Canadian musician Joni Mitchell has released 19 studio albums, 15 Compilation albums, 28 Music videos, 6 Live albums, and 33 Singles.

 

All Joni Mitchell Albums in Order: Check Out The List of Joni Mitchell Albums in Order of Release Here!

Here is the list of Joni Mitchell Album in Order of Release Date:

  1. Song to a Seagull — March 1968
  2. Clouds — May 1969
  3. Ladies of the Canyon — April 1970
  4. Blue — June 1971
  5. For the Roses — November 1972
  6. Court and Spark — January 17, 1974
  7. The Hissing of Summer Lawns — November 1975
  8. Hejira — November 1976
  9. Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter — December 1977
  10. Mingus — June 1979
  11. Wild Things Run Fast — October 1982
  12. Dog Eat Dog — October 1985
  13. Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm — March 23, 1988
  14. Night Ride Home — February 19, 1991
  15. Turbulent Indigo — October 25, 1994
  16. Taming the Tiger — September 29, 1998
  17. Both Sides Now — March 20, 2000
  18. Travelogue — November 19, 2002
  19. Shine — September 25, 2007

 

All Joni Mitchell Albums List in Order


1. Song to a Seagull (1968)

Joni Mitchell Album Song to a Seagull image

Tracks

Side one – I Came to the City

  1. I Had a King
  2. Michael from Mountains
  3. Night in the City
  4. Marcie
  5. Nathan La Franeer

Side two – Out of the City and Down to the Seaside

  1. Sisotowbell Lane
  2. The Dawntreader
  3. The Pirate of Penance
  4. Song to a Seagull
  5. Cactus Tree

Song to a Seagull, Joni Mitchell’s debut studio album, released in March 1968 by Reprise Records, showcases the early brilliance of the Canadian singer-songwriter. Also known simply as “Joni Mitchell,” the album was produced by David Crosby and recorded at Sunset Sound in early 1968. Its ethereal folk compositions and Mitchell’s emotive lyrics foreshadow her groundbreaking career. Released under the title “Song to a Seagull,” this milestone album serves as a poignant introduction to Mitchell’s evocative storytelling and marks the beginning of a musical journey that would define an era.


2. Clouds (1969)

Joni Mitchell Album Clouds image

Tracks

  1. Tin Angel
  2. Chelsea Morning
  3. I Don’t Know Where I Stand
  4. That Song About the Midway
  5. Roses Blue
  6. The Gallery
  7. I Think I Understand
  8. Songs to Aging Children Come
  9. The Fiddle and the Drum
  10. Both Sides, Now

Released on May 1, 1969, “Clouds” is the second album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Following her debut, “Song to a Seagull” (1968), Mitchell recorded this influential work at A&M Studios in Hollywood. Not only did she produce most of the album, but she also contributed a self-portrait as the cover artwork, featuring a prairie lily – the provincial flower of Saskatchewan. With its subtle, unconventional harmonies and diverse themes, including love, “Clouds” charted at number 22 in Canada and number 31 in the United States. Recognized for its artistic merit, the album achieved gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America for 500,000 copies shipped in the US, solidifying its impact in Mitchell’s illustrious career.


3. Ladies of the Canyon (1970)

Joni Mitchell Album Ladies of the Canyon image

Tracks

  1. Morning Morgantown
  2. For Free
  3. Conversation
  4. Ladies of the Canyon
  5. Willy
  6. The Arrangement
  7. Rainy Night House
  8. The Priest
  9. Blue Boy
  10. Big Yellow Taxi
  11. Woodstock
  12. The Circle Game

“Ladies of the Canyon,” Joni Mitchell’s third studio album released in 1970 on Reprise Records, stands as a musical masterpiece. Peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and earning platinum certification from the RIAA, the album captures the essence of Laurel Canyon’s vibrant music culture in 1960s Los Angeles, where Mitchell resided during its creation. Notably, she lived at 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, the inspiration for Graham Nash’s “Our House.” The album features iconic tracks like “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock,” and “The Circle Game,” solidifying Mitchell’s reputation as a brilliant songwriter and a cornerstone of the era’s folk music movement.


4. Blue (1971)

Joni Mitchell Album Blue image

Tracks

  1. All I Want
  2. My Old Man
  3. Little Green
  4. Carey
  5. Blue
  6. California
  7. This Flight Tonight
  8. River
  9. A Case of You
  10. The Last Time I Saw Richard

Released on June 22, 1971, “Blue” stands as Joni Mitchell’s fourth studio album, a masterpiece entirely written and produced by the Canadian singer-songwriter. Born out of the emotional turmoil surrounding her breakup with Graham Nash and a profound connection with James Taylor, the album delves into the complexities of relationships. Recorded at A&M Studios in Hollywood, the songs, featuring Mitchell’s haunting vocals, simple accompaniments on piano, guitar, and Appalachian dulcimer, resonate with themes of love and insecurity. Widely acclaimed, “Blue” peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 15 on the Billboard 200, earning its place among the greatest albums of all time.


5. For the Roses (1972)

Joni Mitchell Album For the Roses image

Tracks

  1. Banquet
  2. Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire
  3. Barangrill
  4. Lesson in Survival
  5. Let the Wind Carry Me
  6. For the Roses
  7. See You Sometime
  8. Electricity
  9. You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio
  10. Blonde in the Bleachers
  11. Woman of Heart and Mind
  12. Judgement of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig’s Tune)

For the Roses, Joni Mitchell’s fifth studio album, released in November 1972, stands as a pivotal work between her acclaimed albums “Blue” and “Court and Spark.” Notably, it earned a place in the National Recording Registry in 2007. The album features the sarcastically penned hit “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio,” a response to record company demands for radio-friendly tunes. This single marked Mitchell’s first solo top 40 hit. The album also showcases the haunting “Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire,” delving into James Taylor’s struggles with heroin, and the Beethoven-inspired “Judgment of the Moon and Stars,” offering a diverse and compelling musical landscape.


6. Court and Spark (1974)

Joni Mitchell Album Court and Spark image

Tracks

  1. Court and Spark
  2. Help Me
  3. Free Man in Paris
  4. People’s Parties
  5. Same Situation
  6. Car on a Hill
  7. Down to You
  8. Just Like This Train
  9. Raised on Robbery
  10. Trouble Child
  11. Twisted

Court and Spark, the sixth studio album by Joni Mitchell, released in January 1974, marked a stylistic evolution, blending her folk-rock roots with captivating jazz influences. The album achieved immediate acclaim, becoming Mitchell’s most successful release, reaching No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Canada. Not only did it earn double platinum certification from the RIAA, but it also garnered critical praise, voted the best album of 1974 in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop Critics Poll. In 2020, Rolling Stone recognized its enduring impact, ranking it at 110 in the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album’s enduring legacy led to its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.


7. The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975)

Joni Mitchell Album The Hissing of Summer Lawns image

Tracks

  1. In France They Kiss on Main Street
  2. he Jungle Line
  3. Edith and the Kingpin
  4. Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow
  5. Shades of Scarlett Conquering
  6. The Hissing of Summer Lawns
  7. The Boho Dance
  8. Harry’s House / Centerpiece
  9. Sweet Bird
  10. Shadows and Light

The Hissing of Summer Lawns, Joni Mitchell’s seventh studio album released in November 1975 on Asylum Records, marks a departure into unconventional and experimental terrain while maintaining the jazz-influenced essence of its predecessor, Court and Spark. Incorporating Moog and ARP synthesizers, Mitchell collaborated with jazz-rock groups like the L.A. Express and the Jazz Crusaders, with appearances by James Taylor, David Crosby, and Graham Nash. Lyrically, it delves into narratives of women’s experiences, challenging societal norms and addressing suburban frustrations. Despite initial criticism, the album achieved commercial success, reaching number 4 in the US. Its retrospective acclaim solidified its position among Mitchell’s most celebrated works.


8. Hejira (1976)

Joni Mitchell Album Hejira image

Tracks

  1. Coyote
  2. Amelia
  3. Furry Sings the Blues
  4. A Strange Boy
  5. Hejira
  6. Song for Sharon
  7. Black Crow
  8. Blue Motel Room
  9. Refuge of the Roads

Hejira, Joni Mitchell’s eighth studio album released in 1976 on Asylum Records, captures the essence of her nomadic experiences during extensive travels in late 1975 and early 1976. The album marks a shift toward a freer, jazz-inspired sound, featuring sprawling, lyrically dense compositions enriched by Jaco Pastorius’s distinctive fretless bass. Lead track “Coyote” stands out as a single, while Hejira achieved critical acclaim, despite not matching the commercial success of Mitchell’s previous works. Peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and earning gold certification, Hejira remains a celebrated milestone in Mitchell’s illustrious career.


9. Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter (December 1977)

Joni Mitchell Album Don Juan's Reckless Daughter image

Tracks

  1. Overture – Cotton Avenue
  2. Talk to Me
  3. Jericho
  4. Paprika Plains
  5. Otis and Marlena
  6. The Tenth World
  7. Dreamland
  8. Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter
  9. Off Night Backstreet
  10. The Silky Veils of Ardor

Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter, a groundbreaking 1977 double album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, stands as her ninth studio release. Renowned for its experimental flair, the album boldly extends the jazz-influenced sounds of Mitchell’s earlier works. Notably, Mitchell, on the brink of concluding her contract with Asylum Records, embraced a more liberated approach in the album’s production. Released in December 1977, the album received mixed reviews but achieved commercial success, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard charts and securing gold record status within a mere three months, adding another dynamic chapter to Mitchell’s diverse and influential discography.


10. Mingus (1979)

Joni Mitchell Album Mingus image

Tracks

  1. Happy Birthday 1975
  2. God Must Be a Boogie Man
  3. Funeral
  4. A Chair in the Sky
  5. The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey
  6. I’s a Muggin’
  7. Sweet Sucker Dance
  8. Coin in the Pocket
  9. The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines
  10. Lucky
  11. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Mingus, Joni Mitchell’s tenth studio album, released on June 13, 1979, marks a unique chapter in her prolific career. This collaboration with jazz legend Charles Mingus, recorded around his death in January 1979, is a tribute to the bassist and showcases Mitchell’s experimental and jazz-infused artistry. The album features Mingus’ compositions (“Joni I-VI”), with Mitchell providing lyrics, along with tracks penned solely by her, including a revamped version of Mingus’ “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat.” Backed by jazz luminaries like Jaco Pastorius and Wayne Shorter, Mingus received mixed reviews but peaked at number 17 in the US. Mitchell toured extensively to support the album, later captured in the live release Shadows and Light (1980).


11. Wild Things Run Fast (1982)

Joni Mitchell Album Wild Things Run Fast image

Tracks

  1. Chinese Café / Unchained Melody
  2. Wild Things Run Fast
  3. Ladies’ Man
  4. Moon at the Window
  5. Solid Love
  6. Be Cool
  7. (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care
  8. You Dream Flat Tires
  9. Man to Man
  10. Underneath the Streetlight
  11. Love

Wild Things Run Fast, Joni Mitchell’s 11th studio album, marked a pivotal shift in her musical trajectory. Released in 1982 under Geffen Records, it marked her transition from jazz to an 1980s pop-infused sound. Collaborating for the first time with bassist Larry Klein, whom she later married, the album set the stage for their collaboration on her next four releases. The subsequent global tour spanned the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, documented in the 1983 video “Refuge of the Roads.” Inspired by Steely Dan, Talking Heads, and The Police, Mitchell’s rhythmic evolution resonates through this innovative musical venture.


12. Dog Eat Dog (1985)

Joni Mitchell Album Dog Eat Dog image

Tracks

  1. Good Friends
  2. Fiction
  3. The Three Great Stimulants
  4. Tax Free
  5. Smokin’ (Empty, Try Another)
  6. Dog Eat Dog
  7. Shiny Toys
  8. Ethiopia
  9. The Impossible Dreamer
  10. Lucky Girl

Dog Eat Dog, Joni Mitchell’s 12th studio album, emerged in 1985 as a significant departure from her folk and jazz roots. Released under Geffen Records, it followed the stylistic shift initiated by its predecessor, Wild Things Run Fast. Marking a notable departure, Mitchell immersed herself in the 1980s studio pop scene, showcasing a highly synthetic sound. Uncharacteristically, the album witnessed Mitchell forsaking her guitar, focusing solely on keyboards, including synthesizers and the Fairlight CMI sampler. Dog Eat Dog also showcased Mitchell’s bass-playing husband Larry Klein, a co-producer and contributor to the album’s technological pop sound. Session musician Michael Landau handled all guitars, employing an electric approach distinct from Mitchell’s earlier work.


13. Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm (1988)

Joni Mitchell Album Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm image

Tracks

  1. My Secret Place
  2. Number One
  3. Lakota
  4. The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms)
  5. Dancin’ Clown
  6. Cool Water
  7. The Beat of Black Wings
  8. Snakes and Ladders
  9. The Reoccurring Dream
  10. A Bird That Whistles (Corrina, Corrina)

Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm, Joni Mitchell’s 13th studio album, emerged on March 23, 1988, under Geffen Records. The Canadian singer-songwriter’s third release with the label, the album is a collaborative masterpiece, featuring notable duets with artists like Peter Gabriel (“My Secret Place”), Willie Nelson (“Cool Water”), Don Henley (“Snakes and Ladders”), and a unique collaboration with Billy Idol and Tom Petty on “Dancin’ Clown.” Henley also contributes backing vocals to “Lakota,” while Wendy and Lisa enhance the ethereal “The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms).” This eclectic album showcases Mitchell’s ability to seamlessly blend her distinctive style with diverse musical influences.


14. Night Ride Home (1991)

Joni Mitchell Album Night Ride Home image

Tracks

  1. Night Ride Home
  2. Passion Play (When All the Slaves Are Free)
  3. Cherokee Louise
  4. The Windfall (Everything for Nothing)
  5. Slouching Towards Bethlehem
  6. Come in from the Cold
  7. Nothing Can Be Done
  8. The Only Joy in Town
  9. Ray’s Dad’s Cadillac
  10. Two Grey Rooms

Released in 1991, “Night Ride Home” marks the 14th studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, concluding her four-album tenure with Geffen Records. The album explores profound themes, including “Cherokee Louise,” addressing sexual abuse, and “The Windfall (Everything for Nothing),” inspired by a maid’s lawsuit against Mitchell. The retrospective single “Come in from the Cold” delves into childhood and middle age. Despite lacking charting singles, the album garnered critical acclaim. Notably, “Night Ride Home,” originally titled “Fourth of July,” draws inspiration from a moonlit night in Hawaii. The album, distributed by Uni Distribution Corp. due to Geffen’s sale to MCA Music, sold 238,000 copies in the US by December 2007.


15. Turbulent Indigo (1994)

Joni Mitchell Album Turbulent Indigo image

Tracks

  1. Sunny Sunday
  2. Sex Kills
  3. How Do You Stop
  4. Turbulent Indigo
  5. Last Chance Lost
  6. The Magdalene Laundries
  7. Not to Blame
  8. Borderline
  9. Yvette in English
  10. The Sire of Sorrow (Job’s Sad Song)

Turbulent Indigo, Joni Mitchell’s 15th album, released in 1994, stands as a Grammy-winning masterpiece, earning the Best Pop Album accolade. Regarded by Rolling Stone as her “best album since the mid-’70s,” it marked Mitchell’s return to Warner Music distribution. The cover, a self-portrait inspired by Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, sets the tone for the album’s exploration of creative turmoil. From introspective tracks like “Turbulent Indigo” and “Borderline,” delving into personal struggles, to socially conscious pieces like “Magdalene Laundries” and “Sex Kills,” addressing societal issues, Mitchell showcases her lyrical prowess. With 311,000 copies sold in the US by December 2007, the album remains a testament to Mitchell’s enduring impact.


16. Taming the Tiger (1998)

Joni Mitchell Album Taming the Tiger image

Tracks

  1. Harlem in Havana
  2. Man from Mars
  3. Love Puts on a New Face
  4. Lead Balloon
  5. No Apologies
  6. Taming the Tiger
  7. The Crazy Cries of Love
  8. Stay in Touch
  9. Face Lift
  10. My Best to You
  11. Tiger Bones

“Taming the Tiger,” Joni Mitchell’s sixteenth studio album, released on September 29, 1998, marks a unique fusion of jazz stylings and ambient textures. Following the success of “Turbulent Indigo” in 1994, Mitchell collaborated with contributors like Larry Klein and Wayne Shorter. Widely thought to be her last original material, it later proved otherwise with the release of “Shine” in 2007. Despite peaking at number 86 in Canada and 75 in the US, the album received acclaim for its innovative sound, combining Mitchell’s signature jazz influence with ambient tones from her use of the Roland VG-8 virtual guitar system—a testament to her evolving musical explorations.


17. Both Sides Now (2000)

Joni Mitchell Album Both Sides Now image

Tracks

  1. You’re My Thrill
  2. At Last
  3. Comes Love
  4. You’ve Changed
  5. Answer Me, My Love
  6. A Case of You
  7. Don’t Go to Strangers
  8. Sometimes I’m Happy
  9. Don’t Worry ’bout Me
  10. Stormy Weather
  11. I Wish I Were in Love Again
  12. Both Sides Now

Released in 2000, “Both Sides Now” stands as Joni Mitchell’s 17th studio album, showcasing her artistic versatility. The concept album earned critical acclaim, securing two Grammy Awards in 2001 for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for the titular track. The album’s brilliance also garnered a Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, underlining Mitchell’s seamless fusion of genres. “Both Sides Now” not only adds to Mitchell’s extensive accolades but exemplifies her enduring impact, cementing her status as a pioneering force in the realm of singer-songwriters.


18. Travelogue (2002)

Joni Mitchell Album Travelogue image

Tracks

  1. Otis and Marlena
  2. Amelia
  3. You Dream Flat Tires
  4. Love
  5. Woodstock
  6. Slouching Toward Bethlehem
  7. Judgement of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig’s Tune)
  8. The Sire of Sorrow (Job’s Sad Song)
  9. For the Roses
  10. Trouble Child
  11. God Must Be a Boogie Man
  12. Be Cool
  13. Just Like This Train
  14. Sex Kills
  15. Refuge of the Roads
  16. Hejira
  17. Chinese Café / Unchained Melody
  18. Cherokee Louise
  19. The Dawntreader
  20. The Last Time I Saw Richard
  21. Borderline
  22. The Circle Game

Travelogue, a 2002 double album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, showcases orchestral re-recordings of her timeless songs from across her illustrious career. Serving as her 18th studio album, it followed the similar format of 2000’s “Both Sides Now.” Despite Mitchell initially declaring it her final album upon release, she later recorded one more studio album, “Shine.” Renowned composer Vince Mendoza crafted the orchestral arrangements, earning a Grammy for his work on “Woodstock.” While commercially less successful and uncharted, the album remains a unique testament to Mitchell’s artistic evolution, with 72,000 copies sold in the US by 2007.


19. Shine (2007)

Joni Mitchell Album Shine image

Tracks

  1. One Week Last Summer
  2. This Place
  3. If I Had a Heart
  4. Hana
  5. Bad Dreams
  6. Big Yellow Taxi (2007)
  7. Night of the Iguana
  8. Strong and Wrong
  9. Shine
  10. “If”

Released on September 25, 2007, “Shine” stands as the 19th and final studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Published under Hear Music, it marked Mitchell’s return to the music scene after a nearly decade-long hiatus since “Taming the Tiger” (1998). The album achieved notable success, debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US, marking her highest peak since “Hejira” (1976). In the UK, “Shine” reached No. 36, securing Mitchell’s first Top 40 album since “Night Ride Home” (1991). Within its initial week, global sales amounted to around 60,000 copies, with 40,000 sold in the US alone, accumulating a total of 372,000 copies sold in the United States by February 2008.


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