Of what lyrics Mitchell does write, much of the tone is political.
On "If I Had A Heart," she writes "Holy War, Genocide, Suicide, Hate and Cruelty, How can this be holy?, If I had a heart, I'd cry." On "Strong And Wrong," she laments "Men love war, Is that what God is for? Just a rabbit's foot, Just a lucky paw, For shock and awe?" On "Bad Dreams" she seems to wander aloud, "Who will come to save the day? Mighty Mouse? Superman?," before concluding that "bad dreams are good in the great plan." And on "Hana," she warns, "Don't get me wrong, this is no simple Sunday song, where God or Jesus comes along and they save ya."
As if to lighten the heavy mood of some of the lyrics though, Mitchell also offers up a newly revamped version of her biggest hit "Big Yellow Taxi." On this version, Mitchell's voice is multi-tracked to create an effect lying somewhere in between doo-wop and the a capella gospel specialized in by groups like the Persuasions (who actually opened up for Joni back on that tour I saw in the seventies).
Throughout all this, it is Joni Mitchell's voice which both lilts and glides in and around the often spare and uncluttered, but ultra clean arrangements of her new songs. Like the album's title, the recording here shines with the sort of sheen worthy of repeated listens on a very high-end system. It's really no wonder why so many Steely Dan fans are also Joni Mitchell fans.
Shine is everything you'd come to expect from a Joni Mitchell album at this late stage of the game. It is poetic lyrically, challenging artistically, and exquisite musically.
Most of all it is a welcome return where one of music's greatest lights indeed shines very bright once again.
Article comments
1 - Pico
Great to see Joni back in the game with a vengeance. You sold me on it.
2 - Glen Boyd
I think I've got a fairly good handle on your tastes Pico, and based on that I know your gonna love this one.
-Glen
3 - Mark Saleski
i don't know why i left this off of my list this week. i think i convinced myself it was music for a play or something.
anyhoo, it's on my personal list now (and, the amazon reviewer hated it, always a plus in my book)
4 - Mike H
Amen! "Shine" is a great, great album.
5 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
6 - julie m
This album make me EUPHORIC. I have been a Joni fan since the late 60s: no one compares with her lyrics, music, depth, sensitivity, beauty. Musicians and fans owe her so much. Play this album on the best sound system you can find and savour the moment!
7 - Joel
Track two, "This Place" is magically delicious, just the sort of thing that makes her legendary.
8 - russell holden
fantastic been waiting for joni the genius to be inspired just recieved my c. d. as a christmas present in the u.k. its like ive recieved the worlds wealth in one present bring it on JONI thiers still you & then the rest & thats what the media hate all true fans know this & we will love you forever