The 1960s had their share of sad and wistful hits, and Joni Mitchell was behind more than a few. "Both Sides Now" and "The Circle Game" were coffehouse favorites well into the 70s, when folk rock was fading and mindless disco was taking over the AM and FM airwaves. But even in the post-modern world of the early 21st century, Joni's sweet, sad sounds still satisfy. "Hits," a compendium of Joni's most popular music, gives us the exquisitly-produced and syncopated big hits like "Help Me" and "Free Man in Paris" but a few lesser-known work as well. "Hits" covers the peak of Joni's career and stays firmly on the pavement, but even the casual listener will appreciate the strength of her melodies, the complexity of her arrangements and the bittersweet soulfulness of her lyrics.I listen to "Hits" over and over and love it more every time.
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