Travelogue - Joni Mitchell
Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The miracle is that Vince Mendoza's symphonic arrangements sometimes place Mitchell's alto in even more intimate climes than the scaled-back settings that surrounded her seminal soprano. [22 Nov 2002, p.78]
  2. 80
    The arrangements... are ambitious and richly textured, producing work that rewards repeated listening. [Jan 2003, p.117]
  3. Revitalises originals such as Hejira and For The Roses while staying faithful to them. [Jan 2003, p.120]
  4. 70
    This collection shows Mitchell as the self-conscious and restless innovator, picking her way carefully through the minefields of human relationships, leaving a trail of eloquent breadcrumbs, as she describes the passing scenery with her evocative and off-kilter imagery.
  5. 70
    Joni Mitchell's voice these days is as complex and adult as bourbon whiskey. [Dec 2002, p.116]
  6. If you can forget that Mitchell once used to swing, the settings offer warmth and bring out melodies that weren't apparent her first time around.
  7. At moments lush and beautiful, at others overly busy, but never less than daring.
  8. 40
    Her hits are underrepresented, more recent songs are overrepresented, and [Vince] Mendoza's overly ornate orchestrations are dull, self-absorbed affairs, frequently swamping the great songs and Mitchell's vocals. [#12, p.147]
  9. The arrangements treat Mitchell's tunes as precious artifacts, making little attempt to seduce the listener.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. stephenc
    10
    Masterpiece.
  2. BillieC
    10
    Simply the finest album I have ever listened to. And I have listened to it hundreds of times. I can't believe this masterpiece! It is a thrilling lable of love. Full Review »
  3. RichardS
    10
    This is a glorious record transcendent and towering.