The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (reissue) vinyl

The Hissing of Summer Lawns marked a turning point in Joni Mitchell's career, emerging four decades ago as a radical departure from her earlier work. While albums like Blue and Court and Spark established her as a confessional singer-songwriter, Hissing ventured into new territories, blending jazz and African influences with a more complex pop sound. The album's characters, primarily women, grapple with existential disconnection, often revealing a sense of unworthiness and emotional estrangement. Critics initially found the album jarring, noting the absence of first-person narratives and traditional melodies. Instead, Mitchell crafted a lush soundscape reminiscent of Miles Davis's freeform style, allowing her musicians the freedom to shape the music. While Hissing debuted at #4 on the charts, it quickly fell off, perceived as too esoteric for mainstream audiences. Over time, its innovative spirit has influenced a new generation of artists from Prince to Bjork, who resonate with its harmonically rich and experimental nature.