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Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

Four stars

Joni Mitchell's latest release, Both Sides Now, is canonic of classic love songs brought together in most brilliant fashion.

Mitchell has pulled together material from some of the best songwriters, creating a beautiful compilation of love songs spanning generations and genres.

The song sequence of the album traces the arc of a modern love affair. "You're My Thrill" expresses where the love affair starts - being smitten. The Nat King Cole classic, "Answer Me, My Love," asks the simple question, "What do I do now?" and the chords are neither major nor minor.

"Sometimes I'm Happy" touches on the adult point of view of love, the reality of it all, but with the achy feeling still lingering in "Stormy Weather."

The journey ends with Mitchell's own, "Both Sides Now," which brings the album's theme full circle. This is by far Mitchell's finest vocal performance to date.

Produced by Mitchell and long-time collaborator Larry Klein, the album also features Grammy-nominated Vince Mendoza on an orchestral arrangement of the 71-piece London Symphony Orchestra.

Mitchell gained inspiration for her music from the likes of, among others, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and the late romantics of the 1940s. Both Sides Now is a testament to those influences.

Not only has Mitchell created a tribute to these fine songwriters from the past, she has also made every note and word her own. According to Mitchell's press release, she claims this album is "a gift," an outlet for someone to experience music in such a way as to invoke a very personal response.