Blue (Joni Mitchell album): History and Key Facts

Blue is the fourth studio album by the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released on June 22, 1971, through Reprise Records. The album was entirely written and produced by Mitchell, and was recorded throughout late 1970 and early 1971 at A&M Studios in Hollywood. Created in the aftermath of her breakup with Graham Nash and during an intense relationship with James Taylor, Blue explores the different facets of relationships against sparse musical backings featuring Mitchell's acoustic guitar, piano and Appalachian dulcimer.

Upon release, Blue was a critical and commercial success. It reached the top 10 in the UK and Canada, and the top 15 in the US, while its first single, "Carey" was Mitchell's second to crack the Billboard Hot 100. It received positive reviews, though Mitchell would reject the "confessional" label many critics would impose on her in the wake of the album.

Retrospectively, Blue is regarded as Mitchell's masterpiece. Rolling Stone included the album at number three on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and the album frequently appears on other similar lists. It has been noted for its influence on the singer-songwriter movement and its songs have been covered by a wide range of artists. In 1986, Blue was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for US sales in excess of 1 million copies.

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