Ann Wilson Reveals Her Favorite Joni Mitchell Album
via Ann Wilson of Heart / Youtube
Critics often doubted a hard rock band fronted by a female voice would have staying power. Heart, however, proved that notion wrong, showcasing not just their rock prowess but also a depth of sensitivity, especially when it comes to Ann Wilson’s appreciation for Joni Mitchell’s artistry.
Joni Mitchell’s Transformative “Hejira”
Joni Mitchell emerged in an era revered for singer-songwriters and stood a cut above the rest with her intricate composition and lyrical depth. While rock and roll conformed to a certain blueprint, Mitchell transcended those boundaries, crafting what came naturally to her into resonant music that delved into uncharted territories. Her experimentation is evident in tracks like ‘California’ and ‘Big Yellow Taxi’. In the eyes of Wilson, Mitchell’s ‘Hejira’ is where her soul truly comes to the forefront.
‘Hejira’ stands as a musical departure from the more familiar territory of ‘Blue,’ showcasing a transformative period in Mitchell’s career. During this phase, she was experimenting more overtly with modern harmony and collaborating with jazz legends, creating a fusion that can only be described as celestial. For Ann Wilson, the experience of listening to ‘Hejira’ is particularly moving, as evidenced by her statement to SPIN: “This album does not age. Rather, it unfolds with time… I love this album like I love a lifelong friend. On ‘Hejira’, Joni is a grown woman, a free agent, traveling solo. The songs are full of the rich imagery of the things and people she encounters and interlaced with her poetic, unforgiving introspections”.
View this post on Instagram
Weaving Joni Mitchell’s Influence into Rock
Heart’s sound, heavily influenced by bands like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, nonetheless echoes the lessons learned from Mitchell’s exceptional songcraft. Wilson describes ‘Hejira’ as a work that reveals itself over time. As Heart ventured into their later works, it seems they subtly wove elements of Mitchell’s sound and vision into their music.
The Wilson sisters have openly explored many spiritual and existential themes in their work, meshing well with their more sensitive side. This has often resulted in musical diversions reminiscent of the unexpected twists found in Mitchell’s ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’. While Heart doesn’t replicate Mitchell’s music, they resonate with listeners familiar with her work, weaving in homage rather than imitation.
Heart embraces the ethos of the wandering female spirit that Mitchell personified, embracing a kind of perennial movement laced with self-discovery and connection. Ann Wilson pays tribute to this tradition through her reverence for ‘Hejira’, recognizing it as an album that continues to resonate and unfold over time. It is clear that for Wilson, ‘Hejira’ is more than an album; it is a timeless companion and a touchstone for her own musical journey.
