SONGWRITERS SERIES

From the honesty of "Blue" to the warmth of "Night Ride Home," these albums, listed chronologically, best capture the arc of Mitchell's craft.

1."Blue" 1971. Stunning in its time for its simple yet thoughtful reflections on the various sides of the romance game, the album is still a study guide for songwriters in just how to look deep inside for your inspiration and ideas.

2."For the Roses" 1972. Mitchell had fun with the music ("You Turn Me On I'm a Radio") and reflected, in the title track, on the struggle to maintain your innocence and vision in the record industry.

3."Court and Spark" 1974. This album exuded the confidence of someone who was blossoming as a musician and a person. There was rock 'n' roll ("Raised on Robbery"), more thoughts about the record business ("Free Man in Paris") and a biting look at Hollywood vanity ("The Same Situation").

4."Hejira" 1976. The album feels as deep and true as "Blue," yet the themes and the sounds seem at times more eloquent and, occasionally, profound. The music is gently symphonic, jazzy and free.

5."Night Ride Home" 1991. This CD combines the accessibility of the early Mitchell with the artistic maturity of her later years. Longtime fans hailed it as a return to form, but, more accurately, it was simply another step forward. Comforting and refined.