"Clouds" is the second studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on May 1, 1969, by Reprise Records. As part of the folk-pop movement of the late 1960's, this album would showcase Mitchell's evolving maturity as a songwriter and musician with much of the album composed and arranged solely by her.
Artistically, the album's cover was adorned with a self-portrait of Mitchell, which earned her the Grammy Award for Best Album Cover in 1970.
The album comprises of 10 gripping songs, each narrating stories of emotional depth and complex relationships. The record includes now-famous tracks like "Both Sides, Now", "Chelsea Morning", and "Tin Angel." "Both Sides, Now," although one of her best-known songs today, didn't gain widespread recognition before it was covered by other artists.
These songs help illustrate Mitchell's songwriting abilities, distinctive guitar style, and unique tunings that would become her signature sound. A critical success, "Clouds" marks Mitchell's journey from folk singer to one of the most influential figures in the singer-songwriter tradition.
The album received favorable reviews from music critics and was also a commercial success. It climbed to number 31 on the Billboard 200 album chart- a significant jump from her debut album. It also won Mitchell the Grammy for Best Folk Performance in 1969. Today, the album carries timeless appeal and remains an essential listen in Mitchell's discography.
