"Shine" is Joni Mitchell's 19th studio album, released on September 25, 2007, by Hear Music. This album marks her first collection of new material since "Taming the Tiger" in 1998.
Upon its release, "Shine" performed well commercially, debuting at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US, making it Mitchell's highest peak since "Hejira" in 1976. The album sold 40,000 copies in its first week in the US and around 60,000 copies worldwide. It also reached No. 36 on the UK chart, marking her first Top 40 album there since "Night Ride Home" in 1991. By February 2008, "Shine" had sold approximately 372,000 copies in the United States, reaffirming Mitchell's enduring appeal and relevance in the music industry. The album features her signature introspective lyrics and a blend of folk and jazz influences, showcasing her continued artistry and creativity.
In 2002, Joni Mitchell announced her departure from the music business, but she made a notable return to songwriting and recording in late 2006. The public learned of her comeback when she shared in an interview with The Ottawa Citizen that she was working on her first new collection of songs in nearly a decade.
By early 2007, Mitchell revealed more about the album in an interview with The New York Times, citing inspirations from the Iraq War and a poignant remark from her grandson: "Bad dreams are good—in the great plan." The Sunday Times described the album as having a minimal, sparse quality reminiscent of her earlier work, noting that her voice had been revitalized through rest and healing.
"Shine" was launched on September 25, 2007, at the Sunshine Theater in New York City, accompanied by a performance of The Fiddle and the Drum, a ballet choreographed by Jean Grand-Maître in collaboration with Mitchell. This ballet incorporated a selection of her songs from Shine and featured visuals from her art installation, Flag Dance. The album cover prominently showcased a scene from the ballet.
Notably, "Shine" is only the second album by Mitchell not distributed by Warner Music Group, following Night Ride Home, which was released by Geffen Records after the company was sold to MCA. The album's distinctive presentation included a blue band obscuring certain images, adding a unique touch to its physical release.
