Wildflowers – JUDY COLLINS*****

Michael From Mountains/Since You Asked/Sisters Of Mercy/Priests/A Ballata Of Francesco Landini-Lassi Di Donna/Both Sides Now/The Song Of Old Lovers/Sky Fell/Albatross/Hey That’s No Way To Say Goodbye

After several years of critical acclaim, commercial breakthrough came for folk stylist Judy Collins with Wildflowers. Includes her cover of Both Sides Now, written by the then little known Joni Mitchell, which reached No. 8 in the US and No. 14 in the UK. (US:5)

"Probably her best album, Wildflowers has Judy Collins stretching her boundaries, although not terribly far. Most of the songs are slow tempo and lovely, in fact, the inclusion of Both Sides Now, which was a big hit, doesn't seem to fit, and in fact for me, breaks the mood set by the previous tunes. The backing music is sparse and very tasteful, and the production is perfect. Of course, it has to be that way to accommodate the excellent voice of Ms. Collins."

"She might have started as folkie but this is where Judy Collins found herself going a step further, into art-song territory. True, on her previous album she had already broken with pure folk and on this one she honed that approach to perfection - second time around. The songs make more sense as a whole album and the atmosphere is dreamy, soothing and meditative."

"Really beautiful album. I hate to say 'they don't make them like this anymore' but its unique because it deals with ballads and melancholy, which still sounds spiritual and uplifting, unlike many young artists now who just sound morose and depressing."

"She started as a strong-voiced folk performer of a distinctly challenging bent. By Wildflowers her voice had become higher and lighter in timbre, and her repertory had broadened to include songwriters as diverse as Brel, Mitchell, Cohen and herself. In general the songs on this album do not cover as wide an emotional range as on some of her other discs, tending uniformly toward the gentle and contemplative. On the other hand, they play better to her particular vocal and interpretive strengths. For me, this remains my favourite Collins album."

"Someone once likened Judy Collins' voice to an amethyst - with beautiful hues and textures and as clear as crystal. It is always a wonderful experience to hear her sing yet this particular album is unique. Wildflowers transcends time. Judy's voice is beautiful and unique, emotional feminine strength we could use more of these days."