JONI MITCHELL — Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm (review)

JONI MITCHELL — Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm album cover Album · 1988 · Pop/Art Song/Folk Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Matti P
This was the first Joni Mitchell album I ever listened to: I borrowed it from library at the age of 19 maybe. That explains why I have a closer relationship to this one than to her more classic era of the late 60's or the 70's that I eventually got to know years later -- and which took me quite a long time to warm up to properly.

Sonically this album is very much a product of its time, the late 80's, and understandably it's not counted among Joni's finest works. The jazz elements are pretty absent here. Produced by her then-husband Larry Klein, Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm has an adult pop sound of the era, familiar from albums by artists such as Suzanne Vega and Clannad (Sirius, 1987). There are some similarities to the late 80's/early 90's Peter Gabriel as well, due to drummer Manu Katché. But Suzanne Vega's debut (1985) and Solitude Standing (1987) I find more similar sounding, especially for guitars and thin synth backings.

I was already back then a Peter Gabriel fan, so the opening duet 'My Secret Place' easily became my favourite which I still enjoy. The rhythm is interesting, but most of all I like the song's overall spirit and the vocals. Also several other popular names are guesting on vocals. Country legend Willie Nelson on refreshing 'Cool Water', Billy Idol and Tom Petty on the relatively rocking 'Dancin' Clown'. Don Henley of The Eagles guests on 'Lakota' and 'Snakes & Ladders'. Of these I like 'Lakota' the best.

My second fave is the atmospheric, slow-tempo 'The Tea-Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms)'.The female backing vocals make me remember Fleetwood Mac's pleasant 1987 album Tango in the Night. Suzanne Vega-ish 'The Beat of Black Wings' is nice, too. All in all fairly pleasant if a bit uneven and sonically partly outdated pop album. For a Joni Mitchell fan who's grown with her classic albums, Chalk Mark will most likely sound too 80's and poppy.
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