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Customer Reviews of Judith

The song selection covers a range that few popular artists would put on a single album -- from Great Depression era blues ("Buddy Can You Spare a Dime") to Broadway ("Send in the Clowns"), from biographical story-telling ("Born to the Breed") and country-folk ("The City of New Orleans") to rock and roll ("Salt of the Earth"). Whether written by Judy herself or others (most tunes are written by others), each song is excellent both in itself and as part of a collective whole.

The clear, pure, melodic qualities of Judy's voice are in fine form on this CD; this represents probably the single best effort in her career (that naturally says quite a bit). "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" opens the CD and quickly and firmly establishes that this is a talented singer at the top of her game. The musicianship is solid throughout (check out the opening guitar work on "City of New Orleans"), and the arrangements work perfectly for every song.

I suppose there is one criticism I could level at the album -- it is only one CD. I'd have loved it if Judy had put out a double-CD or follow-up CD to this one, given the quality of this one and the years of musical listening enjoyment it has given me.

Her most representative LP and finest moment
"The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" by Jimmy Webb (Jimmy Webb remains one of the quiet giants of music behind the glitz and glory of others, listen to his contribution to Carly Simon's "Film Noir" for one of Carly's and Jimmy's and popular music's finest moments) begins this journey beneath the gentle mist of a midnight moon with this first and lasting impression. The title alone is brimming with poetry and anticipation. The lyrics mingle with Judy's voice and the orchestral arrangements in the most natural way, giving this song a richness that will linger long after the song concludes. "Angel, Spread Your Wings" has a lighter tempo, a bit ethereal. One is lulled a little further on the journey. "Houses" a song written by Judy, and perhaps one of her best authored pieces (I would compare this song to anyone of John Denver's best songs). "The Lovin' Of The Game" a nice folksy song to sing around the campfire. A slight similarity to "City Of New Orleans" in tempo. "Song For Duke" another song authored by Judy. Touching tribute. "Send In The Clowns" one of the greatest songs written and performed. I remember every Sunday going into Chicago for some entertainment and friendship, and on the way home it was almost invevitable that Judy's "Send In The Clowns" was played on this classical station that highlighted popular music to enriched the soul. It was usually the perfect song for the conclusion of a perfect Sunday in Chicago. "Salt Of The Earth" a Jagger/Richards song that showed their writing skills. This is one of my least favorite songs on the LP/Cd, though I recognize it as a well written song. "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" is a song one can only understand years down the road of life. "City Of New Orleans" Enjoy! "I'll Be Seeing You" is one of this LP/Cd's very best moments. This is one of those songs that bridges generations, speaks past the time and fashions of the moment. I love everything about this song. The lyrics enrapture you, the arrangements entangle you, and the voice envelops you. Everything a song is suppose to be. "Pirate Ships" this is another folksy campfire song, but this one has a poignance that cannot be mistaken for being lighthearted. One not only sings along with this one but also experiences it at many other levels. "Born To The Breed" is another song authored by Judy. One of those reflective parent to child songs that works.......I usually don't write a song by song review but this collection begs for this kind of attention and respect. There are some collections (LP's) that define a particular period, and this is one such collection that not only defined a particular period, but trascends it.

One Album You Will Keep and Enjoy Forever
I've had a slightly scratchy version of this album for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoy it,especially when I am in a pensive mood, or just want to hear some inspirational music, often with a social message that transcends the decades ---including "Salt of the Earth." Now I'm finally upgrading to a CD.
The tribute to Duke Ellington brings me close to tears each time I hear it. And now that baseball season is upon us, the late, great Steve Goodman(a devout Chicago Cub fan) is remembered with a solid version of his "City of New Orleans." The listener can feel part of that venerable train as it heads downstate in Illinois.
Judy Collins has done so much for the world, and the world of music, so it is impossible to single out just one album ---but make sure you have this one (in a new CD if possible) in your collection. And take a ride with her on the City of New Orleans as it rolls down the track with "the disappearing railroad blues."