BellaOnline's Teen Editor

Joni Mitchell is a singer/songwriter who has had an impact on teen listeners for generations. Joni is retired as a singer for the most part, but when she was called upon by her childhood home of Saskatchewan to take part in a centennial celebration instead of just performing Joni helped to get a compilation of songs put together. The songs on her latest release, Songs of a Prairie Girl. Joni took an active role in selecting the songs that were inspired by her time growing up on the prairie or her childhood. So this is not just a collection put out by a record company, Joni handpicked each song. The thirteen track collection includes song that span from 1967-2004.

The CD comes in a white case with a picture of Joni ice skating on the cover. This CD will be great for teens (and maybe their parents). The subject matter of the songs will strike a chord with teens. Teens are sure to relate to songs such as "Ray's Dad's Cadillac" and "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter." The song "The Tea Leaf Prophecy," was originally recorded in the 1980's, but it has a very modern sound to it. A cool extra, the lyrics to all of the songs are included in the booklet. The booklet also includes a brief 2005 forward from Joni herself. Many of the songs reflect on prairie life and seem quite appropriate in a collection of tunes Joni assembled about her Cherokee/Saskatchewan background.

If you are a teen today and you like artists such as Jewell, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant and Alanis Morisette, it is clear that these singer/songwriters were influenced by Joni Mitchell and you will probably enjoy this collection of songs from Joni.