Album of the Day

Beauty and growth – both artistic and commercial – mark Judy Collins’ aptly titled WILDFLOWERS. The 1967 Elektra collection furthers her collaboration with arranger Joshua Rifkin on an eclectic mix of material that spotlights Collins’ crystalline voice and instrumental work. The ten tracks include nods to classical music and the theater as well as contributions from then up-and-comers Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell (whose “Both Sides Now” became a Top 10 single for Judy). But the set also marks the performer’s debut as a songwriter with three fine originals: “Since You Asked,” “Sky Fell” and “Albatross.” An ideal showcase of all her strengths, WILDFLOWERS became Judy Collins’ biggest chart hit, and we’ll give the album another spin in honor of her birthday.