Wild Things Run Fast

Wild Things Run Fast is the eleventh studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released in 1982 by Geffen Records. The album features a more rock music-oriented sound than Mitchell's previous work, with contributions from notable musicians such as Wayne Shorter, Larry Carlton, and John Guerin. Mitchell has cited influences such as Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane on her work during this period, which is reflected in the album's jazz fusion sound. The album has been praised by critics, including Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus, for its innovative production and Mitchell's poetic lyrics.

Background

The album was recorded at A&M Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with production by Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein. Mitchell has stated that she was inspired by the work of The Police, The Clash, and Talking Heads during this period, and sought to create an album that incorporated elements of new wave music and reggae into her sound. The album features a number of notable guest musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, and James Taylor. Mitchell has also cited the influence of William Faulkner and T.S. Eliot on her lyrics during this period, which are characterized by their poetic complexity and literary references to works such as The Waste Land and The Sound and the Fury.

Composition

The album's composition is notable for its use of complex time signatures and jazz harmony, which reflects Mitchell's interest in jazz music and her collaboration with jazz musicians such as Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. The album's lyrics are also characterized by their poetic complexity and literary references, with songs such as "Chinese Cafe" and "Lady Pirate" featuring allusions to works such as The Canterbury Tales and The Odyssey. Mitchell has stated that she was influenced by the work of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen during this period, and sought to create an album that would be both personally expressive and universally relatable. The album has been praised by critics such as Paul Nelson and Dave Marsh for its innovative composition and Mitchell's poetic lyrics.

Release and Reception

The album was released in 1982 to generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Mitchell's innovative production and poetic lyrics. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 25 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The album has since been recognized as a classic of 1980s music, with many critics citing it as one of the best albums of the decade. Mitchell has won numerous awards for her work, including multiple Grammy Awards and Juno Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The album has also been praised by artists such as Prince, Stevie Nicks, and Elton John, who have cited Mitchell as a major influence on their work.

Track Listing

The album features the following tracks: "Chinese Cafe", "Wild Things Run Fast", "Ladies' Man", "Moon at the Window", "Solid Love", "Be Cool", "The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey", "Underneath the Streetlight", and "Love". The album's track listing reflects Mitchell's eclectic influences and innovative production style, with songs that incorporate elements of rock music, jazz music, and reggae. The album has been praised by critics such as Robert Hilburn and John Rockwell for its innovative track listing and Mitchell's poetic lyrics.

Personnel

The album features a number of notable musicians, including Joni Mitchell on vocals and guitar, Larry Klein on bass, John Guerin on drums, and Wayne Shorter on saxophone. The album also features guest appearances by musicians such as Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, and James Taylor. The album's production team included Joni Mitchell and Larry Klein, with engineering by Henry Lewy and Elliot Scheiner. The album has been praised by critics such as Paul Gambaccini and Kurt Loder for its innovative personnel and Mitchell's poetic lyrics. Category:1982 albums