John Lennon’s blunt honesty was legendary, sometimes charming, sometimes hurtful. But when he supposedly told Joni Mitchell her then-upcoming album, “Blue,” would flop, it wasn’t just bluntness – it was a prophecy many thought would come true.
Released in 1971, Blue was an intensely personal and raw collection of songs that explored themes of love, loss, and loneliness. While Mitchell had already achieved critical acclaim with albums like “Clouds” and “Ladies of the Canyon,” “Blue” was a departure, baring her soul in ways few artists dared to then.
Critics were divided. Some hailed it as a masterpiece, praising its vulnerability and lyrical brilliance. Others found it too emotionally heavy, predicting it wouldn’t resonate with a wider audience. And then there was John Lennon.
Lennon and Mitchell had crossed paths earlier, sharing circles of friends in the Laurel Canyon folk scene of the late ’60s. Known for his directness, Lennon reportedly dismissed Blue as “too personal” and predicted it wouldn’t sell. This story circulated in music circles and added fuel to the debate surrounding the album’s commercial prospects.
Was Lennon right? Initially, sales were modest, taking time to gain traction. But something about Blue resonated with listeners over time. It’s a testament to its power that not only did it eventually achieve platinum status, but it stands as one of Mitchell’s most enduring and influential works. Rolling Stone Magazine even ranked it the 29th greatest album of all time.
This raises interesting questions: Did Lennon truly believe Blue would fail? Or was his criticism simply an eccentric opinion from a fellow artist with a very different style? More importantly, what does it say about the unpredictable nature of musical success? And how much do critical opinions, even those coming from iconic figures, ultimately matter in the long run? Perhaps the story of “Blue” and John Lennon’s initial skepticism serves as a reminder that artistic impact is often measured not by immediate commercial reception, but by its lasting influence on culture and generations of listeners.
What are your thoughts on Lennon’s critique? Was “Blue” too personal for mainstream success at the time? Does this story change how you view either artist?
