Judith cover

Judith

Judy Collins · 1975

44 min · 12 tracks · folk music

A captivating blend of folk melodies and introspective lyrics that explore love, loss, and resilience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Send in the Clowns — This track highlights Collins' emotive vocal delivery as she transforms Sondheim's poignant lyrics into a haunting reflection on love lost, solidifying its status as a classic.
  • →
    The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress Start here — Collins’ version of this iconic song showcases her ability to convey deep emotion through nuanced phrasing, making it a standout piece that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    City of New Orleans — This cover emphasizes Collins' storytelling prowess, where her smooth vocals breathe life into Arlo Guthrie's nostalgic narrative about the American landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and orchestration, with a cohesive flow but lacks broader cultural resonance.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature orchestral arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in 'Send in the Clowns.'
  • The final three tracks gradually shift to more introspective themes, creating a sense of closure as the album concludes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • reflective moments for introspection
  • poignant storytelling with depth
  • ideal for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat and fast-paced
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Judy Collins' reputation with notable tracks like 'Send in the Clowns'.
Themes
folk storytelling· introspective liberation
Career context
By the time 'Judith' was released in March 1975, Judy Collins had already established herself as a prominent figure in the folk music scene following her breakout success with 'Both Sides Now' in 1967. This album arrived after her critically acclaimed project 'Living,' showcasing her continued evolution as an artist while exploring new themes and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors
Joan Baez· Linda Ronstadt· Carole King

Tracklist

  • 1 The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress Start here 3:03
  • 2 Angel Spread Your Wings 3:11
  • 3 Houses 4:39
  • 4 The Lovin' of the Game 3:06
  • 5 Song for Duke 3:38
  • 6 Send in the Clowns 4:01
  • 7 Salt of the Earth 4:02
  • 8 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime 3:16
  • 9 City of New Orleans 4:13
  • 10 I'll Be Seeing You 3:47
  • 11 Pirate Ships 2:56
  • 12 Born to the Breed 4:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata