Living cover

Living

Judy Collins · 1971

42 min · 10 tracks · folk music

Folk melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, capturing the emotional landscape of early '70s America.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Joan of Arc Start here — This track stands out for its haunting narrative and Collins' ethereal voice, reflecting on themes of sacrifice and martyrdom that resonate deeply within the folk genre.
  • →
    Four Strong Winds — A cover that highlights Collins' ability to transform classic songs into poignant reflections on love and loss, showcasing her interpretative skills.
  • →
    Vietnam Love Song — This song captures the turbulence of the Vietnam War era through its evocative lyrics and melodies, making it a powerful statement of the time.
  • →
    Chelsea Morning — Collins’ version of this Joni Mitchell song brings a fresh perspective with her lush vocal style, emphasizing themes of hope and renewal.

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 emotive performances, reflecting its era while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a dramatic piano introduction on 'Joan of Arc', setting a reflective tone that persists throughout.
  • The instrumentation varies from solo acoustic guitar to full orchestral arrangements, creating dynamic shifts in mood across the record.
  • Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of love and loss, with a storytelling approach that invites listener engagement.
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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 progression with emotional depth
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • soaring vocals that uplift spirit
  • tapestry of emotive storytelling

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Judy Collins' status in folk music during a politically charged era.
Themes
Joan of Arc's bravery· Vietnam War turmoil· bright Chelsea mornings
Career context
By 1971, Judy Collins was already an established name in folk music, having gained fame with her hit albums and singles throughout the 1960s. 'Living' followed her successful album 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' (1968) and marked a continued exploration of deeply personal themes in her songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Joan Baez· Linda Ronstadt· Carole King
New to Judy Collins? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Vietnam Love Song

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to collective grief as it addresses the impact of war on relationships.

    This transition enhances the emotional weight of the song, moving from individual experience to a broader commentary on societal turmoil.

Tracklist

  • 1 Joan of Arc Start here 5:55
  • 2 Four Strong Winds 3:45
  • 3 Vietnam Love Song 3:56
  • 4 Innisfree 3:16
  • 5 Song for Judith (Open the Door) 4:05
  • 6 All Things Are Quite Silent 2:47
  • 7 Easy Times 3:25
  • 8 Chelsea Morning 3:15
  • 9 Blue Raincoat 5:34
  • 10 Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues 6:45

What to play next

Both Sides Now
Listen next

Both Sides Now

1998

Continues emotional storytelling with rich arrangements, expanding on themes from 'Living'.
Whales & Nightingales
Go back to

Whales & Nightingales

1970

Precedes 'Living' with a similar folk sound and lyrical depth, setting the stage for it.
Full Judy Collins discography Where to start with Judy Collins Artists like Judy Collins

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Songs of Leonard Cohen

Songs of Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen

Shares introspective lyrics and emotive melodies, capturing a similar contemplative folk spirit.

Blue

Blue

Joni Mitchell

Combines personal storytelling with rich melodies, reflecting emotional depth and lyrical intimacy.

Pink Moon

Pink Moon

Nick Drake

Features delicate arrangements and introspective themes, echoing the same atmospheric folk sensibility.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata