What is the best Judy Collins album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" (1968). It's the most representative of what makes Judy Collins worth hearing.

What are the best Judy Collins albums?

The essential Judy Collins albums include "The Judy Collins Concert", "A Maid of Constant Sorrow" (1961), "Golden Apples of the Sun" (1962), "Fifth Album" (1965) and "In My Life" (1966).

How many albums does Judy Collins have?

Judy Collins has 62 releases in their discography, including 46 albums.

Photo: Bryan Ledgard from Yorkshire, UK · CC BY 2.0

Judy Collins

Q: Who is Judy Collins for?

If you're into folk, Judy Collins is worth your time. Her music embodies a reflective clarity, characterized by an airy texture that emphasizes lyrical depth through gentle phrasing and understated melody.

Her music embodies a reflective clarity, characterized by an airy texture that emphasizes lyrical depth through gentle phrasing and understated melody.

United States

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Start here

The album

Who Knows Where the Time Goes album by Judy Collins

Who Knows Where the Time Goes (1968)

Represents her signature folk sound with reflective lyrics and airy melodies, providing a cohesive listening experience.

The song

“Both Sides Now”

An engaging track that captures her style and lyrical depth, serving as an excellent introduction to her music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Hello, Hooray" — from Who Knows Where the Time Goes (1968)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Trust Your Heart" — from Trust Your Heart (1987)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)" — from The Very Best of Judy Collins (2001)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"And I Love Her" — from Judy Collins Sings Lennon and McCartney (2007)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"History" — from Sanity and Grace (1989)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Away in a Manger" — from Come Rejoice! – A Judy Collins Christmas (1994)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Judy Collins

Judy Collins stands as a pivotal figure in folk music, her influence extending beyond mere performance to shape the genre's narrative landscape.

By marrying traditional storytelling with contemporary themes, Collins has not only preserved the folk tradition but also redefined it, opening pathways for future artists to explore personal and political realms with a fresh voice. Her emotionally charged interpretations have become touchstones in the broader cultural conversation around love, loss, and social justice. Collins’ approach is marked by her delicate yet powerful vocal delivery, often accompanied by sparse instrumentation that allows the lyrics to take center stage. She has an innate ability to present complex emotional landscapes through simplicity, creating spaces for introspection and connection. This stripped-back style facilitates an intimate atmosphere during live performances, where audience engagement feels like an organic extension of the songs themselves. Lyrically, Collins frequently navigates themes of yearning and resilience, intertwining personal experiences with universal truths. Her writing balances earnestness and introspection, often employing a storytelling technique that imbues her songs with a sense of authenticity while occasionally leaning into impressionistic imagery. This combination invites listeners to find their own narratives within her music, fostering a deep emotional resonance.

46 studio albums· 62 total releases· 6 decades· United States