The 1977 masterpiece Joni Mitchell called overrated: “I fail to see it”
Joni Mitchell questioned the acclaim for Steely Dan’s 1977 album *Aja*, saying she failed to see its eccentricity. The article presents her view as part of a wider contrast: Mitchell’s own jazz-influenced work was initially less readily accepted, while *Aja* was celebrated as a landmark.
Mitchell said she had begun adding jazz overtones to her music before that sound became more acceptable. The article links this shift to her work with jazz musicians such as the LA Express and guitarist Larry Carlton, and notes that she later had positive things to say about Steely Dan’s *Gaucho*, released after *Aja*.
- Joni Mitchell questioned the acclaim for Steely Dan’s *Aja*.
- She said jazz influences in her own music had initially been less accepted.
- Mitchell praised Steely Dan’s later album *Gaucho*.