The “sublime” 1971 album Geddy Lee believes has “never dated”
Geddy Lee has singled out Joni Mitchell’s 1971 album *Blue* as a favourite, praising its songwriting as “sublime” and saying it has “never dated”. His admiration reflects the album’s lasting appeal and Mitchell’s influence on him as a young Canadian musician.
Lee said *Blue* brought together folk with traces of jazz and other styles, making it hard to pigeonhole. Though it did not shape Rush’s formation, he said the record captured its era and could take him straight back to that time; he also called it very beautiful.
- Geddy Lee says Joni Mitchell’s *Blue* has never dated.
- The album’s songwriting and genre-blending stood out to him.
- It evokes the era for Lee but did not shape Rush.
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Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose early work helped shape the folk music scene. Her 1971 album Blue is known for its personal songs and spare arrangements, with influences that reach beyond folk.
Geddy Lee is the singer and bassist of Rush, the Canadian rock band he formed with guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer John Rutsey. Mitchell’s music was part of the wider musical world Lee encountered as a young musician, even though it did not lead to Rush’s formation.
Blue has remained widely admired across generations of listeners and musicians. Its blend of styles and reflections of its time help explain why it continues to be discussed as a landmark album.