Blowin' Away

Released in 1977, Blowin' Away marks Joan Baez's debut on Portrait Records, a label that attempted to reposition the folk legend as a mainstream pop-rock contender. Produced by David Kershenbaum, the album is a significant sonic departure from her 'purity' era, embracing the high-fidelity, multi-tracked aesthetics of the late 70s. The record is notable for its eclectic mix of material, including a hit-ready cover of Rod Stewart's 'Sailing' and a jazz-standard turn on 'Cry Me a River.' However, the heart of the album lies in Baez's original compositions. 'Time Rag' serves as a biting, rhythmic critique of the music industry's attempt to commodify her image, while 'The Altar Boy and the Thief' stands as a pioneering tribute to her gay fanbase. Despite the artist's own later critiques of the album's cover art, the musical content remains a vital document of her versatility, blending her operatic soprano with soulful arrangements and contemporary social commentary.