For the Roses was Joni Mitchell’s first release after her commercial and critical breakthrough album, Blue. Searching for balance in her life after a tumultuous relationship with James Taylor and trying to escape the craziness of Los Angeles, Joni trekked back up to Canada, bought herself a piece of land and wrote most of these songs while in retreat. The album is a transitional project in Mitchell’s canon, going from her folk roots to some new jazz experimentations. The record revolves around the concepts of fame and glory in the rock'n'roll era, with sharp criticism directed at the music industry.