About the song
Judy Collins’ fifth studio album, *In My Life*, released by Elektra Records in 1966, represents a significant artistic evolution for the celebrated American singer and songwriter. Peaking at No. 46 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1967, this album marked a departure from Collins’ earlier work, which was firmly rooted in traditional folk music.
Collaborating with arranger Joshua Rifkin, Collins embraced a broader musical palette for *In My Life*, incorporating orchestral arrangements that added depth and complexity to her sound. This shift allowed her to explore and interpret a diverse array of songs with a fresh, sophisticated approach.
The album features an eclectic mix of compositions by some of the era’s most influential songwriters, including Leonard Cohen, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Richard Fariña. Notably, Collins’ rendition of Cohen’s “Suzanne” is credited with bringing his music to a wider audience. Her poignant, nuanced interpretation of the song captured the delicate beauty and introspective depth that would become hallmarks of Cohen’s songwriting.
William Ruhlmann, in a retrospective review for AllMusic, praised *In My Life* for showcasing Collins’ ability to expand her musical horizons while maintaining her identity as an interpretive singer. He noted, “Judy Collins was already an accomplished interpretive singer before recording this album, but *In My Life* found her widening her horizons and revealing an even greater gift than one might have imagined; for the most part, it’s a superb album and still one of her best.”
The album’s impact was further solidified in 1970 when it was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States. This commercial success underscores the album’s enduring appeal and the resonance of Collins’ artistic vision.
*In My Life* is not only a testament to Judy Collins’ versatility and interpretive prowess but also a reflection of her willingness to take risks and explore new musical territories. For older, educated listeners, the album offers a rich tapestry of songs that capture the spirit of the 1960s while highlighting Collins’ ability to breathe new life into the works of other great artists.
Listening to *In My Life* is an experience that transcends time, inviting audiences to appreciate the intricacies of Collins’ interpretations and the emotional depth she brings to each song. Her work on this album remains a touchstone in her career, demonstrating her capacity to blend folk traditions with innovative arrangements and timeless themes.
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Lyrics
There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some are gone and some remain
All these places have their meanings
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I’ve loved them allBut of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love of something new
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you moreThough I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more