It’s almost impossible to gauge the importance of this brilliant album to every songwriter i know. Joan was doing things that were simply dazzling in every way. Thank you, dear girl, for moving the bar so high that we’re all still reaching for it.

Glenn Frey and I played this for weeks, simply amazed at not only the songs, singing, perception and scope, but the fact that as a rhythm player, she is a clock.

I’ve played it several times this week and, as before, every listen reveals something even more delicious. Happy 50th to the album that insisted that I do better.

[J. D. Souther]