Described by Mitchell as “as serious a work as I’ve ever done,” “Shine” presents beautiful melodies, dark lyrics and a sparseness that recalls and even progresses beyond some the artist’s most seminal recordings. Much of the lyrical content reflects Mitchell’s social and theological consciousness and her longtime plea for the health of the planet.

“Joni’s voice, both in the physical and lyrical sense, is as powerful as ever,” said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment who also oversees Hear Music. “In addition to her extraordinary song-writing ability, she is a Renaissance artist in the every sense and we are honoured to release this timely and exceptionally moving work.”

Two songs included on “Shine,” “If” (based Mitchell's favourite poem by Rudyard Kipling) and “If I Had a Heart,” were featured in the “The Fiddle and The Drum" when it premiered on February 8, 2007. It was then that The New York Times described Mitchell's “If I Had a Heart” as “one of most haunting melodies she has ever written.” The album also contains a joyous reinterpretation of her classic hit song, “Big Yellow Taxi” which was also featured in the ballet.