Review: Spellbound – Judy Collins

After 82 years, most of which she has spent entertaining people across the globe, Judy Collins is back with her first all original record, ‘Spellbound’. The album details the highs and lows of her life and career. The record takes you on a journey and lyrically was inspired by her journal entries she keeps. A stand out track is ‘Hell on Wheels’ in which Collins revisits her reckless teenage years. Though much of the record was written in the pandemic, Collins goes back to the late 80s with ‘The Blizzard’ which is another brilliant track that has become a fan favourite in her live shows. What strikes me as I listen to the title track ‘Spellbound’ is just how wonderful her melodies are and how, after all these years, her voice is still pure and strong as she captivates you with those melodies. It’s a fantastic record from Collins who, after a busy summer of festivals, is still touring round the world with this fabulous collection of songs.