Blue is the fourth studio album by the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released on June 22, 1971, through Reprise Records. The album was entirely written and produced by Mitchell, and was recorded throughout late 1970 and early 1971 at A&M Studios in Hollywood. Created in the aftermath of her breakup with Graham Nash and during an intense relationship with James Taylor, Blue explores the different facets of relationships against sparse musical backings featuring Mitchell's acoustic guitar, piano and Appalachian dulcimer.