Later he weighs in with some of the hits from the album, including "Sit Down Young Stranger" and "If You Could Read My Mind", both done in colorful and unique prose styles that leave the listener to interpret what Lightfoot is talking about. And so on with each of the songs here. My personal favorites are those mentioned above as well as "Your Love's Return", an evocative and haunting song inspired by a poem by Stephen Foster, but I really love them all. If one listens to all of the similarly terrific albums Lightfoot put out over a seven or eight-year period one comes up with literally dozens and dozens of wonderful and memorable songs that could fill several double albums. This guy was far more prolific than anyone else producing work in the sixties and seventies. Buy this album, and after listening to it for a week or so you will be back for "Sundown", "Summertime Dream", "Cold On The Shoulder" and "Don Quixote". They are all great. Enjoy this one of a kind artist and his amazingly consistent flood of terrific and appealing mainstream folk albums.

18 of 18 found the following review helpful:


Timeless  Jun 04, 2002
Released in 1970, Gordon Lightfoot's first album after signing with Reprise remains one of his most enduring. Retitled from Sit Down Young Stranger after "If You Could Read My Mind" became a hit, the album reveals a songwriter of increasing depth and maturity. The title track, which to me remains the most powerful "breakup song" I've ever heard, is a showpiece, of course--but this is an album filled with showpieces. Featuring the beautiful ensemble playing of Red Shea on lead guitar and Rick Haynes on bass, the album also features guest appearances by Ry Cooder and John Sebastian, and some very tasteful, unobtrusive string arrangements (on "Minstrel of the Dawn," for example, the strings are scored by Randy Newman). The album is beautifully produced by Lenny Waronker and Joe Wissert--guitars are crisp and rich, the vocals have presence and depth. You'll find a terrific cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" on this CD: Lightfoot doesn't do many covers, but, when he does, he sings them like he wrote them. Other highlights include "Minstrel of the Dawn," "Sit Down Young Stranger," "The Pony Man," and...oh heck--the whole album is just one long highlight! Buy it!

21 of 22 found the following review helpful:


Lightfoot's Breakthrough  Apr 05, 2002 By Thomas Magnum
If You Could Read My Mind was originally released in 1970 under the title of Sit Down Young Stranger. The album generated little action as Canadian Gordon Lightfoot's previous albums had. Then in 1971, the hauntingly beautiful ballad "If You Could Read My Mind" became a top ten hit, the album was re-released with the new title to capitalize on the popularity of the song. This started a good run of chart success for Mr. Lightfoot. The rest of the album is equally as strong as the title track. "Minstrel Of The Dawn" is a great track as is "Cobwebs & Dust".

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:


The Canadian Balladeer Extends His Audience  Mar 09, 2006 By Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx"
'If You Could Read My Mind' marked a time of change in Gordon Lightfoot's musical career. After five albums with United Artists Lightfoot made a switch to another label. This album, his sixth overall, was his first recording with Reprise and it contained the hit 'If You Could Read My Mind' which was one of his first songs to receive serious radio play in the U.S.A. His big breakthrough was still four years away when 'Sundown' would be released, but this was never-the-less the beginning of his efforts to gain the attention of the larger American audience south of the Canadian border.

Comprised of -11 tracks- of now classic Lightfoot tunes, this is essential Lightfoot. Heck, what am I talking about? They're all essential Lightfoot!

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


No Need to Read His Mind, Just Sit Down and Listen  May 01, 2005 By Christopher Davis "Christopher E.D."
How to conjure up the words that are needed to praise this album. There are characters here. Perhaps even literary moments. Gordon paints pictures of wanderers who ride the country, through Kristoffersons "Bobby McGee." He sings of Lavender shedding her clothing to run "as naked as the sea." The lonely but neurotic persona of "Cobwebs and Dust" is right at home with someone who still can't press his "Saturday Clothes" after his frinds have all gone home. At points this album sounds like an ode to forced bachaelordom, or perhaps a dirge to a once busy domestic life. Then, of course, there is the ghost from the wishing well. Tears to the eyes on this one. The passion and soul of the album are summated here. This and "Sit Down.." are two of the finest songs Lightfoot has ever written. In turn, he pays tribute later to one of his influences on "Your Love's Return." Not mentioned before is the astoundingly sensitive guitar work of Red Shea, The fitting bass lines from Rick Haynes, the lovely orchestration by Randy Newman and Nick de Caro and the subdued but sassy bottleneck guitar from Ry Coody. John Sebastion also appears, as does Kris Kristofferson (uncredited), but the big named guest stars aren't the selling point. The music here is just some of the finest of Lightfoot's catalogue. Enjoy.

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