Judy Collins had earned a reputation as a masterful interpretive singer as well as shown a late-blooming gift as a songwriter. But while much of her work displayed an artful and contemplative tone, after she scored a surprise hit single with her a cappella rendition of "Amazing Grace," Collins was nudged a few steps closer to the mainstream, and 1975's Judith often strikes an uncomfortable balance between misguided pop confections and sturdier material which more readily suits her talents.