I haven't read every post here, but as a 1969 HS graduate, Dylan was the giant of songwriting when Joni came on the scene. Her early, more universal songs (like on Ladies and Clouds) made her a songwriting star. Then she turned to more confessional songs (like on Blue, For The Roses), which brought in an even wider audience. The audio quality was excellent on all of these Reprise releases, but the instrumentation on Blue was more varied, the vocals more energetic, and the production had more density, but was never overcrowded. I rate it and Hejira her best.
Exile never struck me as a top tier Stones album, especially after the desert island trifecta of Beggars, Bleed, and Sticky. But I've known some big Stones fans who put it in that group. I jumped on the Stones' train as soon as it left the station, so I also adore ENH (US release of 1st album), Now! and OOOH.