John Martyn
1977
Tracks
1. Dealer
2. One World
3. Smiling Stranger
4. Big Muff
5. Couldn't Love You Anymore
6. Certain Surprise
7. Dancing
8. Small Hours
After having to endure the noisiest album on The List so far, we get to enjoy a soothing, folk rock experience. While the end of this album was a bit of a disappointment, it is definitely worth the listen.
As soon as the album started, I felt calm. I have been doing work all day, so it was certainly a welcome effect. Then the vocals started. Was anybody else expecting a gentle, calm voice? Instead, Martyn sounded very rough and gravelly. I think this was absolutely great, since it stopped the album from simply being "easy listening."
The lyrics? Not so impressive. Maybe I have become too spoiled from this List and expect to always find pure poetry. But the lyrics to songs like "Small Hours" (Keep on loving while your love is strong, keep on loving until your love has gone away) aren't exactly outstanding. Speaking of "Small Hours", did anyone else feel like he was building to something fantastic the entire album, then felt a bit let down?
Also, apparently parts of the album were recorded outside. How...revolutionary? Was there a demand for more outdoorsy albums?
RATING: 4/5
