One World

NO MORE BRITISH SHIT I HAVEN'T HEARD OF

a mix between garbage and porn soundtrack

When his voice first came in, I hated it, and was preparing for an excruciating 40 minutes. But that was the only part where I noticed his voice stand out, and then in blended in to an ocean of excellence. This is the most surprising album I have had so far and is going on regular rotation.

This was an inspiration. There are problems with production that at points feels dated, but once I let this go and got past some of the more late 70s/ early 80s sounds, I felt uplifted and held by this album in a way I haven't by many albums. Small Hours blew me away, it's wonderful ambient guitar over a simple pulse beat, eventually leading up to a short song, before returning to guitar and sound was perfect. It's made me want to hear more.

This album was a 4 right up until "Small Hours." I've listened to it probably ten or more times in the last 24 hours. Easily becoming one of my favorite songs of all time. One of the most soothing, cleanest albums I've heard in a long time. Highlights: 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8.

Make. It. Stop. Other than some instrumental work on "Small Hours", I couldn't wait for this album to be over. Anti-groove jazz.

An adorable dreamy piece of work. This was my 110th on this, and I loved every moment of it. 5 stars because there aren’t 6.

I reviewed John Martyn's Solid Air earlier in this project, and enjoyed it more than I was expecting. Based on that, I thought I knew what to expect with this record. And was pleasantly surprised again. Much of side 2 seems like a fairly natural progression from Solid Air. Similar smooth jazz/soul/funk/folk blend, now with a touch of latin rhythms on Certain Surprise, with Martyn's foggy voice woven beautifully through the arrangements. I love his voice, which he uses like an instrument, although sometimes his slurred diction slides almost into self-parody.Take it easy, John. But side 1 is a revelation. The heavy use of effects, especially delay, and dub production techniques (without being pastiche - this is definitely not reggae) is something quite fresh. Big Muff is co-written by Lee Scratch Perry! I can see the influence, without it sounding like a Lee Scratch Perry record per se. I really loved the songs on side 1. Discretely funky, weird sounding without being abrasive, without any histrionics. I can see how these tracks (especially Big Muff and Small Hours) are cited as influences on trip hop, especially Massive Attack. This album caught me by surprise, and I really enjoyed it. Haven't heard much quite like it, and it really grabbed me (especially side 1)

Forgettable. One World vocals sounded like an old man on quaaluds trying to sing with apple sauce stuffed in his mouth.

yacht prog and i’m 1000% here for it.

This didn’t feel like a mediocre album of its era chasing the Beatles hype. No, it felt like a mediocre album from the 80s instead, when everyone was fascinated by bad “world music”. But hey, at least it’s ahead of its time I guess?

This fucker wrote a song called Big Muff.

No lo vi venir. Parece Nick Drake. Volverlo a escuchar para darle un rating más justo.

“What the fuck it this?” I noted with a frisson within a few seconds of putting this on last night. Yacht rock-jazz fusion left me baffled and unanchored: promising sensations! A day in, I am still perplexed, but I do like this dolphin make-out music!

Never could get into John Martyn, his vocal style suiting his best songs well ("Big Muff", the highlight here), but sounding like a drunk busker on the remainder. A gateway drug for schoolmates on the dirty path to crustydom, later serving as key inspiration for the Dave Matthews Band (who I actually like) and others like Blues Traveler (who I really do not). Congruent with a below-average Van Morrison album.

There are some good sounds on this album, but it feels kinda sleepy to me... I also don’t dig his voice, but there are a couple good songs on this. Favorite Track(s): “Dealer” and “Couldn’t Love You More”

This album is really not my thing. Small Hours and Couldn't Love You More are pretty good, but I think my appreciation for the most divergent tracks is telling. The production is well-crafted in the sense that it's interesting, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what it adds up to. I feel like there's more artistic merit than the Supertramp record, but it's still a little indulgent and navel gaze-y. 1.5/5

I saw John Martyn about the time this was released.

Soft and dreamy. Talkative and calm

Didn't enjoy the songs on offer here as much as those on Solid Air, but the overall vibe and sound was lovely with some great guitar work and production. He has created some really warm and interesting tones and atmospheres and this was easy to listen to multiple times, although I was waiting for it to grab me a little more convincingly and it never quite did. His voice has grown on me too, although you can almost feel the cigarette smoke doing its work on his lungs throughout.

Man sings like he smoked a pack a day for his whole life and now has a hole in his throat. At least it’s unique. It’s not the worst album I’ve ever heard, but I enjoyed very few parts. Inoffensive, mostly. 3/5

In spots, One World hits a funky experimental stride that I’d liken to late 70’s Eno (think Before and after Science, though it does have its ambient moments) or maybe Soon Over Babaluma-era Can. In others, it kind of has a jazzy 70’s soft rock vibe, which is a little less interesting to me, but overall not bad (with the exception of some scatting, which I find to be unacceptable no matter the situation). The previous John Martyn record I was assigned, Solid Air, was more enjoyable as a whole, but One World is very good, even if has a distinct late 70’s island rock vibe. I wouldn’t call this yacht rock, though, it’s way too densely layered, interesting and lacking the superficiality, but it’s adjacent in some ways - like if yacht rock wasn’t the lamest thing on earth you could ever possibly be into.

Meh.

not a fan of his voice. a little like brian wilson but not as good. the sounds on smiling stranger are good though

Sonido por completo etereo, suena como pop experimental. Tiene un problema en un bache a la mitad con dos canciones romanticas muy sosas que hacen que pierda un poco el concepto. Los sonidos de experimentación en guitarra y amplificadores no van a ser para todos pero a mi me encanto. La última canción fue lo mejor del disco. Impresionante pensar que es de 1977, casi se podría notar un atisbo de lo que va a llegar en unos años con new wave y sintetizadores.

I would love to hear more international bands and music. But we get this. It’s harmless I guess but boring and the song Dancing seems like a precursor to Dave Matthews which is unfortunate. Sounds competent but uninteresting to me.

So I found “One World” by John Martyn to be a pretty pedestrian late 70’s R&B effort, that easily could have been the sleazy porn soundtrack to the old SNL skit featuring Tim Meadows called – “Velvet Jones – The Ladies Man”… Gee – I wonder what “Big Muff” could be about… Ugh… Anyways, I had pretty much written it off completely – and then the final song “Small Hours” came on… Primarily an instrumental for all intents-and-purposes, and I found it to be absolutely amazing… Reminded me of a less-raw, way-more melodic “Maggotbrain” by Funkadelic… “Small Hours” is probably a 5-stars out of 7-stars in my little rating system, as it’s that good – and it really came out of absolutely nowhere, as the rest of the album is pretty much shite, but based on that 1 fabulous song, I’ll give it a 2 – but you’ve been warned…

The description of this album vs how it sounds is a wild contrast. I expected this to be something sweeping and inspired but the vocals don't even give it a chance to go there. Not coming back to this one.

Album art is interesting. The production is pretty good. The instrumentals are a little manic but often work. Choices were made on the vocals that don't pay off. Small Hours get's an honorable mention for being a nice listen. This album is probably a grower that you would learn to get comfortable with it's imperfections. I don't have the time. 2.5

Big Muff and Certain Surprise gave me the ick. Bad vibes from this album in general.

10/10 huge fan of his other album Solid Air and while I definitely like that one more, this was still absolutely delightful

What a treat this album is. I seem to have by-passed John Martyn back in the day, but am delighted to be catching up at last.

FUcking 5/5. It was absolutely amazing. It felt at times like Ray lamontagne, nicotine dolls and some soundscapes. Excellent!

I liked the fast-paced opening and the energy, though the vocals were a bit soft for my taste. Lyrics - 3 Vocals - 3 Production - 5 Originality - 5 Cohesion - 5 Replay - 4 Emotion / Vibe - 5 Replay Value - 5

Great work one legged John

4.5/5

Magnificent

Is this a 5 I don’t know but I enjoyed it a 5 this morning(afternoon)

Along with Solid Air & Bless The Weather, this is one of JM's best albums. Never be anyone like him again. ( He also used to drink in local pub)

I loved ‘Solid Air’, but I think I love this more. Dubby, hazy, stoned, sad, understated…this one is for the late nights and it’s lovely.

Another solid album from John Martyn. I really enjoyed the guitar playing on this. I feel like it's coming from a different place than what I normally hear. I'll keep listening to this.

Carves out a place for itself in my brain. Gorgeous.

Never heard of this chap before, but this album was an excellent surprise.

This sounds like it was recorded in a cardboard box. The album is all the more better for this. Production values aren't at a premium; the songs are allowed to develop and steal the show. The message of the One World title track remains powerful. Couldn't Love You More always leads to a few tears. Big Muff makes me smile. Plus Rico!

I like what's going on here. Favorite track: "Dealer."

Ok, so, with John Martyn you've got to be able get over his voice - he has some pretty weird affectations and I guess I can see why some people can't get into it - works for me, though. I've had this album for ages but I've barely played it - I always make a bee line for "Solid Air" instead, which is much more upfront and simplistic with its charms. Re-listening to "One World" as part of this project has actually been a full-on magical experience - I am enchanted! 🧙‍♀️ First play through and it's overall tone is hitting the chill, mellow, occasionally funky vibe I expect from John Martyn, but it also seems kinda busy and I fall back on my '"Solid Air" is the superior album' preconceptions. My copy of this album has a bonus disc full of live versions, demos and outtakes, and listening to those, which often felt a bit more stripped down, I liked them more. Re-listening to the main album again, I tried to dial into that busyness I heard before, and particularly in the first half of the album, the closer you listen the more bonkers things get! There's a bunch of stuff going on that shouldn't work together by rights, but it still somehow adds up to the vibe he wants. I saw another review describe it as "prog yacht" and yeah, that nails it! 😆 Fave tracks - "Dealer", "One World" (feel like Phosphorescent cribbed from this one), "Big Muff" are all awesome. The top accolade, though, goes to "Small Hours" - good lord that is a serene slice of sublime beauty. Amazing stuff.

Great, soothing listen, especially the final track.

Sounds like some kind of Clapton/Winwood hybrid and I’m absolutely here for it. Wow.

Great calm album

Easy 5 stars! I have a distinct memory of being in my 20’s and being tasked with entertaining a relative who was in his early teens. He was looking through my iPod and commented that I have terrible taste in music. First off… rude. Second… he pointed to the song title “Big Muff” as evidence of my bad taste. He didn’t know shit

John Martyn I love when we get an album and artist I am totally unfamiliar with and really dig it. Super cool grooves and textures. I like his voice too even though I can’t make out any words. Cool fusion of styles (ambient pop/ blues). Good the whole way through. Great musicians on this record too - I love all Steve windwoods synth solos. Favorite songs are Dancing, small hours, big muff, dealer. “Couldn’t love you more”reminds me of a Dave Matthews song.

Wow. I had never heard of John Martyn before this. I absolutely loved listening to this, front to back. Can hear the Jamaican influence and feel Steve Winwood's influence here. I've not heard much else quite like this, and it is so, so good.

I thought this was an outstanding piece of work. Really reminiscent, or more correctly influential, on music I've enjoyed in my life but first time I've consciously heard him. I can see from the write up that this isn't necessarily representative of his earlier work, but it's a fine piece of music.

super

John a surpris son monde en produisant de la très bonne musique avant l'an 2000, chose que seuls Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder et Cat Stevens ont réussi.

nice

great deviation from late 1970s sound here.. Whats up with the hate.. Sounds like good music thats what t sounds like guys... not like.. no no no.. guys..

Super excellent background music. Voices worked well with lyrics and music

Really funky Clapton sounds in the first song. Pink Floyd vibes in the second song This singer has a really nice raspy funky voice I like how you can have no idea what type of song is going to come next each song is so unique. Could be funk, rock, jazz, or trippy. They way that Small Hours is the ending just being super peaceful with some nice ambient wave music was the perfect way to cap off the album. This would an excellent drugs album This is exactly what I love about this album of the day thing. I had no idea who John Martyn was going into this but now I feel like I have to learn everything about him. Absolute 5/5

loved it

Surprising album, never heard of this. You can hear an influence on Nigel Godrich's production style, especially on Beck's "Sea Change"

Another album of John Martyn in this list and I thought I knew what I was going to get based on the other one, but nothing could be further from the truth. With a lot more experiment, range, more funk and more introverted songs on just one album, this is an incredible range of songs. I enjoyed this from start to finish.

Stick your head in the oven and crank it up to 300! We have finally hit the jackpot with this blockbuster of a record which makes me wetter than my auntie's honking, steaming pussy. The hills are alive with the sound of me wanking myself into an incestuous coma and you're all welcome to join me for the ride.

looooov

Genius. Small Hours is in my all time top ten tracks. The live version (I think I saw him perform it 6 times) of Big Muff was spellbinding, A very, very sad end to possibly the best British unsung hero of contemporary music (along with Roy Harper and Nick Drake).

In July 1978 I was working for the Migrant Services Section of the Social Security Department, in Clarence St Sydney. One morning I received a phone-call from a mate who was a student at Sydney University, telling me to get my arse up to the Union Theatre (now The Footbridge) on campus, because John Martyn was playing a free concert at 1.00pm. As it turns out, this was part of a world tour to promote the album One World. I got there in time. John Martyn was late, and extremely hung-over, carrying what appeared to be an acoustic guitar with a plethora of wires coming off it (and no doubt a bunch of effects pedals). It was one of the great concerts I’ve ever attended. At the time I was only familiar with the 1970 album Road To Ruin, which he recorded with his wife, Beverley, & which is an all-time favourite of mine, so most of what I saw him play that day was unfamiliar to me, but he was in blistering form. And I imagine a lot of what he played came from this album. How lucky I was, because this is a great record. I can’t think of anything else that sounds like it. About 30 years later, a different mate gave me a dvd titled The Transatlantic Sessions, which features many great artists & includes an enthralling version of Big Muff with Martyn on guitar & Danny Thompson on double bass. Do yourself a favour & google it. This is the song he co-wrote in Jamaica with Lee Scratch Perry the year before he made the album. You also hear the great reggae trombonist Rico Rodriguez on Certain Surprise. I love the fact that Chris Blackwell set up mikes in the middle of a lake on his property(where the lp was recorded) to catch whatever noises nature was providing at the time. This was way ahead of its time. Love it.

I'm a big fan of John Martyn, particularly around this point in his career. Such a unique hybrid of influences that is miles ahead of its time. Martyn has such a natural, casual soulfulness to him that it makes his more experimental tendencies go down easy. Love that they recorded parts of the album from across a lake to capture the natural reverb/echo. Yet another example of artists creating their best work while in remote country locations.

Brilliant

Todavía no lo escucho pero con fe me gusta

Very good album, nice combination of rhythms.

I ended up listening to the Spotify suggestions for a long time after this ended

Really enjoyed this one it’s got a bluesy funky feel while not being overblown with it. This is a good time and I loved his voice

miten voi olla näin absoluuttisesti vittu päissään? vähän edes pliis pikkasen edes selventyä ennen kun astuu studioon PLIIIIIS! muuten mielestäni mahtavaa mahtavaa musiikkia! BIG MUFF! kova mies mutta ei koskaan julma. tämä on steely dan mutta hyvä. kaksi kättä nyrkissä lähellä kehoa sykkii ylös alasin, suu kuin linnan rautaristikko nostettu ylös avoauki kammion syövereihin matkustaa vaikka hyönteisiä mutta ei häiritse.. BIG MUFF! ei mikään häiritse kyynärpäät viety taakse kuin selkälihasliikkeessä mutta nyrkit vaan liikkuu ylös alas tahtiin tahtiin tahtiin! musiiikki vienyt, musiikki hurmannut, se on tyrmännyt ja lumonnut ja haltioitunut mies on kateissa.. mies on edessäni mutta eksynyt!!! ei löydä tietään kotiin hänet on noiduttu. one world

Glad I went back to this. Very underwhelmed first listen (while out, on earbuds). Tried again in the evening, on decent headphones, and it was like a different album. Ended up listening to it twice, and appreciating it more each time.

From the cover I was expecting some prog stuff. I was definitely not ready for what it actually is. What a thing of beauty.

This one surprised me. I really enjoyed it. He reminds me of a funkier version of Nick Drake. Looking forward to listening to more of his stuff.

Very good album, defiently surprised me. And especially last track was good

Spacious, with great vocals and some wonderful grooves

Wow, toujours down pour un ptit trip d’héroïne auditif

A brilliant artist whose best work stands the test of time. A phenomenal and experimental guitarist, gifted songwriter, and excellent vocalist he moved between a huge range of styles effortlessly - jazz, blues, folk, reggae, he played them all and did it well. Sadly his demons destroyed him as he fought with drug and alcohol abuse. Although not his very best work, this album is still in the first rank of his oeuvre.

What a great album! Another artist I missed completely. I don't know how to describe his music other than singular. Coming from the British folk tradition of the sixties, he then drew from Jamaican music, jazz, funk, blues and developed a new style of music all his own. Now I'm going to have to explore his entire catalog. What a happy surprise!

Better than expected

Good, ethereal-sounding music for the background or if you're stoned.

what a treat, never heard before and l loved it 4.5

Wasn't bad. Enjoyed this album

Has a really nice voice

Despite loving Solid Air by John Martyn for years. I have rarely delved into his catalog. While there is little in this album to bewitch me to the same degree, One World is a solid record. Steve Winwood is featured fairly heavily on organ and Moog which does date it slightly, and Martyn’s guitar is processed more frequently than on Solid Air, where it made more impact. As a whole, the album is chilled and soothing, and the closing Sammy Hours is excellent.

By turns moody and groovy, the singing gets a bit moany and mumbly. Pretty engaging and serious overall, quite the balancing act between heavy and dreamy. Sounds like a sedated Joe Cocker at times. JM’s not a skillful enough singer to pull off the range-shifting and lighter tone of “Certain Surprise” and the title cut features excessively obscure, noncommittal vocals, such that it could barely be called singing. In contrast, the playing is continually excellent (see “Dancing” especially), with mellow-muddy grooves that occasionally (e.g., “Big Muff”) achieve a quiet sort of funkiness that is JJ Cale-esque. “Small Hours” is beautiful close to the record.

I enjoyed this album a lot! Funky easy listening, good for background music or if you want to deep dive and read along to the lyrics.

Did I need to hear this album before I died? No. Did I like it anyway? Yes. This feels like perfect background music

A thoroughly pleasant experience. 8/10

No idea who this artist is, nor what to expect. The Wikipedia blurb makes it sound extremely interesting, especially the part about the recording process. Going to listen especially hard for the field recordings and the background ambience. Going into it a bit tipsy after a long night with friends, so my current mental state might have an effect on the initial reaction. Subject to rereview. Dealer Lush, grand, slightly tropical instrumental. Funky bass. Keys are a highlight, alongside some tight spacial drumming. Not too sure about the vocal style, the breathiness and the smoky grit sounds unusual over such a bright and colourful instrumental. The chorus sort of flew by without leaving an impression. Did not pay much attention to the lyrics. Decent opener. 3.5/5 One World Pans nicely into a cute guitar track. Challenging incoherrent vocals. Mixing is really impressive. I think the instruments and the vocals sit exactly where they should. The delay heavy, distant electric guitar adds an element of depth to the track. After warming up to the vocals I do think they have some moments of brilliance where the stumbling meandering style really works. I don't like the choice to fade the track out when it did, makes it feel unfinished. Good song. 4/5 Smiling stranger Really funky instrumental. I find how they set up the rhythm of the track to be a real highlight. The addition of the strings in the background, alongside the sax add scale to the track, and a jazzy tinge much needed to break up the emerging monotony of the track, perfectly avoiding it. Still not in love with the vocals, though they don't bother me much. Will revisit. 4.5/5 Big Muff Jazzy drumming over a tight guitar experience. Love the effects. Clean and a bit understated. Written for a loungy, sort of sleazy vibe. The band does a lot if lifting to make a not more than decent chrous ahead of where it should be. The instrumental section at the end is decently psychedellic. Decent. 3.5/5 Couldn't Love You More A slightly strained sounding acustic guitar was unexpected. His voice works well for this time of track. Actually delivers a fairly powerful performance, though the voice stretches itself a bit too far for some parts. Decent. 3.5/5 Certain surprise Am I wrong for calling the instrumental bossa-nova-like outside the guitar? I do like the verse structure. Decently catchy. Saxophone is good though a bit lacking in flair or surprise. Gives me hotel vibes. Fade out made sense. Good. 4/5 Dancing Airy but fairly technical guitar. The bass is utilized well. The slightly chaotic guitar juxtaposes against the very structured vocal melody. Great Pre-Chorus. Well performed, tight and sticking to the plan outside a few vocal flourishes. Really fun. 4.5/5 Small Hours Spacious, echoy, great ambience. The natural atmospheric sound add an unpredictable element to the track. Uplifting guitar playing, great delay. Echoes nicely, though the varying loudness makes it sound sharp at times. Reminds me a bit of a late "Talk Talk" track. I think the vocals work well here, they have a serenity to them and a bit of intimacy in their brief cameo. The change of guitars really gives you something additional to latch yourself onto over the ambience. Paints an introspective soundscape with a sense of melancholy though also acceptance. Refreshing and powerful. Stellar track. 5/5 Really did not expect to like that as much as I did. Decently varied, loungy and a bit jazzy with era appropriate production that still sounds oddly good, when many of the choices could sound dated to modern ears. Spaces itself out, and while the vocals take some time getting used to, they do actually add an interesting element to the tracks, though I do think some of the strange inflections also detract from them. There's just a laid back soothing energy about the entire project that really kept me interested. The pseudo-ambient/early post-rock adjacent final track really sealed the deal for me painting a beautiful picture with sound. A great album worthy of revisiting. Fave track. Small Hours Least fave track. Couldn't Love You More

Solid Air, but with a touch of 70’s funk

The voice was a jumpscare not gonna lie but I fuck with it. Favorite tracks: - Couldn't Love You More

Thumbs up!

Great example of classic Chicago blues. Who doesn’t love Muddy Waters?

Enjoyed this

Interesting and ahead of its time

Really good

This had me Dancing with a Smiling Stranger.