Five Leaves Left

Nick Drake is another artist like Leonard Cohen with an intimidating reputation. Unlike Cohen, he died at the tragically young age of 26 only having sold 4000 copies in total of his albums. This debut album is simply produced folk, focusing on guitar and vocals with some restrained strings and percussion on some of the tracks. Lyrically, there are no prizes for guessing what the track ‘Memories of Mary Jane’ is about. Highpoint is a song about sheds!

This is really quiet, carefully chiseled folk. There are nice guitar parts, but it globally lacks of dynamics, for both the melodies and the voice. And I find the voice particularly dull, it lacks power, grit, something to make it more interesting.

This is a pretty okay folk album that I will never remember listening to ever again. Nothing really stands out. It’s good for like. Taking a nap in the sun? And that’s it

pretty good

I much prefer is newer work but it is Nick Drake nonetheless.3 stars

Higher quality folk than previous albums on here. Meandering, nice, but not really for me

Fine

some good songs will come back to it.

3.5/5, There's good stuff on here, lyrics, songwriting and sometimes so interesting instrumentation but overall it's just not for me

Bra album, mysiga låtar, men inget jättespeciellt Bästa låtar: Thoughts of Mary Jane, Man in a shed

A pretty solid singer songwriter album. Very gentle, doesn't strike my fancy.

70s experimental orchestral folk

довольно приятный, хоть и убийственно меланхоличный

Cello song Fruit tree Bien, ambiance, lent

Not sure if I wasn't in the mood but liked this album a lot.

I've listened to Nick Drake for some time. While always good, you kinda need to be in the right mood to listen to Nick. He can kinda take you down a hole depending on where you're at. This album is perfectly fine but doesn't have any of the Nick Drake "hits".

Good mellow music. Was able to enjoy it on a nice sunny afternoon. Talented song writer and skilled guitarist. The mood is melancholy on purpose. And pulls out off well.

While I am usually "all in" for singer/songwriters this one dod not resonate deeply with me.

Folky, soft, maybe for Mollie. Man in a shed probably my favorite.

Gentle folk, with some orchestral stuff

3,5

This was an inoffensive folk album. I don’t have much to say about it except I kind of forgot I was listening to it. It makes great background music, it’s sort of soothing. I used to listen to Pink Moon sometimes to help me fall asleep. I don’t think pink moon is boring, it’s just very calming. This one is similar but not as good.

Very pretty, but not as spellbinding as Drake's other albums. Highlights: Three Hours, The Thoughts Of Mary Jane, Saturday Sun

not sold on this guy river man fruit tree saturday sun

¿Otro más de Nick Drake?

Not Pink Moon

As I covered with the other two Nick Drake albums in this book, there is no reason every album Nick Drake put out needs to be represented here. There are only small differences in each album and if you liked one of the albums then you can search through his catalog for the others. Only Pink Moon needs to be in this book. Nick Drake is underappreciated, sure, but there is nothing here that can't be found on any of his other albums. Great songs, so go check out another of his albums. You could place these songs on any of Drake's other albums and struggle to decipher which album the song came off of. It's good music and this is my last Nick Drake album and therefore my last time to rant about this. Nick Drake was gone too soon, but the silver lining is god knows how many albums would on this list if he had lived and made music until he was 80 years old. He would have 28 albums on this list. Don't listen to this album even though it is good. Go listen to Pink Moon, decide if you want to hear any more of Nick Drake's music, and then listen to one of the many other good albums left off in favor of this one.

3.5

7/10

It was okay

Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left feels very calm. Somberness is underlying for every track, and if I dove into the lyrics I bet there is a lot of sob stories behind the tracklist. However, I can’t but help to feel a bit bored, and uninterested. It feels like a chore listening to this album, so I can’t exactly praise it the same way it generally is. All in all, Five Leaves Left is an alright album. Best Song: Thoughts of Mary Jane Worst Song: Three Hours

I found the vocals mostly boring and monotonous but liked much of the instrumentation, especially the guitar work on several tracks.

I would like this better with no voice. High 2 stars at most.

Oh behave, Nick Drake

Kinda dull. 2.5*

Ok

Neutral on this one. Overall kinda melancholic, would probably slap if I were listening in a chill/sad mood. Appreciate this guy as a musician and didn't hate the album, it was fine.

Already listened to it before. 3.5 on Rym. Strings to syrupy and vocal lines to samey but still good .

Melancholy, but decent.

Not as good as Bryter Layter. First album and he is stretching with every single lyric. You can get to the point where your stuff is too dense to be accessible and that's this album for me.

Didn't like it as much as Pink Moon but still enjoyable and would still pick it up if I saw it somewhere. 3.5

Folk and again... some much more out there.

favourite song: cello song a sound somewhere between donovan and elliott smith, without quite reaching the heights of either. not bad but not as great as ive been led to believe

Our 2nd Nick Drake album yields the same impression for me as the first one: nothing memorable, nothing objectionable. It was pleasant.

For me Nick Drake's music is generally more enjoyable to listen to and contemplate than those of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, or Tom Waits, all of which I just find overrated and annoying.

I really enjoyed the nice, calm atmosphere of this one. I just wish there was more structure, or something for me to grasp onto instead of just wandering the whole time

Why he is so sad? for.

This album felt a little boring to me.

ok ok

"Five Leaves Left" by Nick Drake is a hauntingly beautiful album that serves as a poignant reminder of Drake's immense talent and tragic legacy. Released in 1969, this debut album showcases Drake's unique blend of folk, jazz, and blues influences, creating a sound that is both ethereal and introspective. The album's production is sparse yet richly textured, allowing Drake's delicate guitar playing and soulful vocals to take center stage. Tracks like "River Man" and "Day Is Done" are achingly beautiful, with Drake's melancholic lyrics and haunting melodies leaving a lasting impression. Despite its commercial failure upon release, "Five Leaves Left" has since been recognized as a masterpiece, influencing generations of musicians with its timeless sound and heartfelt songwriting.

Sometimes I mood really affects these reviews. I like iron and wine and the tallest man on earth so I like this style sometimes. But yesterday it was more “what’s this medieval bard shit?” Felt like a 2 yesterday but I’m sure in a different mood I could give it a 4 so I’m splitting the difference.

I like nick drake but this didn’t stick as well for me: will try again

very soothing and beautiful while also really sad and heartbreaking. i like it.

I think I'll say the same about Five Leaves Left as I did about Bryter Layter, which is that it's a nice sound for such sad content, and clearly skilled, just not my thing. This is a better album than that one, not really a fan of his singing style, but the composition of the work underneath is just lovely. Easy and high 3.

I preferred this to Bryter Later - not sure why, as there's not a huge amount of difference between them. I'm definitely not a paid up Nick Drake fan club member (it does get a bit too samey for me, and his voice is maybe a bit too ethereal to really cut), but this is still well worth a listen. Singer songwriter, quite floaty melodies, I think he's at his best when there's a bit more guitar and a bit less background strings tbh. Right at the top of the 3 category, could be a four but his voice just loses me a bit too much.

Peaceful but very samey

Oh no! I'm so sorry but this didn't resonate with me very much. My life has not changed and the way I approach music has not elevated as a result of listening to this record. In all seriousness, I can appreciate the appeal of Nick Drake and this debut. It's a lot better than most folk music because it has more heart and emotion - coupled with some beautiful melodies and instrumentals. But like most folk music, it's just not for me. Besides Man in a Shed and its lovely piano, I don't see myself ever returning to this album.

Only good song is the first one.

this is a very nice, pretty album that nonetheless made me feel nothing, somehow. i'm sorry nick!

I didn't like this one as much as Pink Moon. I don't remember his other album on this list very well but I know I heard it. It was fine.

a few really sweet songs!

Not bad overall

more a 3.5

Confession: I think Nick Drake is pretty but dull

Nice little ideas. Sonically pleasing at times, especially the vocal. Great instrument playing. I feel like that I can’t really relate due to my age (24) and time. First notes reminded me of Chris Whitleys Album Dirt Floor I was introduced to earlier. Day Is Done sounds like it laid the foundation of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. There is no specific song that got stuck in my head. My Takeaways: It is always nice to underline the main melody sung with an instrument following the same notes.

Highlight: River Man In a nutshell: the muse of folk and chamber pop. Overall: 5/10

Yet another artist I've heard a lot about but haven't listened to until now. This feels like another end-of-the-day/wind down albums. There's some excellent orchestral arrangements, piano, and even vibraphone that give a little more oomph to the album. It's a bit slow for me overall, but the mellow sadness is quite beautifully haunting. Favorite tracks: River Man, Three Hours, Man in the Shed, Saturday Sun.

Nice Nick Drake album with some nice Nick Drake songs. You have to like Nick Drake songs to like this album, but I do which is fortunate.

Nick is definitely growing on me. Kind of interesting that this album is on the list when it’s the least famous and least good of his 3 albums IMO. This is real sad boy fall music, you gotta be in the right mood for it. Tough 3 near 4

honestly kind of boring, but he's hot so 3/5.

Олд батт... голд? Не знаю. Прям очень просто, гитара под которую мужик завывает. На задний план хочется поставить костёр и пару коней. Эдакий беззаботный ковбойский привал Ой, пошёл river man и как-то стало приятно. Добавили струнные на задний план, такие пэды прям душевные. В целом приятно

It's a "not for me, dawg," but I can certainly appreciate Drake's delicate vocals, introspective lyrics, and soft finger-picking fusion of folk, jazz, and baroque pop.

Relaxing album. Sweet acoustic guitar.

Fine. Nothing overly interesting, but then again I can’t say I paid massive attention to the lyrics first time round. 3/5

Pleasant but not very memorable

I liked a few of the songs, but it's more of a background album and trying to listen to it with singleminded focus might have hurt its chances with me. River Man sounds like an old movie soundtrack.

I want to like this more because it's giving me some Dave Matthews Band vibes, which I love, but this is just mediocre. "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" and "Saturday Sun" are fantastic songs, but the rest kind of blended together. Not terrible as an album, but just okay.

Solo traveler music. Nice to see other people were not traveling through middle earth at this time

Never heard of him before but was confused he was not nick cave

Okayish, slow

Nick Drake is so very peaceful, but not to listen to during the day. It just makes me depressed Top tracks: ‘ Cello Song, Saturday Sun

I enjoyed this one, but definitely like Pink Moon a lot more.

Fine

I can appreciate the artistry, but it's just not for me.

I enjoyed this. His voice and guitar are warm and gentle, the songs are tinged with wistfulness and melancholia. I imagine this must've been quite a change of pace when compared to popular albums at the time. River Man was the stand-out track for me, I found that I was paying more attention because of it. That being said, I don't know that it's something I'll listen to again in a hurry.

nice guitar playing, very mellow folk sounds, not my style but i understand why this is possibly loved by many

Very folksy.

Not bad, but nothing exciting

It's definitely easy listening for sure, but maybe a bit too boring at times. The instrumentals are really relaxing and good, but I felt Drake's pretty monotone voice paired with them made me uninterested in what was going on at times.

meh

Album 322 of 1001 Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left Rating : 3.50 / 5 Such a pleasant album. Several songs seem like they could be the soundtrack for some feel good movie where everything is jus A-OK. Just right for those quiet meditative moments. Great artist. Gone way too soon.

Jeg har hørt der lidt før. Kunne ikke overskue det kl 5 i morges, men jeg nød det senere på eftermiddagen.

Good musicianship. Sweet guitar and vocals. A bit too depressing for a depressed guy

Genre: Folk Pop Instruments: 4/5 Modern Translation: 3/5 Dance Potential: 1/5 Listening Location: Sydney airport Heard it before: No Favourite Song: ‘ Cello Song Made me feel: relaxed and upbeat. Would listen again.

First listen to this, didn’t hit me as hard as Pink Moon. Probably deserves multiple listens.

Oh Nick Drake. I think he's got a song on the Garden State soundtrack. Yep One of These Things First. But it's not on this album. Just recognized his voice. I don't know not really my bag. I'm giving it a 3.

Big improvement on Pink Moon, although I've heard them in the wrong order. Nice, chilled album. I can see why it is so revered.

Nick Drake hit hard on the drive to work. Very different and smooth on the way home. Some lovely guitar work with some standard vocals from Nick. I found this more appealing than Pink Moon 🩷 🌙

this album is beautiful. it is filled with amazing clashes of many different instruments on every song, which is something i enjoyed all throughout the album. this album seems like the perfect album to play on a fall or rainy day, which is a vibe i really like! i have never listened to an album like this, so it is something new. i gave this album 3 listens, and i am walking away with half of the tracklist. i can see the beauty in each song, though some i just cant see myself listening to in the future, but there wasn't a bad song in this album. my favorite song on the album is Day Is Done. i rate this album a 3, it's really good and consistent, but due to me taking away only half of the tracklist because of my own personal taste, i cant give the album a rating above a 3

soft listening... 3 stars

There are some nice tracks on there, but I don't get the hype for him. I find his singing / voice a little boring, to be honest. No bad album but nothing particular special about it for me.

umm the lyricism was good but i don’t really vibe with the bare bones sound of it all. kinda boring, it doesn’t do anything for me.

the draaaaaaaama

His best

Some really interesting sounding guitar work. This album has a very calming vibe to it, but it's just slightly boring in my opinion.

Fácil y agradable de escuchar. Sin muchas florituras. Tranquilo y sosegado. Voz tranquilizadora. Ambiente relajado

Mellow

Truly have never heard of this guy. Don't listen to country-folk. I'll see how long I last this one. I do have a friend that reminds me of this music who has his own band. I respect this type of music, really all kinds of music. This is just not my type. I stopped it after 3 tracks. Couldn't really listen to it anymore. I enjoyed what I heard.

This album is excellent, although it's not the most dynamic. He's really good at one mode of music, and over the full length of an album that starts to feel a bit same-y. Each song would be more than welcome on any of my playlists, but as an album it doesn't grab me as much as lots of others.

Relaxing and interesting.

Good background!

This was an album that was approximately included in the 1001 albums to listen to before you die. Had heard of Nick Drake but never listened to any of his music. Can’t say it was a favorite but lyrics are awesome and loved the voice. Was interesting that he worked with Richard Thompson.

Time Has Told Me - 7/10 River Man - 7.5/10 Three Hours -7.5/10 Way to Blue - 7.5/10 Day is Done - 7.5/10 'Cello Song - 8/10 Thoughts of Mary Jane - 8/10 Man in a Shed - 7.5/10 Fruit Tree - 7.5/10 Saturday Sun - 7.5/10 TOTAL - 75.5/100

I might need more time with this one. I have not heard a lot of Nick Drake and there is something about his voice that I actually dislike. That being said, I enjoyed the music of this album and didn’t really soak in the lyrics very much. I wasn’t an instant fan, but I wasn’t turned away. Will probably relisten sometime to this or another of bis albums.

Gentle, sweet, dull.

I get the impression that repeat listens might elevate this, but folk is definitely not the easiest genre for me to engage with.

Nice to dig past Pink Moon in the catalogue of Nick Drake. Nice album to pop on when it’s frigid outside and you got a mug full of coffee and whiskey.

The music is beautiful but the lyrics are just ok

Very subtle voice, but great orchestration and songwriting. Doesn't sound dated, really, because of the restraint used in the instrumentation and production.

Not my style but I do have one song from Pink Moon in my library. If you like soft folk this is probably top-shelf material for you.

quiet--Sean had one of his albums. Didn't really grab me but good music to fall asleep to.

Not familiar with this artist but enjoyed the album.

liked the simplicity of the lyrics and cool guitar. not what I would usually go for but easy listening for drawing or the woods. i liked the man in the shed song best it made me laugh

Decent mellow listen

This is the most folksy folk album in history (which is probably why it's on the list). Mr. Drake is a real talent and I can't help but appreciate him, even if this album did almost put me to sleep.

Poo

I am glad to be introduced to this clearly talented guy - but don't know if I could have him on repeat. I did add a couple of his songs to the Mood :) Playlist - but they are ones from other albums of his that aren't quite so melancholic (Northern Sky and Road). He fits Bill's beloved "sad song genre" :)

Total mood album... pretty good stuff.

not enough listens

I like this album, steel guitar and soft lyrics .... nice 3 stars

its ok, biisit tosi erilaisia keskenään, tosi vanhan kuulosta ja osittain melankolista kamaa

Chill

Typical Drake melancholy. Folky.

I enjoyed this album. Typically these slow beat songs are not to my liking, but this one was a nice listen. Perfect for a rainy day.

I love Pink Moon so much that it's hard to be fair to his other albums. This definitely doesn't stack up, but it's pleasant nonetheless.

Pretty moody, interesting melancholic tones.

Good tunes. Vocals a bit sad.

Some good stuff but most songs sounded the same.

A beautiful chorus of melancholy. Even the most upbeat song had a background drone of sadness.

Testing

Reminds me of Jack Johnson meets Fiona Apple. Three hours track has such beautiful guitar, reminiscent of Jim Croce. Definitely melancholy.

I suppose this was pleasant enough…. Voice and guitar, occasional strings. But it is forgettable, not a single song stuck in my head. This would be decent background music, I suppose. Bland and blasé, but not enough that I couldn’t slog through. So that works out to a 3/5

Smooth vibe

I really liked River Man, so poetic and beautiful. Guy has a really nice, easy-to-listen-to, calming kind of voice. Three Hours was nice as well. The whole album was really pleasant.

It's not his best work. Interesting to hear him use more instruments than his later projects but it's not where he shines best.

Quite lovely, but it didn't really reach me.

Está para mimir.

Schöne ruhige Gitarrenklänge, mit Gesang und anderen passenden Instrumenten.

Rating: 6/10 Decent folk album, enjoyed it overall. Really nice instrumentation and great guitar playing. Honestly Nick Drake sounds a bit monotone on this album, not much vocal melody which is why this album doesn't rate as high as it should. Drake's style of vocals worked a lot better on Pink Moon, this album is a bit boring. Favorite songs: Three Hours, Day is Done. Worst song: River Man.

Haven’t heard of this - described as Singer/Songwriter album from 1969. Not bad straight off the bat!

very folksy late 60s sound. nice sounding album. great acoustic guitar riffs.

bem agradável de se ouvir

"Fk Drake"

Liked it better than I thought I would I'm a sucker for guitar

Sad but good singer songwriter type album, liked it

Mellow, Different and interesting.

2.5

Got real sad, really quick

Never listened to him. It was pretty good. A bit sad and not that much variety though.

3.5 y un poquito mas también Segundo disco de folk americano y un nivel superior al anterior La instrumental es variada, con ideas interesantes. Se nota que el tipo toca guitarra o tuvo un co-compositor orientado de ese lado (hablo sin investigar) La producción del disco es EXCELENTE teniendo en cuenta que es del año 69. Cuando arranqué pense que era de principio de los 90’s Un disco solido, muy lindo y lleno de interesantes ideas que no se vuelven repetitivas en los 40 minutos Un gran avance comparado al disco anterior y eso que salió casi 30 años antes

Its a very good album to have on in the back ground. Really laid back.

Fun instruments: guitar was skillful and piano, violin, and bass was lots of fun. Thought it would be boring but it wasn't bad

wow

A bit samey but overall a nice album 👍

Twas good, nothing too inspiring, a bit too mellow for my taste, but i think an overall solid album.

Not the type I’d usually listen to. Good instrumentals though

Like a folk singer with a bards lute. Sick bass on man in the shed. Actually probably prefer this album over Pink Moon.

Nice little comfortable album. Not the kind of music I listen to a lot, but I like it. Favorite(s): River Man, Day is Done, Fruit Tree

Not bad, interesting listen

Nick drake le goat Mais pas son meilleur album

Instrumentally i liked it, especially on the latter half of the album. The lyrics and singing dragged it down overall for me.

Three Hours is nice

This is an album where I really feel how hard certain biases have imprinted themselves onto me. I appreciate his songwriting, the new ideas he brings to the singer/songwriter format and the influence this had on culture as a whole - however, I personally am very rhythm influenced and found myself not able to engage with his work on the level that I would've liked. It's a classic in a genre that I've never really taken to, so my rating is less about his individual work and more about where it fits in for me.

Sort of thing you have to be in the mood for. Not something I usually am, but it has a pleasing sound and dynamic. Maybe save for a rainy day.

Ahead of his time

Very good recording, big soundstage, smooth songs, but a little too „easy“. Sound often like Simon& Garfunkel. His voice is too equal to all songs, no tempo, passion. But a record I will buy, if i come across a good copy

Calming album. I really enjoyed Man In A Shed

Easy listening. Anything spectacular? No. All brilliant tracks to have on in the background? Yes.

Cosy folk arrangements

big chill and rainy day vibes. kind of like the non-jazz side of john martyn. most songs were 4 stars but a couple were lesser so entire album gets 3

Not really my kind of genre, but sounds ahead of its time. Could have been released 10-20 years ago and I would not have been surprised. Great acoustic guitar playing, voice is okay. Maybe if put into regular rotation, the songs and his voice will grow on me.

Three Hours is good. Complex. Drake's vocals on Fruit tree are incredible, and neither the strings nor oboe overpower the song. Saturday Sun is a great closer.

solid chill nick drake album

5/10. Something of a snoozer, but not unpleasant. I could see myself enjoying this in an alternate timeline

Plods along wearily.

Easy listening, nice guitar, enjoyable

Nice, soft, contemplative singer-songwritery stuff. A bit drug tinged, which is par for the course in this era. Some major-minor switching gave some songs a Beatlesy touch. It was largely an album for the background though, no real changes of pace to make you listen more closely. A solid 3.

I had never heard of Nick Drake before 5 leaves left was recommended to me. So let me start by saying that the album title is fitting because listening to this thing is about as entertaining as watching the leaves fall off an autumn tree until there are only 5 left. I get why people like this as it's not all bad. Songs like 3 Hours, Day is Done, Cello Song, Fruit Tree and Saturday Sun while not making any playlist of mine are "ok" enough. But then you have stuff like Way to Blue which is almost pretentious in how depressing it is. I guess Nick Drake was manically depressed to the point where somedays he couldn't even walk or speak. So I get why it exists but, damn man... Bands who make emo music can take a real lesson from this dude on what real depression sounds like. All in all Its a pretty forgettable collection of songs that I won't be returning to, nor will I even remember after shoving a fistful of Xanax down my throat now that it's over. I'll give it a 3 star rating but its actually 2.5 Stars.

i mean sure... 7/10

Not bad. The lyrics and instrumentals are good, but no song seems distinct to me. It was good for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Favorite Song: #6 Recommend: If you're a fan of folk, sure. It's worth a passing glance.

Bit depressing

Je ne me suis rendu compte qu'à la dernière piste qu'il s'agissait de Nick Drake et non de Nick Cave, sur qui j'avais basé toute ma critique. Puisque il s'agit de Drake, je tiens à dire que j'attends toujours qu'il prenne sa vie en main et qu'il arrête de nous chialer dans les oreilles. Les choses auraient sans doute été différentes s'il avait rencontré les Bad Seeds avant Nick Cave. Nul n'en saura jamais rien.

Before starting this journey, I always thought singer-songwriter was one of my favourite genres. It turns out, that's not really true. Anyway, I can see why this album is on the list. It's well done and extremely pleasant, it's just not really my jam.

Has the same beautiful, pastoral, folky sound but the songs felt less developed than what he went on to do on Bryter Layter

Relaxing, woodland folky. The music meanders gently. A nice listen. His lisp was distracting a handful of times though

I love a couple Nick Drake songs but this album was more boring than I had hoped it would be

Dunno

Drake's too melancholy for my taste, but I respect him. I wouldn't seek out anything on this album, but it was pleasant enough to have on in the background.

Fine for background music, but not when you're trying to stay awake.

DEPRESSING!!!! The strings added nice flourishes but this was pretty tough for me to get through if I'm being honest. I'll give him a 3 for benefit of the doubt.

Betty said she prayed today For the sky to blow away Or maybe stay She wasn't sure

3.5/5

Tone of his voice is really nice, really slow album overall, was ok as background noise though

Not bad

Wasn’t expecting much from this but it was pretty chill Good background music

Perfect late-night chill out vibe. Day is Done is poetic and beautiful. The whole album puts me in mind of parties back in the day when at 3am there’d only be a handful of people awake, one boy in the corner with a guitar and this or something of this ilk on the turntable. As I’ve called it before it’s 1960s navel-gazing but sweet nevertheless

Sweet, pleasant... Nick Drake's voice and guitar float sweetly from song to song like honeybees on a lavender plant. I enjoyed it, not a sour note in the whole affair, but there wasn't anything that elevated it to a 4, at least not on the first listen.

I thought this was pleasant enough, though the strings often got in the way of his singing. I prefer Pink Moon.

Well, now I know what I'll put on if I'm ever stranded in a cabin with my girlfriend and I'm trying to keep her calm and docile. This was some gentle music.

Nice. 3.5/5

Highlights: "River Man," "Three Hours," "Cello Song" Drake had found himself musically from this debut, granted a couple pieces sound very similar and rote. It's the lyrics that aren't there yet. The lyrics are too lazy, repetitive, needy, and self-impressed to have the same impact that Pink Moon would have later. As much as he moans here, he hadn't really learned to be vulnerable yet. The only thing that separates this from a Donovan record is some glimmers of compelling harmony and a beautifully gentle voice. That's plenty, but it wasn't this artist's potential.

Yep this was definitely a Nick Drake album. I think I liked it a little less than Pink Moon, even though in a lot of ways this one was actually more engaging; more varied song structures, sounds, a few more instruments, etc. I did enjoy it, although it is kind of soft and blurry in the middle. I fully understand the praise he gets even if he's not an everyday kind of listen for me. Best song: Three Hours

I'm not a big fan of 60s folk but do really enjoy Nick Drake. This album did drag a bit for me but still was enjoyable.

This is one cosy album Way to blues opening was sick The music itself is great, love the violin/cello parts "There was a man who lived in a shed, spent most of his days out of his head" was very funny. That song slapped

Pretty good song writing, not really my bag tho.

Hard to believe it was written in 1969. Dark and textured, love when you can hear more guitars than just the acoustic (which is also lovely, btw)

Very mellow and easy listening, some stand out pieces but the album as a whole doesn't match my taste in folk.

I mean it’s a pretty album for sure, but my god how much Nick drake is there and how many more is this list gonna make me do 3.5/5

Pleasant 3/5

Hotline bling and that

Only really two different songs - the piano one and the guitar one. He's a clear influence on a bunch of more engaging and successful bands and artists. I think I liked Pink Moon more, at least a little, but I'm not listening to it again to check!

Not quite country, but it was relaxing and seems like it should be accompanied by sweet tea and a good sunset

I can see why people would enjoy this, but it's just not for me. Well written lyrics and beautiful guitars.

C’est pas des mauvaises chansons, c’est juste trop calme à mon goût.

Quite pleasant, but nothing special. I'd never heard of Nick Drake before - it seems that he only made three records before his premature death.

Parts suggest that this record inspired thousands of background songs for emotive moments popular TV dramas, “Gray’s Anatomy”’s weepiest moments, and this is unfair. But the songs have their strange, awkward bits, and the morbid strings - on “River Man” - for example, are too engaging to sit in the background. Never heard this before, approached it warily, and was grabbed almost immediately. His words and intonation are circumspect. Having begun by blaming him for soap music, I now accuse him of providing the vocal template for “Spiderland”. The recording is great, everything clear, uncluttered, and close, played to head across pillow. A lot of it is fiddlier than I usually would tolerate, similar to “Astral Weeks”. The folk-jazz experiments of the period have an earnestness that slightly repels me, despite my admiring the intentions and elegance, and feeling nostalgic for these few years of emotive experimentation that I learned secondhand through childhood. Hippy teachers and children’s programmes, man. I like this, but drifted away after the first couple of tracks. Will listen to again. For now, a cagey, perhaps unjust three stars.

Is it an intimate folk rock masterpiece? Or a collection of pointless folksy ramblings? I honestly have no clue. A decent record.

I liked the vibe!

Good rainy day music.

Ni fu, ni fa

Sleepy but enjoyable

I fear Mr. Nick might have ate here.

It sufficed as background music and was very pleasant when I listened closely, but it never grabbed my attention. I felt like I was shopping for slacks at Macy's on a random Thursday in August. Not an ideal day, but the sales are great and lord knows I need new chinos.

This was one of the few albums I did when I discovered this generator years ago. I’ve listened to Nick Drake’s soothing voice via shuffle for a few years now. It’s a good album, but nothing that gets my panties in a bunch.

Slow and calm, I don't think it's quite the level of forgettable but it comes close, slow and chill, was able to get through it though

Garden state song guy, it’s decent

Not great. His voice is, and the album IS haunting, but it's not at all my style.

He's got a lovely voice. A bunch of tracks on here I really like. There's a real melancholic undercurrent with the whole album. I can see a lot of influence on later albums like like Beck's 'Sea Change'. There's also some interesting musical arrangements in here that I dig. It's mostly quite nice, but I feel like a lot of it bleeds together as one. I think this is more of a selective listen with a few individual tracks for me rather than listening to the whole thing in one go.

This album is a 2.5 for me, some good guitar bits, but feels a bit boring to me.

Didn't love it. A couple songs were really good but the majority is too mellow and kinda all sounds the same. Definitely a time and a place kind of album. Good overall but not my cup of tea.

Gentle but sincere. Has underlying darkness. Overall I enjoyed it but just a little too soft and muted for me.

Driven mostly by his vocals this is very pleasant

Listen to if sad, a few good cuts

I have become more and more convinced that I may be judging some albums more harshly based on my mood at the time of listening. I absolutely loved Pink Moon and was excited about listening to this but it’s mostly left me cold so far (about half way through). I’m hoping I can find the beauty…. Edit: It was ok. Worth a 3, I think

3/5. Another beautiful album from Drake, not as good as Bryter but it may grow on me like the other one. This one feels too quiet and the other one had great instrumentation which made it stand out.

Not doing a whole lot for me personally. The songwriting has some true beauty to it but I’m not the biggest fan of his delivery. I have no complaints about the guitar work

Erster Song geil. Cello song auch nice, n bischen wie Sympathy for the devil. Rest ist n bischen langweilig und das gleiche

I'm still not the biggest folk lover but this album is pretty okay. I'm gonna be honest for a minute and say it's really good to cry to because I got this on Valentine's Day and I am heavily missing my boyfriend because we're long distance and he can't be up by me until maybe next month. Way To Blue is reminding me of Sweeney Todd in a way that I can't quite place. There's just something about it, both the vocals and instrumental.

The album was just alright. Nothing great about it, but nothing bad about it. Not really a three, but I will round up.

Instrumentals are immaculate but the drab vocals and lyrics kinda ruin it. Love the intermingling of the simple instrument use throughout, but I also wish more incorporated the jazz influence of the last track which was banger. 5/10

1/28/2023 really a brilliant record, i am impressed. didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the catchy melodies. "time has told me" was my favorite, so damn catchy.

It's OK. Not my thing tho.

Very relaxing folk album. Has dark and cinematic feeling. Very dramatic. Feels like something to listen around the campfire. Favorite track: Time Has Told Me

To me, it sounded nice, but it wasn't anything special. I would never turn it off, but I would also never put it on to begin with.

- Only ever listened to Pink Moon before - Didn't click for me in the same way as that one, but still enjoyed it - Preferred the songs towards the end of the album to some of the first ones - Fav songs: Saturday Sun, Thoughts of Mary Jane, Day is Done

Ik krijg de laatste tijd vaak dezelfde reclame voor rustgevende natuurgeluiden om mee in slaap te kunnen vallen. Vraag mij af waarom? We hebben Nick toch al daarvoor? Muzikaal is het prima. Het hoort natuurlijk in deze lijst. Maar voor mij is één keer luisteren wel voldoende. 2.5 ster.

Hele chille rustgevende folkmuziek. Je moet er misschien wel voor in de stemming zijn, maar ik heb een dag waarop ik vrij veel tolereer blijkbaar.

Quite good, worth a relisten when wanting calming vibes

I like Nick Drake, but I always forget about him. Pretty songs but too slow for me.

Slow but ok

Meh

Heavy jazz influence Strange vocals Meh/10

I mean it’s Nick Drake so it’s good. But it’s sad Nick Drake. I like Pink Moon better.

Fine, folky...

Average

Very soft. Lots of guitar. Pleasant

Interesante e inovado

Great arrangements/strings. Not huge variation in the vocals and songwriting though.

7/10

A little depressing but uplifting at the same time? This is a soft spoken album that's a bit of a mood. It's solid, doubt I'm seeking this out again but I get why people enjoy.

Good stuff

Nice calming songs

Folk acústico interessante.

Mellow. Chill

First song was so good I was immediately thinking this will be another hidden gem. Bud sadly that just didn't happen. It felt rather stale after a while and the vocals seemed disconnected from the instrumentals.

Listened to Pink Moon a bit ago and rly enjoyed it, Five Leaves Left was pretty good too, a lot more instrumentally speaking, songwriting still on point

Super soothing voice, songwriting is good

Un poco rollo. 3

Calm and soothing, 3

It's ok

Doux

Si treiem de l'equació el seu carisma i l'aura que encercla la seva existència tràgica, el disc de debut de Drake és poc més que un voluntariós exercici de folk rock, interessant pero sense una rellevància anormal

Great guitar work, bluesy and jazzy basslines on upright bass, great voice and lyrics. Nick Drake is a great singer songwriter

je kiffe toujours sa voix, mais bon c'est du coco fleurette

Slow and steady. Clear sound. Good vocal.

Meh. Good songwriter but not my cup of tea. Sorry Pitchfork folk. Best song: River Man

It has some ok songs but generally a bit too melancholic and a bit lack of.. everything. Some pretty songs. By far not as good as Bryter Later, doesn't even come close.

Bit Samey same, but this pretty smooth and nice

Beautiful sounds. Great voice, and nice songs. Maybe a little monotonous in the sense that many songs seem to have similar cadence and lyric melody. But a remarkable first album from a young singer-songwriter.

I liked this but it was sad.

Pretty good. Very laid back, nice instrumentation, interesting chord changes. Something I would put on for mixed company, but probably not listen to a lot on my own.

Best Song: ' Cello Song. The bongos (?) added a nice element to the soft, almost sultry aspect to his voice. Worst Song: Way to Blue. Seems like the introduction to a theatre production, rather than the fourth song into an album. Overall: It was raining while I listened to this album, which I think significantly helped its appreciation. A mildly melancholic feel with a talented but muted vocal performance. The album feels candlelit. Good for quiet dinners and being sort of sad.

Lilting melancholic guitar based folk. Inoffensive

Had this for a while, love the killer track - not really listened to the rest of it. Good without being great

Beautiful music but too sad for my personal taste

It's not a challenging listen by any stretch, I enjoyed it.

Decent

very relaxing, amazing instrumentals. Need to give more attention to eventually

Solid singer-songwriter album with enough melodic and arrangement twists to keep you listening. Never going to be the biggest fan of his 'hushed me' vocals though.

thought i'd enjoy it more, but certainly great music that i've never heard before