Five Leaves Left

The only Nick Drake song I've ever heard is "Pink Moon," which is an amazing song. I wasn't expecting anything as strong here, but - I was wrong. This is a beautiful record, full of yearning, and restraint, and tender, quiet moments. I'm so glad I listened this, and so glad other folks on this journey will as well. Excellent. FOUR STARS

I rated Bryter Layter 5/5 - I think this deserves the same. My partner came into the room where I was listening to the album and was equally as surprised when we discovered it's from 1969.

Beautiful guitar playing, beautiful songwriting and beautiful arrangements. I can't wait to play some of these songs on guitar. 5/5

First time listening to his music. Cool orchestration, the strings are beautiful. Really amazing, unique voice. Will have to look at more of his work.

Weno pero meh era todo similar pero quizas es porque ya me habia tocado escuchar otro de Nick Drake. Pero siento que el otro me gustó mucho más.

Fame is but a fruit tree so very unsound It can never flourish 'til its stock is in the ground

A selection of lovely acoustic tracks. Critics love this album overwhelmingly. And sure, it's good – but not "a perfect 5 stars" good. Time Has Told Me is a solid opener, and seemingly bold to begin an album with a fully acoustic track. George Harrison was praised for doing the same thing a year later, so I feel we should be doing our due diligence with this Drake guy. As long as the energy picks up later, we're working with some serious gold here. Next is River Man... Okay, admittedly this comes across as another slow, sombre, almost sappy acoustic guitar ballad. But dang it, those strings pack some serious punch. And the moments where the music selects a bizarre, high-tension chord, before smoothly resolving... listeners yearn for moments like those. Very easy to understand why this is one of the two most popular tracks on the album. Three Hours takes us somewhere more modal (Dorian) and extremely English-folk-sounding. Everything is in one chord, hearkening back to much older music when string and horn instruments could only play notes within one key. The complex, mysterious picking style reminds me a bit of S&G's Mrs. Robinson, though a ton of other music like this exists. Way To Blue is Way Too Blue for me. Actually, I don't know what happened, but around this point in the album, the songs sound extremely dark and depressed. Day Is Done is much the same way. I don't know if my ears (and heart) are cut out for this sort of thing, even if I did request a change in mood. We get a semblance of percussion in the more upbeat ' Cello Song. Another track with mostly one chord, though Drake musters the bravery to reach into the terrifying unknown of IV and V chord a couple of times. And by Thoughts Of Mary Jane, I'm convinced this Drake guy has a vested interest in whimsical fairytale-esque songwriting. Man In A Shed, despite having a decent piano part, doesn't really do anything for me. Drake's choice of singing voice doesn't do him any favours. That whispery, low-effort stuff reminds me of Billie Eilish, whose voice I dislike for the same reason. Fruit Tree doesn't do much different except adding back those gorgeous strings and an oboe. These songs would certainly benefit from better melodies – I couldn't sing a single one back to you if I tried. Saturday Sun is the best delivery of "piano ballad" on the entire record, helped substantially by a light touch of drums, bass, vibraphone, and several interesting chord changes. Even 4 stars might be too much. Ah, well. I'm feeling generous. 4/5 Key tracks: River Man, ' Cello Song, Saturday Sun

My ambivalence toward Nick Drake is on record, but this was sort of good. But I'll never listen to it again.

Has Simon & Garfunkel vibes, but far inferior songwriting and much more repetitive. Didn’t do it for me

2/5 While the music is nice and easy to listen too, I'm not the biggest fan of his voice unfortunately so I didnt enjoy this album as much as I'd hoped I would.

I suppose it's good "piano bar" music? Something that's easy on the ears but you don't really need to pay attention to.

I think maybe I am missing something about this guy since this is the third album on this list and he only made it to like 30yo. I think if I was 16, listening to this in my room, really, truly taking in the songwriting and lyrics I would appreciate it more than I do today. It's not bad but I don't need to listen again.

Theres a fine line between "hushed vocal tones" & "the bloke cant really sing" ....and just when Im about to solidify a grumpy-latter view a song like "Three Hours" comes on and sweeps you away with the sound/imagery laden lyrics.

I am so glad that I am in the portion of the population that has been exposed to the music of Nick Drake. I am also bummed that the world lost out on this beautiful soul early in his life. His music is so raw and utterly beautiful in its delivery. This was his introduction to the world and while I don't think it rises quite to the level of his magnum opus, Pink Moon, I do think it was an extrememly noble effort. There are some amazing highlights included within and the backing band adds an interesting dynamic to the folk sound. Get your ears on this record!

8/10

Surprisingly a lot more polished than Pink Moon even though it was earlier. Such an amazing talent and a tragic tale.

Very surprised by this one. Love how a lot of the tracks build on each other

This is nice. Dried flowers, cardamom, plywood cabin with smell of dust and sun. It's a lot like a second "Pink Moon," but I have room for a second "Pink Moon." I wonder if Nick had lived if he'd've given us a ... purple sun.

Did i like this more than Pink Moon? …yeah

A few good songs but overall too long to keep attention. Too much sounds the same.

Nothing stood out to me, but I love folk music so it was enjoyable for sure.

The vocals are to mono tone for my liking. The lyrics are interesting a good way. I enjoyed the music and most aspects of this album, just the vocal range that let me down.

Me dormí, un poco más de ritmo la próxima Nick

Really liked this album more than anticipated. Maybe it's because we've been on a Rock kick lately but was nice to see something a bit different. Decided to listen to this on my nicer headphones and it was totally worth it to hear more of the gorgeous guitar and strings in the background. This on a rainy day with some coffee in hand would slap.

reaaaaallyyyyy was rockin with this actually. one of my favorites so far I liked River Man and Saturday Sun the most

Smooth listening, one of these lyrics caught in my throat a little bit. Highlights: Fruit Tree, Way to Blue, Saturday Sun

I'm familiar with his work, and understand the iconic status attached to this album, but I've somehow never heard it before in its entirety. I enjoyed it. There, Ive said it. The first three tracks are superb. There are many latter year immitators that clearly take influence from this, but IMO they fall short in comparison. Just falls short of purchase material. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit 🫳 ★★★☆☆(6/10) Total reviewed : 352 Already owned : 78 Purchased : 16 To buy : 3 Nope : 255

All three Nick Drake records are on the list. Pink Moon, 100% belongs. Bryter Later, less consistent but maybe more influential, and still full of great and memorable songs. This one, for me, does not merit a spot. There's good stuff here but none of it ever sticks with me like the songs on Pink Moon and Bryter Later

Sleepy. By that, I mean dreamy, and also lacking engagement. It's an interesting duality. Fairly eclectic instrumentation as well. I came close to shutting this down when I heard lap steel on the first track, but fortunately that wasn't a mainstay on this release. I will probably forget I listened to this, so it has failed to leave an impression and thus doesn't qualify as must-hear.

Time has told me gets me gets me every single time. Love the album from start to finish. RIP nick.

YOOOOOOO NICK

it was alright! i liked the acoustic but no songs really stood out to me! the sound blended together 2.5

OK as background

Such a beautiful album. For a guy I know to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time, it’s shocking how many instruments are used here, and how BEAUTIFUL they all sound. Also, river man is one of the greatest songs of all time. Stone cold classic

Sympa mais sans plus

Didn't like it as much as Pink Moon, but still very nice easy listening. Favorite Track: ' Cello Song

This album is like getting home from your friends funeral and still having a couple of hours left in the day before it is time to go to bed. You don't really want to do anything because the focus of the day should be your recently dceased friend, but also you do need to do something to pass the time until you can sleep.

Wasn't a fan.

Неплохо, что-то мне точно попадалось раньше, на фон кайф

It's chill. 2.5.

Enjoyable album, it just wasn't to my personal taste.

Echt uitzitten dit

Nick Drake? Er vel heller Nick GOAT.

Jeg burde skjønt lenge før at jeg kom til å være så fan av Nick Drake

Took me on a journey, a peaceful and solitary journey, really good.

This was just fine to me. I can listen to it and appreciate it and don’t really feel too strongly one way or the other. That lands me at a 2.

This was good, but I didn’t like it as much as Pink Moon. His voice still comes through but the arrangement somehow misses the mark

This is a great singer-singwriter album. With simple instrumentation, the songwriting shines here and it's beautiful. I liked Pink Moon a little more, but this is still a nice album.

- Uscito il 3 luglio si spiegano molte cose, che archi. - La colonna sonora per una passeggiata fra boschi e sentieri - River man !! Way to blue !! Day is done (fav) !! ’Cello song !! Man in a shed !! - Che bel titolo, perfetto. Voto: 8

A very pretty sounding album. I always intend to listen to Nick Drake more than I do. He has a wonderfully clean and simple voice that really adds a lovely bit of contrast to the lush arrangements here. I already gave my life over to Elliott Smith though, and there’s only enough room for one sad acoustic boy in my life. This was lovely though, and is yet another album where you can see the countless number of artists he influenced.

My third and last album from Nick and I've grown to really appreciate and enjoy the melancholy folk style that he exudes. The strings feel very prominent on this album and pair well with his soft vocals so well. This is the style of folk that I gravitate towards more, the kind that seem to hold a deep pain in every line.

I already knew I loved this album, but I needed to hear it that day, so it went down very well.

Rating:★★★ Ok Album. I liked some of the songs, but I really liked the last song. Otherwise, lots of same sounding songs that made me zone out a bit.

Whilst there's nothing at all to dislike about Nick Drakes music I find the albums a bit samey without a great deal of variation. A pleasant enough listen but not enough to excite me unfortunately.

I liked this chilled folk nice \guitar warm vibe and a decent voice and lyrics.

Mellow, chill, alright

Perfect album of the day for a rainy day, we curled up on the couch and listened to it on repeat

Absolutely stunning album. I have never heard of Nick Drake before this and I did a little research on him and it’s sad that he lived such a short life. Glad that I was able to listen to this and will definitely check his other albums out.

Nick Drake, as I have said before, has been a bit of an albatross for me over the what, 20 or so years since folks decided to give him a rebirth? Because ultimately he is a fine guitarist but his post-hippie stoner-kid vibe just hasn't grabbed me. Like, I feel like this inspired every Jack Johnson/John Mayer/Dispatch/whisper mouthed frat guitarist of the turn of the century, and he will never properly pay amends for that. I think the guitar work strikes me a bit more on this earlier album than on Pink Moon. It's been a few months since I got that by now, but this feels a bit more upbeat, a bit more interesting. It's something I can picture wanting to learn musically. But it's that codeine voice that keeps this from resonating. Another 3* for nick.

A haunting yet peaceful listen. The guitar and instrumentals on here are really good! Likes: Three Hours; Day Is Done; Fruit Tree; Saturday Sun

This album is a lot better than his Pink Moon album which is on this record. Right from the top, Time Has Told Me, River Man, and Three Hours were all better than anything else off his other album, other than maybe Things Behind The Sun. It gets off to an excellent start. There's a bit of a Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds type of feel at times, though Dave and Tim definitely have more of an edge. This is more placid. After this, the album waivers some, though Cello Song is another highlight. There's even a bit of a jazz tinge at the end with Saturday Sun. All in all, much better than Pink Moon. I'm really surprised that this album is rated worse than that one, as there is very little to that record while this one has more feel and guts to it. 4 stars.

An enjoyable listen, but can be a bit dull at points

I had never heard of nick drake before, but this album caught me off guard with how good it was. It was definitely a moving album and I enjoyed every minute of it, even if it did get a little samey at parts. Would listen again. Favorite songs: ‘cello song, thoughts of Mary Jane, Saturday sun

I've always enjoyed Nick Drake but haven't dived too much into his stuff. Really dug this one, perfect chill folk music.

I think it works and it seems like a soundtrack, it could be for a life or a movie and that's amazing!

Solid funky background music. Almost 2 man mushy.

Bastante tranquilo

No ha conseguido captar mi atención y me parece un poco flojeras

Det er bare skønt, flot og afslappende. Dejligt fingerspil på den akustiske guitar, fine strygere. Alt godt.

*93 Fantastisk rørende og smuk musik. Et ubeskriveligt tekst og følelsesunivers, som er blevet skabt af en NITTEN (19-20) årig ung mand. Pink Moon er marginalt bedre, så den kan vi forhåbentlig også glæde os til på listen.

Jeg har lavet en ny aftale med mig selv: Jeg skal være hårdere ved musik der er intetsigende og mere gavmild med musik, som vækker et eller andet i mig. Det er ikke de store følelser der vækkes, men jeg synes at det lyder enormt godt. En lille 4

Flotte numre Jeg skal høre det flere gange, men så tror jeg, det kunne sidde fast Sindssygt flotte strygerarrangementer Det er nok højere næste gang eller gangen efter det, men denne gang: 3.7

Jeg er slet ikke i tvivl om, at han er dygtig, og måske er det fordi, jeg mangler tid og mulighed til at fordybe mig i tekstuniverset, eller flere gennemlytninger som Anders også nævner, men umiddelbart bliver det lidt for monotont - især hans sangstil som næsten ender med at irritere mig lidt - og kedeligt. Det sagt, så er jeg slet ikke i tvivl om kvaliteten, og det er også utroligt smukt (og tidsløst) flere steder. men kan ikke komme højere end 3 (store) stjerner

Two listens probably not enough to really appreciate this, but didn’t pull me in immediately.

Not my kind of music, not bad though

Too slow for my taste

Kinda boring but not terrible

Pretty good. The last track, Saturday Sun, is probably my favorite!

Me gustó mucho. Muy buenas melodías, hermosa voz. Muchas canciones con aires de películas. Recomiendo para escuchar un día de chill porque es muy muy chill, como para bajarte un tubo de vino en casa.

Beautiful. Such a talent.

Genuinely so stunningly beautiful! Something about it is so haunting but in a very beautiful way. Nick Drake's voice is rich and lovely. I really think it is now one of my favorite albums I've ever heard! "River Man" and "Way to Blue" are probably my favorite tracks.

Been meaning to listen to Nick Drake for a while now, so I was pretty happy to give this a listen and I quite enjoyed it. The finger picked acoustic guitar sounds so cozy and Nick delivers a great performance vocally throughout. Drake's words provide a melancholic feel over these calm plucky instrumentals. Interesting choice too on this record to include violin and congas which I definitely wasn't expecting to hear with what I had know about his work before going in. Three hours in particular was a stand out with its loud instrumentation. Both the guitar and the percussion are front and center here, not to be out done by Nick himself who cuts through the mix to deliver some beautiful story telling. I also enjoyed Thoughts of Mary Jane and Cello Song a lot. His ability to create these slow introspective songs and go into a loud theatric feeling track while still pondering some interesting here on the next is enthralling. Great listen, I can't wait to listen to more of his music.

Erg somber, maar opzich wel prima.

I didn’t think this was very original or compelling. The only interesting thing about it is his voice and the rest sounds mostly like generic folk to me.

lagana gitarica i pjevušenje, ponekad nešto više. fora: lagano, solidno, dosljedno kvalitetno, ali meni u konačnici ništa posebno. neki momenti malo kvazidubokoumni. preostalo pet rizala, no samo tri zvjezdice, jebiga, niče drejče

Great Sunday morning music

Some people were meant to be musicians, but even less were meant to be stars. Nick Drake is in a tiny group where they were always meant to be a star after his life burned out. Can't wait for Pink Moon tbh lads, that's always been my favourite, but this is pretty much perfection. "They will know that you were here When you are gone"

fun, i like the soft vibes

This feel likes astral weeks done right, done way better. Gone is the horrid singing that covers over the pretty solid guitar riffs, but with the trade off being that the backing seems a bit more plain.

Yeah quite liked this one. Varied and atmospheric, plus Nick sounds like he actually wants to be here. Still the odd song that puts you to sleep but overall pretty good

I'm not going to think about it too much. This is extraordinary. Nick Drake had an incomparable sound, to which the only available word is beauty. Everything about this is beautiful. A talent gone from us far too soon, of course. I'm shocked I haven't heard this already, given his discography. Five flat.

Unlistenably twangy. It’s like the worst Bob Dylan song mixed with a James blunt song. awful. ⭐️

1. "Way to Blue" 2. "River Man" 3. "Fruit Tree"

Beltter

Increíble. Primera vez que lo escucho y definitivamente es una joya

Review - probably his worst studio album but still a banger. Score - 8/10 Need to listen? YES

It's not the first time I've listened to Nick Drake. I always get the feeling that the sound is caressing my head and asking me to calm down, like a baby. It's so calm, it sounds like I've just sat down after spending a whole week on my feet.

Little bit country, little bit Bob Dylan sound.

Achingly beautiful.

Folky mellow vibes

Not to rag on today's youth - honestly, I do mean that - but just imagine a 20-year-old coming up with this today. Do they get the time and space to indulge in weirdly concrete abstractions? To mess with time signatures and tunings? To chat with River Men about the plan for lilac time? Well, I hope so. There's a strong chance this is the record I've listened to most since I first heard it, a good quarter-century ago, and it's as much a five today as ever.

Me pareció lento, no creo que sea malo, pero no termino de sentir que salga de la racha de discos que no me enganchan.

Haunting is almost an understatement. I do really like this record though.

It’s refreshing to get an album you know you’re going to like after suffering through a few shitty ones in a row

Not my style but I appreciate it

Somber and melancholy. Favorite track: River Man

Dynamics?

Great album. Lovely songs. Good vibe

Always love listening to Nick Drake.

Whoever made this list really wants to make sure I’ve heard of Nick Drake by the end. I’ve liked the offerings but I’m still not sure how frequently I’ll come back.

3 Nick Drakes in the last 10 albums. I’ll leave it close to the same as my other reviews but I admittedly warmed up a little to him. Still not my daily jam but I respect it.

a lovely album. he was a lovely artist! I knew I would enjoy

excellent music for virgins, stoners, the clinically depressed, and anyone whose favorite book is The Perks of Being a Wallflower

This was not the best beach album I’ve ever listened to, which is not Nick Drake’s fault. I see the appeal though.

I don’t, in general, view “artist did another thing I like more” as a valid reason to dock points. But I do feel like Nick Drake made the same album 3 times and did it a bit better each time. So there.

Perfect vibe for a rainy drive home back to Long Island from BK. Reading that he recorded surrounded by the live instrumentals and that sounds lovely. I think I got this album right when it was needed. Maybe it could have felt more tedious or repetitive or sad on a sunnier Memorial Day weekend but the soundtrack to a bleary drive and rainy walk was perfect. River Man, plan for lilac time 💛

Just kinda boring. After the album was over it switched to another artist without me knowing. I thought, "whoa, finally something interesting." And then I realized it wasn't Nick Drake anymore.

meh 2/5

So, this guy's a surprise find from this project. My tastes in music tend to be much more maximalist. I like intensity and texture. Give me rock, give me metal, give me synth and electronica. This isn't to say that I don't appreciate folk now and then but I didn't figure I'd like something this delicate so much. Drake's voice is lovely, his compositions gentle and melancholy (and somehow not boring ... texture I guess?). Just beautiful. Great music to watch a rain storm while sitting in a rocking chair on your porch to. "Fruit Tree" is tragically prescient isn't it?

Ken dit album helemaal niet. Alleen de cover art komt me bekend voor River man: mooi Day is done: wat een intro, deze ken ik van de kwis lol. Wel echt mooi met die viool ook Fruit tree: hobo fuck yeah Eerste indruk: Niet helemaal mijn pakkie an, maar wel echt heel mooi. Consistent uitgevoerd maar genoeg variatie. Vooral in instrumentatie.

Beautiful

Que buen background music album, es un 3.6-3.7 así que se lleva sus 4 por redondear

It’s fine, I think the truest Nick Drake is the Pink Moon Nick Drake.

First exposure to Nick Drake, pleasantly surprised.

Yeah this wasn’t bad

Nick Drake is a genius. The arrangements are one of a kind. I don’t think there any bad Nick Drake albums and I wouldn’t rank any of them below 5 stars. However, I’d have a hard time picking which one would be my favourite between “Five Leaves Left”and “Pink Moon”. I think “Five Leaves Left” would be considered the purest out of the 3 Nick Drake albums in terms of not having the pressure of not succeeding from the previous records and for that it would be my favourite.

i couldn’t tell where one song started and another ended. daniel restarted one to hear the intro again and i winced at the thought of listening to this for an extra 30 seconds. but maybe the problem wasn’t the album… maybe the problem was sitting in stand still traffic. we will never know, because i refuse to give it a second chance. sorry nick drake - if that’s even your real name.

No he llegado a escucharlo entero

This isn't too bad but it's jsut a bit too mellow for me. I think I might put this on if I was in a super chill mood. I hate to give this a low score but it is just so boring to me. I don't think the music is bad it's just very much not for me.

Five Leaves Left carries a weight and maturity that belies Drake's age at the time of recording. This is both magical and heartbreaking. Depression ages your soul, and unfortunately this is a beautifully sad record written from experience.

Such a beautifully composed and crafted album. RIP Nick Drake

Not my favorite Nick Drake- River Man and Cello Song are unbelievable but 40 minutes of it feels like he's just spinning his wheels a bit

Didn’t expect to have this guy back so soon lol

Lost interest by the first song.

Very slow, melodic, dreamlike. His voice is pretty nice and the guitar is gorgeous. For some reason it just didn't grab me.

Already listened. Beautiful album

Este me gustó bastante menos que el otro. Igual lindo álbum, es muy bueno logrando melodías vocales gancheras y se hace todo llevadero. 6/10

Lovely.

He later perfected his music by stripping away all the whimsical parts (both musical and lyrical), but it's nice to hear this more cheeful side of him too

Eh

Aiñ.... tengo muchas cosas que decir de este disco pero me da mucha trimsteza la vida del Nick la neta; me gusto mucho el disco pero me puso muy nostalgica la historia de Nick y me peso más el disco T_T. Puse el disco como de fondo para leer pero me atrapo aún estando de background. Luego ya lo escuche con más detenimiento y me dio mucha nostalgia, pero rica pues. Si me gusto bastante, lo quiero mucho :3 :'(

horrible

It alright not my type of music

This really isn't my genre but I've also really liked what I've heard from Nick Drake so far and this album isn't an exception. It carries a haunting and beautiful vibe, he's a great singer and the song composition is subtly complex.

Simply a really nice, thoughtful record. Some really clever arrangements and complexity in especially the guitar playing. His vocal sound doesn't pull up trees but a great album.

Nick Drake was a phenomenal guitarist and lyricist and I’m glad all 3 of his albums make the list. This is probably his weakest effort (prefer Pink Moon) but still a gorgeous album

Folk is not a genre I almost ever listen to so I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. I had heard his name before but never his music. It's an absolutely gorgeous album! His voice, while not very dynamic or wide in range, is extremely soothing and he's guitar playing is intricate and beautiful. The album doesn't have a lot of variance in terms of tone or mood but I wouldn't want it different. The vibe is consistent (melancholy but not depressing) and it makes for a very cohesive listen. Stand out songs for me are River Man and Cello Song. Something about the interplay between the vocal melody and guitar part in the later does something for me. Sad to read he died so young. I will be checking out his other 2 albums.

Good, but not great

Another fine entry by my boy Dick Nrake. While the world was getting dosed, tuning in and dropping out Nick was over here just writing music about a Saturday morning. Its just plain old good music. Singer songwriter as fuck. Seeped in the appreciation of the little details of life. And joy in mundanity.

I fucked with whatever this is

Nice sounding album. One pace, one sound the whole way through

Beautiful. Going into the rotation.

I didn’t realize when I got to the last song. 6/10

Endnu et smukt album fra ham her

Gudesmukt!

So beautiful arrangements. His voice is heavenly.

One of my favorite singer songwriter records. Weirdly to me, feels like the best aspects of Tim Buckley in terms of his songs and jeff buckley in terms of the raw emotions/style. Really beautiful

chato

Ah some sad music, the salve of my souls. Joking aside this is so good, though maybe not quite as great as I was expecting.

The minimalism of Nick Drake amazes me on this listen. It's masterful. Because of his aptitude for doing a lot with a little, the only mars are the flute and piano pieces. They're not necessary.

Nick drake locurita, muy piola el vago este

I think this is going to grow on me but initial 3. Vibes were very lovely but a bit sad. Music is very good

Nick Drake is just not for me. Maybe, possibly, somewhere in my life I will be in the right mood for it, but not yet. I find this album boring, repetitive, not catchy, not interesting, and lacking in much variation. 2 starts just because I appreciate the effort that went into all of the instrumentation and songwriting.

Nick Drake. Not the hero that I wanted today, but the hero that I needed.

this was chill and enjoyable - 3.5

Got repetitive after a while but he’s got a lovely voice and the music is pleasant on the ear

Nick Drake is very nice. But this album doesn't really click with me in any special way. It strikes me as the sort of album that could grown on me with deeper listening, but I'm not sure I will ever give it the time of day tbh. Fave Tracks: River Man, Man In A Shed 3.6/5

Slow burn

Yet another album from this week that might be in my rotation

Ok

*Pink Moon is the essential Nick Drake, but this album is interesting to hear his guitar with more orchestration around it.

Another day another banger! I love this album and I love nick drake and his smoooooth dulcet melancholy vibes. Basically tailor made for to get into as a moody teen and act like I was the only one who knew about it.

Too slow rythm for my usual listening but stil gorgeous album

love nick drake!!! heb deze niet in 1 keer helemaal geluisterd dus niet helemaal goed alles in me op kunnen nemen maar daarom 4

I’m really unconvinced that all three Drake albums need to be on this list. This is probably the weakest one.

Fantastic one.

He delivers melancholy in his own unique way, and it sounded better on a rainy morning.

Beautiful.

+1 for some good use of strings, otherwise utterly forgettable

Amazing album! One of the poets of the century. Rip…

I can’t seem to get into Nick Drake. I’ve tried before, but long enough ago that I couldn’t remember why. I was actually jazzed that this record popped up, cause I figured I just needed some focused time with this record to see what everyone else seems to see with this guy. I like the guitars on the record, and can get into the subject matter he’s singing about, but I’ve also now remembered why I’ve struggled to connect with Nick Drake: every song on this record bores me to tears. What a slog. 5/10

Five Leaves Left es una obra maestra atemporal que trasciende las etiquetas del folk para convertirse en un viaje psicológico y espiritual. La voz de Nick Drake se percibe aquí no como una interpretación convencional, sino como un llamado de ensueño o del más allá, nacido de la propia conciencia. Es un álbum de una riqueza otoñal bellísima que ha envejecido bien precisamente porque habita un plano fuera del tiempo, sonando con una frescura y honestidad que conmueven de inmediato. La arquitectura del disco es perfecta: se entretejen muy bien las cuerdas, logrando una mezcla maestra donde conviven en armonía la elegancia de los arreglos barrocos, la maestría técnica de la guitarra sola y la desnudez de la voz. Piezas inmensas como "River Man" —cuya esencia se conecta de inmediato con la genialidad de propuestas contemporáneas como la de Benjamin Clementine— inyectan una constante sensación de paz y fluidez. Es un trabajo tan noble y versátil que se presta para múltiples usos: carretera, reflexión, trabajo creativo, en soledad o acompañado. Un testimonio conmovedor, crudo y real de un artista irrepetible.

Magical stuff. This is album number 65 for me, and from a purely songwriting viewpoint probably the best of the lot up to now. I am gobsmacked that Nick Drake was just 21 when this was released??

Listened

I've tri s Nick Drake before, and not felt the magic. It sounds super washed out and distant, and so it feels too.

Muy depre

The first song is like the opening credits for a touching movie where I'm ready for the opening credits to be over and something funny to distract me from how bored I am. In fact, the whole thing is like the soundtrack for a movie I didn't really want to watch, but it's thought provoking. Like it provoked the thoughts that I should have gone for a walk instead of watching the movie or listened to something else. It's fine, but I'll forget it pretty quickly.

Nice vibes, but nothing was that memorable

Almost a 5

It is a very calm and chill album. It's not the style of music that i like but te instrumental sounds great. I would have enjoyed more with stickier melodies

Quite a soothing album, and I enjoy his sound. My favourites were the thoughts of mary jane, river man, man in a shed, and fruit tree like a 4.5

just ok. its not a bad album, but I don't understand why it is on this list.

Didn’t like at all

Norm

o kadar huzur vericiydi ki

Meh 2/5

Just great chamber folk l, pretty insane this was released in the the ‘60s. The production is super crisp and the instrumentals are really well crafted. It’s absolutely devastating to see how he accurately predicted how his art would be cherished when he’s dead and not when he is alive in a fruit tree. GORGEOUS ALBUM

Et absolut mesterværk! Elsker arrangementet på dette album. Der er vildt smukke harmonier og interessante rytmer alt sammen bundet sammen af Nick's smukke, luftige og naturlige vokal. En af de mest interessante albums jeg længe har hørt. I sandhed et album der bare må høres!

Pink Moon is my favourite, but this is up there. A touch melancholy at times, and sublime at others.

this can entertain even the ones most addicted to TikTok.

I thought this wasn't for me, but it grew into a pleasant, warm sound. I think i could come back for this record when I need the mystical, fluid sound to calm and immerse into it.

Dark and somber

Meiner Meinung nach ein Perfektes Album. Jeder einzelne Song fühlt sich so einzigartig an wenn man genauer hin hört. Die Lyrics sind einfach nur schön, Nick malt mit jedem einzelnen Song Bilder, manchmal schärfer manchmal unscharf, aber sie sorgen immer für Gedanken und Gefühle die herum wirren. Die Instrumente sorgen dabei führ das richtige Umfeld und unterstreichen oder verändern manchmal die Bedeutung der Worte. Oberflächlich kann das alles sehr schnell an einem Vorbei gehen, aber wenn man sich die Zeit nimmt diesem Ruhigen jungen mit seiner ruhigen Musik genauer zuzuhören dann ist jeder einzelne Song ein Masterpiece für sich. Meiner Meinung nach zumindest

Never heard of album or singer. Right off the bat I kind of hate his voice. How is there another random Irish folk album on this list. The songwriting is pretty good. Just an average first song. Again good writing on river man. I like the production on this one a lot too. I just hate his voice. Love the opening to three hours. Really cool bongos and guitar. This is a good song. Just keeps strumming along too I love that. Voice comes in way too clear on way to blue. Hate it. Cool strings on this one tho. I actually like day is done a lot. The songwriting is just so good. Cello song is really really cool too. Cello slaps. So cool how the cello riff serves as the chorus. Really good songwriting again in this one. Thoughts of Mary is too slow and too vocal focused for me. Not a fan. Really good piano on man in a shed. Rest of it is eh. Cool guitar riff on fruit tree. Again rest of it is eh. I just can’t get over his voice. Saturday sun is just ok. Good piano again. Pretty good songwriting. That’s the theme of the album. It was t terrible but it was great either. JAA. 2.4 stars.

Nice enough but kind of all blurred into one after a while

I enjoyed this album more than the last and the opening few songs certainly gave me a renewed hope for Nick Drake. However, I found the album began to turn rather monotonous and fizzled out somewhat through the middle and towards the end.

Still prefer Pink Moon and Bryter Lyter, but gods I love Nick Drake.

album cover describes it well

хорошие мелодии и аккордовые аранжировки. отличный осенний альбом, прекрасно передает меланхоличную атмосферу. просто без лишних слов и длинных комментариев, в этот раз. моя оценка: 5/5

Nice folly feel but way too slow for me. Looks like I already had Saturday Sun liked (for my days of the week playlist)

Nick Drake has a timeless sound. This album, which came out nearly 60 years ago, sounds like it could be a new release today.

Amazing album through and through. Nick Drake is such a mysterious artist. Not very widely known, but has a huge cult following and has influenced many a great folk artists to follow, specifically with the chamber folk sounds with his first two albums. Drake's understated vocal and guitar performance is contrasted by these gorgeous and full string arrangements that give these songs an even more ethereal feel then would already have on their own. My parents already had this album and Bryter Layter in their CD collection. I don't know how they got to know of Nick Drake, but it's cool that they did. Key tracks: Time Has Told Me Way to Blue 'Cello Song Saturday Sun

this one hit different and i cant even properly explain why. i listened to this like 3 times in a row, putting it back on again without even thinkin about it. its that good. im willing to accept magic as the explanation cos like. damn is nick drake's voice enchanting. i don't really listen to folk enough to know what's unique to this album in comparison to the rest of the genre but i love this. if i had to pick a favourite track it'd be "river man" but it's incredibly close. it's all really fuckin good. i'm lookin forward to the next time one of his albums comes up. til then, i'll be listening to this one often i'm sure.

this is the second nick drake album that i got during this project. the first one was bryter layter. it was good but i cant remember much. this one was a very pleasant listen, guitar works perfectly with his vocals and creates a slow and empathetic atmosphere. it feels very genuine, not rushed at all and humane. also i found out that it was his debut. woow. what a debut. this feels a lot different from any other folk album that i hated. best songs are: three hours, river man, man in a shed, fruit tree, saturday sun.

Not my taste, phenomenal composition, just a little too slow for me, feels very coffe shopy for me, i like a heavy drummy guitary song, but yeah liked a total of 2 or 3 songs

One of the best ever

Im not an hardcore fan of Nick Drake but hes done some prety good music. Really like his voice, really like his guitar style and the weird ass tuning. "River man" migth be my favorite song of his. He definitively deserved better when he was alive. Rest in peace, you wont be forgotten.

This is my least favourite Nick Drake album, but damn, after listening after all those years, it's way better than I've remembered

Pink Moon wasn't bad, but not something I would listen to. This is worse.

I've found it hard to understand why this album didn't click for me, but it just felt too monotone, too uneventful, too overindulgent to move me. Looking forward to some of his other albums on this list to see if anything changes for me

me sorprendió, tiene sonidos totalmente smooth y para la época en la que salió sentí que tenía todo el sentido del mundo en términos conceptuales

Beautiful album, definite Wes Anderson aesthetic, needs the right mood.

Good just not for me really.

a bit too “soft” for me, but i like some songs, and their not bad but i wish there was a bit more like “dynamics”

At first, I thought it was monotonous, but after River Man, count me in on the Nick Drake church!

Love these chill but dark but happy vibes

Time Has Told Me Fruit Tree Cello Song

i like dit mag in de playlist voor rustige muziek die mijn ouders leuk zouden vinden

the goat lett mijn muzieksmaak

Great voice, but the thing that stuck out to me immediately is that he has this strange style where he holds the "wrong" syllable on the long notes, i.e. if someone was singing the word "time", I'd expect the "I" sound to be elongated, but he holds the "M" sound, and that's a consistent trend throughout the whole album. Where this sounded really odd to me was when he was holding the "L" sound in the word "trouble". There's probably a term for this, but I'm not a singer! I don't hate it, but it's ... interesting. Never heard any of Drake's music before this, and I'd put this one down as a positive discovery, the music really is very good and has a really calming if slightly haunting quality to it. Only complaint is that there's not enough variety over the course of the album. It's all one style, and although well performed, it's a little too much of that one style. "River Man" was absolutely excellent. Respectable 4.

MARKED FOR RELISTEN Standouts: Everything... ngl I cringed when I saw the genres... but this is beautiful. I love how it's been recorded, his voice and the instruments feel like a cozy blanket around the ears. Even the misc sound effects were cozy. This whole album sounds like a tragedy, it feels like the composition and writing draw you into the author's headspace. And it's not a pretty place to be. The only complaint I have with this albums is the songs with strings far outshine every other song. But the whole vibe of the album is still perfect. 5... and I'm only 4 songs in... I never thought I'd give a folk album a 5

I love the string arrangements just the way they are.

This was a perfectly fine folk rock album. I like it, but I didn't love it. Would have hoped for a little more variety, but it passed by like water over rocks. Smooth, nice to look at/listen, but nothing to keep around.

I have mixed feelings about this because it is a wonderful album: great to listen to, pleasant, and moody. But it just doesn’t do it for me. I went to go to listen again and just didn’t really want to. Nothing stands out to me.

My least favourite of his 3, but that's just because how great the other 2 are! Still doesn't hit like the other 2, songs less haunting. 3.5 rounded up Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes: 68/273 (24%) Will I get: Already have

Beautiful.

buenaso

To nie jest muzyka dla każdego. Jest jak letni, leniwy poranek. Jak jazda na rowerze podczas wietrznego popołudnia. Jak piknik pod wiszącą skałą. Do jednych to przemówi, a do innych… no cóż. Większość pewnie zanudzi na śmierć. Ale ja doceniam. 8/10

It's not bad, but I really can't tell one song from the next. There's some good music in there, but it's such a slog that I can't tell you anything about the second side, and I just finished it.

Finally something nice in the leage of 'must be nice to be a man and making boring music just because you can'.

Not a fan. More than one Nick Drake songs is too much. He has such a unique sound and voice but too much of a good thing is rough. Loved the first song and Man in the Shed.

I liked this better overall than 'Pink Moon.' It's still beautiful, haunting, and melancholy. Top tracks: "River Man," "Time Has Told Me," "Fruit Tree"

you know that scene in BTTF when Huey Lewis says that the Pinheads are just too darn loud? That's how I feel about this, but too darn soft and sad. Not it for me. Bob dylan stinks.

--Time Has Told Me...we didn't deserve this guy --River Man...haunting. pure elegance --Three Hours...the guitar, the voice, it's all so good! --Way to Blue...the orchestration! gatdam --Day Is Done...I really don't have the words to describe how much I love this --Cello Song...the cello is my favorite instrument. much of that love is because of this track --The Thoughts of Mary Jane...now we get some flute! more treacly than preceding tracks but still pleasant --Man in a Shed...fun interplay between piano and guitar --Fruit Tree...another beauty. is that clarinet? oboe? both? who cares? it's transcendent --Saturday Sun...great closer. great LP

Lovely and slightly dull 3.6

It has Cello Song, River Man, and Fruit Tree. And everything else is a (sad) joy too.

listened while walking in the rain. would recommend.

This is just a beautiful album. Incredible guitar playing, such a lovely soft voice. The jazzy backing is impressive, although sometimes doesn't grab you, not that this matters as the guitar and vocal are the main points. Some incredible tracks here though. Cello song is an all time favourites of mine. Just incredible.

Very pleasant during a sunset drive through the countryside. Not nearly as good as Pink Moon

Очень приятная вещица от Ника Дрейка. Приятно послушать это фоном, как и оценить поэтичность текстов заодно. Инструментал довольно минималистичный но хороший, а скрипочка добавляет некой барочности.

Ik denk m'n minst favoriete Nick Drake album, maar dat neemt niet weg dat deze man gewoon 3 meesterwerken heeft gemaakt. Net geen 5 sterren.

Even mooie liedjes alsop Nick Drake's andere platen, maar zijn debuut mist de atmosfeer die vooral Pink Moon wel heeft.

Muy bonitas las melodías, no me gustó como canta

meeeh!

this is so ass i'm so sorry

Found it a bit boring

Much better than Joni Mitchell yesterday

Weiche Stimme, eingängige Melodien. Für die Dauer eines Albums super.

Listened to this album on my way from the countryside, so you could imagine my joy. I can't tell if the album was good by itself or because it matched the scenery, but either way it was a blast. I rlly enjoyed it, specially Time has told me and river man.

No es mi gusto musical para nada... Haber, las letras son interesantes, no es insoportable pero se me hace monótono y hasta melancólico....nop

perfect

Saved? ✅ Would listen again? ✅ Would recommend to anyone? 🤔 Would buy on Vinyl? ✅

I genuinely feel sorry for the people who give this one or two stars that you're being robbed of the pinnacle of lyrical beauty. I get that it's horses for courses and not everything is for everyone, but this is for me. What a loss. I hope your find your Nick Drake in this list

Didn't like this as much as Pink Moon, but still a great listen.

I was moved. Last three songs in particular were lovely

Five Leaves Left? Five Stars Left more like ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Immaculate.

cool woodsy vibe

on the gentle side but entertaining

Pink Moon is one of my favorite albums, but Nick Drake’s pain is so raw and devastating that I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. In contrast, this album has more instrumentation, and the arrangements have more spaciousness, so it doesn’t strike quite the same emotional chord. Still, his lyrics always revolve around melancholy, loneliness, and a deep, enduring sadness. His music has a haunting quality that always draws me in, and his lyrics are poetic and affecting. The fact that this album is somehow less heart wrenching than Pink Moon, but still devastating, shows the depth of Nick Drake’s talent. Truly one of the greats.

Not my cup of tea, but recognise that it’s a good album

I found the insrumentals amazing on some tracks and created an amazing atmosphere. Really inspirational piece of work.

I really wasn’t sure if it was my cup of tea at first - but by the end of the album I was really impressed with the bones of it. There are so many instruments used - I ended up really appreciating the instrumental aspect.

This was forgettable to me. The musical arrangements and different instruments were nice. Can't say I'd ever seek this back out.

A really good songwriter, and a beautiful voice.

Nice easy listening

Beautiful

Interesante. Aunque bastante homogeneo todo el album

Let’s start with the good news. The instrumentation is great. A good use of different instruments throughout, and well played. Didn’t think I’d like bongos and cello in the same song, but here we are. But Nick’s voice is not my style. Lacks range and seems to run flat a little? The late 60s are a crowded field, and this album doesn’t break through.

Once again I find very little enjoyment from these tedious sparse arrangements that highlight his extremely dull and joyless voice. Wasn't as bad as Pink Moon but still an album I can safely say I will never listen to again.

This was interesting. Never heard it before. Would probably not seek it out but I could imagine listening to the whole album front to back again. No stand out songs but overall pleasant experience

Never Heard of, but good music.

Really good album. Nice musically, lyrically, and vocally. Some songs are little broody. Definitely interested in checking out more Nick Drake albums.

Like most people, I only discovered Nick Drake long after his death. Through a TV advert. (Now that's a bit embarrassing.) After hearing him for the first time, I quickly got hold of Drake’s slim catalogue (back then there were only three albums; today there are a few more rarities compilations). Even more so than my idol Tim Buckley, Nick Drake was completely unknown during his lifetime. Perhaps his quiet, introverted music didn’t fit in with the turbulent times of the late 1960s and early 1970s? I don’t know. From today’s perspective, his music is breathtakingly beautiful, his lyrics are magical poetry: Timeless perfection. Add to that his clean guitar playing and his melancholic voice. “Five Leaves Left” was his debut and remains perhaps his purest album; the second (“Bryter Layter”) was perhaps a little overloaded in terms of production; the third (“Pink Moon”) remained somehow a bit fragmentary. All three rank among the best singer-songwriter albums of all time. Nick Drake was the John Dowland of the 20th century.

Nice lil album, pleasant to listen to

Notable Textzeile: Fame is but a fruit tree So very unsound It can never flourish ‘Til its stock is in the ground Fruuuuuuit treeee, was für ein langweiliges Leiden. Musikalisch und textlich ist das für mich nur Durchschnitt, es langweilt mich. Vielleicht bin ich gerade auch sattgehört insgesamt, aber es gibt ja immer wieder völlig überraschende Banger, gefolgt von Sachen die es einfach tausend Mal gibt und die oft eher etwas mit der pophistorischen Geschichte zu tun haben als mit besonders berührender oder mitreissender Musik. Vielleicht liegt es an mir, ich möchte das nicht ausschließen, aber wenn Adele gestern nur 1,5 bekommen hat, dann das hier erst recht.

Nick Drake kenne ich so richtig dank eines Elliot Smith Cover Abends im Hafenviertel von Sydney, wo ich nach einer langen Nacht noch mit ein paar Leuten auf die erste Fähre nach ManlyBeach gefahren bin und die mich ausgelacht haben dass ich Nick Drake nicht kenne meinem sonstigen Musikgeschmack und Way to Blue gesungen/gesummt haben. Mein drittliebstes Album von drei, eigentlich, wobei ich jetzt gar nicht mehr so sicher bin, denn eigentlich ist auch dieses ziemlich perfekt.

Wie kann ein Album von 1969 sooo gut klingen? Es drückt genau meine Knöpfe und wäre noch besser im Urlaub als während der Arbeit. Wirklich tolle Stimme und tolle Produktion - gefühlt alles noch nicht ganz so im wahrsten Sinne todtraurig wie Pink Moon. Nonetheless meisterhaft. "And again And again But Saturday's sun Has turned to Sunday's rain"

Nick has a great smooth voice, very relaxing. This is a great jazz infused folk music album. Very talented

pretty voice, pretty instrumentals. kinda boring, sorry nick

Ahead of its time but not my jam

Kind of boring. Nothing I haven't heard from the other folk albums on this list. Favorite Track: Way To Blue

Solid lyrics, not much else.

Totally non offensive

This was the 2nd time I’ve reviewed this album, I adored it 1st time around, but now I find it rather tame, and out of sorts bad s couple of songs.

Honestly unremarkable, I've never gotten why people love Nick Drake

Ok

Elska þessa plötu. Nick Drake var snillingur og þetta er svo hugljúf sársæt plata. River Man einstakt lag og Day is done snilld. Öll lögin góð samt.

Ótrúlegur snillingur. Verður ekki fallegra, algjörlega tímalaust. Sorgarsaga.

old slop again yay