Five Leaves Left

Nick Drake's ability to make music that is sad without being depressing is always something I have admired him for. The beauty and the rawness of this album come through on just about every aspect, and is easily one of the most beautiful and passionate folk projects ever made. It really is one of the ultimate "a man and his guitar" albums.

Incredibly beautiful.

Stunningly good.

Una guitarra en un túnel con mucha niebla. Corta venas sin preguntar. Un retrato

Slow burn, lovely mood.

I feel relaxed, comforted, cozy, 5

Really pretty album. Lots of great songs and guitar work.

Oh my god I love Nick Drake so much holy fucking peak and still probably his weakest album

seloco.... um misto de tristeza e contemplação pelo que existe bonito d+ como sempre

I like his music, not as good as Pink Moon, such a shame he died so young! Would listen to the album again

Loved it - great tunes thx!

A lot of great songs in Nick drakes style (acoustic guitar + singing). Pretty raw. I personally prefer Bryter Layter and Pink Moon.

Perfection

Chill

Det her gjør mæ så glad og æ like det så godt.

Bardzo, bardzo dobry album. Daleki od mojej estetyki a jednak niepozwalajacy się oderwać od sluchania

Took me a few listens to really get into this. But now I'm here, it's really wonderful.

Ahead of its time.

So good

i mean just the best album ever obviously, and not even my current fave nick drake album (tho it has been!). i think something that particularly hit me this time, something not quite captured in the more stylistically cohesive followups, is the range of influences in the pot here...multiple kinds of folk, blues, jazz, arrangement ideas that include congas and cellos and vibraphone...theres a kind of raw creativity here thats in a more primordial form than the more focused statements of bryter layter and pink moon. in a way this is the least album-y of the three, which is perhaps why it didnt hold onto my Top Favorite slot, but the material is unassailable and benefits entirely from the variety of low-key colors it draws from. drake is certainly in contention for my favorite guitar player ever...nobody Sparkles in my ear in quite the same way he does,,,just like no one sings or writes songs like he does. despite becoming more familiar with both his forebearers and ppl who tried to pick up his torch, his irreplacability only becomes more obvious. ill be sad when i roll pink moon, im not ready for his presence in this project to be over

What a great album. Soft, beautiful and melancholy. The guitar and his voice go so well together. Standouts: River Man, Three Hours, 'Cello Song Rating: 4.5/5

Beautiful. 4.5

They will know that you were here When you are gone

Amazing album

No conocía a este artista. Me encantó su tono melancólico, los arreglos de cuerdas son hermosos, me recordó al album "The Car" de Arctic Monkeys. Leí un poco de su historia, un disco criticado negativamente por su monotonía. Yo creo que esa monotonía es su fuerte, un disco muy relajante, taciturno como se lo ha descrito al propio Drake. Entiendo que tal vez no es el tipo de disco que él hubiese querido grabar, ya que por lo que he leído él prefería tocar solo con guitarra o piano, y fue más el impulso de su productor para incluir más instrumentación en el intento de llegar a una mayor audiencia. Sin embargo considero que los arreglos a mi gusto fueron una adición hermosa a su voz y guitarra.

4.5/5.0: Excellent

Gorgeous instrumentation. Didn’t pay attention to the lyrics deeply, but this was an absolutely amazing listen.

I don't know when I'll be in the mood for this- I get more of what I need from Belle and Sebastian and Donovan- but more to revisit here than Pink Moon, which is almost everything people say it is.

Earnest and delicate, with masterful control over guitar and mood. soft-spoken and unforgettable.

The black eyed dog has to find its way somehow. Five Leaves Left has often been cast aside in favor of the two albums that preceded it but that doesn't mean it's lesser. From the first pull of the strummed chord on Time Has Told Me to the last note played on Saturday Sun, it captures the listening public's attention while leaving nuggets of future references that would come to define his finest works. Overall, Five Leaves Left is a rather beautiful first showing from what would end up becoming a short career.

I mean it's Nick Drake. I really can't think of anything bad to say about his music. This albums is so beautiful and has such a good atmosphere and Nick's guitar playing is mesmerising. "Saturday Sun" is probably my favourite Nick Drake song. It's the only song that is predominantly played with a piano and the keys sound so beautiful and lyrically it's amazing aswell 9/10 Favourite: Saturday Sun Least Favourite: None

Folk, heel goed, overall kwaliteit, 9/10

Beautiful

Мне очень нравится этот чел. Лучшая песня - Day Is Done.

Perfect album for this rainy day

Крутой альбом, красивые песни, чисто чтобы слушать в дороге

Nos despedimos de esta micro semana de escucha con éste artistazo, un tipo que siempre sentí buscó dulcificar sus tristezas al convertirlas en canciones tremendas. Dueño de una voz súper honda, cálida, su música es ideal para bajar un cambio. Genera una mezcla de melancolía y relax que, sumado a su modo de tocar, vuelve todo más hermoso. Gracias por leerme, persona espectral. Retomamos el próximo martes.

There's a surreal quality to Nick Drake's music which makes it vastly different from the rest of the folk songs and albums I have listened to. Is it the subtle hint of hope within the sounds of melancholy? Was it the way he lived his short life which made him write his music the way he did? Don't know but all I can say is listening to this album was a beautiful journey and may he rest in peace.

<3

Bella scoperta

This album has really turned me on to Nick Drake. Not as good as Pink Moon, but still 5 stars worthy.

Gorgeous

I mean come in. It’s nick drake. 😍

❤❤❤

I really loved this album. What a tragic end to a short but productive life Nick Drake had. Five Leaves is a great collection of songs. Lovely lyrics and such beautiful music. I have now listened to the whole back catalogue.

Godt tidsløs folk musik som er tidsløst og inspirerer og har inspireret mange kunstnere. Der er en smule jazz og classical over det også.

👍

Amazing wtf

What a great album, I had never heard of Nick Drake before and it sounds amazing especially from the time period it is from. Great theme with constant sound the whole way through but doesn't end up monotonous.

Raw vulnerable. Pink Moon is goated hadn’t listened to this entirely before and wow. Self taught musician pioneering.

9/10

5 leaves, 5 stars

Joni Mitchell and then Nick Drake back to back, what a folk treat. Nick never made a bad song or album, just 3 classics in a row, Pink Moon being especially beautiful. One of the biggest "what if"s in music history. Perfect voice and high quality songwriting, who doesn't love this?

Beautiful, sleepy (in a good way) and gorgeous arrangements!

The music is very peaceful and tender. It's stripped-back, but quite pleasant.

What’s not to love about Nick Drake. Another talent taken way too young. Would love nothing more than a lifetime’s work. Loved it.

"Whereas 'Pink Moon' seemed melancholic and sad at times, 'Bryter Layter' feels more full of life and even a little whimsy...Drake may also have been in a very different place in life for 'Pink Moon.'" Little did I know. I wrote that in my review for "Bryter Layter," Drake's second album. I didn't know then that "Pink Moon" was his last released album, and the last music he produced before committing suicide. I oddly find this album to be somewhere in the middle, tonally. Whereas "Pink Moon" was sad and often left me feeling contemplative, and where "Bryter Layter" felt a little more upbeat, this one just feels a little more even-keeled, and little more balanced. The guitar work is amazing. The rest of the band is great, too, though I could've done without some of the orchestral arrangements. It continues to fascinate me that Nick Drake was making his music in the late 60's. The production still sounds so fresh and new. Drake sings with a commanding tone. It's a unique voice that's hard to ignore, and one that carries a lot more weight and, at times, urgency than you would expect from someone in his 20's. He conveys these stories, feelings, and ideas with such confidence that, combined with his voice, I thought he was a man in his 50's. I can't say enough about Nick Drake. He may be my favorite artist I've discovered through this project. He really is a treasure and it's such a shame that he lived and died two decades before I was even born. Five stars. Standout Tracks: Time Has Told Me, River Man, Three Hours, Day is Done, 'Cello Song, Fruit Tree, Saturday Sun

I am already very familiar with this album and I love it to bits. River Man was my introduction to Nick Drake whilst studying odd time signatures and I am still amazed at how smooth the song feels despite that. Also there are simply no string parts like in River Man. I can see the album lacking variety for some people but to me it's perfect. I particularly love Man in a Shed for its vibe and especially those little bent notes that jump up.

what a voice! This is just a lovely old time. Beautifully written & such a great musical tone throughout - such an atmospheric sound. Great for just getting lost in while you wander. Was walking down by the lake at the foot of Arthur’s when the double bass comes in on man in a shed? Life changing experience. What an exceptional piece of music. 4 songs added to my playlist, 6 added to the 1001 playlist

This album has been in my life for almost a quarter century now. No idea how Ioriginally became aware of it (it may have been through the excellent cover of River Man by German alt-rock band Blackmail on their album Bliss, Please). It's still absolutely unbelievable to me that this guy was only 21 when this came out.

Beautiful intricate guitar work that's marvousely accompioned by other instruments and Nick Drake's voice and poetry being the cherry on top. What's not to love

The world would have been a better place with more Nick Drake. Favorite tracks: "Three Hours," "Day Is Done"

I have previously mentioned my slight disdain for highly-praised singer/songwriter/guitarist albums, but this album of that ilk may make me to hold my hands up and say "Ok. This is awesome." By turns intimate, hushed, folksy, personal, english, rural and inventive. It's one of the few cult favourites that actually deserved it's reputation. Excellent stuff.

Nick Drake's debut album, *Five Leaves Left*, released in 1969, is a cornerstone of English folk music. Its blend of poetic lyricism, intricate guitar work, and lush orchestral arrangements has cemented its status as a classic. Below is an in-depth review of the album focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. ## **Lyrics** Drake's lyrics on *Five Leaves Left* are deeply introspective and poetic, often drawing on themes of nature, existentialism, and melancholy. Songs like "River Man" and "Fruit Tree" showcase his ability to weave vivid imagery with profound reflections. For instance, in "Fruit Tree," Drake meditates on the fleeting nature of fame: *"Fame is but a fruit tree / So very unsound / It can never flourish / 'Til its stock is in the ground."* This metaphor encapsulates his skepticism toward posthumous recognition—a sentiment tragically prophetic given his later obscurity during life and acclaim after death. His lyrics are also marked by a literary sensibility, likely influenced by his time studying English literature at Cambridge. References to nature—oceans, rivers, skies—permeate the album, creating a timeless and universal quality. However, some critics have noted that his lyrics can occasionally feel opaque or overly abstract, making them less accessible to casual listeners. ## **Music** Musically, *Five Leaves Left* is a delicate tapestry of folk and jazz influences. Drake's fingerstyle guitar playing is intricate yet understated, forming the backbone of tracks like "Cello Song" and "Three Hours." His use of alternate tunings adds a unique tonal richness to the compositions. The album also features contributions from accomplished musicians such as Richard Thompson (Fairport Convention) on guitar and Danny Thompson on bass. Robert Kirby's string arrangements are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of emotional depth to songs like "Way to Blue" and "Day Is Done." These arrangements complement Drake's somber melodies without overwhelming them. However, some critics have argued that the orchestral elements occasionally verge on being overbearing. For instance, while the strings in "Way to Blue" are dramatic and evocative, they can feel overly lush compared to the album's otherwise minimalist aesthetic. ## **Production** Produced by Joe Boyd, *Five Leaves Left* was recorded between 1968 and 1969. Boyd's experience with acoustic music shines through in the album's intimate soundscapes. The production emphasizes clarity and warmth, allowing Drake's voice and guitar to take center stage. That said, the recording process was not without challenges. The album reportedly took over a year to complete due to Drake's meticulous approach and his reluctance to compromise on his artistic vision. While this attention to detail contributes to the album's enduring quality, it also resulted in a somewhat uneven pacing between tracks. ## **Themes** Thematically, *Five Leaves Left* explores isolation, transience, and the search for meaning. The title itself—a reference to Rizla cigarette papers—suggests an awareness of life's impermanence. This motif recurs throughout the album, from the wistful resignation of "Day Is Done" to the existential musings of "River Man." Despite its melancholic tone, the album is not devoid of hope. Songs like "Saturday Sun" hint at moments of lightness and optimism amidst the gloom. This balance between despair and beauty makes *Five Leaves Left* a deeply human record that resonates with listeners across generations. ## **Influence** Although commercially unsuccessful upon release—selling only a few thousand copies—the album has since gained recognition as a masterpiece. It has influenced countless artists in folk and beyond, including Elliott Smith and Bon Iver. Its introspective style and emphasis on acoustic instrumentation have become hallmarks of modern singer-songwriter music. Critics have compared *Five Leaves Left* to other seminal works like Van Morrison's *Astral Weeks* for its ability to evoke a specific mood while remaining timeless. Retrospective reviews often highlight its unique blend of folk traditions with jazz-inspired arrangements as groundbreaking for its time. ## **Pros** 1. **Lyrical Depth**: Drake's poetic lyricism offers profound insights into themes of life, death, and nature. 2. **Musical Sophistication**: Exceptional guitar work coupled with tasteful string arrangements creates a rich sonic palette. 3. **Emotional Resonance**: The album’s melancholic yet beautiful tone strikes a chord with listeners seeking introspection. 4. **Timelessness**: Despite being over five decades old, it remains relevant and influential in contemporary music. ## **Cons** 1. **Accessibility**: The abstract nature of some lyrics may alienate casual listeners. 2. **Pacing Issues**: The album’s slow tempo can feel monotonous during extended listens. 3. **Overproduction**: While the strings add depth, they occasionally overshadow Drake’s subtle performances. 4. **Initial Impression**: Many listeners report needing multiple listens to fully appreciate its nuances. ## **Conclusion** *Five Leaves Left* is a hauntingly beautiful debut that captures Nick Drake’s singular artistry. Its blend of introspective lyrics, intricate guitar work, and lush arrangements creates an immersive listening experience that rewards patience and attention to detail. While it may not be immediately accessible or universally appealing due to its subdued tone and complex themes, it stands as a testament to Drake’s enduring legacy as one of folk music’s most enigmatic figures. For those willing to delve into its depths, *Five Leaves Left* offers an unparalleled exploration of melancholy and beauty—a true masterpiece that continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Nick Drake ever since I first heard his music. His third and final album, *Pink Moon,* is one of my favorite albums and I highly recommend it. That said, I can say that i’m glad that I was able to check out this album of his. This is Nick’s first album, and i’m glad to say that it’s as great as I thought it was going to be. One of the things that has always stuck out to me with Nick Drake is his songwriting abilities. His lyricism has always been amazing and thought provoking to me. His lyricism and songwriting are on their own great, but paired with his soft, gentle, and recognizable vocals has always been a combination for the ages. *River Man* ais a perfect example of this, and is also a perfect example of how amazing this album’s production is. It’s just so serene while also having a small sense of melancholy. This album has plenty of highlights, but i don’t think I could get to them all. Nick’s guitar playing is gentle, delicate, and excellent. It’s simple and intricate when it needs to be. Nick’s memorable guitar playing paired with other instruments on this album, including flutes, strings, guitar, and on occasion drums, really just soothes me and my soul. Nick Drake’s discography truly is excellent, despite it being very short due to Nick sadly passing at a young age. He struggled with depression, and I see his music as a way for him to express his struggles. If it wasn’t clear enough, I highly recommend this album and Nick Drake. His work and this album are excellent.

Loved this, reminds me of the folksy bits of Pink Floyd

The sound is beautiful, calming and sad. A voice that suits

Beautiful guitar. Epitomises the the idea that someone can sell their soul to the devil in exchange to rip some strings. Reminds me of Sufjan Stevens.

Pure chill

i needed to hear this

Timeless songs from the beginning 70's.

in all of singer-songwriterdom, there's no shortage of tragic figures who died both far too young and far too unappreciated, but whose work managed to eventually find a large, adoring audience all the same. Nick Drake's spellbinding debut album Five Leaves Left was met with a muted response upon its release in 1969, owing to a lack of marketing support from his label and a mixed reception in critical circles. as is often the case, musicians first led the charge in reappraising Drake's work; many popular artists in the eighties cited him as an influence, eventually leading the music press to change their tune on the three studio albums he managed to complete before his untimely death at the age of 26, which are now thought of as three of the greatest folk records ever made. and for good reason! this is some truly spellbinding acoustic music. Drake's introverted, contemplative, and often sad lyrics are delivered in a hushed bass register, sitting right inside the range of his guitar to the point where the two instruments start to seamlessly blend together. there's also some tasteful use of session musicians to add some subtle colors to these songs. most of them have a bass accompanying Drake, and there's a couple songs with a piano or some percussion, but most intriguing for me is the haunting string arrangements on "River Man", "Day Is Done" and "Fruit Tree", my three favorite songs on this LP. strings also figure pretty heavily into my fourth favorite track, "'Cello Song". there's not quite as many orchestrational bells and whistles here as there are on Bryter Layter, but it's also not nearly as stripped back as Pink Moon. it strikes a pretty good balance. decent 9/10.

Really good.

I’m starting to suspect that Nick Drake might have been one of the greatest songwriters the world has ever seen. His early death robbed the world of something truly extraordinary, but Five Leaves Left is a reminder of the brilliance he left behind. These songs are heartwrenchingly beautiful, offering a glimpse into the mind of a man whose quiet sadness and poetic genius permeate every note. The blend of hushed vocals, intricate guitar work, and unique instrumentation makes this album feel like a mystic dream or a dark fairy tale. The strings on River Man are among the finest in folk music, and Three Hours seamlessly incorporates jazz basslines and understated percussion. The prophetic line from Fruit Tree, “They’ll all know that you were here when you’re gone,” Hits particually hard and it ends with 'Saturday Sun' a glimmer of warmth and hope a perfect, understated ending to an emotional but interesting journey. Drake’s influence is undeniable, even decades after his passing. Artists like Robert Smith of The Cure and Paul Weller have sung his praises, helping to bring his music to a wider audience. It’s hard to believe this wasn’t widely appreciated in his time. Five Leaves Left isn’t just a hidden gem—it’s a masterpiece. It’s an album I could listen to endlessly, each note resonating with a rare emotional depth. Nick Drake’s legacy is one of quiet brilliance, and this record deserves every bit of praise.

BEST ALBUM EVER!!

One of the best debuts of all time.

Been a favorite since I was in high school.

Sometimes you're a 27-year-old woman and sometimes you're a 14-year-old girl lying on her bed in a foreign country 12,000 miles away from everything she's ever known and loved, listening to Nick Drake for the first time. Anyway he's my favorite guitarist ever I think

Perfect wallowing album full of pensive despair for Inauguration Day. John Cale kinda drama on the strings. Heard only Andy Beys version of River Man prior. Definitely a favorite. Honorable mention for Three Hours.

man, I haven't heard this album in decades. felt like finding an old familiar lost shoe.

I've been pooh-poohing a lot of singer-songwriters on this list, but I'm starting to realize that I don't dislike the genre as a whole - just certain artists. Every Nick Drake album I've listened to (so far) as part of this project has been a delight.

Mellow vibes

I don't know how or why I missed this one.

I have no words. Well I have one: perfect.

Where has he been all my life

Wow. River Man is moving. Then the rest of the album wraps around you. 5/5

I'm incredibly moody today and couldn't think of a better background music.

Good album, but nothing special.

Ein warmes Herbstlicht in Musikform – sanft, nachdenklich und zeitlos. Es ist keine Platte, die laut um Aufmerksamkeit schreit, sondern eher eine, die man mit einer Tasse Tee und einem ruhigen Moment genießt. Perfekt für Tage, an denen die Welt ein bisschen langsamer drehen darf.

This album got me through many times in my twenties, but dayum does it still hit today. Harder even on some songs. In Drake’s brief career I’m sure his Pink Moon is probably the more recognized, but this is the one for me. Five sips left was all that remains in my whiskey glass after listening to this. Just a great debut record.

Beautiful, lush chamber folk with a dark, serious tone. A+

Beautiful music, beautiful lyrics, a beautiful soul. The last words of the last song just broke me. So Sunday sat In the Saturday sun And wept For a day Gone by

Lyrics: 5/5 Music: 5/5 Production: 4/5 Cohesiveness: 4/5 Overall: 5/5 Stand out songs: Time has told me River man Day is done Cello song Saturday sun I love Nick drake

This generator has made a huge Nick Drake fan out of me. Such a brilliant songwriter.

There was a feature in the UK Sunday Times on the mid 90s on Nick Drake. I was a teenager and the image of him wrapped in a blanket intrigued me. The story was fascinating but there was no instant way of getting the music, I was hooked before I had heard a note. Just the description of the haunting melodies, melancholy lyrics and unusual fingers picking playing was enough. I had to save up to but a three album CD set I found in a music magazine which then took another week to arrive. Hearing the introduction to ‘Time has told me’ I already knew i was in safe hands. It felt like this was my little discovery, this achingly beautiful collection of song, knowing how the story ended was somehow tragically fitting. I’d like to think there were others who discovered Nicks music that day, following the same steps and having this special music in their lives.

I have a Nick Drake greatest hits so I know a few of these songs very well and its a lovely melodic listen. I had not realised what a troubled and shortened life he had.

Well that didn't take long. Only about 10 albums since the last Nick Drake masterpiece. I will admit this is my least favorite of the three. I think I like Bryter Layter the most. It sets a great mood, but maybe not as many highs or songs where I absolutely gush about it. Or maybe some of them - Time has Told Me, River Man, Three Hours, Way to Blue - grab me initially but can't quite hold me there the whole time. The ones where I was fully captivated were Cello Song (great work Clare Lowther, but also great percussions and Drake guitar) and Saturday Sun (love Drake's piano work). Still, when I listen to all three albums together, I am enamored with them all. So maybe closer to a 4 than a 5 but I don't care, I'm rounding up because I just love this guy.

All three studio albums released during his lifetime are on the 1001, all three are 5's for me. Pink Moon is definitely my favorite by far, but I could listen to all three albums over and over. This is his debut album and it's amazing how fully realized his sound is right from the start. While I love the sparseness of Pink Moon, the additional musicians on this album give it a unique character. River Man is the outstanding track here - the strings are just plain gorgeous. But, above all is Nick Drake's plaintive voice and interesting guitar patterns. He's the archetype for depressed singer-songwriters for decades to come, but words like beautiful and gorgeous describe his music in ways many other songwriters never achieve. Other favorites include Three Hours, Day Is Done, 'Cello Song (love this song - excellent fingerpicking guitar, awesome cello, upright bass, and congas, great lyrics - "And if one day you should see me in the crowd / Lend a hand and lift me to your place in the cloud"), Man in a Shed (nice jazzy track).

Hur har jag kunnat missa detta. Precis min smak. Vackra akustiska gitarrer, fina melodier både sången och flöjt med mera. Fem!

this has very quickly become very dear to me

I really love listening to Nick Drake. Great music.

Quite lovely

It is an absolute tragedy that Nick Drake only made three albums. He was a phenomenal talent who came out of the gate fully formed. This one really got to me. It pains me to think about what we all missed out on.

perfect music for staring wistfully out of a train window passing through new england in early december…nick drake’s music is too lovely and tragic to write about in words i think. he was never someone made for this world. fav tracks: time has told me; cello song: man in a shed; day is done; saturday sun; river man

I really really loved that. It was so beautiful and did not feel sixty years old at all; if someone sent me this and said it was from sometime in the last ten years I would believe them. I liked that there was some variety in the instrumentation too; after the first few songs of arrangements predominantly featuring acoustic guitar, I was surprised to hear an orchestral piece next. I liked the continued use of other orchestra instruments over the acoustic guitar throughout the rest of the album, and the final piano-heavy song really got me…I’m a sucker for that kind of arrangement and it felt like a nice endcap to an album with such rich instrumentation. I wish I could see this album performed live. I have never listened to him until now but I definitely want to relisten to this and hear his other albums now. Fav tracks: Time Has Told Me, River Man, Man In A Shed, Saturday Sun

so sad and beautiful

I like this Nick Drake more than the last one which was Pink Moon. I think Pink Moon was mostly just guitar playing and singing where this one has so much more depth instrumentally. The guitar is very meditative and the strings, and winds come in and really give things flavor. I also love the bongo drums in it. The songwriting is good and Nick Drake's voice is very soothing. Softer music hasn't been grabbing my attention as much lately but this one actually really caught me and I was really engaged with it. It was both very relaxing and interesting. This is one that I will for sure be revisiting. Five stars for Five Leaves (left).

Thank you 1001 Albums, this was a discovery for me. I'm not much into folk (any more) but this is an amazing album and it goes beyond your typical singer-songwriter material. Some of the accompaniments (esp. like the cello) are great as is the musicianship generally. Nick Drakes' vocal and lyrics are subdued but that is entirely in keeping with the album... and with wis tragic life and death a few years after this album was made.

Can't handle how perfect this is.

I just love Nick Drake and could listen to him every day.

It's rare that I give a 5 star rating but this is close to a perfect album by an artist who died far too young.

It’s not really my place to criticize something that’s proven to be so foundational to music today. I understand all the reasons this is a classic. It’s a delicate, spacious, and beautifully recorded album that doesn't personally have a place in my day to day listening. To be perfectly honest and not to detract from it in any way, I just prefer Bitches Brew more. It’s clear why this has stood the test of time and on the right listen could be life altering. It should probably be a 5/5, but I’m giving it a 4.5/5 just based on my personal tastes.

Enjoyed it!

A stone cold classic and contains, in Saturday Sun, a regular Desert Island Disc contender. Comes close even to being saved from the waves. Love it.

Maybe one of the best albums I never heard before on this list so far.

Very lovely.

Absolutely stunning record. One of my favorites and he is just a wizard songwriter and guitar player

This is a debut album by a 21 year old kid but it has a world weary quality that I struggle to grasp even now. His music exists both of a time and outside of any particular space. Definitely not upbeat but it never gets too ponderous. In addition to finding his voice at such a young age, the songwriting is singular and presented with exquisite production. Cello Song is an all time fave for me but about half this album are true classics. Always a treat to spend some time with mr drake.

5/5

Nick Hornby, the writer in one of his novels, said you could always tell a singer who would commit suicide from his songs. He cited Nick Drake. I love this album. Its just beautiful music. Whether complex acoustic guitar or the highly effective lush strings, the misoc complements Drake's voive so well. melncholic but beautiful.

1 listen, gut reaction, 5 stars.

Phenomenal and extremely underrated.

Excellent Album. Love the vibe and the excellent instrumentals! 'Day is Done', 'Cello Song', and 'The Thoughts of Mary Jane' were highlights for me!

What a perfect record to be assigned on October 1st. This is perfect autumnal melancholia

I smiled when I saw this assignment. Man, I love this album. Five Leaves Left is such a vibe. It’s the perfect album for a cozy, gloomy autumn day. It’s folk music, but it’s so much more than that. His voice is so smooth and mesmerizing, the lyrics of each song paint a picture, and the guitar work is great. They’re fairly simple songs, but the accompanying orchestrations by Fairport Convention (who I also love) are gorgeous and give the album a cinematic scope. It gets quite heavy and dark, but it's always beautiful. There’s definitely a cohesive sound to this album, which some people might find repetitive, but there’s so much detail put into these songs. There are country flourishes, soul ballads, orchestral dirges, even a jazzy mid-tempo song — there’s something different that stands out about each one. And the way the music is used to enhance the emotion you feel while listening to it is genius. It’s astounding that Drake was able to achieve this at 21 with his debut album. I also love Pink Moon, but I think this is his best work from a tragically short career. Highlights: Three Hours, Way to Blue, Day Is Done, Cello Song, Fruit Tree 5/5

I don't know that I could listen to this frequently but when I did, I would enjoy it. Drake's voice is very soothing and his music is relaxing and mellow. His music sounds great when produced with strings or other instruments but it would sound just as good if not better if it were just Drake singing accompanied by his guitar. 4.5/5

Nice

A bit rougher than his later two albums, but still an incredibly solid album and the start of a legendary discography from an incredible artist gone too soon.

beautiful, quiet, reflective folk album

I love u Nick drake im sorry I thought you were a 20teens indie boy

Perfect.

Great one gone to see that river man

Incredible songwriting. Incredible album. A voice lost way too soon. I immediately went to re-listen to his other albums and bawled my eyes out.

I only discovered Nick Drake a few years ago. I really enjoy his style of music. Richard Thompson's playing on this is so good I had to look up who it was. It's too melancholy to be everyday listening, but if you're in the mood it's brilliant.

The first album of introspection and melancholy from Nick Drake. Possibly his best one, but seriously, you can't go wrong with any of them. Good album for nursing a heartbreak. I especially love "River Man" and "Saturday Sun."

Classic

Amazing guitar playing Amazing production Amazing Lyrics Amazing album

I'd never heard of Nick Drake and didn't know what to expect. To say I'm glad this album is on here is an understatement. What a fantastic listen. His guitar skills are incredible and he keeps the music within his range. This reminded me of listening to Dave Matthews like at Radio City, one of my favorite albums. I will definitely come back to this one. I also thought it improved as it went on and really hit it's stride in the final 3 songs.

Haunting and gorgeous.

- Ich habe Nick Drake über dieses Projekt hier kennengelernt; noch in der Solo-Zeit hat mir der Generator Bryter Lyter ausgespuckt und war hin weg. Seitdem bin ich absoluter Fan - Es ist von seinem leider sehr kurzen Output nicht sein Lieblingswerk, trotzdem sind die wenigen Sachen, die er produziert hat, ausnahmslos großartig - Als sein erstes Album ist es lustigerweise finde ich das vielseitigste; spätere sind doch etwas minimalistischer - absolute zeitloser Singer-Songrwriter Folk. Einfach toll 4,5/5

5/5

Love him

If I could give an album 6 out of 5 I would. This and Nick's other work did literally change my outlook on music in the mid 90s and have rarely left my listening lists since then. Way to Blue in particular has, since then, been one of my all time favourite songs.

Had never heard of this artist until today and I listened to all 3 of his albums. An absolute hidden gem to me and one I’ll be adding to my regular playlist.

Looks like it's Nick Drake week. Is it a sign that fall will come early this year? My comparison to Bert Jansch in the last one fits more here than there, with some more traditional guitar songs. Would guess Man In A Shed had some Jansch influence. Arrangements again sometimes a little distracting, but less so than on Bryter Layter, they're still fine, and some of them work really well with the guitar. I don't think some of these songs would hold up that well solo anyway. Wild to think about being so young making this, very cool to bring a fellow student friend to do the arrangements when the established guys embellished too much. The list is messing with me, saying "here's another Nick Drake album, don't you wish there was more variety on them, don't you wish there was less flute, surely you could rate this one 4 stars?" so it can hit me with another fucking Elvis Costello album and have me regret it. Fuck off list. 5 stars. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

Espetacular

Soul crushing, heartbreaking, tear jerking, and impossibly smooth blend of folk and jazz. Nick Drake is a mastermind, and gone too soon.

Stunning

Pure beauty, Minimal, yet so deep. Listening to this album while reading Nick Drake's Wikipedia page threw me in a weird, hard-to-describe state. It felt dark, somewhat alienating. A delicate way 'being', however maybe this is necessary so that through it one might appreciate life's few charms. I was torn between a 4/5 or 5/5, but I guess I'll go with a 5 for the sake of unexpectedness and guitar melodies with alternate tunings.

Is it as good as Bryter Later? for me, absolutely not. Is it a 5* masterpiece? For me, absolutely. Nick Drake is a joy

He’s the best. Maybe the best signing voice

Nick Drake is so damn good.

GAD that is a good album. Man in a Shed is one of my faves by him. Wish he lived long enough to play for us at folk fest.

95/100

god this album was all i'd listen to when i was 15 on the bus home from school i truly believe nick drake can do no wrong

This is probably the weakest of the three albums Nick Drake put out. It's still incredibly good, just not quite as developed as the later material. I'm loathe to mark it down, especially when it has Fruit Tree and Thoughts of Mary Jane on it, but it feels more like a 4 star album than a 5 star one. But hey, it also has River Man, which is one of my favourite tracks by Nick Drake. Who am I kidding, this is another 5 star album for sure.

A formative album from my teenage years that I’ve not listened to much recently. River man is an eternal favourite of mine.

I’ve been off the album train for the past week ish and this got me back on. A few songs from this album have been in my recent rotation so I was excited to listen to the album in its entirety and it did not disappoint. Was really great to sit outside and work to.

Another easy 5

Edit: Had to update this review after I first wrote it. Wow. I am blown away. My life feels richer for having Nick Drake’s music in it. He was remarkable. — How beautiful are the lyrics. Each song is a perfectly sculpted story. Lyrically the best album we’ve had on this list so far - I was reading along while I listened and it’s pure poetry. Intricate acoustic guitar and nice supporting instrumentation. Quite a lovely sounding album, and one that I’ve heard a lot over the years thanks to mum! Very much a ‘Sunday’ album for me, will always remind me of dinner lunch :) I went on a bit of a Nick Drake binge and listened to each of his albums on repeat over the weekend. Each one is brilliant. Incredibly tragic that he passed away at 26 without knowing how many people his work would touch one day. Fruit Tree manages to predict his fate and legacy with eerie accuracy. Truly the Van Gogh of music. Favourite tracks: Fruit Tree, The Thoughts Of Mary Jane, Time Has Told Me

Like a lot I was never aware of Nick Drake during his lifetime. It was only after his death and then quite a lot of time after that before I heard mentions of him in musical circles and in particular his album Pink Moon. Once I did learn of him I was hooked as his type of gentle folk music appeals very much to me. This album I do not know as well as Pink Moon but now having listened to it in full I have to conclude that I like it more or at least as much as Pink Moon. Every song is a winner for me particularly those with string accompaniments. A real joy and one wonders what Nick would have gone onto if his life didn’t end tragically so early. 5/5 5/7/24

Honestly, this album is pretty incredible. I hadn't heard anything from Nick Drake before, but the depth of composition on these tracks is impressive, his voice is great, and the album is well structured. I feel like this will be a common rotation for me going forward. 4.5/5 -> 5/5

Love Nick Drake! Not sure if this is better than Pink Moon but the rich instrumentation surely does its job to assist the unique but sometimes a bit limited singing style of Drake. The lyrics are melancholic, reaching, never whimsical.

Wonderfully emotional and beautiful, a revelation for me. five stars for five leaves

It's rare that any album will bring tears to my eyes even once, but like Chelsea Girl and other Nick Drake albums, Five Leaves Left gently buzzes with melancholic warmth and envelopes me with this numb admiration of the world we live in, and brings tears to my eyes. His life and end strongly frames listening to his music after the fact, and this lends itself to some of the most humanizing music I've listened to. Drake isn't a friend who tries their best to cheer you up when you express that you've been feeling depressed recently (reality: you've been depressed for a year), or a friend who swings wildly to the other side of validating your experience, but otherwise being hands-off about those feelings. Drake simply expresses his felt life experience through his chosen mediums of voice and strings (and sometimes light drums), and the listener isn't alone in their head anymore. They're still depressed, but instead of being responded to, they get to respond to someone who isn't expecting a response, and that's nothing short of a blessing. This album gets to me personally in way almost no other album does, while this challenge is fun for learning, practicing my writing, expanding my taste, it's stuff like this that reminds me why music is so important to me in the first place.

This album is really chill, though constructed and really well thought out. I don’t think I connected with it as much as I did with Bryter Layter but it is still a wonderful record

A superb album by an extraordinary artist that laboured without success in his too short lifetime. White Bicycles by Joe Boyd it a great read about Nick Drake and his life and work. Thankfully due to the friendship and patronage of Joe Boyd his albums were never deleted and he eventually found his audience. He released records at an amazing time for creativity in music and in British music. The folk movement was overshadowed by rock and pop. Relative to his peers he found it hard to be heard. But over the lifetime of recorded music his work really does stand out.

When I listen to Nick Drake, I can feel my brain expanding.

Niemand die verdriet, anxiety en algehele malaise zo beeldschoon kon laten klinken als Nick Drake. Zijn lot is algemeen bekend, en het loopt als een litteken door zijn werk. Een nagenoeg perfecte discografie, die helaas te vroeg abrupt ten einde kwam. Nick Drake vertolkt een sleutelrol in het opbloeien van de UK folk scene, dat zich door z'n jazzy, etherische, spacey geluid onderscheidde van zijn Amerikaanse voorvader. Destijds bleef de geïsoleerde eenling veelal onder de radar, en heeft hij een leeuwendeel van zijn succes zelf niet meegemaakt. Los van erkenning door andere belangrijke figuren uit de UK scene, waaronder leden van Fairport Convention en John Martyn, beleefde hij z'n muziek-carrière in relatieve anonimiteit. Ook John Cale - met bijdrages aan zijn sophomore album - moet daarbij benoemd worden, die zoals wel vaker een zesde zintuig voor talent lijkt te hebben. De muziek van Nick Drake is verhult in mysterie, en leest bijna als een sprookjesboek. Maar de sprookjes zijn niet van fictieve aard, maar juist heel aards en menselijk. De songs op dit album zijn van Shakespearean-quality, en bevatten teksten die zijn latere werk - en het werk van ongeveer al zijn tijdsgenoten - overstijgt. Hoe zijn mystieke schrijftalent latere artiesten beïnvloedde is het duidelijkst in de tekst ''A troubled cure for a troubled mind'' uit 'Time Has Told Me', dat uiteindelijk een bron van inspiratie was voor Robert Smith en de namesake van één van de grootste Britse bands ooit. Een ander hoogtepunt op gebied van songwriting is 'Day Is Done', die effectief de finaliteit van het leven beschrijft, door de ogen van iemand die de zijne aan zich voorbij ziet schieten. De afsluiter 'Saturday Sun' bezingt dezelfde thema's, maar legt meer nadruk op de mooie momenten, en dat die gevierd moeten worden voordat 'Sunday's rain' voor de deur staat. Wat meer hoopvol, maar altijd met een zwaarmoedige ondertoon. Zo valt er over elke song wel iets te zeggen, en het teruglezen van de lyrics is bij weinig artiesten zo waardevol als bij Nick Drake. De artistieke precisie is waanzinnig, haunting zelfs. 'Fruit Tree', één van m'n favorieten op dit album, is een profetische metafoor van zijn leven, waarin zijn talent maar mondjesmaat werd erkent en faam niet voor hem was weggelegd. Pas na z'n vroege dood werd hij op waarde geschat. ''Fame is but a fruit tree. So very unsound. It can never flourish. 'Till its stock is in the ground.'' De tekst ''Safe in your place deep in the earth, that's when they'll know what you were really worth.'' slaat vervolgens de spijker op z'n kop. En om nog wat dieper te graven naar de potentiële voorspellende gaven van Nick Drake: Als hij zichzelf vergelijkt met een stervende boom, en de titel van het album is 'Five Leaves Left', en vervolgens komt hij vijf jaar na de release te overlijden.. spooky. Maar naast die duizelingwekkende teksten, die op zichzelf prachtig zijn maar in de context van zijn leven al helemaal kippenvel bezorgen, is het de orkestrale productie die er voor zorgt dat dit album de boeken in gaat als één van de meest indrukwekkende debuutplaten van de 60s. De teksten raken al als je ze leest, maar onder leiding van de strings, piano, cello en overheerlijke contrabas, wordt er een ambiance gecreëerd die de hoogwaardige poëzie en het spookachtig mooie stemgeluid van Nick Drake complementeert. Geen passage gaat ongemerkt voorbij, waar zelfs congas worden opgetrommeld om gaten op te vullen. De jazzy ritmes, de pianoloopjes, en fantastische baslijnen zorgen ervoor dat de nummers tot leven worden gebracht. Als de instrumental van 'Cello Song' de enige song op aarde was geweest dan had ik daar genoegen mee genomen. Pure magie, en zonder twijfel het schijnende middelpunt van dit album. En dan die string arrangement in het geheimzinnige, en ietwat onheilspellende, 'River Man'.. Dat is hoe je klassieke elementen inzet om muziek naar een hoger niveau te brengen zonder dat het óf oubollig óf over the top gaat klinken. De sessiemuzikanten smeren hun aandeel perfect egaal over het gehele album, zonder dat het de focus weghaalt bij de teksten van Nick Drake. Wat mij betreft is dit de kroon op zijn veel te prille carrière, die ondanks zijn jonge leeftijd toch barst van de wijsheden waar je normaal gesproken drie levens voor geleefd moet hebben. Een waardig lid van de literaire Britse elite van de 20e eeuw, die niet mis is. Die kunsten, onder begeleiding van tranentrekkend-mooie instrumentatie, leveren een nagenoeg perfect folk album op. 10/10 Highlights: Time Has Told Me River Man ' Cello Song Fruit Tree Saturday Sun

HOW IS THIS HIS FIRST ALBUM?!?! Goddamn fucking genius. Fucking River Man is on this bitch’s debut album. This is an oppressive amount of talent. Way too much for one little man. I can’t even handle how pretty this shit is.

felt like a kiss to my soul ngl

I have to apologize to Nick Drake. Even though I've known and loved 'Pink Moon' for many years, I never took the time to explore his other albums. I don't know what I was waiting for but I now know what I was missing. This album is fantastic and near perfect. The fact that Nick Drake's music wasn't popular in his short lifetime is criminal to me. To call it melancholy doesn't do it justice. The vocals are incredibly lush and engaging and the music is varied and layered. He deserved so much more and the world needed more of his music.

10/10. Great relaxation album with enough complexity to not bore you. Almost every song was put on the 5 ⭐️ playlist.

Excellent, moody, creatively scored.

Nick Drake’s music echoes the sounds my mind makes. It’s an incredible feat, the sound of a beat with thoughts and images going on in the background. Apparently, Folk is one of my worst rated genres. I don’t agree with that, a lot of the albums designated Folk by the algorithm I’d disagree are actually Folk. Broken English by Marianne Faithful? That’s a New Wave album, Eli And The Thirteenth Confession? That’s Jazz-Pop. Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt I think I fairly described as a Country album in my review. Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left is a Folk album through and through, and damn, what a Folk album. I knew Pink Moon before undertaking this project, but getting the opportunity to listen to the rest of his work has definitely turned me into a fan

Ja tack!

This guy is in my back pocket for a certain kind of mood. Beautiful songs. Sad that he couldn't bear the world for a little longer.

This album is so soothing in a hauntingly beautiful way.

Epic.

Really amazing listen, lyrically and musically. Out of nowhere, too.

yeah great album

I'm a sucker for anything acoustic.

Brilliant. 5/5

Melancholic and soft, longing, Western energy with an early highlight being Three Hours. Potentially inspired modern artists like Jose Gonzales

Beautiful timeless English folk. Brilliant. 5 star.

Garden state soundtrack

Completely beautiful

It's catchy......sad what happened to him though

Absolute legend of a singer-songwriter. Love this record.

Very chill, I like it. Reminds me of Jason Mraz (but less poppy), Bowie (Nature Boy), Moody Blues (Nights in White Satin chorus, but not as dark/deep)

This is my favorite Nick Drake album. It's so beautifully arranged, so cozy and homely. Track for track perfection.

Definitely a mood, but it's just so good in a way I was not expecting.

Rugluð

Basically the Holy Grail of chamber folk. This has to be one of the most unhateable albums of all time, right? I don't really see any reason anybody would dislike this. It's so pretty, yet so depressing at the same time. The more I listen to this one, the more I think it might actually be better than "Pink Moon". Hits hard at 1AM. By the way, extremely un-fun fact: Nick Drake died 5 years after this was released. He quite literally had five leaves left. Fuck.

Beautiful album!

A baroque folk sad boi masterpiece.

Obra absolutamente imprescidible. El debut del malogrado Nick Drake es un disco eterno, por el que solo pasan los años para que suene cada vez mejor. Desapercibido en su día, tuvo su merecido reconocimiento en los años 90 cuando grupos como Belle and Sebastian reconocieron su enorme influencia. Editado en 1969 año de otros discazos como Abbey Road, Tommy, Nashville Skyline, Let it Bleed, The Stooges, dos de la CCR, dos de MC5, otros dos de Led Zeppelin, Hot Rats, In the Court of the Crimson King, Hot Rats, Trout Mask Replica, Ummagumma, Stand, Hot Buttered Soul, The Gilded Palace of Sin, el 3º de la VU, Dusty in Memphis, Elvis in Memphis, Odessa, otros debuts como los de Van der Graag Generator o Can... Los arreglos encajan a la perfección con la sedosa voz de Nick, las letras son palabras mayores y cualquier canción está por encima de la media de cualquier disco de los ya mencionados, con especial brillo los clásicos Fruit Free, Riverman o Day is Done...

I can't put my finger on how, but this one really hit deep with me. Instrumentals were fantastic and the songwriting kept me interested the whole time.

Absolutely fantastic. Great instrumentation and gripping vocals.

Truly lovely

Not the Nick Drake album I find myself reaching for usually but you can’t really go wrong with any of his music.

Amazing artist and beautiful album. Although I slightly prefer pink moon more as an album, river man is one of my most favorite tracks of all time.

Love Nick Drake's voice, so soothing and serene

Better than pink moon for me, this album is a chamber-folk gem. Shorter than I wanted it to be. This one will be one heavy rotation for sure.

I hope this generator and list has introduced at least one person to Nick Drake. What an artist and another one gone too soon. Drake is a bit akin to Van Gogh in my eyes; as I understand it he never saw his songs reach the masses and didn’t get to experience the impact he has had on so many people. He’s an all time great songwriter even with his relatively limited output, and his words are near and dear to just about anyone who gives him a listen. I wish we could go back and tell him this.

An absolute classic. My dad bought me this album for my sixteenth birthday, right before I moved across the world from my family to live with family friends for a few months. I listened to it nearly every day for years, but today I heard it for the first time in it's entirety since my early twenties and what a gift! Riverman, Fruit Tree, Cello Song -- all such gorgeous pieces of music. Nick Drake was a special soul. 5/5.

Loved this. Don’t know why it hasn’t saved my rating from before

Really liked this album, finally got past that Best Of collection and glad I did.

A diamond in the rough. What a treat

Second album for this artist, served up by this challenge. I can’t believe I had never heard of him before the 1001. He is such an amazing singer songwriter and I find his songs so emotionally engaging. Just beautiful. This dude, may be one of my favourite songwriters!

I loved this - I’d never heard of Nick Drake before starting this challenge and he’s such a gem. I can see myself coming back again and again

perfect

Loved it, although I will admit that I probably would have loved anyy album after riding 15 inches of blower pow in jackson hole

I love Nick Drake when I'm in the mood for him. Very talented and sad that he got a cult following after his death. Great background music for a rainy day. Favorite Songs: Three Hours and Cello Song Least Favorite Songs: Way To Blue

Right off I could tell that the recording/production on this one was great. Fantastic acoustic guitar sound is the first thing you hear. Great voice as well. Kind of a low-key album that's sort of a downer in a lot of ways. I like it. Listen to this on a rainy day on good headphones or a good sound system, not on little computer speakers and not on a phone. I think a lot of the brilliance of this album is just in the way it is recorded and how all the parts work together so well. I also never really realized what a great guitar player he was. Maybe I just never really paid attention before but his playing on this record at least was fantastic. I wonder why he never gets mentioned in the same breath as Paul Simon? It would be interesting to see what he would have done had he not died so young. The folk/folk-pop/folk-rock genre from this time was relatively short-lived and I feel like he may have gone on to more experimental things. All in all, this is a stellar album. Maybe not a 10/10 but good enough for a 5/5 because 4/5 is not enough.

Excellent. I will like to listen to another album of his.

It's a shame we didn't get more from this talented song writer

very pretty little album. i really liked all the songs i heard. it's soft. it's quiet. it's... it's the musical equivalent of a lovely little garden. the guitars and the occasional strings really add to the experience i feel... straight music therapy, both happy and sad. this man went through a lot... they say he was the van gogh of music. it's unfortunate because you can hear that. in his voice.

Beautiful and haunting. Each song feels meticulously crafted and a chock full of emotion. This is the first album out of the 20 or so ever viewed that I'm actually glad to have discovered. It's interesting that Nick Drake is categorized as folk/rock. Doesn't seem to be anything rock about it except the guitar.

I was shocked to learn this was a debut album. It’s unbelievably beautiful, and sounds so mature seems just as important as Bob Dylan and other folk artist from that time.

Waaaaaay ahead of his time.

I'm a bit cross that Nick Drake is so popular now. In 1992 at Gatwick Airport as I walked past HMV, I heard some familiar sounding music I loved but didn't recognise. I went and asked, remarking that it sounded like John Martyn. The guy said "It's Nick Drake, John Martyn wrote Solid Air about him". I bought the album there and then. That was Pink Moon and I've been a fan ever since. For about 10 years he was 'mine' but, inevitably, the rest of the world found him too and spoiled my secret. These days I cycle past his beautiful family home in Hampton-in-Arden regularly. Five Leaves Left ranks joint second with Bryter Layter - Pink Moon stands above them both and is one of the greatest achievements in rock. But all three are fantastic and I'd be happy just to listen to this forever - though I don't like some of the unnecessary orchestrations.

Jeg troede kun jeg kendte Nick Drake af navn. Men River Man har jeg hørt før. Måske Simme har spillet den 🤔 Der er virkelig meget luft i stemmen. At lytte til den bliver en hel fysisk oplevelse hvor jeg kan mærke Drakes stemme lægge sig omkring min krop og trænge ind. Melodisk og stemningsmæssigt er albummet melankolsk grænsende til deprimeret. Det formidler et menneske smerte mesterligt.

Time has told me, this is an incredible album. How he made such a full album at a young age, I’ll never know.

Yes, Nick Drake on a Sunday. Winning. Saturday Sun is one of the best songs ever.

Turns out I really like Nick Cave. His voice is incredible! The album is from 1969, but *most* of it sounds like it could have been early 90s - which shows both the timelessness of his sound and how influential he is to musicians like Elliot Smith and Jeff Buckley. The voice is the star here. The guitar and piano are set up softly enough to be adequate support for Drake to showcase his unique singing style. On several songs it sounds like he has an orchestral backing, and the strings pair beautifully with his voice, creating a lush, haunting soundscape.

each nick drake album means something to me. used to be the only cd i had in my car so if i ever ran out of phone battery this is what i'd listen to. reminds me of driving very tired across somerset after dropping an ex-lover off at glastonbury festival with the sun going down in front of me.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Such a great vibe for studio time and any other time you want to feel expansive and contemplative.

I like his sound.

I mean, Nick Drake doesn't fuck around.

I love this dude. Love this album.

Every now and then there's an artist who transcends their time and place and leaves something indelible in this ephemeral existence. Nick Drake's 26 years on this planet were a gift.

Im a big Nick Drake fan, and this album is pretty great from him.

Deep folk/jazz - a step beyond what you may expect from a folk album, using unique backing instrumentation.

- honestly love the vibe created in this space today

Nick Drake ❤️❤️❤️

Great chill album! I was familiar with Pink Moon and Cello Song, but never really listened to an entire album of his. Had no idea he died in 1974, how tragic! Definitely going to play this album more often and maybe even try to purchase it on vinyl.

Pretty flawless.

Five Leaves Left Love, love, love. All three of his albums are in heavy rotation for me and they are all top tier. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First time I really listened to this and really enjoyed it, will seek out more Nick Drake

Chill

No idea why I've never listened to this before. Superb. I need to re-listen to Pink Moon and reassess. Great and beautiful songs, great arrangements, great acoustic guitar.

Haunting, beautiful, and creative.

Had heard his second album before and enjoyed it but think I definitely like this one more. Very beautiful blend of instruments and I didn’t even focus too much on his lyrics the first listen through. Rating: 4.7

I dont "know" Nick Drake, but can easily recognize his voice and sound, he was very distinctive. This album seems almost devastatingly beautiful, haunting as well as haunted. I read up on him while listening; it's so sad that such amazing music was born from such deep turmoil. Nick Drake was so gifted, so moody.... and still so worth listening to. Thanks for including his music here.

Amazing discovery. Nick's story is sad, but it contributes to the beauty of his music.

I’ve heard this album many times over. It’s an absolute 5 for me.

unreal. guitar, vocals, songs

Easy listening, folk-y serene with great string, piano, and percussion parts. Vocals are soothing, if a bit monotone. Overall, a beautiful album from an artist I had no idea existed until today. Memorable songs: Time Has Told Me, Three Hours, Cello Song, The Thoughts of Mary Jane, Saturday Sun

Good melody and background instruments. Chill mood.

My first

Nick Drake was one of the best singer songwriters ever. His songs are sad and beautiful. It’s entirely too late to appreciate his work as he was not when he was alive, but it's the least we can do.

As always, Nick is smooth calming and gorgeoous.

THIS IS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT. When I do these album a day's I want albums with banger after banger after banger, this has that. No skips, amazing lyrics. 5/5

I loved it! A deeper dive showed he died young many years ago. I will now look for more of his music, as well as listen to Five Leaves Left over and over again.

This is such a classic album. The guitar is beautiful and the lyrics are poetic.

This album was unexpected in the best way possible. Nick’s voice is haunting, and it feels like a poet is singing me to sleep (but in a good way; I just can’t get enough of it). 4.9/5 Fav: “Way to Blue” Least Fav: I have none.

Very, very nice, Klavier, viel gitarre, Songwriter Musik, gerne wieder.

1969 album by British solo artist. Amazing guitar picking and all acoustic instruments including upright bass. One song has an oboe.

Will never stop loving this album. I've been trying to learn several songs on for about 15 years and still haven't completely mastered it, the man is one of my all time guitar heroes. I'd give this album 6 stars if I could

Another new artist for me. Fantastic album. Very soothing. Easy listen. Top-Down great Time has told me River man

Of all the folksy songwriters this journey has given me so far (Van Morrison, Bob Dylan) l, this is by far my favorite. Nick Drake's lyrics are engaging and the music it's paired with is excellent. Pretty somber at times and it's sad that he passed so young, could have used more of his music.

December 4, 2023 Perfect for when you want to listen to Nick Drake

Lovely album.

Wow this was really terrific. As a follow on to Gillian Welch I was shocked to hear another excellent singer/songwriter that I felt like I should have been listening to for years on the list. Drake's soothing voice and poetry really shine through, but the guitar turns it into something truly profound - I will note the bass seems a little discordant and out of place at times, but I may feel differently on future listens.

Loved it

Though I typically don't like this type of music, this soothed me more than the bossa nova. I've never heard of this guy but I absolutely loved it.

Need to listen to more Drake

apenas mto bom

Just what I need this morning. Saturday. A funeral later today. I will start my hour drive soon. Thank you for this.

Finally got my favourite Nick Drake album; this one's a 5/5. For me the one where you hear most clearly his incredible abilities and sense for melody; the potential that was never fully realised is there. Hard not to separate the art from the artist's tragedy in this case.

Šis albums no viņa man patīk daudz labāk. ^___^

Beautiful, dramatic at times, emotional. ❤️❤️❤️ Love, love, love. Way to Blue was added to my playlist of calm but dramatic music.

Wow. What a beautiful work of art. This was one of those albums where I kind of had to listen to it to understand if the album deserves to be on this list or not. What I found while doing research was widespread critical acclaim, and even with that, I was still shocked at how great this was. Everything is so expertly crafted, and it honestly feels ahead of its time. The singing is emotional, the tone is consistent, and the writing is quite good. This is basically "Depression: The Album" and I mean that in the best way possible. Everything feels so organic, which is really sad when you think about it. Still, this is an absolute work of art that was severely underappreciated in its time. Thankfully, it has received widespread acclaim in the decades since this album's release, and has deservedly been included in this list. 5/5.

All His albums are equal

Great Album, Tages you on a voyage to the sixties. Bittersweet happiness

sounds like it was recorded just yesterday I like how the double bass sounds crisp and beautiful sound, love the strings would love to listen to it again, definitely goes into the media library удивлен тем, как сильно альбом понравился. круто, что записано без метронома, что музыка течет без рывков

this album is so fucking beautiful OMG idk if i love this more than Pink Moon but they're around the same tier of amazing for me!!! Nick Drake's singing, lyrics, and guitar playing skills are on complete full display on this album! I really love the lush instrumentals too and I think they add a lot to Nick Drake's style, and it's a great contrast from Pink Moon in that regard!

BANGER just an insane amount of emotion in the songs. Incredible instrumentals behind the vocals. Such simple combos of instruments all doing not so simple things and sounding so so good. Made me feel something. Every song is great. Favorite songs: Three hours, day is done, MAN IN A SHED, fruit tree, cello song…. Wait that’s half of them First 5 :)

Such chill music. I love it

Nicr

Beautiful without being overwrought. Becks seachange and Jose Gonzalez owe a lot.

A fantastic album overall all the songs are banger. Nice lyric and rhythm and theme

This is awesome. Must buy

This is crazy. I had never heard of Nick Drake until I began this journey. Now I've gotten his second album (got Bryter Layter day 1) and I am only 4 albums in! How very fortunate I am. This is a very good folk album by Nick Drake. I prefer Bryter Layter after the first listen but this is still a top tier folk album with fantastic acoustic guitar. There is a reason why many artists have cited Nick as an influence of their music. He sings more clearly and understandably in this album which is a positive but I just prefer the overall music composition and instrumentation in Bryter Later more. This is still incredible considering it was released in 1969. Nick was a true talent that we lost too soon. Now I'll just be waiting for Pink Moon! 5 out of 5 folk album.

Beautiful folk rock album, 5 stars.

Like bathing in a warm, mellow, beautiful sadness. Exquisite. So many layers of musicality across every song. One of the very, very few albums I know where every song is great. Fav tracks: River Man, Three Hours, 'Cello Song

Made me cry, calm and raw emotions. Fantastic

Really enjoyed this, should listen to it again more closely. Great singer/songwriter + jazzy elements.

This was chill, I liked it.

Amazing, soft folk with amazing instruments

Slightly Sad. Thought provocation music. Nice vocals. Ever need to think? Listen to this loud! I picture a solo drive through the country in the fall on multicolored leave covered roads.

C'était bien

moi aussi nick il me reste que 2,5 leaves .......... 😔

Wow, this album is so timeless. It could have been released yesterday and still be so great. River Man is easily my favourite. I look forward to exploring this album further.

Sublime - just, absolutely lovely. 😻 Fave track - "River Man" is maybe my favourite Nick Drake tune overall. "Cello Song" stood out to me this time through, too...

Another one on this list that's been lovely to revisit. Gorgeous instrumentals and an autumnal mood.

Top 3: River Man - Way To Blue - Day Is Done

Nick Drake's Pink Moon is one of my favorite albums. I feel like I've listened to this one too, but not nearly as much. Nick Drake is such a sad story of a ridiculously talented person with a troubled soul, who released great music, but never got to see it receive the recognition or impact that it had. I shouldn't be surprised, and yet I still find it hard to believe this is the work of a 21 year old. The music has a certain depth to it that seems better fit to someone with more lived experience. Three Hours is an early standout. Beautiful, sparse arrangement with cascading fretwork and Drake's haunting vocals floating over top. I didn't pay attention to discrete songs too much, but love the environment that Nick Drake builds on this album. Lot of different textures, all enjoyable. 5 / 5

Oh hell yeah Nick Drake. I've only listened to his album Pink Moon before but that was incredible. Very peaceful music. Sucks he was so depressed but you can kinda hear it through his music. Man never got to know how popular his music got. The strings in River Man are a perfect backdrop. Just can't stop thinking of how beautiful these songs are after Thoughts of Mary Jane. Plus flute! New fav instrument! Love that you can hear the stand up bass on some songs too. Especially Man in a Shed. Love the jazzy ending with the xylophone and bass. This album is so melancholy I love it. There's just so much emotion behind it. RIP tell a friend you love them today.