Five Leaves Left

Enjoyed it!

Oh that was kind of nice, not bad

Super mellow, not unpleasant

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.

Folk classic!

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

Too slow

Kinda boring but not bad

Some of the music was ok for easy listening. The vocals added nothing.

This just isn’t the type of music I like.

My feeling this one today, surprised this so the 2nd Nick Drake album on the list here. Appreciate that this is influential, but I enjoyed that later album a bit more.

Kinda gas actually. Mellow acoustic guitar with dramatic orchestral bits mixed in. A few duds throughout tho

3.9

Didn't even make me want to continue listening to it after 2 songs

Hey, is this Burt Jansch?

Nick Drake exists in a very specific musical space. I enjoyed this album, but I have no idea how to differentiate from his other works. Thankfully, he’s really talented!

Meh

It's literal poems being recited with a little chant and a guitar tune. That being said, it's too soft and uneventful for me, not my thing at all. I did look into Nick Drake's other songs and I think his other albums are better, I liked the Northern Sky song in his second album.

Meh

Nice album, which gets better as you go through it. The songs can get a little samey, but some fun lyrics in there accompanied by some nice fingerstyle guitar. Not bad, but I didn’t find it particularly standout.

I didn't find Nick Drake's album particularly impressive. The music was quite nice and I think nice is really nice. (I think the saying "Nice is the little sister of shit" is shit :-)) But that's all it is. I won't listen to the album again on purpose, but I won't switch it off when I get to it. 3/5

Pleasant record. This is a great example of an album I wish I had the time to listen to a second or third time as I suspect my admiration would grow. But for now it’s going to be labelled as “good.” 3/5

This was a really melancholy listen. I gave it two listens and instead of picking out songs or instruments I more just got his with the feeling the entire way through. Really well done and put together. Good to have on the list but his other albums are stronger.

This has a nice sound and has it's moments. I like the guitar playing. I'm not feeling the vocals. Fine background music.

Not my favourite Nick Drake album but it’s still just so good. His songwriting and voice are so unique and beautiful and listening to this just feels like putting on your favourite jumper and having a nice hot chocolate

Very lovely.

I don’t get it and I feel so bad about it. I love Pink Moon and yet I can’t get into either Bryter Layter or this one and I cannot put my finger on the reason why. It’s all objectively good, the guitar playing is amazing, the production is rich and beautiful, I love the melancholy and yet.. it just doesn’t click for me. Something’s missing and the fact that I cannot tell why frustrates me. 3.5/5

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

Very nice album! I was working out so maybe missed on some lyrical genius… but it was great.

nothing special. going to be honest, i really do like the acoustic guitar on this album. but, i can't really do much more with it. just sounds like someone mumbling their way through. not the worst thing i have heard through here... but wouldnt have it on in rotation again

Nick Drake’s style is okay, but it’s a little bit gloomy and slow for me. That being said I liked some of the melodies, and the lyrics seem poetic and meaningful. There is also a lot of “orchestral” music (violin etc.) to back up the guitar and his singing. I’m wondering whether he wrote and played all of this himself as well.

I was super hopefully after hearing those first acoustic chords and his voice in the first song but then my excitement started to wane. It’s like each song would start really well then by the end, it would just lose my interest. I really liked his voice though and Cello Song.

Love Nick Drake! This album doesn’t have any of my favorites from him on it, but I still enjoyed it. For this style of music, I actually prefer it to just be the guitar and singing. The background music didn’t age well in my opinion and takes me out of the “emo singer/guitarist songwriter” vibe. I do love his songwriter and general mood. Very melancholy and nice, especially with his story in mind.

Nick Drake is probably my favorite artist I’ve discovered on this list. I think I like Pink Moon more, but this one is in the same vein, making for great easy listening or background music. Definitely something I’ll come back to while sipping coffee and easing into a Saturday morning.

There's an alternate timeline where Spencer is dying in a Myrtle Beach condo closet after smoking K2, and rather than John Mayer saving him, it's Nick Drake. I want to play this album as my toddlers bedtime lullaby's. I honestly couldn't tell you any of the lyrics, but the music and his voice are so soft and sweet, I could listen to it all day long.

I would say this album is good but not great. I am also familiar with Nick Drake's album Pink Moon, and I have to say that album is much better. There's nothing specifically wrong with this, but I don't find it particularly memorable. It sounds a lot like Donovan, and maybe that's why I don't like it - it sounds more like Nick Drake trying to sound like Donovan than himself, which is how he sounds on Pink Moon. I would listen to this album again, but I would definitely choose Pink Moon first.

Pleasant listening, but no song stands out - for any reason. Altogether not at all exciting. Probably background music.

Jose Gonzalez type folk. Droning, monotone voice with barebones guitar and maybe a few other instruments strewn in. The music is of course intentional but feels void to me. It’s not my go to mellow, just doesn’t light the candle. I found some enjoyable songs, but my emotional trigger never moved.

Good to see you again, Mr. Drake. I was previously exposed to his second album "Bryter Layter" thanks to this list, so getting the opportunity to listen to his debut should be interesting and hopefully enlightening. It's a pretty subdued debut to be honest, but I only have two of Drake's albums to work off of for reference. The songwriting seeds were certainly planted here, though. Right out of the gate you can tell that the then young Nick Drake had a way with words and never wasted a moment on each track. This album specifically finds its legs later on after a bit of a slow start. Almost like it's opening up to the listener after getting comfortable. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's a shame that we lost Nick Drake so young. Looking forward to getting his third and final album, whenever that may be.

17/10/24 Surprisingly enjoyed this. Way ahead its time.

I had heard the name Nick Drake before but had never listened-Iloved it.I read up on him - what a talent, and what a shame. He influenced so many, including Paul Weller (lovelovelove) I really enjoyed this album

Ethereal...and I'd visit again when I need a score for a contemplative day.

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.

No major catchy standouts, but I did thoroughly enjoy listening to this album. A super beautiful and mellow listen, will definetly revisit this album and others by Nick Drake.

I wasn’t a massive fan of Pink Moon but I actually enjoyed this and it’s boosted me to give Pink Moon another listen

Too slow

MILF (man i love folk) 4/5

I’m old enough to remember when Tipper Gore was leading rants that heavy metal albums needed warning labels because they put teens at risk for suicide. Meanwhile, this album was sitting there all the while, spreading its despair. Starts off slow, with the first three songs being a similar folky style. But then he starts mixing things up. Musically it becomes more intricate. I’m not a huge fan of his voice, which is a bit monotone and drags down an already low-energy album. He knew how to set a mood and had immense songwriting talent, but it’s the kind of album I can appreciate but not truly enjoy.

Maybe like a 3.5

Didn't like this one as much as Bryter Layter. A bit more one dimensional than his next album.

I didn't have high hopes going into it, but it turned out to be a pretty decent easy listening album. Would I seek it as as a primary listen? Probably not, but I wouldn't object to it being on.

Love Nick Drake and this is fantastic but just isn't as good as his other 2 projects. His worst is still better than most peoples best. 4.5/5 1. River Man 2. Saturday Sun 3. Cello song

not my genre, skimmed it; 0 rating

Nice and slow

Good singer-songwriter. Clearly influenced the future. Nice soft background music

Just a lovely, if slightly melancholic folk album from one of the great 60s masters of the genre. Pink Moon and Bryter Layter may get all the press, but Five Leaves Left is just as good and it'll tell you where artists like Elliot Smith came from.

kan godt lide det men måske på forkert dag på ugen - for langsom om en fredag

Glæder mig til vi skal høre albummet Pink Moon!

Slow and melancholic in an enjoyable way, but also a bit boring to the point where I forgot to really listen to a lot of the songs and therefore missed the deeper meaning Standouts Riverman Way to Blue 3/5

zero expectations. Really enjoyed it!

Really liked this.

So dreadfully boring

un pò strascinato..

This album is beautifully sung and played by an artist who had a very short life and by many accounts a very troubled life. It’s hard to listen to these wonderful songs without thinking about how the man’s life ended. For me a melancholy record made me quite sad upon initially listening. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed this album, and I hope, if you’ve never heard it, you’ll give it a listen. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-five-leaves-left-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

# Album Name: Five Leaves Left # Artist: Nick Drake # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: This is my third Nick Drake album. I have to admit, he has been one of those gems that you find in this list. His last two albums were good. For a first album this is a very dark and bleary album. Nick's voice is as expected throughout. Good use of strings in river man. Three hours, theres some great finger picking and bass in this one. Overall, a decent introduction to nick Drake. Definitely the weakest of his three albums imo but its a decent listen with some good melodies. The drearyness just seems to be his style. # Top Tunes: River man / three hours / saturday sun. # Would I listen to it again? Yes.

Favorite Track: Saturday Sun

5/5

Calm atmosphere and nice violin in Day Done

Solid, low key. Not a favorite.

Rustige muziek, fijn geluid

Beautiful finger picked acoustic guitar melodies. Piano and orchestra as well. Softy sung tenor voice. Moody lyrics. Inspirational but in a subtle way. I get why his music may have been overlooked. It’s very understated. Too bad he was not more popular during his too short life. I’ve never heard him before. He was truly an artist. Added to favorites.

Been a fan of 'Pink Moon' for a minute now, never realized it came out in the 70s until I read up a bit more on Mr. Drake. Nice and soothing, like most good folk.

I have tried with Nick Drake a bunch of times and he just doesn’t click for me. I don’t think he’s bad, but for some reason I just don’t enjoy listening to his albums. I like a few of his songs, but most of them - I don’t dislike - but also don’t really particularly enjoy. I think he belongs on this list but he’s just not my cup of wistful, calming, melancholic tea.

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.

ThI’m s guy had a sad life and his music reflects that.

Beautiful and sad.

Wasn’t sure first time, but on a second listen I quite enjoyed this, especially and Three Hours and Day Is Done. Might be a bit generous, but this gets a 4,

Really liked this. A very pleasant way to spend 45 minutes. Simpsons: No

Gave this a second listen as I don't think a busy airport was the right setting for it first time round. Have listened to a different album before by him and loved it. This one was decent, not a 5 but still enjoyable.

didn't hate it. this style of music is a bit slow for me. could see this sort of music being used in the background of a film. It might have been higher if I had the time for a second listen but for now it gets a 3

1 listen, gut reaction, 5 stars.

I reviewed "Pink Moon" recently. As mentioned previously, he's a name I've heard over the years, usually some rockstar complimenting him on songwriting or a brilliant album, but I've never really listened to anything he's done. Must be a musician thing, I don't find anything compelling about him. This album is super mellow like "Pink Moon", his voice is more pleasant than what I know loosely from his Bad Seeds days. I get some of that early 70's California singer/songwriter vibe. Again, nothing mind-blowing or groundbreaking but enjoyable. I damn near fell asleep during "River Man" and "Three Hours", snorefest! I can't hear his influence in any other artist and there are zero hits or memorable songs on this entire album. Honestly, I was bored out of my skull, every song is as dreary as the one before it. I am glad I had an opportunity to get introduced to older ND, but not sure I'd include this or anything else he does in a true Top 1001 list.

Low key

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!

I want to like Nick Drake, but he kind of just bores me. This is the second album from him I’ve gotten on here and I am just not interested in anymore. Which stinks because I’m sure Pink Moon is coming at some point.

Poignant folk songs, expertly put together 4*

Sitting in a cafe that has an open mike/live band. Never heard of the guy. That was good.

They rock! They are the kinks, enough said.

What I’m hearing is depressing hippie music so far. 3 songs in. Nice guitar playing. Not big on the voice. Good lyrical story telling. Way to Blue sort of shook this album from its monotone downfall but just musically. There’s still that one tone, weak note carrying vocal Is Nick Drake a poet turned singer? If not, he should have taken that route. That makes his lack of vocal range more acceptable. I don’t see the appeal with this. Maybe as an instrumental album it could have some standing with me. I’m sure this is a critically acclaimed album, hell, I recognize the album cover. It’s just not ear hole pleasing for me. Choice cut: Day is Done

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

Not something I'd usually go for, so wasn't sure what to expect. Overall i didn't think it was great but a couple of songs stood out to me: saturday sun and Day is done. 4/10

Eftertänksamt, vackert. Gillar! Time Has Told Me är så bra, och sätter ton för resten av skivan.

Albumet är som så många konstverk i kommunhus. Då beskedlig och timid att den inte lämnar något intryck alls.

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

Not to bad for folk music.

Maybe it’s because I’m cynically depressed, but god damn, Nick Drake makes some damn good tunes. Sad boy music before it was a thing. Each album he had made had such insane atmosphere, a truly underrated artist of his time, and yet another tragic ending. I’m guessing this Nick Drake resurgence came during COVID, as before that he was mostly an afterthought. He seems to be a cult legend now. I really want to be sitting by a campfire alone at night right about now. Favs: Day is done, Mary Jane, Time has told me

I listened to this album as I was watching a soccer game and it made me thnk about the culture clash happening on the field, Colombia, Italy, Dominican Republic, and all while taking video and listening to this. Felt very samey in the back half but I like his vocals and quirky lyrics its a 2 though

Good moody folk

Pretty good. It’s not Pink Moon but I’m a big Nick Drake fan anyway so I loved this.

Nice

Really enjoyed this.

Sad, dreamy, pensive and sorrowful. It's nice to drive with and listen to in deep thought.

First time I heard Nick Drake, my Spotify kept trying to make me listen to Pink Moon and it really irritated me. Then when it stopped I missed it and begrudgingly accepted I actually really liked the song. Listening to this album, it's more of what I enjoy in Pink Moon

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.

I liked this one less than his other albums, I think.

beautiful, quiet, reflective folk album

usually I have a lot to say on my opinions. this time I got nothing.

nice sound, feels like the perfect soundtrack to a road trip. not typically the tone of music i go for, but lovely

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

Chill coffee shop acoustics, pretty good!

Meh

Perfect.

Pretty good, laid down album

A little too slow and same sounding for me. It all had a kind of sad and low energy vibe. Lyrics seemed like they could be good but I was struggling to pay attention. 4/10

I’m glad that this exists for the people who are into it. Not really my thing, but way better than similar sounding albums that aren’t my thing.

Hdhehsh

Wasn’t too bad, song writing was really good and loved his voice. Solid 2 star album for me

A pretty good album, I liked the songs River Man and Way to Blue.

Great one gone to see that river man

+4

For those (like me) who are only familiar with Drake's Pink Moon, Five Leaves Left is a revelation of Drake's breadth of work. Most obviously, it is a sonically distinct album, not only due to the the instrumentation (including string arrangements, piano, flute, cello, and marimbas) but also as a consequence of its production, which yields a brighter and sound. That having been said, I found several of the production choices to be dated and heavy handed. Certain choices -- most notably the string arrangements throughout and the unfortunate flute on The Thoughts of Mary Jane -- feel like a clumsy attempt at breaking through on AM radio. Yet, the crystal clear audio on Three Hours makes the track far more gorgeous than it would have been if it had been recorded for Pink Moon, and unlike Pink Moon, I can actually understand most of the lyrics to this album. Drake's songwriting feels more whimsical here. It is not without its moments of glum introspection, but the album is possessed by a hippie air, sometimes feeling like a cousin to Fairport Convention (in fact, Richard Thompson was a session musician on this album), other times reminiscent of Cat Stevens. Despite any misgivings about the album's overall aesthetic, listeners will be rewarded by pushing through to the closing track. Saturday Sun is a legitimate jazz tune, and it is a rare moment on the album where everything seems to have found its proper place. Without it, this might be only a three star album to me, but I believe it warrants a full star all to itself.

Nunca imaginei que fosse pegar um folk indie com uma pegada calma num álbum tão antigo.

Ok

V boring

I did not know Nick Drake, so this is a good discovery. Liked the songwriting.

I like the emotional instrumental and I'm generally a fan of singer-songwriter genre. It's a nice album to work with in the background

Very mellow music - good for a wind down

Some good songs, especially Way to Blue and Day is Done, but mostly I was bored throughout the album. The songs drag on too long, whereas the two aforementioned are 2:30 and 3:05.

Muy bien, seguro con más oídas se volverá increíble.

4.5

睡得很香

It really does not sound as old as it is. Very good album. Time Has Told Me is beautiful.

60’s

giving Neil young

Reminds me of Jim Croce. Absolutely love it.

Nearly timeless, beautiful use of guitar.

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.

3/5

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.

Great album. I specifically liked three tracks: Fruit Trees, Time Has Told Me, and Day Is Done. But the whole album is great.

There are a few undoubtedly great songs on this, but also a number that fell flat for me, incomparison to Pink Moon.

While this doesn't resonate as much as Pink Moon, even when Nick Drake isn't blowing your hair back, he's still inarguably great.

Classic Nick Drake

If I were a heartless monster I might say, “No wonder Nick Drake chose to take his own life. It was the only way he could escape his music.” That is terrible so I take it back, of course, but I admit it made me giggle.

Slow

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

Nick Drake is surprisingly full with classical influences

More stripped down than Bryter Later but there are still plenty of parts with backing strings. I liked River Man, and Day Is Done is especially poignant, a beautiful mix of vocal melodies and acoustic instruments, all melding with the strings. Man In A Shed us another excellent song with the piano and bass taking center stage. I'm rating this lower than Bryter Later but it's an easy 4-star. Interested to hear Pink Moon when that comes up.

Too croony soft for me

Amazing guitar playing Amazing production Amazing Lyrics Amazing album

It's what Nick Drake does, done as well as he always does it.

p168. 1969. 4 stars. Startlingly good Brit folk. Vague echoes of the more melancholy tracks on Love's "Forever Changes", which ain't a bad thing. Point deducted for the occasional production lapse into saccharine.

Chill, moody, contemplative...

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.

yes

Haunting and gorgeous.

Songs are a bit slow and depressing. 3/5

4.5

Eh. Not too bad but a little samey.

I was initially intrigued by 'River Man' and how epic it felt, but the the rest of the album was small cute calm songs. Not in any way unpleasant, but also a bit samey and the tracks blended together quite a bit for me in the end Standouts River Man 3/5

- 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

- arsch entspannt 3/5

Albumi #28, 24.08.2024 Nick Drake soittaa varsin mukavan kuuloista folk-musiikkia. "Five Leaves Left" on Draken debuuttialbumi. Maininnan saa loistavatunnelmainen kappale "River Man".

Like every other Nick Drake album

Ooof. Slow and somber.

Mjög ljúf og góð

5/5

Not challenging, unoffensive but very pleasant. This music is a cut above the usual milquetoast, boring 60s crap that infests this list, but I will likely never listen to it ever again.

RIP Nick Drake. You would have loved Drake and Josh, which aired on Nick.

Really good album

Had some songs I would listen to again

Not my type of music. I like the playing on the album but it is too repetitive. Nick Drake has an ok voice but not a lot of range. It makes the music rather boring to me.

Love him

This was very beautiful.

So good, so beautiful and calming.

Oddly enough I have been thinking about this guy recently for some reason and been meaning to revisit the last one from this list. This record seems to be more of the same - perhaps more accompanying instruments than the last one - I am not sure. Anyway I am drawn in. I think I will listen to this and previous often and actually pay close attention to the lyrics.

Not my style but interesting.

But elevatorish

This is just boring sleep inducing music. Just lacking in personality. The UK really thinks they're musicians are way better than they actually are.

Nick Drake just makes it all seem so effortless...

Good album but dreary in parts. Enjoyable all the same

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. (⌐■_■)

Two Nick Drakes in three days, I ain’t complaining. Can now confirm I like him best unaccompanied, but this was another great one. Unreal that he went 3/3 at such a young age and in such a short amount of time.

Nick Drake. Well what can you say about him. Brother of actress Gabriella and member of the 27 club, and a tragic loss. For me his music and voice has a strange ethereal quality that just makes the worlds troubles drift away. Its such a shame it couldnt completely cure its creator who lost his personal battle depression. Ive been a fan ever since i first heard his voice. It's so gentle and soothing, the perfect listening material for those quiet relaxing moments. It is rare indeed that an artists work can be summed up with just one word, but Nick's can, BEAUTIFUL. I already possess this one though to be honest I prefer Bryter Layter. This is still a great album though. 9 out of 10 for me. So good, I just had to play it twice. But now I'm torn, 9 out of 10 should mean a 5, but for me 5 is perfection, and is this perfect if it's a 9? Mmmmm, I'll cogitate on this and let you know.

So boring

It was OK, maybe a bit too hippyish for my liking. Great use of instruments, with a cello and a guitar. I wasn't a fan of his voice. I prefer his sister, Gabrielle's and she doesn't even sing.

Jomen för fan. Duger till vardags.

Los discos de Drake transmiten una cierta belleza tan sombría que produce escalofríos. Su temática explora el desamor, la mortalidad o la depresión con un halo de melancolía emocionante. Este, de 1969, fue álbum de debut y en el destacan canciones como "River Man", una poética reflexión sobre cómo la protagonista recurre al consejo del "hombre del río" para seguir el transcurso del río de la vida; "Time Has Told Me", introspectiva mirada a un futuro inquietante; "Three Hours", el tiempo que dura el viaje físico y espiritual de los protagonistas de la canción en busca de algo nuevo y una vida mejor; y "Thoughts of Mary Jane", casi una pastoral sobre una misteriosa mujer, espíritu libre cautivador. Pero por encima de todas las demás, la canción que más me gusta es "Day Is Done", reflexión sobre la inevitabilidad del paso del tiempo y la muerte.

01) Time Has Told Me - 6,0 02) River Man - 6,5 03) Three Hours - 6,0 04) Way to Blue - 5,0 05) Day Is Done - 5,5 06) Cello Song - 5,5 07) The Thoughts of Mary Jane - 6,0 08) Man in a Shed - 5,5 09) Fruit Tree - 5,0 10) Saturday Sun - 5,5 TOTAL: 5,65 (57/100) Current ranking: 228/270 Boooriiing!!!

drizzy taas listalla pörisee. onhan se ainutlaatuisen kuuloista yksinkertaisuutta.. singulaarinen talentti joka meni ohi lähes huomaamatta. jooh en itekkään huomannu että perkele TOINEN herralta albumi josta ilmeisesti tykkään vitusti.. ja tulossa ainaki yksi vielä huioihhhoihhhajaahahahhkkaaa (ei haittaa). taitaa huone hiljetä ja korvia alkaa pikkuhiljaa höröilemänpuolelle menemään kun kaveri alkaa kitaraa rämpyttämään. kyllä kaikki vaistoaa, milloin mestari tahtoo jälkeä jättää. moni ei tähän pysty, ei pysty tähän näin tähän pysty näin. ENÄÄN KOLME LEHTEÄ JÄLJELLÄ BTW! FYI BTW.. river man

Espetacular

..

You can really feel Nick Drake's pain in his voice and his lyrics. He had a short tragic life of self pain and isolation and in the late 60s, early 70s, the options for treatment were limited. I don't think anyone was really aware of the dangers of prescription drugs, nor were they really aware of other mental illness and how some drugs exacerbate those illnesses. I can't help but think, while listening to this album that Nick probably didn't know that taking more wouldn't make him feel better faster, or he may not have even remembered taking them. Poor dude, I'm glad he got recognition and praise eventually, even if he wasn't around to see it.

Beautiful and timeless — hard to believe it was made by a 21 year old in 1969!

remarkably relaxing but like, a bit twee for my tastes? i dunno i'm tired 8/10

3.5 stars

Like the last one, it’s easy listening

Again, pleasant sounds throughout & some nice guitar playing. Nothing really stirring my soul though. I did like the final track for it's jazzy arrangement, a bit of a departure from the rest of the record.

It's weird because Pink Moon is one of my favorite albums, but I just can't get into this one. I almost feel like I'm giving it a 3/5 just on the strength of Pink Moon. But there was really interesting guitar and his voice is beautiful.

Kinda Meh, a fine album nothing special

Folksy, jazzy, and mellow. pretty good!

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

This man is SMOOTH. Love the folksy swing to it. He beat Joe Jackson to the punch almost ten years early too. I think there is a lot of unique instrumentation to this, big fan of the piano and percussion here. There are a couple of songs that feel a little uninspired but I think there are a lot of really deep and passionate songs on this one. Not a genre I would listen to often but I do appreciate his mastery of it.

Not my cup of tea.

Pliisua taustamusiikkia.

This album felt like taking a sedative, in a good way

I absolutely loved Pink Moon, so I was looking forward to this. I was incredibly bored the whole time. It's not bad, it's just boring.

Stunning

love his voice

I have heard this album before but it has been awhile. Didn’t get around to relistening but I remember it being very pleasant. Just gonna give it four stars but will relisten eventually.

I just love this man's music.

Finger style: The album

Tosi maukasta akustista settiä jousisoittimilla säestettynä. Tosi rentouttavaa ja osa haikeampia. Parhaat: Day Is Done, River Man, Three Hours, Saturday Sun

This is gorgeous. It's not my absolute favourite Nick Drake, but anything of his is good. I've listened to it before, and I'll listen to it again. Soft, introspective, evocative.

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.

Simon and Garfunkel with 7.3% more testosterone

Previously rated: Bryter Layter (2/5) ********************** I just heard my first Nick Drake two days ago. It was not quite a 3. Let's see if he has grown on me in that time. No, no he hasn't. This album has less of everything except his annoying singing and his admittedly good acoustic guitar playing. Less orchestration, less jazzy stuff. The only song I thought was even decent was the last track, Saturday Sun.

3 just for River Man

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

Nice mellow acoustic album. I can see why Nick Drake is credited with so much influence over several decades worth of acoustic/folk music.

3 stars

Pretty but nothing special

Five Leaves Left is the first album from Nick Drake, British singer/songwriter. Drake's produced three albums during his short life. During his life, none of them achieved much commercial success and the critical reception was mixed, at best. In the decades since, the consensus about Drake's work, and this album, have changed considerable. The album is full of pretty, somber folk songs, performed by a man with a rich voice.

The most forgettable album so far. I listened to it, some of it twice. I couldn't even tell you what it sounded like.

I think this is the fourth Nick Cave album that I've listened to on the list. Not really sure why there have been that many but this one at least deserved to be there.

Not my type at all. I guess the songs were all in the same vibe but it honestly felt like listening to the same song for 40 minutes. Would be perfect to fall asleep to tho Favorite : Last one

Fav: The Thoughts Of Mary Jane Least Fav: Cello Song

Nice quiet bit of acoustic guitar... I hadn't heard of Nick drake, but it is something to listen to in quiet moments..

It might have come before? but reminds me of Bell and Sebastian. Nice but very mello. Maybe my next Sunday morning listen

I found it boring.

Nick Drake is the GOAT singer/song writer. This isn't his best album, he had some developing to do, but it's a great indicator of things to come.

Little too sleepy for my tastes. Most the songs were far too similar too.

I want to like this more than I actually like it. Nice tone, great guitar work, just not very memorable songs.

Kinda boring. Lots of the same.

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.

I knew I hated this the moment the first track started

🥱

Nice enough but not his best

I actually really enjoyed it despite not being a very folky person .. I’d say 3.5 some of the songs are so heartbreaking

Lovely

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

Folk No! Such 60’s era nonsense. Pretentious, acid fueled sleep sounds. Hangman missed the mark here.

I didn't think I would dig it, but it's pretty good. Might have hit at the right time while I was working. I'll give it a 3.8ish

Heard this before still don’t like it that much

Less pop than the last one. Still good, just mellower.

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.

Quite a pleasant way to spend my Monday morning, if not particularly unique. 8/10

8/10 - I do not know what it is about Nick Drake where the more I listen to it the significantly more I like his music. Like as the album goes on every song becomes great. I really compared this to the Joni Mitchell album since I feel like they are trying to fit the same niche and I think Nick Drake just does better on all accounts. His voice is nicer to listen to and his instrumentals are significantly better. Thoughts of Mary Jane and Man In A Shed both show his amazing instrumentals.

Another easy 5

Nick has a fine vocal tune, but it seems that sometimes he can't sing and play along at the same time. The guitar lines are well worked. The orchestra fits well in the songs, giving it an extra boost.

Meh

80/100 1969. This could come out today and I wouldn't bat an eye. Incredible.

Low-tempo, relaxing, serene and calming. Very folksy, but a very nice listen for the ears. The vocals are a warms and welcoming accompaniment to the already-chill music.

This is an album that goes beyond star ratings. Such a rare talent. A delicate magic. Poetry put to the most exquisite music. I think of Nick Drake as a bird singing in a cage: trapped by the ugliness of the world, yet setting us free. This is music for the soul ... The Thoughts of Mary Jane makes me cry every time I hear it. Nick Drake is a ray of hope: all the terrible things people do, the state of the planet, but we must remember that the human soul is capable of beauty such as this. More souls like this, please.

I bought the NME every week in the late 80s/early 90s and a name kept popping up in interviews. Robert Smith mentioned him a lot, then Paul Weller, but I never heard or bought any Nick Drake records. Then about 15 years ago I heard 'Northern Sky' on the radio while driving home one evening, the sun setting, and I still remember the moment. He became a favourite in the house and was played a lot (!) but not so much recently so it's great to listen to this again in full. It's a beautiful album, a haze of hushed words, gorgeous folk guitar and jazz bass. An underlying sadness is clear from the start, 'a troubled cure for a troubled mind', but this only adds to the emotion of it all. He worked with great musicians, there is so much feeling in every word and note, it's so sad that he wasn't more widely recognised in his lifetime. Favourite track: 'Three Hours' is incredible

Such a funny experience having a focused listen of an album I’ve heard in passing for my whole life! Makes me think of Lentil Pie 🥧 Maybe nostalgia attached to my enjoyment, but music is all about that right? Feel like I’m out by a campfire in the woods with this one, with the light slowly fading. Favourite track: Time Has Told Me

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

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

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

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

#46 - Mellow and pleasant, but didn't particularly speak to me

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

I’d never heard of Nick Drake before. I admit my hopes weren’t high with this being an album from ‘69 in the UK, but, wow, it’s fantastic. It’s beautiful and timeless - the instrumentals really shine here, and the lyrics are lovely, too. So happy to have come across this. I’ve been feeling a bit burnt out after the past several albums, but this reminded me that there are still gems that make the endeavor worthwhile. Even though I’m shying away from giving a full 5 stars this time, I’ll definitely come back to this album and artist. Favorite tracks: River Man, Three Hours, Day is Done, Fruit Tree

pretty good

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

I love Nick Drake. He’s an amazing songwriter. But this album isn’t quite 5-star for me. I actually don’t love all the arrangements - too much saccharine strings going on.

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

A bit boring.

This one was a bit bland.

Liked this a lot. A Leonard Cohen, Simon and Garfunkel contemporary

The instrumentation on this is pretty class, but that's all I really liked about it

Soft and soothing, although it feels so very beige.

Fine

Like most everyone I came to this retrospectively and it’s been hailed a classic. I can appreciate the art and the production and the wonderful musicians present but as a whole I don’t really connect with this album (only particular songs) so it gets 4/5 rather than the obligatory 5/5.

some good songs will come back to it.

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.

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

s.s., 1969 -> 2

underbart mysigt 😍😍❤️ Verkligen fint från början till slut. Väldigt emotionellt och rörande, kommer nog lyssna mer Bästa låt: cello song

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

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

gehört ja, aber nicht in erinnerung geblieben.

Ruhige Platte mit netten Lieder.

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

I thought I was going to hate this but this was way better than I expected. This is what Bob Dylan is supposed to be. The songwriting is not incredibly complicated but it's complex enough to be interesting; whether Nick knew it or not he was touching esoteric bits of music theory with his songwriting and he actually knew how to perform it, on tape anyway. You can hear the influence of classical music in nearly every song, with subtle hints to the Baroque masters like Handel and Vivaldi evident in the suspended chords and key changes. His voice isn't annoying like so many other singer/songwriters and you can feel the emotion when he sings. The incorporation of strings in to so many of his songs feels right and unforced. I liked this way more than I should have. I'll have to give his other records a listen.

I knew I would hate this from looking at the album cover.

70s experimental orchestral folk

River man is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard

Really great opening, captivating and soft. After two very aggressive sounding records this is a breath of fresh air.