Pink Moon

“Pink Moon” by Nick Drake (1972) First time listening. An hour’s worth of music in a 28-minute recording. That is, 28 minutes listening and 32 minutes thinking about what I just heard. Musically spare, simple melodies, and gentle folk/jazz chord progressions. Virtually no backing instruments, and hardly any need for mixing, but some of the finest recording of accompanying acoustic guitar I’ve ever heard. Vocals are airy, weak, and withdrawn, with clipped phrase endings, a likely accommodation to limited control. But this underperformance is fitting for each song. This is not entertainment. Drake is putting his world on tape, inviting us in, take it or leave it. Very pleasant, resonant, and clean acoustic guitar, with some stumbles and drops in tempo, but otherwise very well played. Objectionable fret buzzing on “Know” (which cries out for backing instrumentals), but otherwise first rate. The poetry in the lyrics is generally of good quality, but it’s tragically underdeveloped (exceptions: “Things Behind the Sun” and “Parasite”). Drake successfully evokes a symbolic image, points the listener in a certain direction, but then leaves him/her hanging. Maybe that’s where he wants us. This album is a fine example of how very good music can be lost to culture, because business interests fail at “promotion”. A sad reflection on the music industry (an oxymoron if there ever was one). Almost a “five”. 4/5

I actually had to listen to this album twice. The first time, I was doing stuff and it mostly just felt like generic 70s singer-songwriter stuff. But I could tell that I was missing something so I gave it another listen in the afternoon and yeah, the songwriting is really deep. The album is simple. It's just a single vocal and a single guitar. The focus is entirely on the songwriting which is quite good. It's dark and depressing. But very very good.

The sparse arrangements really let his melodic genius shine through. Truly the master of melancholic understatement.

The most beautiful 28 minutes ever recorded.

I know it's ironic, considering what a troubled, tragic soul Nick Drake was, but this album has been a source of great comfort to me for years. Each song is a gentle lullaby, and if you ever need a soundtrack for a crisp autumn walk, this is it. That said, it's also perfect year round.

I don't think a more intimate, tragic and emotional album has ever been recorded. Nick Drake takes us deep into his mind, as implied by the album art, it's dark, full of dichotomies and internal struggles. We experience his memories, desires, and self-hatred. The mixing of this album give the feeling of closeness, a similar feeling to as if you were in the room with him. His voice is mixed in a way that it sounds close and personal, the guitar perfectly balances this, and we have nothing else in these songs to get between you and Nick Drake. Despite the music being raw and simple in concept, the implementation is masterful. The melodies are gorgeous and they hit you like a truck, no gimmicks needed, this is accomplished purely by powerful songs played on a guitar. Throughout this abum we walk on a tightrope of strength and fragileness, volitility and apathy, love and hate, a picture of beauty painted by a true artist. Favorite track: Place to Be

Maybe I should have expected it, but I was surprised to find an artist on this definitive list that I hadn't even heard of before. I was going to post a brief note about how this was a nice acoustic album, and how it reminded me of Junip without drums a little bit, and how it would have been better with drums. But after this brief, 28 minute collection of very minimalist songs was done, I was curious to learn more about this artist I had never heard of, and so I got to learn about the sad, short life of Nick Drake. His story was a lot like Van Gogh's: an artist suffering from significant mental illness and unappreciated during his own lifetime. I wish he could have gotten the help that he needed to have a better life. Nick received a great deal more recognition as the years went on after his passing, and many famous musicians consider him to be an important influence to them, so it definitely makes sense in hindsight to find him here. My personal enjoyment: 3/5 Did it belong on this list: 4.5/5

Beautiful music we all get to hear, seemingly made whether anyone was listening or not--and that's an uncommon thing. A late-career masterpiece with the intuitive confidence of a stellar debut. It's just a pity he didn't stick around to see how much everybody loved it.

This is my second-favorite Nick Drake album, behind Five Leaves Left. However, I think Pink Moon is his most cohesive and well-executed. It seems like he had finally found his sound, which didn't need cellos and trumpets and violins to express the melancholic ache of his soul. I don't doubt that Drake felt most himself and most inspired when alone with some weirdly-tuned guitar. Every song on this album seems like the result of hours spent in a room with the curtains drawn, keeping the noise down so as not to disturb anyone in the house. Obviously, this was recorded in a studio, but it doesn't come off that way. Listening to this record, it makes sense why Drake didn't bother performing these songs on stage. Lyrically and musically, I don't think the message would have translated in some smoky London folk club. This is the music of solitude, and Drake invites each of us to partake in being alone with him. In this way, Pink Moon is the standard and pioneering work of emotionally confessional folk music. And all of this doesn't even speak to the immense achievement that Pink Moon is in terms of musicality, as Drake displays a mastery of odd time signatures, chordal variation, and melody. My two favorite songs on this album are "Place to Be" and "From the Morning", but all of the others are equally fantastic.

Subdued soft almost folk rock, chill vibes Music sounds vaguely familiar. Especially the humming in "Know" but can't quite grasp where I know this from. Maybe it's been sampled, used, adapted, etc into many other pieces of music. The album overall feels haunting, yet warming. I can imagine sitting in a cottage, by a fire, in a nice comfy chair, looking out a window while rain lashes down. Hot chocolate and a dog by my side. Makes me think of an old book, where the pages have yellowed a bit and smell vaguely smokey, that old book smell. Not in a bad way at all, comforting. Familiar.

Ooh, this is right up my alley – acoustic, singer-songwriter! I really liked this one and would definitely look up more from this artist.

The vocals on the first track (Pink Moon) physically hurt they were that bad. The rest of the album passed by with a couple of irritating moments when he tries to get 'avant garde' with the guitar. Overall a singer songwriter album that has nothing to recommend it and a few really bad spots.

A lot of my favorite albums are complex and layered. What's so impressive about Nick Drake's albums is that he achieves so many of those same feelings with a much more minimal set of ingredients. That's not say this is simple music, just that he makes everything count. The album kind of pulls you in slowly before it hits you with the feels with "Which Will" and "Things Behind the Sun". I could do without "Know", but overall this album is a great experience.

Nick Drake is often referred to as a folk artist, but he is a folk artist the way that Joni Mitchell is a folk artist, which is to say, not so much. Baroque acoustic pop comes much closer. His melodies and arrangement have a lulling quality. The way he often uses a pedal point contributes to a droning quality (this is a natural consequence of the non-standard tunings he uses). He also uses intricate, repetitive rhythms in his arrangements to trance-like effect. His melodies are unusual in that they aren't what the songs are built around; instead, they are woven into and are almost an extension of the arrangements. The final element is Drake's voice itself, which is intimate and confessional, insinuating instead of demanding attention. (I've ignored the lyrics, which I know are a huge part of Nick Drake's appeal.) The music on Pink Moon doesn't smack you over the head--it seeps into your consciousness. Unless you reject it outright, it irresistibly lulls you into its rhythms--in that sense, it's the ultimate mood music. It almost feels unfair to evaluate this music in terms of quality--it just is. But I can say that Nick is a competent guitarist, pianist, and arranger, and his singing is perfect for his music. I could complain that not one of the songs on Pink Moon stuck in my head, but that's almost besides the point. What matters here is atmosphere and mood, not earworm choruses. In fact, for what Nick Drake was going for, it's hard to imagine how you could improve on Pink Moon.

Nick Drake is absolutely captivating. His voice commands attention and his songwriting is wistful, melancholic, and deeply moving. His short career, lack of a public persona, and tragically short life lend an air of mystery to him. He was not appreciated in this time but has ascended to the upper echelons of British folk. I’ve been listening to him for quite a while now and he still sounds as crisp and relevant as ever.

The subtle imperfections of his perfect guitar playing gives the record soul and structure that makes the addition of any other instruments superfluous. His ability to create a soundscape with one instrument is raw talent.

And so, this rosy satellite briefly passed our vision. It's orbit, although unstable, was close enough to be felt on the skin and in the bones. And while it leaves our sight as the daytime approaches, it lingers in our chest, tugging gently past the horizon.

Onw of the moodiest albums ever

Utterly brilliant. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Nick Drake: Gatwick Airport HMV. I went straight to the counter and said 'Who's this, it sounds a bit like John Martyn?' The sales assistant said 'It's Nick Drake, he was a friend of John Martyn'. I bought the album and I've been a fan ever since. This is his masterwork. 6 stars.

As someone who has battled with depression on and off for most of my life, Nick Drake is one artist who I decided to avoid. His death was such a tragedy and the fact that his music was largely unsung during his lifetime is such a shame. So when I played this yesterday, I was expecting to come away crying like I do when I listen to Elliot Smith but instead I was struck by how beautiful Pink Moon, and what a lose it is to me that I had never given it a proper listen before. Contrary to my preconceptions this is a joyous album. I played it this morning on our lounge room speakers unsure if it was the right soundtrack to a restless Saturday morning. My wife said she enjoyed it and that it wasn't what she was expecting either. My daughter, just said, "this is really nice, I like this music". They both have great taste.

Buzzy, pleasant guitar sounds, delightful to listen to in the sunlight.

Pink Moon made me and a bunch of other people want a Volkswagen. Nick Drake made me want to explore folk music. His soft spoken voice and the fret buzz of his acoustic guitar conveys an understated sense of being and its perfect. This album taps into something beneath the surface and it all comes out. If Gustavo Sataolalla, Alexi Murdoch are are able paint pictures with their music, Nick Drake is able to make you feel it. I hear Gustavo in Horn and Alexi in Which Will and so many other songs. There can't be any musicians who've heard Pink Moon and been unaffected. This album and the whole Nick Drake story gets me emotional. An artist that kills himself after releasing two albums to lackluster reviews and thirty years its discovered by the world because of advertising. Unattainable desire. To become famous, to own and possess things you don't need. It’s difficult to point to anything good that’s come out of marketing since it’s inception. Pink Moon and Nick Drake may be the one thing.

Before I started listening to this, I had had it confused with Nick Cave. Needless to say, I was surprised once the record started spinning. Sad, mournful, soulful. I love his warm guitar sound and angelic voice. I am sorry that he was in so much pain, but I am glad that something beautiful could come out of it.

A sad, beautiful album. Like Nick's life it's all too short at just 31 minutes bit with enough emotional impact to fill most box sets. Each song has a restrained beauty and the guitar playing is achingly gorgeous. 5 big 🌟

I'm not a huge folk guy (especially not singer/songwriter) but in this case this is one of my favorite folk albums ever. Short, introspective, and beautifully simple. Pink Moon is such a lovely song. Honestly all of these are. They scratch an itch and are so comforting. A classic that I've listened to a ton over the years and still holds up. I want to listen to this on a brisk winter day with the snow falling now.

Excellent

Bleak and sparse, sad and melancholy. An achingly beautiful album. The more I listen to it, the more I'm drawn in and the more I can't help but love it . Make no mistake, this is a masterpiece.

Favorite Track: Pink Moon

I was not familiar with Nick Drake's music, and I'm not entirely sure I've ever even heard of him. When I put this on, I was really surprised; this is definitely not your typical folk music of the 70s! It reminds me of the singer-songwriter and indie music of the 2000s, and I'm certain that these artists have been drawing some inspiration from here. Others must have thought so at the time, as his music did not sell well during his lifetime, and this album is no exception. This album received much of its recognition after Drake's death. Ultimately, this album sounds so ahead of its time. This album is rather short and the instrumentation here is fairly simple, as are the vocals, but the beauty here is definitely in the simplicity. This album has a clear and unadulterated focus on Nick Drake's voice and his guitar work -- nothing else -- and his voice and guitar complement each other so well. His voice is soft and airy and sounds like a "chest voice", rather than a "head voice". It's a singing voice that is unique; you just don't hear a voice like his very often. His guitar work on the album is soft, intricate, engaging, and soothing. This album's credits tout only a few names besides Nick's, and those names are all on the production side, not the music side; this album is for all intents and purposes a one man effort. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by Nick Drake and by this album. It proved to be a peaceful, intimate, and engaging listen. It's a bit sad, and yet comforting. I hate that it did not receive its accolades during the time of its release and during Drake's lifetime, but its inclusion here is a testament to how greatness can be lost to time or circumstance. I looked ahead and found out that all three of his studio albums are on this project, and I really do look forward to hearing more from Nick Drake. On first listen, this was a 4. I couldn't help but listen again, and now it's so close to a 5 that I feel inspired to bump it up at this point.

I doubt you find a folk artist or band in the last 20 years who isn’t massively inspired by Drake (the one with a first name). While all of Drake’s albums are emotionally sublime, there’s something deeply ominous about this, his last album. The production fits the tone of the compositions perfectly and both his guitar playing and vocal is haunting and eerily beautiful. Undoubtedly one of the best albums to clock in at just under half an hour.

Perfect Moon even if it is just a man and guitar along with a single overdubbed piano line. Simple, beautiful melodies and the most intricate, spellbinding fingerstyle guitar work. Manages to flip from completely bleak, barren and doldrums-like to intensely warm, hopeful inspiring with the same minimal guitary ingredients. Tortured and yet so tranquil sounding at same time. Strikes such a consistently rich and powerful mood throughout and is not a moment too long or too short even at a usually paltry 26 minutes because it’s so condensed with brilliant songs. Truly folk at its peak and an album to eclipse virtually all others.

I recognize this album distinctly, from a time when I'm pretty sure Andrew and/or Alden recommended it to me. I listened to it then, wasn't really impressed, and don't remember it at all. It's been in my itunes library since, untouched. It's an album I see a lot on people's "favorite albums" collages (including Alden I believe). I tend to bristle when I see the same albums being heralded over and over as "masterpieces," so I was nervous to hear this again. But now, wow. I'm so into this. I love how sparse and melancholy it is. There's a great deal of pain here, but also really impressive guitar-playing and great melodies. It reminds me a lot of Adrianne Lenker's Songs album (one of my favorites of 2020) that featured only vocals and guitar. As much as I love elaborate, fun production, there's something unbeatable about the purity of a singer/songwriter on a guitar. This was recorded in just two days?? And Nick Drake was only 23 years old??? There's more Nick Drake lore I need to dig into, as this was his last album before he died, but man, this is incredible. I've been wondering to myself if it would be possible for me to give a five-star rating to an album I didn't already know. While I may have heard this before, today feels like a first listen, and I'm honestly floored. This may be my favorite album we've had on the list so far. Favorite tracks: Kind of pointless since the whole thing is so good and cohesive, but Road, Place to Be, and Things Behind the Sun really grabbed me. Album art: Really, really love this one. I'm not sure it's iconic--not sure if the general population would recognize this one. But I've seen it so many times over the years and it's seared in my brain. Some sort of really depressing hybrid of Dali and Lewis Carroll. It's super cool. 5/5

Amazing, beautiful voice, great guitar. Feels small, intimate, open. Also dark, sad and melancholy.

I adore this album. Solumn, simplistic, introspective and beautiful.

After an exhausting day, this album provides a well-earned serenity that recharges and prepares you for tomorrow.

Rarely does an album consisting almost entirely of only acoustic guitar and voice truly captivate me. For over 20 years now, Pink Moon has been one of the very few exceptions to that statement. Throughout Pink Moon, Drake’s dexterous guitar arrangements move in a labyrinthine manner. His lead lines propel the songs while chiming drone notes and chords punctuate their movements, making for a meditative and slightly hypnotic listening experience. He is both the lead guitarist and rhythm guitarist simultaneously…all while singing. Pink Moon is a tour de force; one that, sadly, didn’t achieve its full impact during Nick Drake’s lifetime.

wow

nick drake like elliot smith killed himself. both created heartbreaking, individualistic albums. pink moon is THE nick drake album. its perfect. it is. im sad to say it. this guitar dude made a really great album in an era when someone else was nearby but not near enough. he was a standout. he made mood, mode, magic. im gonna go put this album on again, why not?

When I saw a 3rd Nick Drake album I thought, 'why!' with all the variety and rich musical content out there..and then I pressed play. Beautiful, intimate album. I was sorry it was over when the last song ended.

WOW, simply wow, it'll be difficult to find the words that are deserving enough to describe this album but I'll do my best. This was my first time listening to Pink Moon and it's the first I'd had heard of Nick Drake and almost immediately from the first chords I heard oof of the first track onbthe album I was instantly impressed and surprised, by the end of the first track I had seriously doubted my musical credentials and how I have gone this long in life not having come across such a talented musician. There is a wondrousness and melancholy to this album that touches on some larger sense of sadness while the melody has this wisfulness and lightness to it complimenting the somewhat complicated nature of the sentiment behind the lyrics. This is album is a must for anyone.

I love this album. Both mysterious and beautiful; raw and almost uncomfortably dry with Nick's vocals right up in your face. Almost ironically the minimalist nature of this album makes me pay more attention to it than many "big" sounding records. Something about the chords and/or the tuning he used on these songs (just listen to the first/title track) are so unique (yet the simplicity occasionally lends itself to little chill moments (e.g. piano melody in "Pink Moon" which is also - I think - the only overdub on the album). Maybe not for everyone but the haunting melodic nature of this (and maybe combined with the very short running time) makes this an alltime favourite of mine. 9/10 5 stars.

A perfect example of music that is both beautiful and sad at the same time. For those that followed the Nick Drake story in a chronological manner, this, the last Nick Drake release is a significant departure. It is stark and focused inward. It is very short, but beautifully effective, with vocals frequently in a whisper.

So here we are. The first 10/10 album I have gifted from this list. This album is fantastic on every level. Beautiful song writing, beatiful playing, beautiful story. It is eternal. It is Pink Moon. Would not change a single note. Vinyl purchased day of and listened though back to back.

This album came from a guy who killed himself 2 years after recording it. You are listening to a guy who looked around and despised capitalism and comercialisation, so maybe this album wasn't intended to be heard. And if you did, that's awesome, and an incredible line of events that led you to this moment, listening to a record some guy made 60 years ago in two nights just for himself.

I spent a lot of this album focusing on the beautiful and varied sounds of Drake's acoustic guitar. This one felt especially intimate. I've sometimes felt that three albums from one artist was excessive in this list. Not so here. I am so sad there are no more. I will have to just go back and listen to these three again and again and be happy that they exist.

Super interesting. Amazing atmosphere he creates by just using an acoustic guitar and his voice.

Great album! After the second listen it really grew on me. What a great songwriter and guitarist/singer.

Listening to the first couple of tracks, I was quickly drawn in by the hauntingly spare sound, honest lyrics and atypical tunings. Surprised that I hadn't heard of Nick Drake before, I looked him up. What a tragic story of a great talent underappreciated in his time and taken far too soon. I can hear influences of Cat Stevens and Van Morrison in his work, and can hear how his sound may have influenced a whole host of singer/songwriters that followed him. Some of the songs are a little bleak (understandably), but others feel hopeful and celebratory of our (pained) existence. The musicianship is mostly very strong, with his reedy voice well-suited for introspection. I will definitely listen to him more and will seek out his other work. How sad that there is so little of it.

I really enjoyed this one! The whole album is great and feels complete despite its short length. The production and arrangements could not be simpler with most songs just featuring an acoustic guitar and vocals; however, this is not a drawback as it feels more intimate and timeless because of this stylistic choice. With this type of approach to a recording, my enjoyment of the songs typically rely on how much I can tolerate the artist's voice, and I feel that Nick Drake did a fantastic job enhancing his dark lyrics with his strong vocal performance. This is definitely one I will throw on again in the future (feels like a nice winter or rainy day album), and I can see myself diving deeper into Drake's catalog after this (I am surprised I have never heard of him). 4/5. NOTE: I was shocked to find out that he died only a couple of years after this album at the young age of 26 (!). After knowing this, it does feel like I am listening to a lost soul through his creation which makes it a bit more tragic. I am happy he left such a great impression before leaving this world with this beautiful set of tracks.

Really cool. Not sure what I was expecting but great guitar playing on musically and lyrically interesting songs was absolutely welcome

Very pleasant cool melodies, songwriting and vocals are depressing but very well done.

Such a smooth voice to go with the guitar. I really like when he would harmonize the guitar with his singing. Pretty simple album of just guitar and singing but it is done incredibly well. Didn't know that I knew the song Free Ride until it started playing.

I’ve listened to one Nick Drake album already (Bryter Later) which absolutely blew me away. I remember living that album so much that I went to trusty Wikipedia and ended up with a broken heart after reading about Nick. I’m looking forward to listening to this one. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Pink Moon, Which Will, Parasite I love how minimalist this album is. It feels like sitting in a room with Nick and his guitar and having him softly sing to you. There is certainly something nice to be said about music that isn’t overly produced, as is commonly heard these days. The track Know felt possibly a little too stripped back for my taste, but everything else felt oh so cosy. I’ve listened to two Nick Drake albums now and have really enjoyed both.

I liked it. It's felt familiar yet unique. I kept thinking of Iron & Wine, Elliot Smith, and Jose Gonzalez. Not super into them but I've also appreciated their works. Loved the melachonic vibe but I didnt catch a lot of the lyrics. I had it on as background music so I didnt get a true impression but from what I heard I liked.

It's only here because it sold a few Volkswagons and the depressed artist killed himself at the age of 26. Gains a point for the Dream Academy and Peter Buck influence. Loses a point for the Zach Braff association.

i'm sad. makes me feel lonely, which is probably a testament to drake's skill

Last few albums have been killers to the ears and this one follows suit. Pretty sure we're up the 3 or 4 albums by this dude and I'm they are the exact same sound and style, slow, mumbling and incredibly boring. Not my style and I really can't find anything I would want to revisit. Hoping this is the last time we hear from Nick Drake and we are not punished with anything from that other Drake. 2

Ok slow music. Not much range. Got bored listening to the whole album.

I didn’t get any of the lyrics and I fucking hated everything about this album. I’m sorry

After reading the wiki page, I thought oh God no, this probably will be a pile of steaming excrement. Luckily it wad slightly better than what I expected. 1

This album is great. Dark, melancholy, beautiful. Reminds me a lot of Mark Lanegan's solo work (and come to think about it, I think Nick Drake was mentioned as an influence in Lanegan's autobiography).

Kanon, vintage Gonzales

Fantastic album. Had been a decade or so since I had last heard it.

Beguilingly strong. My favourite of the three albums.

Should’ve listened to this earlier than just now, but it did not disappoint. So good

One of my favorite folk / singer-songwriter albums. Even with a few not so great songs, overall the album is amazing.

A classic, perfect winter afternoon listening

İt's good but nothing more

Loved this album since college. Simply amazing and ahead of it's time. RIP Nick. Thanks for leaving us this amazingly haunting music

Älskar

Mycket charmigt! Tycker att jag kan höra jose gonzales.

Seeee

One of the best ever made

Just beautiful. There's nothing more I need say.

I saw it written and I saw it say Pink moon is on its way And none of you stand so tall Pink moon gonna get you all

This album is amazing each song is very interesting and enjoyable how short it is and I thought that how simple the songs are really added to the music. It's so crazy to me that this album sold less than 5,000 copies. My only complaint the songs kinda sound the same but only just a little bit. love this album 9/10 closer to a 10 than a 9

Not much of my vibe, but good!

One of the best finds from 1001

This is cool, ambient and original sounding music. You can listen to it absorb the lyrics, or have it on the background - it works both ways. A thoughtful, intelligent musician with his own sound. I can see why this belongs in the 1001 albums….

Dick nrake

So delicate and ephemeral. It’s magic.

Authentic tenderness accompanied with varied and interesting fingerpicking guitar

Ég er venjulega hrifnari af flóknari útsetningum, en þetta er æðsileg plata. Melankólísk en um leið ljúf.

Veeery good and hippie

Me ha gustado mucho.

Better than Drizzy

Just puts me in a great headspace...Sounds like laying in a meadow on a cloudy day.

First time Iv heard of Nick Drake. Wow so simple so intimate and emotional, brilliant. I can see this becoming a go to album for me.

I dig me some Nick Drake. I often play him when I’m super stressed—mellows me out. Also has some nostalgia for me of my days in Los Angeles.

Great album own on vinyl

hekk ahjar

This album is beautiful, simple and magical. It feels so intimate and really makes you think about the true emotional power of music. I'm a huge fan.

Kbir. Classic.

Nickkkkkk 😭

A good friend gifted me this album with no context in a time I needed it most. Beautiful. 5 stars.

Classic album!

This is pretty great. Introspective. I’d listened to Nick Drake a while back, but never to entire albums. Enjoyable.

always a great album

Timeless, transcendent, beautiful, and heartbreaking

I love this album! Wonderful, relaxing, beautiful, haunting.