Bryter Layter

Fav: At The Chime Of A City Clock Least Fav: Introduction This felt like it was made for me, it’s everything I’ve wanted from a folk album, I’m very happy with it

Maybe I am in a weird mood today but this album was so peaceful. The tracks were so complex but not in your face. Will definitely revisit.

One of the greatest albums ever made. Such a heartfelt, warm ,and endearing record.

I had heard of Nick Drake but until now I had not knowingly heard any of his songs. It's not really the sort of music I choose to listen to but it was a truly beautiful album.

Nice relaxing album. Liked it.

Introduction: An almost overwhelmingly calm instrumental piece, at the same time burdened with a certain heaviness. Short but impactful. Hazey Jane II: More uplifting than the lyrics would at first suggest. There is a carefree vibe to it. At The Chime Of A City Clock: Jazzy. Full sound. The bassy harmonies make this a very entrancing listen. One Of These Things First: This song has a very timeless quality to it. A melancholic sound and sentiment that can resonate with people of all eras. Hazey Jane I: Works so much better as the guitar-only version that's out there. But in the full band version we find on this album, sadly the strings do overpower the vocals. Bryter Layter: The title track originally opened the record's B-side, and like the other opener it is purely instrumental. Yet with a completely different character - more lithe and playful. Its melody is carried by a flute. Fly: There's basically three voices in this song; the guitar, the strings, and the vocals. And each of them basically doing its own thing. I'm not even sure which I'd characterize as melody and which as counter-melody. But amazingly, they all come together in a surprisingly harmonious way. Poor Boy: Leans very heavily into its jazz influences, fulfils all the clichés of that genre. A bit too much so for my tastes, which pains me to say, because I can see that this must have been a very personal song for Drake. Northern Sky: An unconventional love song. Unconventional in its honesty and innocence, and in how introverted it is. Beautiful composition. Sunday: The third instrumental track. It indeed does sound like Sunday. Laid-back, dreamy, happy. Nick Drake is a much better songwriter than he is a singer. But that does not mean he's a particularly bad singer. Rather he's a particularly good songwriter. He does have his very own style. English Folk, yes, but the melodic variations, harmonies and the jazzy instrumentation elevate it above just falling into the obscurity that genre. The album ebbs and flows, goes through different motions and emotions, rests at appropriate times. Not every song hits the same, and not every song hits the the right notes for everyone. But the bigger picture it results in offers an aesthetic quality that I consider quite unique.

Beautiful album

classic

Groovy calm lil album. I love the flute

Великолепная пластинка, отлично подходит для создания спокойной, уютной атмосферы. Хотя отдельно песни и не запомнились (пока во всяком случае). 8 из 10.

Was not prepared for the beauty that is a Nick drake album today haha

Classic

girl who is about to get way too in to nick drake (i loved this)

I went in phases with all 3 of his albums thinking each one was the best and I think I'm still indecisive, but this one has definitely been one of my favourites . I think the more 'full' instrumental pallet work for this very well, as I think that 'going pop' in 1970 is worlds away from what it means today. There's quite a lot of jazz inspiration in here, especially with the piano and brass parts. Its just perfect in a way which you can't place, he's probably my favourite acoustic guitar player ever, if not guitar as a whole. The vocals range from melancholy to quite happy at times, and his singing is obviously one of the best parts. I think I maybe like his first album a bit more than this, but that will probably change. Favourite songs: all Overall around 9/10

Peak

I loved it. 10/10.

Really good my mom didn’t know him by name but Lisa and her recognized him by his voice, it was a really good album loved it

Old favey

Love me some Nick Drake! This album gives off such a good atmosphere with the instrumentals and background orchestra. Every song is beautiful in its own way and there's a lot to love. Again singer/songwriter is not usually my jam but there is something so aurally pleasing about these albums. 5/5 and I now need to go listen to all Nick Drake albums back to back to back.

Perfect blend of folk, classical, and jazz.

I'm a big fan of this one, I hadn't heard of Nick Drake before but I'm a sucker for a singer/songwriter that starts including horns and woodwinds. Favorites are Hazey Jane II and One Of These Things First

This is why I started this. Good music that I have never heard before. This is great example of what folk music can be.

Sweet then and sweet now. RIP, Nick Drake.

Можете себе представить, чтобы кто-нибудь обвинял похоронные марши в излишней мрачности? Не редко в них вплетены лирические части, как олицетворение просветления и пути в лучший мир; есть даже целиком мажорные произведения подобного рода, но всё равно звучит довольно странно. В песнях Ника Дрейка, конечно, нет темпов траурных процессий и стука по крышке гроба, но по духу они созерцательно-меланхоличны, подстать длинным вечерам позднего ноября. Его первый альбом, неторопливый и безнадёжно красивый, остался практически незамеченным, и ладно бы его тираж просто пылился на полках, но добравшиеся до него критики били наотмашь: "недостаточно разнообразен, чтобы быть развлекательным" - абсурд чистой воды. "Five Leaves Left" и не должен был развлекать, однако и без того низкая самооценка начинающего музыканта едва не рухнула окончательно. Что ж, хотите музыки лёгкой и гладкой, будь по-вашему - следующий альбом в угоду критике должен был быть попсовым и приджазованным. Теперь продюсеры не обошлись камерным квартетом: в записи участвовал небольшой оркестр, участники группы Fairport Convention и великолепные певицы Пи Пи Арнольд и Дорис Трой. На огонёк забежал даже Джон Кейл, тот самый из культовой Velvet Underground. Богатейшие аранжировки сияют всеми цветами радуги. Никогда больше песни Дрейка не звучали так тепло и доступно, но, зная историю и характер музыканта, задумываешься: на пользу ли такая помпезность? Да, фортепиано и оркестровая медь оттеняют надломленный, доверительный голос исполнителя; да, наиболее близкая к джазу "Poor Boy" с богатым бэк-вокалом - просто прекрасна; и всё же порой буквально чувствуешь, как Нику некомфортно в столь широких звуковых просторах. Такой материал не испортить, как ни старайся, но в громе студийного арсенала, призванного сделать из Ника новую звезду фолк-рока - жанра авторов-исполнителей, он теряется именно как исполнитель. Увы, "Bryter Layter" постигла участь первого альбома: "неуклюжая смесь фолка и коктейль-джаза", как описывали пластинку в Melody Maker, купило всего лишь три тысячи меломанов - дурная, необоснованная критика и слабое продвижение сделали своё дело. Неизбежно возникает диссонанс с "Five Leaves Left" и тем более последним альбомом Дрейка (день 16), но "Bryter Layter", будучи самым светлым в его дискографии, стоит услышать: чего стоят только пасторальная виньетка "Introduction" и "Northern Sky". Вот только по достоинству все три альбома оценили спустя двадцать лет после кончины музыканта - до сих пор не ясно, было ли это добровольным уходом из жизни или роковой случайностью

Wow. It's amazing how some albums (not even ones that old) can sound so dated and yet something that was made over 50 years ago sounds like it was made yesterday. The music had a magical mix of pleasant and haunting. Very much in the same vein as Elliott Smith--not surprising I suppose considering their tragic stories.

I find it hard to believe I’ve never listened to this all the way through—I went through (what I then considered) a big Nick Drake phase in college, and there isn’t that much to sustain a “phase”—but this felt like a discovery. Maybe I just haven’t listened in 15-20 years because I didn’t get it then. Maybe I just listened to “pink moon” on repeat? I knew “one of these things first,” “fly,” and “northern sky,” but I really liked some of the others I was un(?) (less?) familiar with. “Hazey Jane I” was a standout. I much prefer full-band Nick Drake to solo Nick Drake, it turns out.

A treat. Hope to see pink moon here too

I've not listened to this nearly enough, Pink Moon is usually what I put on for some Nick Drake, but this is another truly exceptional album. His music feels like its own genre, not just simple folk but something more elevated. Just v good stuff indeed.

Love this album. Love Nick Drake. Perfect Monday affair.

Not quite as accessible as pink moon, this is nevertheless an intimate and haunting collection of songs from a massively underrated talent.

Call me Wes Anderson the way I be putting Nick Drake on. He sounds like fall. The albums are so lush and beautiful. One of my all-timers.

j'adore !

Yeah, Nick Drake is legend. Wild that my previous LP was Kate Bush, whom Nick Drake was an inspiration for. 100% belongs on this list, but I would recommend Pink Moon more. He has was an amazing lyrical genius and that can never be oversold. This guy is well worth the deep dive. There is a pretty great compilation tribute LP with lots of other artist covering him. Joe Henry's cover of Time of No Reply is solid AF. Then fall down the Joe Henry rabbit hole.11/10 Treat yourself to this music. Nick Drake is legit.

I love this album

Very mellow and artistic. Loved it!

I will never get tired of hearing his music.

While I love Nick Drake and have listened extensively to pink moon, I’ve just never had a chance to give Bryter Layter a shot. While it may be my least favorite Nick Drake album, that’s almost a completely meaningless thing to say. For anyone who was somehow unaware of Nick Drake before this, the story is that he was chronically underrated while alive, released only 3 albums, then died tragically young. To the right person (as I’ve just discovered: me) these 3 albums are about as close as anyone has ever come to creating a truly spotless discography. In a sea of English folk singer/songwriters in the ‘70s, Nick is set apart by his unique presence, his intricate fingerpicking, and most importantly, his absolutely *incredible* songwriting chops. His singing and guitar playing has a distinct chilly-ness and purity that lends his recordings a certain difficult to define quality. On Bryter Layter, in an effort to pull off all the stops, Nick is contextualized by incredibly lush backing that really emphasizes his classical and jazz influence. The compositions and arrangements are surprisingly intricate and dense, and the result is absolutely gorgeous. All the while, that subtle chill that Nick brings gives these songs a distinct tension, and for some reason, it makes me think of a windy spring day. At its best, this album’s approach gives us songs like Northern Sky that are almost supernaturally beautiful. All that being said, I do think this may be my least favorite of his 3 albums yet I still truly think I want to give a 5 on this one.

Ethereal. Close to a perfect album, 10 songs complete with intro and outro. Love the production and balance to each of the tracks.

Amazing 🤩. It’s sad that he died in a such depressing way, he was really good 😢😢😢🤩🤩

A relaxed listen, I’ve heard of Nick Drake, but never took a deep dive until today. This album is whimsical, fantastical and so peaceful. Will listen again and give Nick Drake’s other works a listen to! 4/5

This album is great!!

This feels like Nick Drake's summer album with instrumentation that enhance the bucolic, pastoral setting of the material. It's not perfect (Poor Boy outstays its welcome and the title track is almost elevator music) but it is his most consistent, with fine contributions from the likes of John Cale and Richard Thompson etc. There's loads of goodies like the short 'Introduction', breezy 'At the Chime of a City Clock', shimmering 'Hazey Jane 1' and mesmerising 'Fly' and the bittersweet finale 'Sunday'. It's a lovely, warm and moving happy/sad kind of record.

If careers were only measured by the level of quality of their outputs, Nick Drake’s may have been an all time great. When the mood strikes for his music, there’s not much out there better. Northern Sky is one of his top 2-3 songs, what a masterpiece that one is.

I dug this. Truth be told I’d heard a lot of these tracks before, but I’ve never sat and listened to the full album. There’s something about how Nick’s breathy, ethereal voice goes with the right side of the border of camp backing horns that just makes this for me.

The type of album where if you could re-listen to it for the first time over and over again, you'd be blown away more and more each time. Gorgeous album from start to finish.

melodic mystical beautiful and so smooth

Open fires smouldering into the silence of a cold night.

Plucked gold

Didn’t even need to listen to this to give it a 5. Nick Drake was the first singer I discovered entirely for myself. I’d gone to the specialist record store on the other side of Milan to look for Bowie backlist albums I didn’t have and came across a Nick Drake box set which I bought on a hunch. It wasn’t what I expected but I’ve loved it ever since.

Vijf sterren, ongeacht welk Nick Drake-album.

haunting

"Bryter Layter" was Nick Drake's second album in 1970 – and with it the track "Fly," one of the most beautiful songs of all time. The entire record is emanating the naiveté of the late sixties. But because everyone knows how Nick Drake's story ends (four years after the release of this album, in a bed with an overdose of antidepressants), there is also a sense of transience in every note. The piano in "Poor Boy," the guitar in "At The Chime Of A City Clock," Drake's voice in "Northern Sky"—in these moments, life flashes before your eyes. "I never felt magic crazy as this." Wonderful

Genius. Tragic, beautiful genius.

A personal favorite

"Please, give me a second grace. Please, give me a second face." Belle and Sebastian got me through some depressive high school times, but I was not aware of Nick Drake, even though he did this 20+ years before Belle and Sebastian (and his music is all over TV/film). This was a lovely album, very pretty in the instrumentals, but not overly twee. This is one of those albums that would be great for a road trip through gorgeous forests/mountains while pondering life.

Listen, it's going to be really challenging for me to give a Nick Drake album less than a 5. That's just how it is.

Look, maybe I am primed to appreciate some quiet, soothing singer-songwriter right now. But I would like to think that even absent everything I have going on right now, I would appreciate Drake's calming vibe in Bryter Layter. I'd give this 4.5 stars if an option, but given how it's helped - rounding up to 5 stars.

this album took me to a level of calmness and lovingness i did not believe possible, given my constitution

I considered marking this one down on the basis that I need to leave headroom for Pink Moon which I think is one of the best albums ever recorded. Bryter Layter is my least favourite Nick Drake album because think the backing instrumentals detract from the rawness of the songs making them less visceral. I don't think Drake's style is suited to sweeping expansive string accompaniment in Hazey Jane, for example. I think it's still worth of a 5 star rating though, if I pretend it exists in isolation of his other albums. I'll just enjoy this one today and save my full gushing opinion of Nick Drake for another day.

Fabulous, pithy, bittersweet. Great music.

This is so cool, I definitely like it ❤️❤️

I love this man

Not even the saxophone could ruin this album.

I fuckn love this guy

This is unreal, Nick Drake knew exactly what he was doing

Lucky me, I'm getting the Nick Drake albums in their chronological order. I loved Five Leaves Left, and while this one is "fuller" musically, it's still the same lovely Nick Drake, with his soft, beautiful, emotional music. Listening to this evokes a feeling of nostalgia in me. There is something about the lonesome, wistful quality to his singing/playing that pulls me into the past. Northern Sky and Sunday are my favorites here.

Wow. Fantastic. So chilled

I love Nick Drake so much. I love this beautiful record, I love every Nick Drake record. I enjoyed every minute of this. It is grim but also feels like the most familiar hug.

Such a beautiful album and so intimate, like all of his work. The stuff of rainy car drives or quiet evenings by the fire. He manages to touch many bases during the album, traditional folk, blues, jazz - all while remaining under the same banner. That silky smooth Nick Drake sound.

Really liking the Nock Drake on this list so far

Beautiful album - such a shame that he was gone so young

Loved this album. Ethereal, calm, folksy and melodic. Glad to have found it.

Such a lovely album so warming. Unfortunately this is an album I listened to all but 2 tracks on Friday and the final 2 tracks Monday and I didn't take any notes so can't pick any particular faves just know it was a joy to listen to and I'll be back.

Lovely stuff. "Hazey Jane II" basically invented Belle & Sebastien's schtick, right? lol, doing a quick search on the reviews and 23 other people have already made that observation. 😆 Fave tracks - "One of These Things First", "Hazey Jane I", and "Poor Boy". I threw in a re-listen of Boris' "Akuma No Uta", as well. 😎

Man, I really love his guitar playing and singing. I think they both work so perfectly together, particularly in this style. I'm a little cursed on rating this, because Pink Moon is one of my favorite albums, and part of the reason is because it's just (for the most part) him and his guitar. And I think this album would be better if he went that route with the instrumentation. That's probably the one major downside to listening to these albums randomly; you don't get the artist's development and progression. And my rating of this album is going to take a (probably small) hit because I know that he makes a stylistic decision that makes his music all the better. Any pop album that uses wind and string instruments always gets my attention. Pair that with Nick Drake's guitar playing, voice, and lyricism and this is a really, really great album. I think there are moments where it all is too much though (see the paragraph above). That's not enough to keep me from giving it a 5/5, though. Favorite Song(s): At the Chime of a City Clock

I may have a fixation on soft blues/folk male singers. I didn't know anything about Nick prior to this album. I had to stop what I was doing to fully process what was playing on my headphones. What a talented artist! I couldn't help but to Google search this wonderful artist, by the end of the album I was drenched in tears. How sad is dying without knowing how loved he'll be, without knowing there's someone on the other side of the world mesmerized by his talent. My personal favorite is One of these things first Totally recommended if you're a sentimental like me.

Introduction: Beautiful 9/10 Hazey Jane II: Catchy 8/10 At The Chime…: Great sax 9/10 One Of These Things First: Great Lyrics, beautiful instrumentals 9/10 Hazey Jane I: Not as good aa II but still nice 7/10 Bryter Layter: Great flute 7/10 Poor Boy: Best track, love the jazz influence 10/10 Northern Sky: Not as good as the rest but still great piano 7/10 Sunday: Great ending 7/10

Another Nick Drake album, this time with super lush, cosy orchestrations instead of being the bleakest album possible. Songs are so warm and deft - just wonderfully poppy, jazzy, folky and baroquey with supremely beautiful, empowering melodies such as At The Chime Of A City Clock and Northern Sky plus the weebly haunting heart-churningness of Fly. 3 out of the 10 songs are instrumentals which might make the album a bit padded although Sunday does make for a peculiarly eerie, pretty closer. Drake on top form here again instead of being DESTROYED at Super Bowl. Fyve Styrs.

Nick Drake never fails to stop me in my tracks, have me closing my eyes slowly, being aware of the now, aware of my breathing, and feel the emotions wash over me and chill. God I love the man. Simply beautiful album

найс, сохранил.

Beautiful music

Camus said “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.” I say “one must imagine Nick Drake happy.” Drake only put out three albums (each fantastic) and died in 1974 at the age of 26. Whether it was suicide or an accidental overdose of an antidepressant we’ll never know. Some consider him the Van Gogh of popular music—he lived an unhappy life and his music did not get its due until after his death. Bryter Layter is Drake’s most musically adventurous, full-sounding album and, though I don’t consider any of his albums sad per se, it’s probably his happiest. It’s easy to listen to this record and think of an optimistic young man eager to take on the world, to fully express himself through his art. He had a lot of passion and life in him, and he was a brilliant songwriter. Imagine Nick Drake happy because, for a time at least, he was.

Classic folk sound with phenomenal lyrics

So good so good. I know Nick Drake but why haven't I listened to more of him? That's changing now.

Wow didn't know about this guy

29/01/25 This music has stood the test of time and would definitely not be out of place in today's day and age.

Probably my favorite Nick Drake project. The lyrics are as tight as always, but the production and instrumentals are a notch above FLL and Pink Moon. Tracks like Northern Sky and One Of These Things First stick with me way more than any track on the other two. Excellent outing.

Top 500 album for me.

super inventive uses of orchestration and choir. far less of a heartbreaker than his other albums; perfect sunny morning in spring

Really wonderful. I prefer this to Pink Moon, which surprised me because Pink Moon was the record people always used to introduce me to Nick Drake when I was younger.

Amazing.

Never need a reason to listen to Bryter Layter. So beautiful. Thanks for the reminder, machine! Also, Lord grant me the self-control never to click on the "Reviews" link. I have no interest in reading semi-literate hot takes on why a "country" album like this is boring "cofee" shop music.

Nick Drake's songs are always lovely.

top ten record of ever for me at this point. so many of my favorite moments in music Period come from here... the beaming bright horn opening on hazey jane ii, the strings on the chorus of chime of a city clock which feel like uve raised the window and the whole song has opened up into an expanse of fresh air, every single melody twist on one of these things first...i dont just wanna do a checklist but i do have to reach the piano solo in northern sky, one of my lowkey favorite solos ever played on any instrument, augmenting what already has to be one of the very very best songs ever made. ull notice how many of these are the result of the contested arrangements on this record! i find them expressive, blissful, and a worthy complication of drake's hyper-inward sensibilities. obviously i feel many of my anxieties captured on here, but what they are translated to is what brings them full circle and melts them. this is also the peak for me of nick drake's very Comfy To Me Specifically gender expression,,,not trying to speak on the man himself, but My genderweird self interacting with the aesthetics of his music, there is a comforting apathy to traditionally Masculine and Feminine elements, still stumbled into but in a way that feels distant, muted, autistic, pastel,,,i see my soul in it. it kinda speaks to the appeal of the whole record for me...interfacing with the outside through a safe, protective bubble. there is not any time or any place where i would not listen to this record, its just an irreplaceable part of me now

5.0

Cool album, would listen again for e.g. driving or cleaning up 4/5

Very good.

Man I really like Nick Drake, I can let my mind wonder and enjoy the music and love it or focus in on the lyrics and love it. Musically just magic.

Nick Drake at his most fleshed out and massive in terms of sound. Knew Northern Sky for years when I was younger before rediscovering his music as an adult. Pink Moon is still my favorite overall, but this album is an easy second.

A new year and what a belter of an album to start a fresh year with. A lovely relaxing album perfect to listen to quietly after all the rush and excesses of the last week. As is usual when I listen to a Nick Drake album the last one I listened to always becomes my favourite so this is it. At least until the last remaining Nick Drake album on my list, Pink Moon, arrives from the 1001 Gods. What a talent he was and so sad he passed so young. But maybe in this case less is more. When listening to any of his three albums I hear something extra every time which is extraordinary given that the songs and arrangements are basically simple in their structure. Perhaps my favourite Nick Drake tune Northern Sky appears on this album. Such a beautiful tune to close your eyes to and transport yourself to that personal place where you keep all your memories and emotions. Gorgeous beyond words.* 5/5 1/1/25 *Language not normally used by me but that’s what this album and Nick Drake in particular does to me.

I am not sure what all to say. This album was pretty perfect from beginning to end. It was super enjoyable and I loved every second of it. The vocals took me a second or two to get adjusted to, but they are so good. The instrumentation was beautiful and this album was peaceful and so enjoyable. The trumpet part in "Hazey Jane II" was GREAT. I am going to dive into more of Nick Drake's music. Liked Songs: The entire album although I didn't LOVE the song "Sunday"

4,5 arrondi au dessus. J'ai été vraiment très agréablement surpris par la douceur de cet album. Et bon, je suis biaisé, en tant que flûtiste, je ne peux qu'apprécier comment l'album se termine.

Great arrangements. Voice reminded me of the zombies or Belle and Sebastian. Really liked this album!

Nick Drake had a brief recording career - only three albums - but has become known as one of the great folk rock songwriters. Bryter Layter is his second album, and may be the most upbeat and of his work. That said, Drake's work, and the songs on this album, express an introspective, melancholy perspective. Bryter Layter includes "One of These Things First," which has soaring piano and technical bass parts to accompany Drake's warm, rich voice. All of the songs on the album have interesting orchestrations, even employing horns and a string section, creating a sound closer to jazz than most folk rock.

Beautiful

I love discovering artists like Nick Drake through this list.

Introduction was beautiful, such a wonderful orchestral number to start the album. Hazey Jane II was a fun beat with Drake’s soft voice being a sweet contrast. At the Chime of a City Clock is a more somber song but the sax hits. One of These Things First is so relatable. Like I, too, want to be an inanimate object. Also this song sounds like it’d be good in a Twilight movie, the vibes are there iykyk. Hazey Jane I is another orchestral banger. But who the heck is Jane? She seems like a love interest but kinda rude to call her slow so many times. Bryter Layer’s another great melodic song with that prominent flute. Fly is wonderful, I love the sound of a cello so that was great. Poor Boy is another more somber song but the piano and percussion gives it a more jazzy feel which is nice. Northern Sky was good. Sunday brings back the flute, some soft guitar, and a mild percussion to end the album with grace. Loved this album, Drake is a true composer - it gets a 5 star rating from me! Fave song: Introduction Least fave song: Northern Sky

Probably my favorite Nick Drake album so far. So fascinating that he didn't get a following until after he died. Hard not to feel a bit of heart break but it does make the work feel especially pure. Like art and expression was the point. This 1001 project has cemented Nick Drake's name in my music life without a doubt.

Another banger from Drake. The uniqueness of his voice and songwriting just shines with his incredible use of instrumentals. I also really appreciated the instrumental-only introduction track as it really shows off, along with the rest of this album, how great of a songwriter and musician he really is. Favorites were Hazey Jane II and Poor Boy

Favorite Track: One Of These Things First

Good album

Nick Drake siempre será una de las figuras más trágicas de la música por una sencilla razón: porque estaba a años luz de sus contemporáneos. Si Bryter Layter hubiera sido lanzado en los '90s, Drake probablemente se hubiera transformado en una de las estrellas más grandes del firmamento alternativo, sin embargo, no vivió lo suficiente para ver como sus canciones se transformaban en verdaderos clásicos. Hágase un favor y escúchelo, este LP es espectacular, ofreciendo una experiencia única que quizá solo "Pink Moon" del mismo Nick podría ofrecer.

1971 England. folk pop, folk rock

Simultaneously infinitely happy and infinitely sad. Great album.

5/5. Completely stunning. Love the instrumentals and the melancholy tone to the entire album. Especially loved "At the Chime of a City Clock"

I'm sorry, where has this album been all my life?! My standouts: Introduction, One of These Things First, Fly, Northern Sky

Not as good as Pink Moon, but I still really like this. Nick Drake's music has a really awesome vibe, but I prefer the sadder and gloomier tone of Pink Moon because I am a gloomy pessimist downer of a person.

So, possibly unpopular opinion, but this is my favorite ND album. One of the owners of Action Music when it used to be in Arlington, VA, told me about ND when I expressed an interest in fingerstyle guitar and alternate tunings. He was not wrong. He recommended Pink Moon, which I love and is hopefully on this list too, but I gravitated towards the songs on Bryter Layter, and still love them the most. Fantastic album.

da sitzi im büro, d'wuchenendstrapaze no tüüf bis is chnochemark spürbar, vo liechte schüttelfrost-attacke plagt und ohni z'fröge hüllt mich en sanfti engelsstimm ih wiene warmi decki :') ui nick drake, en künstler woni per zuefall dur s'lied "one of these things first" vor öppe emne halbe jahr drüber gstürchled bin, für es ganzes album heds dazumal aber noni glangt… zum guete glück gids die website! en besseri musikalischi untermalig für de tag hetti's nöd chönne gäh, han's album 3 mal glost – churzes intermezzo vo de gebrüder gutierrez – und wieder zrug zum nick drizzy… "one of these things first" sicher 5 mal glost <3 nach mine kalkulatione gid das demnach 5 sternli R.I.P nick, schad bisch so früeh gange aber danke für das album <3

9.5/10

Not as good as Pink Moon, but still worthy of 5 stars. Best for rainy mornings or dark, lonely nights.

The opening track, “Introduction” set a tone very much in line with what i expect from Nick Drake - moody, beautiful, intricate guitar work. I was a little surprised by the quick tempo and relatively upbeat feel to the following track, “Hazey Jane II”. Why does this track come before “Hazey Jane I”? Cuz Nick Drake is an inscrutable artíste. In all seriousness, this is a beautiful album. I think I have only heard songs of his from ‘Pink Moon’, which is also a lovely, melancholy album, but makes the lush arrangements on ‘Bryter Layter’ unexpected. The incorporation of strings and brass is a stroke of genius and sets this album apart from the spades of other excellent sad-guy-with-guitar albums out there. My overall favorite track is probably “One of These Things First”, but I love the jazzy flair on “Poor Boy” and the lovely instrumental title and opening tracks. “Northern Sky” is also a beautiful approximation of a love song. Nick Drake’s musical and vocal style are unmistakeable, and the peculiar variety of folk music on ‘Bryter Lauter’ has to be among the finest I’ve ever heard. 9/10

Such a gentle soul with a tragic story. All of Drake’s albums are great!

Great album - everything is just right. Nick’s voice is a hair shy, comfortable, and melancholy. The lyrics are even more melancholy, and whimsical. Despite that, the album feels equally as warm. The instrumentals are lush and plucky and everything comes together nicely. No one song particularly stands out as the Best - they’re all good, and they’re good together. Incredibly cohesive but still diverse with interesting melodies sprinkled across the whole thing. The layers of music are clean and fun to sift through. Perfect for a rainy day in.

Another of my desert island discs. Objectivity bedamned.

I liked the album and I would recommend it to anyone

Timeless musicianship, beautifully sung. Nick Drake you are stillmissed.

What a joy to have this pop up; an album that I believe truly belongs in this list, unlike some.

WOOHOO!!!!!! honestly tied w five leaves left for me, but this one is definitely more of a banger highlights: hazey jane ii, at the chime of a city clock, one of these things first, northern sky (feb 16 2024)

classic

Loved it. Feels like belle and sebastian vibes. I don’t think I’ve heard any of these songs before

I feel like Nick Drake gets forgotten to often when people talk about influential artists. All the of his albums are perfect. This one may be the most produced. But his melancholy voice still shines through.

Not a folk person usually, but I can get down with this.

It's Nick Drake. Enough said. The man could do no wrong musically. Brilliant guitars, beautiful voice. And these songs. Haunting but comfortable like a warm blanket at the same time. This is a record that was touched by grace.

I'll listen to this artist again. Breathy vocals, interesting chords, really calm.

Good background music for social event.

An absolutely superb album, Nick Drake's best in my opinion. Memorable, haunting songs enhanced by subtle woodwind and brass. Northern Skies, Hazy Jane and The Chime of a City Clock are just sublime

This was beautiful. Im assuming it was his second album after pink moon where his talent became apparent and they gave him a bigger budget and more scope to play with. In some ways the delicate and intimate nature of just him and a guitar is lost. But in the other hand the orchestration is beautiful, thr jazzy parts are excellent and the ability to develop his sound is inpressive. If only he was able to grow old us and shoe us where his talents may have led him next.

Genius

Y'know, I can understand why people would prefer the simplicity of PINK MOON to this. If the arrangements don't go off 100%, well... It kind of undermines the lyrics, doesn't it? And if you're already not feeling them—woof. I mean, heck, I can tell you I wasn't feeling the flute on the instrumental title track. But lucky for me, I actually found a lot of this album to be incredibly pretty. "Fly" in particular was gorgeous, goodness. I read that the arranger's goal with this album was to try and evoke PET SOUNDS, and, well, I say 'e got real damn close. Not to mention, Nick Drake's guitar playing is as amazing as always, so... Yeah, I'unno. I'm feelin' happy enough about this whole thing to give it the 5 I didn't give PINK MOON. (Although, I mean, given what I hear about the lyrics, feelin' happy might not... But whatever.)

From someone who's only listened to Pink Moon, it's very fascinating hearing his style of folk with more than just guitar and his vocals. Easy 5 min my eyes.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. It’s just a really, really nice sounding album. I think the lyricism here has a lot of depth, and I do need to dive into them a bit more, but on a first pass, from everything I was able to catch, there’s sort of a melancholy hidden behind all of these brighter tones. Most of this album is more upbeat than anything on Pink Moon, and while it surprised me, it didn’t shock me in terms of the quality of the tracks. There’s not a single bad one here; I’d honestly say this album goes 10 for 10. The only reason I’m not at a flat 5 is because of my own shortcomings with the lyrics, but I know that’s a stupid reason, hence the bump. A lot of this album is driven by piano, guitar, and percussion, but it’s composed and produced in such a way that the lyrics and vocals get a chance to shine. In a way, some of the tracks blend together, especially the instrumental ones, but it never takes away from the overall theming of the album – to me, I think this album is mainly about trying to push on through the sad times. There’s a lot of self doubt riddled throughout the lyrics that I was able to catch, but there’s always a hint of hope at the end of most verses and choruses. I just enjoyed it a lot – I think it’s no less than a 4, and I’d be remiss not to give it a 5.

Pretty sick almost folk jazzy sounding record.

As a new listener of Nick Drake, I will definitely have to check out his other two albums. I feel this one is absolutely phenomenal, and I love how you can hear the jazz influence, especially in Poor Boy. I also think the orchestration is just beautiful with my favorite example of this probably being Sunday, with the really pleasant flute solo. It reminds me of the recorders in the start of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin almost? I thoroughly enjoyed this album, and would recommend anyone who appreciates the finer aspects of music to give it a listen.

This is kinda my favorite type of music. Soulful folk ambient symphonies that take you on a journey through a wonderful soundscape like a good hike.

good

Impeccable composition, tasteful interpretation 4.51

My 2nd of the 3 Nick Drake albums on the list and this is my favourite slightly more than the other two. This Album is amazing with added strings it was more than just Drake and his guitar which a also great. Nothing wrong here all good tunes from such an underrated artist.

Beautiful. Liked his other one more but still, lovely.

The drinking tea in a country garden counterpart to Bert Jansch's stumbling out hungover into a city street. Not a criticism, even though I can see not having much time for the mannered aspect to this. Both guys had such an incredible sense of rhythm, how to inhabit every little fragment of time fully. It's funny that the album cover began this whole controversy over whether Nick Drake ever played the Guild M20 pictured. (probably not??) Bad news fellas: there is no special guitar to buy to get you to sound any closer to Nick Drake. Try out some of his tunings though, they are fun and will make you happier. The arrangements are a little much but also mostly fine, said as a pretty anti-'arrangement' listener in general. If he put out three acoustic albums we'd be wondering what this guy might've sounded like with a band. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

Probably more of a 4 but he died young so I’ll give it to him. Really nice sound and unique songs. Loved Hazey Jane 2 and one of these things first. Would be a true 5 if I liked his voice a little more. Would love to hear someone cover these songs.

Knew the name and a few songs but hadn’t dug in. Beautiful album from top to bottom. Love the guitar work with backing instrumentation, especially the piano tracks. Enough familiar folk sounds to hold onto, with some unexpected layers. Stand out was Hotline Bling.

Big Nick Drake stan I just can’t help it.

I love Nick Drake although I more associate him with simpler "voice and guitar" songs like Pink Moon. His voice isn't what you'd call "powerful" but I find the almost ethereal nature of it very endearing. It's so soft that it almost gets lost in some of these songs, which have more textured arrangements than some of his work. The strings and horns are lovely though, I don't think it's a bad thing, just a slightly different style than what I associate with him. I especially like the strings on Fly. Beautiful, chilled out music

The three proper Nick Drake records are all classics in different ways, each expressing a subtly different nuance of folk rock. The middle child has always put up a good fight for favorite. The full band arrangements are super cool and make me wish he would have had more of a chance to be consistently backed by a traditional band in a live setting, and to really get comfortable with that. Not that he ever could get comfortable, but it could have been an opportunity for him to come into his own a bit more.

Lively mix of acoustic folk rock with orchestral arrangements. Beautiful instrumental intro. The vocals didn't click at first but by the third track I'm feeling it. Great riff and soft backing sax. There's a melancholy feel to everything without it ever sounding funereal. One Of These Things First is another good one with intricate guitar and piano. On Poor Boy, the music leans more towards jazz but the backing vocals could be gospel. Maybe the best track. Northern Sky challenges it with more piano and sparkling chimes. Evocative and nostalgic album, but still sounds fresh. Timeless.

Dat deze 5 sterren zou gaan krijgen lag al voor ik aan deze lijst begon vast. Een ongelofelijk sfeervol album wat ik om de zoveel tijd eens een keer aanzet als ik m'n 1001 huiswerk even beu ben en gewoon even fijne muziek wil horen. Ik weet niet waarom maar dit album klikte gewoon vanaf de eerste keer dat ik het hoorde. Zelfs de wat gekke stem en het Joni Mitchell-achtige net om het ritme heen zingen irriteert me niet, sterker nog: Ik vind het heerlijk als ome Nick het doet. We zijn hier niet om rationeel te zijn wat dat betreft.

Very talented songwriter, great musically. I simply don't know why I could never connect with Nick Drake. I guess maybe I like a bit more edge/weirdness/looseness when it comes to folk music. Love Bert Jansch for example. Anyway, absolutely should be on this list, deserves all its plaudits. 5 stars.

No one was sonically perfect as Nick Drake.

this is a beautiful album, folk is one of my least favorite genres and yet this album somehow really clicked with me. instrumentals are unbelievable, seriously gorgeous. lyrics go from having a glimmer of hope to very depressing. this is a masterpiece imo, will def listen to his other albums

i really loved the complexity and beauty of this album. With everything ranging from intimate singer-songwriter jams to complex jazz-influenced band numbers, this album feels incredibly cohesive and just downright wonderful. I love it.

10/10. A little more going on instrumentally than in Five Leaves Left, which I enjoyed. Slightly more upbeat with the full band - but still super chill music to vibe too for relaxation. If you made me choose, I think I'd choose Bryter Layter to hear more frequently, but have higher appreciation for Five Leaves Left.

greatr 5

I adore Nick Drake. My favorite album is whichever one I just listened to, so today it's Bryter Layter.

Familiar with the name and other than the car advert, didn’t know much more…this is a fantastic album. Bittersweet after learning the story of his tragic short existence. Again, this is a fantastic album.

More perfection by Drake. So very unfortunate that we only have 3 records from him.

Excellent record all the way through and bears repeated listening. Another artist lost far too soon and leaving us wondering how much more great music he would have created.

Beautiful and hypnotic.

even if I prefer Pink Moon, this is another stellar album from Nick Drake.

Chill and melancholic. Nice.

Had never heard this album and it was exactly my kind of music. Airy and introspective, folksy and melancholy. Loved all of the instrumental tracks and how the album washed over me. I’m a fan of anything that brings in woodwinds and brass to a contemporary piece. A new classic for me!

Loved it! Enjoyed the instrumental tracks bookending the album.

Royal Tenenbaums- Nick Drake - 07 - Fly

Chill soft music. Great lyrics and a really nice and pleasant listen

About 20-25 years ago, I listened to Nick Drake as a teenager and loved him. Now years later listening to this album and reading about his life for the first time, I’m heartbroken and exhilarated about the phenomenal beauty of this album. Anyone who enjoys music can find the threads of beauty that Drake weaves with his angelic voice and masteful arrangements.

It's absolutely criminal that this guy only began to get recognition years after he'd died; so sad what happened to him. This album sounds soothing and serene; it's one of my personal favourites to come back to. There are some lower points in there but nothing that's even close to the 'bad' category. I'm really digging the instrumental tracks as well. 4.5 stars

Such a beautiful album. I absolutely love the jazz influence on this record; it adds so much to the dark and sad lyrics.

Did not expect this sound for an album labeled as “Folk”, but incredibly good.

Really enjoyed this album. Drake's album Pink Moon was the first album I reviewed on this site and I really enjoyed that too. His voice is really pleasant and his composition is solid. I can see how he was an influence on a lot of well known artists and bands. Really unfortunate to find out that he died so young and that he seemed like he had a hard mental life towards the end.

Lovely music, as always, from Nick Drake. I looked him up while listening and was heartbroken to read how young he died, and how long ago- his music is timeless.

I fell asleep at my desk listening to this and woke up when it was over. 5/5 for relaxation, although I have no idea.

Nick Drake is one of these artists that you must hear somehow. Just like Joni Mitchell's early 1970s era, Bryter Layter is a perfect mixture of folk, alternative and singer-songwriter genres. I never got bored, and I already listened to it beforehand.

Damn this shit heat on the real for real

An easy 5 because I've loved it for a while - I wonder if I was listening to it fresh, would I still love it - I think so

Sublime

Enjoyed that!

Magical. Gone too young leaving too little.

Bryter Later It’s pleasing that by the end of this we have will have had all three of Nick Drake’s albums in chronological order. Bryter Later is sometimes my favourite of the three but they all swap around depending on the day. And obviously they are all 5 star albums. I won’t go through track by track, each one is a little gem of beauty, but my highlights are always Hazey Jane II, One of These Things First, Fly and Northern Sky, which is probably my best ND song.

I enjoyed reading a bit about the album today and how he wanted to evoke Pet Sounds with the instrumentation. I can kind of see that, although obviously it sounds very different but I can see the common threads. Also I never realised that John Cale and Fairport Convention played on it. I must have read that on the CD liner notes but I don’t remember that at all. I do really like the arrangements and overall sounds of this, particularly in contrast to the pared back Pink Moon and the kind of in-between FLL. Although they does walk a fine line between pretty and MOR, the strings and horns I think are great, and the playing is also very good. It would be quite easy for that also to slip into slight schmaltzy-ness, but it doesn’t, keeping things relatively simple and straight. Along with the strings and horns, the playing really enhances the gentle, bucolic atmosphere. It really is a very lovely listen. So, obviously a 5 for me Greengrass ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I put this on during the flight back and immediately knocked out. But overall great vibes and soft vocals to go with the variety of instruments.

I grew up listening to a lot of nick drake because my dad loved him, so I’m a little biased here, but this album is great. I think this and pink moon shaped my music taste quite a bit. Also northern sky is such a great song. 9/10

I LOVE THIS ALBUM SO MUCH!! One of these things, first.

new obsession

Beautiful. Good for light pleasant days and nights.

Hazey Jane II sounds like a lost Belle & Sebastian song - you can see they were influenced by Nick Drake. Similar to the last two albums we got by Drake, this caused me to want to binge on his whole catalog immediately afterwards. Great stuff.

not as good as Pink Moon imo but still great music. Wish he was still around and making music.

A beautiful jazz/folk album with incredible guitars, beautiful arrangements, and calm tenor falsetto vocals. Really enjoyed this one.

Listened on a day when April felt like summer. Went for a walk. The leaves have come out all at once and I read by the river with the sounds from the sports field in the back. The petals are falling from the blossom already. It felt like I was listening to someone else's music they'd have in their living room, upbeat and jazzy :)) exactly the vibes I wanted

Beautiful album. I love his music, it’s easy listening for me. Just hits all the right folksy/jazzy notes and his distinct voice is just smooth and calm. Definitely for more of a laid back mood. It can be gloomy at times, especially in lyrical content upon closer inspection, but it isn’t as immediately obvious to me in every song as with some more modern artists. It’s more of a light introspective melancholy. It’s sadder when realizing he passed away so young, of an apparent antidepressant overdose ruled as a suicide. Sucks how such talent is all too often taken from us in such a way.

Oh this ruled

My favourite Nick Drake, and right up there with Pink Moon. Perfect listening for the weekend.

Holy shit. Great album, rip Nick Drake.

Quite good. Like this even better than Pink Moon. 4.5/5

If I’m being honest, this is probably my favorite folk album I’ve heard so far. Nick Drake does a really amazing job at making his songs up to interpretation, and most of these songs are up to interpretation. The songs are mostly melancholic, like “Poor Boy” and “At The Chime of a City Clock”, which add to the already amazing instrumentals. Drake is also a good storyteller, and songs like “Northern Sky” and the aforementioned “Poor Boy” do just that. That’s why this album deserves a 92/100, or a 4.6/5. Fav: “Fly” Least Fav: None

This album is beautiful from beginning to end. I know Nick Drake had his demons, but this put me in a much better mood. Perfect for springtime in nature.

I love Nick Drake! I’m pretty sure this is my favorite Nick Drake album. I know his trio of albums has a decent amount of debate around which is best, but something about the arrangements and production on this feels great. Pink Moon is the star child and is in many ways the best representation of Drake — guitar and voice. Though not as intimate, it is more lush and playful, and it has a couple of my favorite songs on it but One of These Things and Northern Sky are up. I’m also just a sucker for the strings and brass. Depending on my mood, this one or Pink Moon. But both are 5s for me.

It's Nick Drake - hard for it not to be 5 tbh

Chill but interesting. Upbeat but thoughtful. Nick Drake knows how to make me relax and feel good but also think a little bit

quite possibly the best "find joy in smoking a joint and watching the rain fall on the window pane" album of all time.

It’s 1971 and the purple world of Bryter Layter, Nick Drake’s second set-o-songs, rolls up regally in an entrancing ‘Introduction’. Gentle acoustic guitar goes low and high in fancy flights of elegant arpeggios as other orchestral instruments start to swell with romantic rises of string-sound. It’s just a couple chords mirrored again and again for not much more than a minute, but it sets the mellow mood for the rest of the record. ‘Hazey Jane II’ sounds like a sunny afternoon countryside with its quick twanging licks and background brass. It’s nothing but fast folk rocking with full band reinforcements and an unusual and upbeat course of chords. The first few phrases of verse draw on far longer than expected just because Drake, a rather shy guy, finds he has much to say in song. Sung in a sudden outpouring of posh flourish, his lines come across sprawling and spontaneous and a touch funny: “and what will happen in the evening in the forest with the weasel with the teeth that bite so sharp when you’re not looking in the evening?”. It all seems the smiling influence of the old hazy jane inhabiting his head and making him all the more articulate in his art. Indeed, the last lyrics are “if songs were lines / in a conversation / the situation would be fine”; and this seems to say that he can only really talk true if he’s singing a song. ‘At The Chime Of A City Clock’ starts with an apocalyptical guitar part, its tone beset by smoke and snow. After one pass, the band joins in jazzily and Drake sings “a city freeze / get on your knees / pray for warmth and green paper”. It’s a grim vision of poor people with no place to go and no one to know in an enormous and overpopulated industrial jungle. In addition to the bleary business of the bass-n-drums accompaniment, symphonious strings sweep above the scene in dark arcs, ominous countermelodies to the tuneful “chime of the city clock” of the chorus. Second verse introduces a squawking jazz-sax that adds a ton of rougher colors to the grey-shade spectrum of the song. Overall, it’s rather black, this track. Cheer up or perhaps down with ‘One Of These Things First’, a breeze-feel ballad belied by downbeat lyrics about everything that the singer could have been: “I could have been your pillar / could have been your door / I could have stayed beside you / could have stayed for more”. Clearly trapped in the past, Drake can’t move forward to make any changes: “I could be / here and now / I would be, I should be / but how?”; and considering his obscure and short-lived life, these troubles of time and identity are essential elements of the artist. Musically, the tune features a fast and relentless riff for guitar as well as some perfectly-employed piano. Restless drums drive the beat all the while; and even at five minutes, the song seems too short. Despite its sequel occurring earlier in the album, ‘Hazey Jane I’ shows up as an entirely different song. The first few seconds exhibit Drake’s masterful command of his folk-fingers with awesome acoustic guitar parts. Cinematic strings move with slow majesty almost out-of-time through this other dusty address to the vague Jane, likely both a person and a plant. Lines like “do you feel like a remnant / of something that’s past? / do you find things are moving / just a little too fast?” read with some stoned sense of loss as if time is trickling by and there’s no way forward. Last lines: “hey slow, Jane, clear your eye / slow, slow, Jane, fly on by”; it’s just another gentle rendering of the strange relationship between Drake-n-Jane, man and his high and flighty muse. ‘Bryter Layter’ title track turns out to be a charming instrumental featuring flute, very melodic and somewhat sassy-jazzy as strings enter in. No true telling what the words “bryter layter” may mean, but perhaps it’s an indication of sunshine to come tomorrow. ‘Fly’ comes across classically with its stately shape. Descending guitars go down against a droning two-note viola before a huge harpsichord fills out the sound. Drake’s hurried and high-pitched pleas of “please! give me a second grace / please! give me a second face” sound particularly pained against the opulent production as if his straining voice can scarcely rise above to voice responsibility and express remorse. The main takeaway can be collected from the end of each refrain: “it’s really too hard for to fly”, that folky double preposition/infinitive easy to mishear as “for the fly”. Jazz guitar does dim mutey music throughout ‘Poor Boy’, a track unlike all others on the album. Piano’s prominent and eventually gets to shine bryter layter during an extended solo. Saxophone squeals. Ladies lend dusty lungs to lead the chorus of “oh pooy boy / so sorry for himself / oh poor boy / so worried for his health”. Lyrics paint a picture of a poor little urchin child living a rough-n-ragged existence out on the streets; but it’s really just Drake the Waif singing with deathly self-pity: “nobody knows / how cold it grows…” ‘Northern Sky’ comes across like a cold yet cozy evening with its soft guitar and spacious organ atmospheres. It might the simplest song on of the set, but that doesn’t diminish its large charm. Drake soulfully sings: “would you love me for my money? / would you love me for my head? / would you love me through the winter? / would you love me ’til I’m dead?”. As evidenced by this song showing up in more than a few movies and inspiring other songs of its own (see The Dream Academy’s ‘Life In A Northern Town’), many people do love the man and his music. Indeed, this might be the most-known Nick Drake ditty. ‘Sunday’ is another flutey feature with a main theme most moody and menacing. No throwaway, the song boasts several melodies abounding in well-wound sections of innerestin instrumental music; and although there’s no words at work, it’s still quite catchy! Made by a man rarely recognized in his own time, Bryter Layter may take a few tries to really get; but if you like great creative guitar playing and introspective lyrics, listen and listen again to unlock this bunch of beautifully moody musics.

Good one love nick drake

I was hooked from the Introduction track. Very vibey, great way to end the weekend and chill

Nick Drake is without a doubt one of the greatest tragedies in music history, seconded only by Ian Curtis in my opinion. The fact that he had an abolutely legendary 3 album run from 1969 to 1972, and almost nobody had heard of him until after his death in 1974. I want to call this my favourite album of his, but honestly he was so damn consistent that my favourite is just whichever I most recently listened to. I love how upbeat this is compared to his debut, but still keeping his iconic folk sound. And the lyrics are still very much about his own mental health struggles, but he presents them in a way that is so much more accessible than a lot of other artists by not making it too depressing. There are very few albums out there that use strings as tastefully as this one does. Blended perfectly with Nick's acoustic guitar, the use of other instruments like violins are absolutely beautiful, adding so many layers and so much depth to the actual music itself. And I feel like it should be a crime to write a review of a Nick Drake album without mentioning his gorgeous soothing voice. That was the main thing that I have always loved about his music, even before I really got into it properly. Nick Drake is an artist I grew up listening to just because my mum really liked his music and had him playing a lot. At the time I was too young to really care about music that much, but I definitely always had a soft spot for this, even only at age 6 or 7. To come back and familiarise myself with his full discography now at age 20 is an amazing combination of nostalgia, but also learning more about him and his music on a deeper level, and realising why he stuck out to me when I was just a child.

One of my favorite albums all time. Can only imagine what he would’ve been able to accomplish had we not lost him so early. Suggest more like this.

Ily Nick Drake

Nick Drake with strings and piano things

Vecka 9

What a great guitarist and singer, such a shame he died so young

tranquil and soothing, full of rich instrumentation, i love the flute on the titular track, john cale's influence definitely shows. standouts: poor boy northern sky (ofc) hazey jane II

Top tier Nick Drake - about what you would expect with some above and beyond songs on there as well

Ethereal, sad, post-60s-hippy folk music perfection. Nick Drake really was built differently, this is everything Cat Stevens wished he could be, instead Drake makes it all sound so effortless.

Chill donovan-esque guitar man! It captures that 70s hippy vibe to an absolute T.

I had heard of Nick Drake from a line in Amanda Palmer's Ukulele Anthem but I never thought to look up the artist. I'll have to check out his other albums, I enjoyed this one.

Really enjoyed this one. Nice easy listening joyful folk music. Added this one to my playlist.

I've only listened to Pink Moon up to this point, but I think I like this even better. It's more upbeat and bright, but still has a lot of great lines and melodies. Also, the jazz influence elevates the album and gives it so much flavor and variety. It's the folk/jazz combo I never knew I needed.

I really enjoyed this one.

Class

Эта музыка дала немного утешения и какого-то тепла

I love Nick!

A gorgeous album by a gorgeous soul who left us too soon. It's not for everyone, as relaxed and gentle as it is, but with its full, intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics, I can't help but adore it. Drake is one of the great songwriters of the past century, and I wished he'd stuck around long enough to see that become common consensus. For my money, this (and his next album Pink Moon) is among the most beautiful albums ever released.

Ah, lik u 3 godine 3 jesenske albumske himne napravi

Love it. I have listened to Pink Moon multiple times so I am a fan of Nick. I have listened to this one a few times but I guess I never listened listened since I don't remember most of the songs. I really like this.

Time for another returning artist! This time, we return to Nick Drake, and artist whose debut album, Five Leaves Left, was given a 5/5 by me a few months ago. Now, I'm listening to his second album out of three, Bryter Layter. By the way, all three of his albums are on here, and I'm getting them in release order. Neat! Anyway, this album, like Five Leaves Left, is insanely good. It's fairly different from that other album. It's significantly more upbeat, which isn't a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, the depressing nature of Five Leaves Left is a big part of what makes that album such a good piece of art. However, I kind of like this album's blend of emotions. Bryter Layter does get emotional, but the overall sound is more accessible and laid-back in comparison to the consistently drab (but not in a bad way) sound of Five Leaves Left. However, despite the differences, everything else that made that album great still applies here. The singing and writing in particular are still excellent. The writing especially still holds up as being quite good. Let's talk about the sound itself. I like it. It just has this nice cozy feel to it that I feel isn't something that many of these albums have had. Don't get me wrong, I love a good crazy album every once in a while. But sometimes it's nice to just sit back and listen to something nice for a bit. The pacing is also near-perfect. Nothing drags or ends too soon. Overall, this album is just as good, if not better than Five Leaves Left, and I'm very excited to get to Pink Moon eventually. 5/5.

My word. I knew of Nick Drake before this but had never actually heard any of his work before. I love it and it honestly is not what I expected. My daughter got there first, think I will be buying his biography for her birthday. I can totally see how he influenced John Martyn and I love him too so there it is. Thank you generator

Melancholy and beautiful. Glad I gave it a listen, cause I like it better than the pink moon.

Absolutely lovely.

Amazing unique sound

Pink Moon is better. Still classic.

Excellent. Nice instrumentals. Smooth.

Sindssygt smuk plade, lyder som en kæmpe inspiration til en masse af mit yndlingsmusik men holder også 100 i sig selv

Banger all the way through

sure am glad I listened to this before I die

Melodic, gentle, easy to listen to as background though rewarding to focus on. I only knew of Nick Drake from the Garden State Soundtrack.

Cozy, melancholy, yet funky and fresh. Definitely enjoyed this album on a snowy, blustery day.

Calming and relaxing, the album just feels warm, I was a little harsh on the

Everyone I spoke to heard of Nick Drake but me. That was a great album. The musicianship was incredible.

Good vibe, I liked it. In honesty, though, I was busy at the time and didn't really listen to the lyrics very much.

Loved it!

Already knew this was a great record.

nick drake my beloved

Nick Drake genius

I’ve been meaning to revisit this stunning album again, a perfect piece of UK folk loveliness.

Listened to this in my in-laws house just chilling on the sofa.

My least favorite Nick Drake album - a bit too easy listening at times - but it's still an easy 5 stars.

Three albums and out. 15/15. Can't believe this guy. What a waste of talent... but he gave us some great stuff.

Beautiful Favourite tracks: At the Chime of a City Clock, One of These Things First, Fly, Poor Boy, Northern Sky

1. Lyrics The lyrics of "Bryter Layter" reflect Nick Drake's introspective and melancholic style. Tracks like "Northern Sky" and "At the Chime of a City Clock" exemplify Drake's poetic prowess, delving into themes of love, solitude, and nature. The intricate wordplay and emotive storytelling contribute to the album's timeless appeal [1]. 2. Music Musically, the album is a masterpiece, blending folk, jazz, and classical influences. Drake's fingerpicking guitar style shines throughout, creating a delicate yet rich sonic tapestry. The arrangements, especially on tracks like "Hazy Jane II," showcase Drake's ability to weave intricate melodies that resonate with listeners [4]. 3. Production The production of "Bryter Layter" is often lauded for its warmth and clarity. Unlike Drake's debut, this album leans towards a more upbeat and orchestrated sound, thanks to producer Joe Boyd. The instrumentation, including horns and strings, adds layers to the music without overpowering Drake's intimate vocal delivery [4]. 4. Themes The album explores themes of introspection, longing, and connection with nature. Songs like "Fly" and "Poor Boy" resonate with listeners due to their contemplative nature, creating a cohesive thematic thread that runs through the album [3]. 5. Influence "Bryter Layter" has left an indelible mark on the folk genre and beyond. Its influence can be heard in the works of contemporary artists, attesting to the album's enduring impact on the music landscape [2]. Pros and Cons Pros: Poetic Lyrics: Drake's lyrical prowess adds depth and emotional resonance. Musical Diversity: The album's fusion of folk, jazz, and classical elements creates a unique sonic experience. Production Quality: Joe Boyd's production enhances the warmth and clarity of the sound. Cons: Limited Commercial Success: Despite critical acclaim, the album initially achieved limited commercial success. Short Length: The album's brevity leaves listeners craving more. In conclusion, "Bryter Layter" stands as a testament to Nick Drake's artistry, with its poignant lyrics, masterful music, and enduring influence. Its pros outweigh the cons, making it a timeless classic in the realm of folk music.

4.5/5 I feel the same way about this as the last Nick Drake album, it's great and I'm sorry to have missed it before now. No real standouts but just an album that I could play for days. Best track: Northern Sky

So relaxing

I listened to a lot of Pink Moon and Five Leaves Left in my youth, but forgot about this one. Awesome album. Beautiful and creative songwriting. What a genius.

Beautiful

4.8 - outstanding album. So much more than what I thought, and a lot of depth.

Han bis jz nur pink moon vo ihm kennt, au wenn ich eig kein songwriter-guy bin, het er mich immer fasziniert, v.a. weg sinere tragische Gschicht. gad bi hazey jane II gfalltmer sini wiederholige vo morning und evening, und iwie isches au fast scho upbeat? Sehr es Album wommer am Stuck muss lose und wo die allgemein stimmig (findi) zentral isch Sehr es intims album? s fühlt sich chli ah, wie wenner für dich wür spiele ich liebs albumcover, violett und rot sind iwie eifach hard bläser cute d lieder (und sini stimm) sind so sanft falls das sinn ergit zemmepsiel vo gitarre, klavier und bass bi one of these things first findi mega BACKGROUNDGSANG OUHYEAH northern sky au unglaublich herzigi lyrics sunday erinneret mich iwie würkli ah sonen sunntigmorge, dusse schneits, du machschder en tee und luegsch chli die verschneite bäum ah 4/5 unglaublich cutes und intims album, es laht eim ÖPPIS FÜHLE nur bryter layter selber het mich iwie nöd so abgholt leider, de rest supersupersuper, chratzt amene 5 aber ich lahns mal so OMG ME CHANS EDITIERE 5IIIII LETSGOOOOO

Smooth. Clean. Relaxing. Nick might have one of the most serine voices I have ever heard. The backing music helps bring his voice out sharing the stage with his immensely melancholic tone and creating some truly wonderful sounding music. If you ever need to unwind and clear some stress, this is the album to listen to. 9/10

Brilliant

Very pretty. Clearly influential

Deze kende ik nog niet van Nick Drake, maar ook hier wonderschoon verstilde muziek, met nu af en toe iets meer up-tempo ertussendoor. Fijne stem en spel. Weet je wat, ik ben gul vandaag.

Best Nick Drake album in my opinion. Highlights: "At the Chime of a City Clock", "One of These Things First", "Hazey Jan II".

Nick Drake made only three albums in his short lifetime, but all three of them are real gems. The atmosphere he created on his second album 'Bryter Layter' is magical - it was his most optimistic release which contained lush, beautiful production (which overshadowed his masterful guitar playing here and there, though). Songs like 'Northern Sky', 'Hazey Jane I', 'At the Chime Of A City Clock' or 'Fly' are just absolutely gorgeous and among the most beautiful songs ever written on this planet. I read the book 'The Life' about Nick Drake which was released not long ago and the last chapter about his life described how severely depressed he was in the last years of his life, which was extremely saddening to read. I wish he had known how much his music would mean to so many people these days. Aged 24, he told his father that he had finished his life's work and had done more than many in a lifetime - and one day, people would realise it. We know it now. Thank you Nick.

Love everything about this album.

Cool

Beautiful album! Drake is amazing! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I knew it and loved it !

I really liked it, the production was very soothing. The last track left a really nice impression

ABSOLUT mein Ding. Jackson C Frank meets Sting meets Simon and Garfunkel. Wusste nicht, dass es den Singer Songwriter Folk von heute auch schon damals in der Art gab. Mega Album 5/5

Mixing genres in a fluid way. Really liked this. Not heard anything like this in one album before.

Very good writing, playing, and singing; very good late night wistful dreaming. There’s some gray overlap between soft beautiful interiority and unhealthy dangerous loneliness, and I relate (uneasily) to the eerie line-straddling this doomed young guy was doing. I’ll probably return to this some day and get to know it better.

Classic

Beautiful and melodic. Full of lovely melodies. A great soundscape and a top album

I was introduced to Nick Drake in the mid-80s, long before his resurgence. I always feel a debt of gratitude to the friend who played me these albums. Of his three albums, this is probably my least favourite. It's still incredible though and well deserving of the full five star rating I'm going to give it. I don't think anyone would ever call this over-produced, but compared to the two albums that bookend it, it probably is a little "busy" in places. However, it's also a nice alternative to the stripped back, "man with an acoustic guitar in a dark room" sound. This is totally not the sort of music I would normally enjoy. However, it ticks so many boxes for me anyway. It's evocative from start to finish, even the instrumentals make me cry tears that are partly sorrow but also joy for the music. Anything that can make me cry, even after repeated listens, deserves a full five star rating.

I’ve heard a few of these songs before but never knew who they were by. Soothing, beautiful music.

This was great. Acoustic singer songwriter, great lyrics. I had only previously heard the Pink Moon album, loved Nick Drake's voice and songs. It's crazy to thing that I first heard his music in a Volkswagen commercial. But this album was great, Pink Moon was better, but this is still top shelf.

Nick Drake has been on my "I really must listen X properly" list for years. His tunes float up every so often and they're always so haunting and fragile and beautiful and generally lovely. But I've never listened to a full album before. That's why I'm really enjoying this daily nudge. "Alright, divvy, go and give this a proper listen. No excuses, get it done". It's surprisngly forthright. What a lovely album, though. His voice, the arrangements. This album is quite upbeat, for him, but still achingly gorgeous and soft and loads of other adjectives. I really liked it, even the slightly odd second track that's got a coutnry and western vibe I never saw coming. I need to hoover up more.

Nah nah nah nahhhh

Folksy goodness

Singer/ songwriter with an airy voice and an acoustic guitar. However, this is blended perfectly with (depending on the track) 60’s room filling orchestras, small club jazz trio, Charlie Brown piano, and even pop soul. Beautiful album. First time hearing. Fantastic start!

This is an amazing album. Fantastic acoustic guitar here. Easy 5 star album. I bought it on iTunes midway through the first listen its that good.

I really liked this one. Nick’s guitar playing is great, and the instrumentalists did a good job. The chill atmosphere throughout along with Nick’s vocals and lyrics make this an amazing experience. Amazing!

I had only ever listened to Pink Moon, which I absolutely love. I was happy to see this pop up and really enjoyed this fuller sound. And what a cool album cover!

I much liked this. Very relaxing

One of my favourite records. Lifted my whole day

Beautiful folk. Made to listen while inside a lover’s arms. This is a backwards description but: the sunshine version of Nico’s folk (I know it work the other way around but, negative definitions exist right?)

Five-star

a hypnotising passage through that serene nostalgia which we hold so dear. I am blown away at how much drake can convey emotionally through his music. a lie down, turn the lights off and simply listen kind of album.

Serene<3

I've already fallen in love with Nick Drake thanks to Pink Moon. If this is anything like that, I'm going to adore it.

I came into this one with no expectations. Assumed it was just one of those that got lost to time by a sad artist who was gone too soon. The first listen grabbed me though. And I had to listen again. And again. It got to the point where it entered a regular rotation. Every song made me feel better at a sad time or calm at a stressful time. This is my new comfort album, and I’m glad the generator gifted me this. Thank you.

This is the Nick Drake record that does it for me. It's still intimate, but the orchestration really helps expand the songs. 'One Of These Things First' is simply sublime.

It may have been a random Tumblr post but that was how I first heard of Nick Drake. The instant familiarity, the warmth that comes from being at home, the calm yet distinct voice gliding through the soft rumble of the guitar, bass and drums. I may have been on my decaying radiator overlooking the window at night but I was transported to a world that I would happily frequent now and again. I don't remember the song, though but it may have been on this album and Bryter Layter has been an anchor that's kept my boat from flailing and sinking. Nick Drake may have been approaching the point of no return but he gave us stellar moments of brilliance, the majority of which are here. One cannot help but feel their hearts sway to the timbre of his voice as he sings about what could have been on One of These Things First, the wonders of witnessing the things we take for granted on Northern Sky, an epic jazz-inflected tale that characterizes Poor Boy and the odes to his beloved Hazey Jane. Whenever one listens to Nick Drake for the first time, whichever album, it would feel as though it was a long-lost friend who wanted to check up on you and offer a warm hug, shielding you from whatever threatens to bring you down however temporarily. Bryter Layter may not have gotten the attention it deserved when it came out but, like a rare find, time has served it well. A beautiful, beautiful album.

The second of his - sadly - scant recordings. He either committed suicide or accidentally overdosed on anti-depressants at 26 years old. He left behind three nearly perfect haunting, fragile albums of surpassing beauty. This was one of the all time greatest periods for British folk and he was very much in the heart of it.

Soft banger