Abandoned Garden cover

Abandoned Garden

Michael Franks · 1993

57 min · 11 tracks · pop music · rock music

A lush tapestry of jazz-inflected pop melodies intertwined with introspective lyrics and evocative storytelling.

Why this album works

'Abandoned Garden' received positive critical acclaim, particularly for its lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship, contributing to Franks’ status in the pop-jazz genre. The album features tracks that resonated well on adult contemporary charts, reinforcing Franks' influence on the music scene during the early '90s.
Career context
By 1993, Michael Franks had established himself as a respected figure in the adult contemporary scene, with 'Abandoned Garden' being his ninth studio album. This release followed the moderately successful 'Skin Dive' (1992), showcasing his continued evolution as a songwriter and musician. At this stage, he was honing his signature blend of sophisticated lyrics and smooth instrumentation.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 This Must Be Paradise Standout 6:10
  • 2 Like Water, Like Wind 5:19
  • 3 A Fool's Errand 4:37
  • 4 Hourglass 4:45
  • 5 Cinema 4:53
  • 6 Eighteen Aprils Standout 4:37
  • 7 Somehow Our Love Survives 5:00
  • 8 Without Your Love 5:23
  • 9 In the Yellow House 5:21
  • 10 Bird of Paradise Standout 5:41
  • 11 Abandoned Garden 5:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata