Ain't No Saint cover

Ain't No Saint

John Martyn · 2008

312 min · 61 tracks · rock music

A rich tapestry of folk-infused rock that intertwines emotive storytelling with lush instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fairy Tale Lullaby Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Solid Air — This track epitomizes Martyn's fusion of folk and rock, featuring haunting melodies and intricate guitar work that highlight his lyrical depth.
  • →
    In the Evening — With its atmospheric soundscape and poignant lyrics, this song captures the introspective essence of the album while showcasing Martyn's vocal range.
  • →
    Ain’t No Saint — As the title track, it features an instrumental centerpiece that reveals Martyn’s emotive guitar playing, serving as a reflection of his artistic journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks strong cohesion across its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, including strings and brass, which enrich the overall sound.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal themes and storytelling, with a focus on emotional resonance in songs like 'Solid Air' and 'Keep On'.
  • The last three tracks feature a notable shift to more introspective tones, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration with emotional peaks
  • introspective narratives for deep listening
  • wave-like pacing for reflective moments
  • soulful voice in quiet solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Martyn's enduring artistry after a long hiatus, blending folk and rock.
Themes
personal struggle· introspective evenings· folk-infused storytelling
Career context
Released in 2008, Ain't No Saint marked John Martyn's first studio album in over a decade, following his previous release, On the Cobbles, in 1996. At this point in his career, Martyn was navigating personal challenges and health issues but still retained a dedicated fan base and critical respect for his earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors
Nick Drake· Tim Buckley· Richard Thompson
New to John Martyn? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • In the Evening

    The verses shift from reflective solitude to an urgent call for connection as night falls.

    This dynamic change amplifies the emotional weight of the narrative, emphasizing the contrast between isolation and longing.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Fairy Tale Lullaby Start here 2:51
  • 2 Sing a Song of Summer 2:19
  • 3 Stormbringer 4:17
  • 4 Tree Garden 3:10
  • 5 Head and Heart 4:52
  • 6 In the Evening 4:06
  • 7 Solid Air 5:47
  • 8 Keep On 4:58
  • 9 The Glory of Love 2:16
  • 10 Go Down Easy 3:37
  • 11 Ain’t No Saint (instrumental) 5:55
  • 12 Fine Lines 3:49
  • 13 Eight More Miles 2:03
  • 14 Call Me Crazy 7:26
  • 15 Black Man at Your Shoulder 7:22
  • 16 For the Love of You 5:05
  • 17 Working It Out 2:44
  • 18 Couldn’t Love You More 3:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Advertisement 0:34
  • 2 Small Hours (instrumental) 10:20
  • 3 Anna 4:13
  • 4 Lookin’ On 5:16
  • 5 Amsterdam 5:29
  • 6 Hung Up 4:00
  • 7 Acid Rain 4:12
  • 8 Who Believes in Angels 4:57
  • 9 The Apprentice 4:22
  • 10 Hole in the Rain 4:40
  • 11 One World 6:27
  • 12 Sunday’s Child 6:12
  • 13 Carmine 5:29
  • 14 The Sky Is Crying 4:01
  • 15 So Sweet 4:50
  • 16 Back to Marseilles 4:20

Disc 3

  • 1 Bless the Weather 11:49
  • 2 Make No Mistake 5:16
  • 3 So Much in Love With You 5:55
  • 4 Spencer the Rover 4:07
  • 5 My Baby Girl 2:48
  • 6 You Can Discover 5:15
  • 7 Solid Air 7:00
  • 8 I’d Rather Be the Devil (Devil Got My Woman) 8:55
  • 9 Outside In 13:09
  • 10 Advertisement 0:17
  • 11 Big Muff 9:32
  • 12 One Day Without You 3:27

Disc 4

  • 1 Dealer 7:14
  • 2 Smiling Stranger 7:44
  • 3 Johnny Too Bad 3:56
  • 4 Hurt in Your Heart 6:49
  • 5 John Wayne 6:37
  • 6 Angeline 5:21
  • 7 Mad Dog Days 5:12
  • 8 The Moment 4:16
  • 9 Fisherman’s Dream 5:06
  • 10 Sweet Little Mystery 5:55
  • 11 May You Never 5:37
  • 12 Step It Up 3:47
  • 13 Sunshine’s Better 5:05
  • 14 One for the Road 3:28
  • 15 Over the Hill 3:27

What to play next

Heaven and Earth
Listen next

Heaven and Earth

2011

Continues the emotive storytelling and lush instrumentation found in Ain't No Saint.
On the Cobbles
Go back to

On the Cobbles

2004

Sets the stage with a similar blend of folk and rock elements, leading into Ain't No Saint.
Full John Martyn discography Where to start with John Martyn Artists like John Martyn
traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata