What makes All Around My Hat by Steeleye Span notable?

The album was notable for reaching No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing Steeleye Span's commercial appeal amid a resurgent interest in folk music during the 1970s. Its title track has become one of the band's signature songs, often associated with their live performances and contributing to their status as pioneers of the folk-rock genre. All Around My Hat is Steeleye Span's fifth studio album, released in 1975 during a period when the band was solidifying its place in the British folk-rock scene after their breakthrough with Hark! The Village Wait in 1970. This album followed the commercially successful Parcel of Rogues, marking their continued evolution and experimentation with arrangements and instrumentation.

Who is All Around My Hat for?

All Around My Hat works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, narrative-driven listening experience and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on All Around My Hat?

All Around My Hat has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

All Around My Hat

Steeleye Span · 1975

38 min · 9 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of traditional folk melodies and contemporary rock energy that captures the essence of 1970s British folk revival.

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Top tracks — play these first

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All Around My Hat — This track serves as the album’s centerpiece, featuring an infectious melody and lyrical storytelling that encapsulates the band's ability to blend traditional themes with modern sensibilities.
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Black Jack Davy — A haunting rendition of a classic ballad, this song showcases Steeleye Span's skill in reinterpreting historical narratives while maintaining an engaging musicality that resonates with listeners.
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Hard Times of Old England — This track combines poignant social commentary with a lively arrangement, highlighting the band's commitment to addressing contemporary issues through a folk lens.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends folk melodies with rock energy, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesive storytelling.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong narrative-driven track, 'Black Jack Davy', that sets a storytelling tone for the record.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and traditional instrumentation, blending electric guitar with acoustic elements.
The final track, 'Bachelor's Hall', brings the album to a close with a lively tempo, creating an upbeat finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady, consistent energy levels
narrative-driven listening experience
mid-tempo reflective moments
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: All Around My Hat is Steeleye Span's fifth studio album, released in 1975 during a period when the band was solidifying its place in the British folk-rock scene after their breakthrough with Hark! The Village Wait in 1970. This album followed the commercially successful Parcel of Rogues, marking their continued evolution and experimentation with arrangements and instrumentation.
Stylistic neighbors: Fairport Convention· Pentangle· The Albion Band