Is Balance a good place to start with Leo Kottke?

Yes, Balance is recommended as a starting point for new Leo Kottke listeners. A tapestry of intricate fingerpicking and introspective lyrics, seamlessly blending blues and folk traditions. Released in 1978, Balance marked Leo Kottke's fifth studio album and followed his successful 1976 release, My Feet Are Smiling. At this point, Kottke was already well-regarded for his unique guitar style and songwriting, solidifying his place in the folk-blues scene as a prominent figure.

Balance works well if you're into brief, engaging storytelling moments, intimate acoustic reflections and for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Balance?

Balance has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Balance

Leo Kottke · 1978

32 min · 10 tracks · blues

A tapestry of intricate fingerpicking and introspective lyrics, seamlessly blending blues and folk traditions.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Tell Mary Start here — The opening track introduces Kottke's signature fingerpicking style paired with vivid storytelling, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
→
Embryonic Journey — This instrumental piece highlights Kottke's technical prowess and emotional depth, creating a captivating soundscape that showcases his guitar mastery.
→
Learning the Game — A poignant cover of Buddy Holly’s song, Kottke brings his distinct style to this classic, blending nostalgia with innovative guitar work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Kottke's technical guitar work and lyrical storytelling create a distinctive yet cohesive blues experience.

What we noticed

The lyrics across the album often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, with a focus on personal experiences and reflections.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

brief, engaging storytelling moments
intimate acoustic reflections
for afternoon relaxation
playful melodies with subtle depth

Maybe skip if you

seeks long, immersive pieces
prefers high-energy soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Kottke's guitar virtuosity and received critical acclaim, marking a high point in his career.
Themes: fingerpicking mastery· nostalgic storytelling· introspective blues
Career context: Released in 1978, Balance marked Leo Kottke's fifth studio album and followed his successful 1976 release, My Feet Are Smiling. At this point, Kottke was already well-regarded for his unique guitar style and songwriting, solidifying his place in the folk-blues scene as a prominent figure.
Stylistic neighbors: John Fahey· Bert Jansch· Michael Hedges