What makes Bullinamingvase by Roy Harper notable?

Bullinamingvase is notable for its ambitious structure, particularly the extended track 'One of Those Days in England (Parts 2-10)', which exemplifies Harper's penchant for storytelling through music. The album received considerable acclaim upon release, solidifying Harper's status as a key voice in the folk genre and influencing subsequent artists who sought to blend narrative lyricism with musical exploration. By the time Roy Harper released Bullinamingvase in 1977, he was already an established figure in the British folk scene, known for his intricate guitar work and lyrical depth. This album followed his critically acclaimed release, Stormcock, and showcased a continued evolution of his sound, blending personal narratives with broader social commentary.

Who is Bullinamingvase for?

Bullinamingvase works well if you're into reflective storytelling in quiet moments, patient unfolding of lyrical narratives and intimate listening for solo enjoyment.

How many songs are on Bullinamingvase?

Bullinamingvase has 7 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Bullinamingvase

Roy Harper · 1977

44 min · 7 tracks · traditional folk music

A reflective tapestry of folk melodies intertwined with poetic storytelling and gentle instrumentation that invites introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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One of Those Days in England (Parts 2-10) — This lengthy composition serves as a centerpiece of the album, weaving together multiple musical themes and showcasing Harper's lyrical prowess in addressing societal issues.
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Watford Gap — With its sharp wit and observational lyrics, this track critiques contemporary British life while maintaining a catchy melody that resonates with listeners.
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Breakfast With You — This brief yet poignant song captures intimate moments and personal connection, highlighting Harper's ability to blend simplicity with emotional depth.

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

The album's narrative structure and acoustic focus create a distinctive folk experience.

What we noticed

The album features an extended track, 'One of Those Days in England (Parts 2-10)', which spans over multiple sections and showcases a narrative progression.
Tracks are predominantly built around acoustic guitar arrangements, with layered vocals that emphasize storytelling.
The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the latter half introduces more varied dynamics and instrumentation.

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

reflective storytelling in quiet moments
patient unfolding of lyrical narratives
intimate listening for solo enjoyment
rich imagery evoking british life

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat dance tracks
prefer instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Roy Harper released Bullinamingvase in 1977, he was already an established figure in the British folk scene, known for his intricate guitar work and lyrical depth. This album followed his critically acclaimed release, Stormcock, and showcased a continued evolution of his sound, blending personal narratives with broader social commentary.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Drake· John Martyn· Leonard Cohen