Fog on the Tyne cover

Released 55 years ago this October

Fog on the Tyne

Lindisfarne · 1971

36 min · 12 tracks · folk rock

Folk rock melodies intertwine with storytelling lyrics, creating a warm and inviting soundscape reflective of early 70s British music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Meet Me on the Corner — This upbeat track showcases the band's knack for catchy melodies while encapsulating themes of companionship and adventure prevalent throughout the album.
  • →
    January Song — With its reflective lyrics and evocative imagery, January Song highlights the band's lyrical depth and ability to evoke seasonal sentiments within their folk rock framework.
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    Fog on the Tyne — The title track stands out for its haunting yet melodic quality, combining poignant lyrics with an unforgettable chorus that resonates with listeners long after it ends.
  • →
    City Song — City Song captures the essence of urban life through vivid storytelling, blending intricate harmonies and a driving rhythm that illustrates the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and vocal harmonies, though it follows familiar folk rock templates.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the folk rock sound.
  • The title track 'Fog on the Tyne' stands out with its extended instrumental section, creating a contrast with the more straightforward song structures of earlier tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • warm storytelling in melodic form
  • short bursts of lyrical charm
  • inviting sing-alongs with friends
  • nostalgic reflections on everyday life

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want heavy production

Where this album fits

Career context
Fog on the Tyne was Lindisfarne's second studio album, released in October 1971, following their debut Nicely Out of Tune. The band was transitioning from their initial success into a more prominent role in the folk rock scene, gaining popularity with their unique blend of traditional influences and contemporary sounds.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Meet Me on the Corner 2:40
  • 2 Alright on the Night 3:33
  • 3 Uncle Sam 2:58
  • 4 Together Forever 2:35
  • 5 January Song 4:15
  • 6 Peter Brophy Don't Care 2:49
  • 7 City Song 3:07
  • 8 Passing Ghosts 2:30
  • 9 Train in G Major 3:09
  • 10 Fog on the Tyne 3:26
  • 11 Scotch Mist 2:07
  • 12 No Time to Lose 3:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata