Freedom Fields cover

Released 20 years ago

Freedom Fields

Seth Lakeman · 2006

42 min · 13 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant blend of folk-infused melodies and contemporary pop rock energy that tells stories of history and myth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lady of the Sea — This opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and vivid imagery of maritime folklore, establishing Lakeman's narrative style.
  • →
    The White Hare — An evocative retelling of a mythical tale, this track showcases Lakeman's ability to weave folklore into contemporary soundscapes, making it a standout moment.
  • →
    King & Country — This track combines powerful lyrics with stirring instrumentation, reflecting themes of war and sacrifice that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Take No Rogues — A lively anthem that captures the spirit of defiance and camaraderie, illustrating Lakeman's knack for infusing energy into traditional narratives.

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 combines folk storytelling with pop rock energy, showcasing solid writing and production.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong, driving rhythm in 'Lady of the Sea' that sets a lively tone for the first half.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and percussion, which enhance the folk-rock sound.
  • The final track, 'Send Yourself Away', slows down significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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

  • short bursts of narrative storytelling
  • engaging tales of history and
  • vibrant melodies for road trips
  • upbeat energy for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want heavy production

Where this album fits

Career context
Freedom Fields is Seth Lakeman's third studio album, released in 2006, following his breakthrough album, Kitty Jay. At this point, Lakeman had begun to establish himself as a significant voice in the folk music revival, gaining wider recognition after winning the Best Folk Singer award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2005.
Stylistic neighbors
Sam Lee· Laura Marling· Bellowhead

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Lady of the Sea 2:57
  • 2 Setting of the Sun 4:01
  • 3 The White Hare 2:58
  • 4 The Colliers 3:17
  • 5 King & Country 4:26
  • 6 Childe the Hunter 4:15
  • 7 Take No Rogues 3:59
  • 8 1643 3:24
  • 9 Riflemen of War 2:53
  • 10 The Charmer 2:35
  • 11 Final Lot 1:44
  • 12 Band of Gold 3:14
  • 13 Send Yourself Away 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata