What makes From the Devil to a Stranger by Nic Jones notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim within the folk community, showcasing Jones' innovative approach to traditional songs. It influenced subsequent generations of folk musicians and solidified his status as an important artist in the genre, even earning a place on several 'best of' lists for folk music. Released in 1978, From the Devil to a Stranger is Nic Jones' third studio album, following his acclaimed album Penguin Eggs. At this point in his career, Jones was establishing himself as a key figure in the British folk revival, gaining recognition for his unique guitar style and vocal delivery.

How many songs are on From the Devil to a Stranger?

From the Devil to a Stranger has 13 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

From the Devil to a Stranger

Nic Jones · 1978

45 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music

Haunting traditional folk melodies intertwine with intricate guitar work and storytelling that evokes the spirit of British folk music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Some Say the Devil's Dead — This track exemplifies Jones' ability to reinterpret traditional material, blending somber lyrics with a captivating melody that highlights his distinctive vocal style.
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The Blind Harper — The storytelling within this song is compelling, allowing listeners to engage deeply with its narrative while showcasing Jones' intricate guitar playing.
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The Lakes of Shilin — This piece stands out due to its atmospheric arrangement and emotional depth, perfectly encapsulating the themes of longing and connection prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate guitar work and storytelling create a strong folk identity, though it has some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

Storytelling is central to the lyrics, with each song presenting a narrative that unfolds over several verses.
The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo and mood, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and dynamics.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Singer's Request 2:37
2 Some Say the Devil's Dead 2:28
3 Billy Don't You Weep for Me 4:29
4 William Glenn 5:58
5 The Blind Harper 4:14
6 The Singer's Request 0:44
7 The Little Heathy Hill 2:42
8 Far From Home 1:58
9 Master Kilby 3:57
10 The Lakes of Shilin 4:56
11 Newport Street 4:25
12 The Green Mossy Banks of the Lea 5:41
13 The Singer's Request 1:04

What to play next

Listen next

Penguin Eggs

1980

Go back to

The Noah's Ark Trap

1977

Full Nic Jones discography Artists like Nic Jones

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata