Front Parlour Ballads cover

Front Parlour Ballads

Richard Thompson · 2005

46 min · 13 tracks · rock music

Intimate acoustic storytelling unfolds through a tapestry of folk melodies and heartfelt reflections on life and loss.

Why this album works

'Front Parlour Ballads' received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship. The album cemented Thompson's place within the contemporary folk revival, influencing artists who seek to blend traditional sounds with modern sensibilities.
Career context
By the time 'Front Parlour Ballads' was released in 2005, Richard Thompson had already established himself as a respected figure in the folk-rock scene, with a career spanning over three decades. This album, his first studio release since 2003's 'The Old Kit Bag,' represents a return to his roots, emphasizing stripped-down arrangements and personal narratives.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Let It Blow Standout 4:52
  • 2 For Whose Sake? 2:30
  • 3 Miss Patsy 3:57
  • 4 Old Thames Side 4:03
  • 5 How Does Your Garden Grow? 2:09
  • 6 My Soul, My Soul 5:33
  • 7 Cressida Standout 3:26
  • 8 Row, Boys, Row 2:33
  • 9 The Boys of Mutton Street 2:53
  • 10 Precious One Standout 3:48
  • 11 A Solitary Life 4:10
  • 12 Should I Betray? 3:29
  • 13 When We Were Boys at School 3:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata