What makes Gladsome, Humour & Blue by Martin Stephenson and the Daintees notable?

'Gladsome, Humour & Blue' received critical acclaim upon its release, often cited as a high point in the band's discography. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies has influenced subsequent artists in the British folk rock scene. By the time 'Gladsome, Humour & Blue' was released in 1988, Martin Stephenson and the Daintees had established themselves within the UK music scene following their debut album in 1986. This record marked a significant moment in their career as it showcased their evolving sound and lyrical depth, solidifying their place in the folk rock genre.

How many songs are on Gladsome, Humour & Blue?

Gladsome, Humour & Blue has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Gladsome, Humour & Blue

Martin Stephenson and the Daintees · 1988

46 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of folk rock with introspective lyrics and melodic instrumentation that evokes both nostalgia and warmth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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There Comes a Time — Opening with lush instrumentation, this track sets the tone for the album by blending reflective lyrics with a memorable melody, highlighting Stephenson's songwriting prowess.
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The Old Church Is Still Standing — This song encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and resilience, using vivid imagery to evoke a sense of place and memory that resonates throughout the collection.
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Wholly Humble Heart — The poignant lyrics paired with the gentle acoustic arrangement make this track a standout moment, revealing emotional vulnerability while embodying the album's overall spirit.

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 balances energetic and reflective moments, showcasing strong melodies and harmonies throughout.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, reflective mood.
Several songs incorporate rich vocal harmonies that intertwine with melodic guitar lines, creating a warm, inviting sound.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually slow down, allowing for a contemplative finish that contrasts with the earlier energy.

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

Tracklist

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

1 There Comes a Time 4:10
2 Slaughterman 4:01
3 The Wait 3:51
4 I Can See 5:08
5 The Old Church Is Still Standing 2:54
6 Even the Night 3:43
7 Wholly Humble Heart 5:20
8 Me & Matthew 3:49
9 Nancy 3:47
10 Goodbye John 3:46
11 I Pray 6:11

What to play next

Listen next

Salutation Road

1990

Go back to

Boat to Bolivia

1986

Full Martin Stephenson and the Daintees discography Artists like Martin Stephenson and the Daintees

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata