Heartbreak
Bert Jansch · 1982
38 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A contemplative blend of folk melodies and introspective lyrics, evoking a sense of nostalgia and heartache.
Top tracks — play these first
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If I Were a Carpenter — This track stands out through its haunting arrangement and Jansch's emotive vocal delivery, providing a fresh take on the classic song while maintaining its poignant themes.
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Wild Mountain Thyme — Jansch's rendition of this traditional song highlights his intricate guitar work and ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity, exemplifying his folk roots.
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Heartbreak Hotel — Jansch's interpretation transforms this well-known piece into a deeply personal reflection on loss, showcasing how he recontextualizes familiar material with authenticity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive and reflective listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of fingerpicked acoustic guitar, which serves as the primary accompaniment throughout most tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The tempo varies slightly but maintains a reflective pace, with only a few moments of increased intensity, such as in 'Heartbreak Hotel'.
- The last track, 'And Not a Word Was Said', is an instrumental piece that concludes the album on a contemplative note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- reflective moments of introspection
- gentle acoustic warmth for relaxation
- cathartic release through storytelling
- quiet evenings with soft melodies
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1982, Heartbreak marked Bert Jansch's return after a hiatus, showcasing a matured sound following his influential contributions to the British folk scene in the 1960s. This album came during a period when Jansch was rediscovering his artistry, having navigated personal challenges that impacted his music career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Is It Real 3:59
- 2 Up to the Stars 3:00
- 3 Give Me the Time 3:30
- 4 If I Were a Carpenter 2:53
- 5 Wild Mountain Thyme 4:53
- 6 Heartbreak Hotel 2:37
- 7 Sit Down Beside Me 3:06
- 8 No Rhyme or Reason 2:36
- 9 Blackwater Side 3:38
- 10 And Not a Word Was Said 8:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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