Like an Old Fashioned Waltz
Sandy Denny · 1974
65 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A haunting blend of folk melodies and introspective lyrics, evoking a melancholic charm throughout its delicate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Like an Old Fashioned Waltz — The title track encapsulates the album’s nostalgic themes with sweeping strings and Denny's emotive vocal delivery, embodying the essence of her artistry.
-
→
Friends — This track features poignant lyrics about companionship and loss, highlighted by its intimate arrangement that showcases Denny's lyrical depth.
-
→
Carnival — With its rich instrumentation and vivid imagery, this song stands out for its storytelling quality, representing a shift toward more complex musical narratives in Denny's work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a distinct sound within the folk genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features predominantly mid-tempo tracks with rich instrumental arrangements, while the second half shifts to more stripped-down, intimate performances.
- Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and intricate melodies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- 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
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- intimate lyrical storytelling
- wave-like pacing and flow
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1974, Like an Old Fashioned Waltz was Sandy Denny's second solo album after leaving Fairport Convention, who had gained significant recognition with their album Liege & Lief. This record followed her acclaimed debut, The North Star Grassman and the Ravens, showcasing her continued evolution as a solo artist while cementing her distinct voice in British folk music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Fairport Convention· Anne Briggs
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Friends
The narrative shifts from warm reminiscence to a stark realization of solitude.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Solo 4:26
- 2 Like an Old Fashioned Waltz 4:14
- 3 Whispering Grass 3:59
- 4 Friends 3:35
- 5 Carnival 5:50
- 6 Dark the Night 4:32
- 7 At the End of the Day 6:31
- 8 Until the Real Thing Comes Along 3:45
- 9 No End 6:42
- 10 At the End of the Day (alternate take without strings) 6:31
- 11 King & Queen of England (demo recorded at home, Byfield, Northants, Dec. 1974) 3:54
- 12 Like an Old Fashioned Waltz (previously unreleased) 4:13
- 13 No End (solo piano version) 7:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.