Is More Guitar a good place to start with Richard Thompson?

Yes, More Guitar is recommended as a starting point for new Richard Thompson listeners. A vibrant tapestry of folk-infused rock, showcasing intricate guitar work and storytelling that bridges the personal and the universal. Released in 2003, More Guitar is Richard Thompson's first studio album after his acclaimed 2002 live record. At this point in his career, Thompson had established himself as a revered figure in British rock and folk music, renowned for his virtuosic guitar playing and poignant songwriting. This album reflects his ongoing evolution as an artist while maintaining his signature sound.

Who is More Guitar for?

More Guitar works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, intricate guitar work appreciation and lyrical storytelling for reflective moments.

How many songs are on More Guitar?

More Guitar has 12 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

More Guitar

Richard Thompson · 2003

77 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A vibrant tapestry of folk-infused rock, showcasing intricate guitar work and storytelling that bridges the personal and the universal.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Don’t Tempt Me Start here — The opening track sets a compelling tone with its catchy melody and sharp lyrics about temptation and desire, exemplifying Thompson’s distinctive narrative style.
→
The Angels Took My Racehorse Away — This track stands out for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, blending humor with a sense of melancholy that is central to Thompson's artistry.
→
Shoot Out the Lights — A reimagined classic from his earlier work, this version highlights Thompson’s intricate guitar work while infusing new energy into a beloved song.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work and storytelling but lacks a cohesive narrative arc across its entirety.

What we noticed

Lyrically, the songs often blend personal narratives with broader themes, creating a storytelling approach that invites listener engagement.
The first half of the album maintains a lively tempo, while the second half introduces more reflective and slower-paced tracks.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
intricate guitar work appreciation
lyrical storytelling for reflective moments
captivating waves of sound exploration

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in Thompson's catalog, showcasing his guitar work and storytelling without mainstream recognition.
Themes: British folk-rock storytelling· temptation and desire
Career context: Released in 2003, More Guitar is Richard Thompson's first studio album after his acclaimed 2002 live record. At this point in his career, Thompson had established himself as a revered figure in British rock and folk music, renowned for his virtuosic guitar playing and poignant songwriting. This album reflects his ongoing evolution as an artist while maintaining his signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Lowe· John Hiatt· Elvis Costello

New to Richard Thompson? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Can’t Win

The verse shifts to an unexpected introspection about fate, using vivid imagery to convey a sense of resignation.

This move deepens the emotional stakes by contrasting earlier confidence with a raw acknowledgment of vulnerability.