Is Nomadness a good place to start with Strawbs?

Yes, Nomadness is recommended as a starting point for new Strawbs listeners. A blend of progressive rock and folk, weaving intricate melodies with poetic lyrics that evoke a sense of wandering and introspection. By the release of 'Nomadness' in November 1975, Strawbs had transitioned from their early folk roots into a more complex progressive rock sound. This album followed their successful 'Bursting at the Seams,' showcasing both artistic growth and the band's exploration of new themes and instrumentation.

Who is Nomadness for?

Nomadness works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moods, journey through introspective themes and for thoughtful afternoon listening.

How many songs are on Nomadness?

Nomadness has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Nomadness

Strawbs · 1975

40 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A blend of progressive rock and folk, weaving intricate melodies with poetic lyrics that evoke a sense of wandering and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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To Be Free Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its rich harmonies and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of freedom and self-discovery.
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The Golden Salamander — The track features complex arrangements and vivid storytelling, blending elements of fantasy with a reflective narrative that encapsulates the album's thematic depth.
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Absent Friend (How I Need You) — This poignant ballad highlights emotional vulnerability, showcasing the band's ability to convey deep feelings through both lyrics and melody.
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Hanging in the Gallery — With its striking imagery and metaphorical language, this song illustrates the intersection of art and life, a recurring motif throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and thematic depth but lacks the cohesion of their peak works.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow build, featuring layered harmonies and intricate acoustic guitar work that sets a reflective tone.
Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, such as 'Back on the Farm,' which contrasts upbeat sections with more somber passages.
The album features recurring lyrical themes of introspection and travel, with tracks like 'Tokyo Rosie' employing vivid imagery to enhance the narrative.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady pacing for reflective moods
journey through introspective themes
for thoughtful afternoon listening
rich melodies that evoke nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Strawbs' reputation in progressive rock after earlier successes.
Themes: artistic exploration· fantasy landscapes· introspective wandering
Career context: By the release of 'Nomadness' in November 1975, Strawbs had transitioned from their early folk roots into a more complex progressive rock sound. This album followed their successful 'Bursting at the Seams,' showcasing both artistic growth and the band's exploration of new themes and instrumentation.
Stylistic neighbors: Camel· Genesis· Yes