What makes Now We Are Six by Steeleye Span notable?

The album is notable for its exploration of English folklore and storytelling, contributing to the resurgence of interest in traditional music during the early 1970s. It features tracks that have become enduring staples in the folk repertoire, influencing later artists within the genre. Now We Are Six is Steeleye Span's fourth studio album, released during a period when they were solidifying their presence in the British folk rock scene. Following the commercial success of their previous album, Parcel of Rogues, this record continued to showcase their innovative blending of traditional folk music with contemporary elements.

Who is Now We Are Six for?

Now We Are Six works well if you're into enchanting tales through lush instrumentation, wave-like pacing with peaks and vibrant storytelling for gatherings.

How many songs are on Now We Are Six?

Now We Are Six has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Now We Are Six

Steeleye Span · 1974

38 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of traditional folk melodies interwoven with psychedelic textures, creating a whimsical yet haunting auditory experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thomas The Rhymer — This track exemplifies the album's narrative strength, recounting a classic Scottish ballad with enchanting melodies that draw listeners into its mythical world.
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Drink Down The Moon — With its intricate vocal harmonies and lush instrumentation, this song captures the essence of Steeleye Span's folk-rock sound while maintaining a mystical atmosphere.
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Two Magicians — The song stands out for its engaging storytelling and dynamic instrumentation, illustrating the band's ability to blend drama and energy into traditional narratives.
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Now We Are Six — The title track reflects on childhood and imagination, using playful lyrics and a catchy melody that encapsulates the album's whimsical tone.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional folk with psychedelic elements, showcasing strong songwriting and craftsmanship.

What we noticed

The album opens with a narrative-driven track, 'Thomas The Rhymer', which features layered vocal harmonies and traditional instrumentation.
Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and mood, such as the transition from the lively 'Drink Down The Moon' to the more reflective 'Now We Are Six'.
The use of traditional folk instruments like the fiddle and mandolin is prominent throughout, creating a distinctively rich texture.
The final track, 'To Know Him Is To Love Him', offers a stark contrast with its simplicity, closing the album on a softer note.

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

Influence 6/10

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

enchanting tales through lush instrumentation
wave-like pacing with peaks
vibrant storytelling for gatherings
whimsical charm for leisurely afternoons

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: Now We Are Six is Steeleye Span's fourth studio album, released during a period when they were solidifying their presence in the British folk rock scene. Following the commercial success of their previous album, Parcel of Rogues, this record continued to showcase their innovative blending of traditional folk music with contemporary elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Fairport Convention· Pentangle· The Albion Band