What does Rising sound like?

A tapestry of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics woven through folk-rock and psychedelic explorations. Rooted in folk rock and psychedelic rock. Start with "Jennifer Juniper".

Is Rising a good place to start with Donovan?

Yes, Rising is recommended as a starting point for new Donovan listeners. A tapestry of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics woven through folk-rock and psychedelic explorations. Released in 1990, Rising marked Donovan's return after a decade-long hiatus from the studio, following his 1970 album, Open Road. This album showcased his continued evolution as a songwriter while revisiting themes of love and peace that characterized his earlier work during the 1960s.

Rising works well if you're into whimsical melodies for daydreaming, introspective moments of reflection and gentle waves of nostalgia.

How many songs are on Rising?

Rising has 18 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Rising

Donovan · 1990

62 min · 18 tracks · folk rock

A tapestry of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics woven through folk-rock and psychedelic explorations.

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Top tracks — play these first

→
Jennifer Juniper Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
→
Catch the Wind — This song captures the essence of Donovan's early style, blending poetic lyrics with a gentle melody that evokes a sense of longing and freedom.
→
Hurdy Gurdy Man — With its driving rhythm and mystical lyrics, this track represents Donovan's psychedelic phase and remains one of his most recognizable anthems.
→
Sunshine Superman — The fusion of folk and rock elements in this track highlights Donovan's innovative approach to songwriting during the '60s and his influence on future genres.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

whimsical melodies for daydreaming
introspective moments of reflection
gentle waves of nostalgia
short tracks for quick listens
suitable for sunny afternoons

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer longer, cohesive pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reintroduced Donovan to a new generation in the early '90s, marking his return.
Career context: Released in 1990, Rising marked Donovan's return after a decade-long hiatus from the studio, following his 1970 album, Open Road. This album showcased his continued evolution as a songwriter while revisiting themes of love and peace that characterized his earlier work during the 1960s.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Drake· Simon & Garfunkel· Cat Stevens

New to Donovan? Find your way in →

Tracklist

1 Jennifer Juniper Start here 2:19
2 Catch the Wind 2:55
3 Hurdy Gurdy Man 6:04
4 Sunshine Superman 3:57
5 Sadness 2:54
6 Universal Soldier 2:51
7 Cosmic Wheels 3:56
8 Atlantis 3:14
9 Wear Your Love Like Heaven 2:27
10 To Susan on the West Coast Waiting 1:25
11 Colours 2:30
12 Young Girl Blues 5:05
13 Young but Growing 3:41
14 Stealing 4:12
15 Sailing Homeward 3:04
16 Love Will Find a Way 2:42
17 Lalena 3:17
18 Make Up Your Mind to Be Happy 5:29

What to play next

Listen next

The Collection

1990

This album continues the introspective and melodic themes found in Rising.

Go back to

Colours

1987

Full Donovan discography Where to start with Donovan Artists like Donovan

folk rock folk-pop psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata