What makes Roll On Dreamer by Johnny Coppin notable?

This album gained attention for its lush arrangements and lyrical depth, contributing to the UK folk revival movement of the late 70s. It received positive reviews and helped establish Coppin as a key figure in contemporary folk music. Roll On Dreamer is Johnny Coppin's debut solo album following his tenure with the band Decameron. Released in 1978, it marked his transition from group dynamics to a solo career, showcasing his unique voice and songwriting prowess.

Roll On Dreamer

Johnny Coppin · 1978

10 tracks · traditional folk music

A melodic tapestry of traditional folk woven with heartfelt storytelling and rich acoustic instrumentation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Liberty — Opening the album with a stirring call for freedom, this track sets the thematic tone for personal and collective liberation throughout the record.
→
Never Lost for Love — This song stands out for its poignant exploration of love's enduring nature, blending emotional lyrics with a memorable melody that resonates deeply.
→
Roll On Dreamer — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit of hope and perseverance, inviting listeners to embrace their dreams despite life's challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and cohesive arrangements, contributing to its place in the folk revival.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and piano, with strings layered in several tracks to create a rich soundscape.
Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing for clear storytelling through the lyrics.
The tempo varies across tracks, with some maintaining a steady pace while others introduce more dynamic shifts, particularly in the choruses.

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: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Liberty
2 Never Lost for Love
3 Angelus
4 If That’s the Way You Feel
5 Roll On Dreamer
6 The Worm Forgives the Plough
7 Archangel
8 The Roads Go Down
9 Midwinter
10 Warm Love

What to play next

Listen next

No Going Back

1979

Full Johnny Coppin discography Artists like Johnny Coppin

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata