Santa Barbara Honeymoon
Bert Jansch · 1975
39 min · 12 tracks · folk rock
A blend of introspective folk melodies and warm acoustic textures reflecting a contemplative spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Love a New — This opening track encapsulates the album's thematic focus on love and renewal with its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics.
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You Are My Sunshine — Jansch's rendition of this classic transforms it into a poignant meditation on longing, showcasing his ability to reinterpret familiar songs with emotional depth.
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Blues Run the Game — A haunting cover that highlights Jansch's lyrical prowess and intricate guitar work, reinforcing his influence on the folk genre.
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When the Teardrops Fell — This track stands out for its evocative storytelling, blending melancholy with a sense of hope through its delicate arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Jansch's intricate guitar work and songwriting shine, though the album lacks commercial impact.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of fingerstyle guitar, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation and vocal harmonies.
- Several tracks incorporate a call-and-response structure between Jansch's vocals and the accompanying instruments, creating an engaging dialogue.
- The album closes with a track that features an extended instrumental section, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- gentle acoustic storytelling moments
- for sunny afternoons
- intimate sing-alongs with friends
- nostalgic reflections on love
- light-hearted tunes for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1975, Santa Barbara Honeymoon marked Bert Jansch's return to recording after a four-year hiatus following his album L.A. Turnaround. This album came during a transitional phase in Jansch's career as he sought to re-establish his presence in the folk scene, experimenting with both traditional and contemporary sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Love a New
The narrative shifts from uncertainty about love to a confident declaration of affection as the song progresses.
This progression mirrors the theme of personal growth and newfound optimism that permeates the entire album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Love a New 3:15
- 2 Mary and Joseph 3:16
- 3 Be My Friend 2:40
- 4 Baby Blue 2:27
- 5 Dance Lady Dance 3:33
- 6 You Are My Sunshine 3:36
- 7 Lost and Gone 3:41
- 8 Blues Run the Game 2:48
- 9 Build Another Band 2:57
- 10 When the Teardrops Fell 4:12
- 11 Dynamite 3:44
- 12 Buckrabbit 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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