Is So Far So Good a good place to start with John Martyn?

Yes, So Far So Good is recommended as a starting point for new John Martyn listeners. A seamless blend of folk, rock, and jazz-inflected melodies that showcases Martyn's emotive guitar work and soulful vocals. Released in 1977, So Far So Good is John Martyn's fifth studio album and marks a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from the more traditional folk sound towards a more eclectic style. Following the critical success of Solid Air, this album further solidified his reputation as an innovative artist blending genres.

Who is So Far So Good for?

So Far So Good works well if you're into reflective moments of quiet introspection, gentle melodies for afternoon relaxation and soulful storytelling in rich detail.

How many songs are on So Far So Good?

So Far So Good has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

So Far So Good

John Martyn · 1977

40 min · 9 tracks · rock music

A seamless blend of folk, rock, and jazz-inflected melodies that showcases Martyn's emotive guitar work and soulful vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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May You Never Start here — This track stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and intricate guitar work, encapsulating the essence of Martyn’s ability to convey deep emotion through music.
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Solid Air — As the title track from his previous album, its inclusion here reaffirms its importance and showcases Martyn's signature blend of jazz and folk influences.
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Spencer the Rover — This poignant storytelling piece highlights Martyn’s lyrical prowess and ability to create vivid narratives set against a rich musical backdrop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and varied arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The tempo shifts noticeably between tracks, with 'Spencer the Rover' introducing a more narrative style compared to the preceding songs.
The final track is a live version that contrasts with the studio recordings, adding a raw energy to the album's conclusion.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

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

reflective moments of quiet introspection
gentle melodies for afternoon relaxation
soulful storytelling in rich detail
short tracks with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

seek high-energy dance music
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its cohesive sound and blend of styles.
Themes: poignant storytelling· folk-rock fusion· intimate guitar landscapes
Career context: Released in 1977, So Far So Good is John Martyn's fifth studio album and marks a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from the more traditional folk sound towards a more eclectic style. Following the critical success of Solid Air, this album further solidified his reputation as an innovative artist blending genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Drake· Tim Buckley· Richard Thompson