Is Solid Air a good place to start with John Martyn?

Yes, Solid Air is recommended as a starting point for new John Martyn listeners. A soulful blend of folk-rock and jazz influences, weaving intricate guitar work with introspective lyrics. Released on February 1, 1973, Solid Air was John Martyn's fifth studio album and followed his breakthrough record, Bless the Weather. At this point in his career, Martyn was establishing himself as a key figure in the British folk scene, known for his innovative approach to acoustic guitar and vocal delivery.

Who is Solid Air for?

Solid Air works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, introspective listening atmosphere and warm, immersive soundscapes.

How many songs are on Solid Air?

Solid Air has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Solid Air

John Martyn · 1973

34 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A soulful blend of folk-rock and jazz influences, weaving intricate guitar work with introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Solid Air Start here — The title track showcases Martyn's signature fingerpicking style intertwined with laid-back vocals that exemplify his lyrical depth and musical innovation.
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May You Never — This track features heartfelt lyrics and a smooth melody, serving as a poignant reflection on love and friendship that resonates deeply with listeners.
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I'd Rather Be the Devil — A haunting cover that highlights Martyn's blues influences, this track delivers an emotional weight through its sparse instrumentation and evocative storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Martyn's intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics create a distinctive sound that resonates over time.

What we noticed

The opening track features a layered guitar arrangement that builds in complexity, setting a reflective tone for the album.
Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and extended chord progressions, particularly evident in 'The Easy Blues'.
The album's lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, creating an intimate atmosphere throughout.
Tracks vary in tempo, with some like 'May You Never' maintaining a steady groove while others like 'I’d Rather Be the Devil' shift to a more urgent pace.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
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

steady, consistent energy levels
introspective listening atmosphere
warm, immersive soundscapes
contemplative evening reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Often cited as one of Martyn's most ambitious and accomplished works.
Themes: British folk scene· introspective storytelling· love and friendship
Career context: Released on February 1, 1973, Solid Air was John Martyn's fifth studio album and followed his breakthrough record, Bless the Weather. At this point in his career, Martyn was establishing himself as a key figure in the British folk scene, known for his innovative approach to acoustic guitar and vocal delivery.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Drake· Tim Buckley· Richard Thompson