Top tracks — play these first
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Sally Free and Easy — Opening with an infectious melody, this track exemplifies the band's ability to weave narrative storytelling into lively arrangements, setting the tone for the album.
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Willy O' Winsbury — This track showcases the band's mastery of traditional balladry, featuring haunting vocals and intricate guitar interplay that highlights their folkloric roots.
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High Germany — With its poignant lyrics and engaging arrangement, this song captures the essence of folk music's storytelling tradition while demonstrating Pentangle's signature harmonies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Pentangle's blend of folk and jazz creates a distinctive sound, with strong compositions and skilled performances throughout.
What we noticed
- The first track features a prominent acoustic guitar riff that sets a rhythmic foundation, while the vocals enter in harmony, establishing the album's folk roots.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and improvisational sections, particularly evident in 'Jump Baby, Jump'.
- The album's pacing varies, with slower ballads like 'No Love Is Sorrow' juxtaposed against more upbeat tracks like 'High Germany', creating dynamic shifts.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 melodic journeys
- intricate harmonic textures
- thoughtful reflective moments
- short immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1972, Solomon's Seal was Pentangle's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Basket of Light. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its unique sound that blended British folk traditions with jazz influences, showcasing a matured artistry as they navigated the evolving music scene of the early '70s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fairport Convention· The Incredible String Band· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Cherry Tree Carol
The narrative shifts from a third-person perspective to a direct address during a crucial moment of dialogue between Mary and Joseph.
This choice deepens the emotional impact by bringing listeners closer to the characters' experience, transforming a well-known story into an intimate exchange.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sally Free and Easy 3:58
- 2 The Cherry Tree Carol 3:04
- 3 The Snows 3:47
- 4 High Germany 3:18
- 5 People on the Highway 4:44
- 6 Willy O' Winsbury 5:56
- 7 No Love Is Sorrow 2:46
- 8 Jump Baby, Jump 3:13
- 9 Lady of Carlisle 4:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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