What makes Stormcock by Roy Harper notable?

'Stormcock' is celebrated for its profound lyrical depth and innovative arrangements, influencing subsequent singer-songwriters. The album received critical acclaim upon release, with its standout tracks often cited as quintessential examples of folk music from the era. When 'Stormcock' was released in 1971, Roy Harper was building on the success of his previous album, 'Flat Baroque and Berserk'. This marked a pivotal moment in his career as he began to gain recognition as a leading voice in the folk scene, showcasing his distinctive songwriting and complex musical structures.

How many songs are on Stormcock?

Stormcock has 4 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Stormcock

Roy Harper · 1971

41 min · 4 tracks · traditional folk music

An intimate blend of intricate guitar work and poetic storytelling that encapsulates the essence of British folk music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Same Old Rock — This track features a lengthy exploration of life's repetitive nature, set against a backdrop of soaring melodies that highlight Harper's vocal prowess.
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Me and My Woman — A deeply personal narrative that intertwines themes of love and existential reflection, demonstrating Harper's ability to convey complex emotions through music.
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One Man Rock and Roll Band — This song captures the spirit of individuality and creative freedom, showcasing Harper’s unique blend of storytelling and musicality that defines the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate guitar work and deep lyrics, making it a significant entry in the folk genre.

What we noticed

The album features long, sprawling tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and lyrical exploration.
Each song is built around intricate fingerstyle guitar patterns that serve as a foundation for Harper's vocal delivery.
The lyrics are dense and poetic, often requiring multiple listens to fully appreciate their depth and nuance.

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: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Hors d'oeuvres 8:37
2 The Same Old Rock 12:24
3 One Man Rock and Roll Band 7:23
4 Me and My Woman 13:01

What to play next

Listen next

Lifemask

1973

Go back to

Flat Baroque and Berserk

1970

Full Roy Harper discography Where to start with Roy Harper Artists like Roy Harper

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata