Is Strict Tempo! a good place to start with Richard Thompson?

Yes, Strict Tempo! is recommended as a starting point for new Richard Thompson listeners. A vibrant tapestry of folk-infused rock, where intricate guitar work intertwines with lively traditional rhythms. Released in 1981, Strict Tempo! marked Richard Thompson's first solo studio album after leaving Fairport Convention. At this point, he was transitioning from his well-known band identity to establishing himself as a solo artist, showcasing his mastery of both rock and folk traditions.

Who is Strict Tempo! for?

Strict Tempo! works well if you're into vibrant group dance atmosphere, playful jigs for celebration and dynamic shifts in tempo.

How many songs are on Strict Tempo!?

Strict Tempo! has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Strict Tempo!

Richard Thompson · 1981

42 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A vibrant tapestry of folk-infused rock, where intricate guitar work intertwines with lively traditional rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Fangled Flogging Reel / Kerry Reel Start here — accessible entry with immediate folk-infused hook
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Scott Skinner Medley: Glencoe / Scott Skinner’s Rockin’ Step / Bonny Banchory — This medley exemplifies Thompson's ability to fuse traditional Scottish melodies with his distinct rock sensibility, showcasing intricate guitar work and dynamic energy.
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Banish Misfortune — A standout track that captures the essence of Thompson's narrative songwriting, blending poignant lyrics with lively instrumentation that reflects the spirit of folk music.
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Do It for My Sake — This song highlights Thompson's lyrical depth and emotional resonance, combining heartfelt themes with an infectious rhythm that invites listener engagement.
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Andalus / Radio Marrakesh — Incorporating diverse musical influences, this track illustrates Thompson's adventurous spirit in blending genres, creating an engaging listening experience that pushes boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Thompson's virtuosic guitar and blends folk with rock, maintaining a lively pace.

What we noticed

The album opens with a medley of traditional reels, establishing a lively tempo that persists through several tracks.
Thompson's guitar work features intricate fingerpicking and rapid runs, particularly evident in the instrumental tracks.

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: 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

vibrant group dance atmosphere
playful jigs for celebration
dynamic shifts in tempo
short tracks for quick enjoyment
engaging melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

seeking slow, introspective moments
prefer lengthy, cohesive pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First solo album establishing Thompson's identity post-Fairport Convention.
Themes: Scottish folk revival· traditional melodies· cross-cultural fusion
Career context: Released in 1981, Strict Tempo! marked Richard Thompson's first solo studio album after leaving Fairport Convention. At this point, he was transitioning from his well-known band identity to establishing himself as a solo artist, showcasing his mastery of both rock and folk traditions.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Lowe· John Hiatt· Elvis Costello

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Do It for My Sake

The moment shifts perspective to directly address the listener’s actions and motivations within a personal narrative context.

This direct address not only deepens emotional engagement but also transforms the relationship between the singer and the audience, inviting introspection.

Tracklist

1 New Fangled Flogging Reel / Kerry Reel Start here 2:55
2 Vaillance Polka Militaire / Belfast Polka 3:53
3 Scott Skinner Medley: Glencoe / Scott Skinner’s Rockin’ Step / Bonny Banchory 4:45
4 Banish Misfortune 3:02
5 Dundee Hornpipe / Poppy Leaf Hornpipe 3:17
6 Do It for My Sake 2:33
7 Rockin’ in Rhythm 2:49
8 The Random Jig / The Grinder 2:48
9 Will Ye No Cam Back Again / Cam O’er the Stream Charlie / Ye Banks and Braes 4:22
10 Rufty Tufty / Nonsuch a la mode de France 2:17
11 Andalus / Radio Marrakesh 4:02
12 The Knife-Edge 5:30