Tempted and Tried
Steeleye Span · 1989
43 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
Traditional folk melodies intertwine with modern instrumentation, evoking a rich tapestry of storytelling and cultural heritage.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Cruel Mother — This track stands out for its haunting narrative and intricate harmonies that highlight the band’s ability to blend storytelling with musical depth. The emotional weight of the lyrics resonates through its melodic structure, making it a compelling centerpiece of the album.
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Searching for Lambs — Featuring a captivating arrangement and rich vocal harmonies, this track exemplifies Steeleye Span's knack for transforming traditional tales into engaging musical experiences. Its lyrical exploration of loss and longing captures the essence of folk storytelling.
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Betsy Bell and Mary Gray — This song showcases a lively tempo paired with vivid lyrics about love and tragedy, embodying the duality often found in folk narratives. The interplay between instruments elevates the narrative tension throughout the piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional melodies with modern arrangements, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout moments.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a traditional folk melody in 'Padstow', setting a tone that is maintained throughout the first half.
- The final track, 'Betsy Bell and Mary Gray', concludes the album with a slower tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 mid-tempo storytelling flow
- vibrant melodies for gatherings
- rich narratives to engage listeners
- immersive listening during quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A reunion-era catalog entry that revisits Steeleye Span's folk-rock approach without defining their wider recognition.
- Career context
- By the time 'Tempted and Tried' was released in 1989, Steeleye Span was experiencing a resurgence after their early successes in the 1970s. This album marked their first studio release since reuniting in the mid-1980s, showcasing their enduring commitment to folk traditions while embracing contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fairport Convention· Pentangle· The Albion Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Padstow 3:05
- 2 The Fox 3:06
- 3 Two Butchers 4:51
- 4 Following Me 3:39
- 5 Seagull 2:45
- 6 The Cruel Mother 5:36
- 7 Jack Hall 3:58
- 8 Searching for Lambs 4:13
- 9 Shaking of the Sheets 4:12
- 10 Reels: The First House in Connaught / Sailor's Bonnet 2:52
- 11 Betsy Bell and Mary Gray 5:00
What to play next
Time
1996
Carries the folk storytelling forward while introducing the band's later-era sound.
Back in Line
1986
Offers a useful contrast in the band's earlier return to blending traditional material with modern arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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