The Green Man cover

The Green Man

Roy Harper · 2000

60 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

A rich tapestry of folk melodies interwoven with poetic storytelling and reflective lyrics, embodying a timeless connection to nature.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Green Man — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nature and renewal, showcasing Harper's ability to blend vivid imagery with intricate acoustic arrangements.
  • →
    Wishing Well — This track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, reflecting on personal desires and the search for meaning in life.
  • →
    The Monster — An epic composition that delves into darker themes, this song showcases Harper's storytelling prowess and ability to evoke deep emotional responses.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and craftsmanship, with a cohesive theme but may not stand out significantly in the broader folk genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies, establishing a reflective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for a meditative quality that invites listener contemplation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • reflective melodies for introspection
  • long tracks for deep engagement
  • contemplative listening during solitude
  • thoughtful lyrics to ponder
  • gentle pacing for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party atmosphere

Where this album fits

Career context
At the turn of the millennium, Roy Harper released The Green Man as his first album in nearly a decade, following 1998's Live at the Royal Festival Hall. This period marked a resurgence in his career, as he embraced personal themes and environmental reflections that echoed his earlier works while also showcasing evolved musical sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors
Nick Drake· John Martyn· Leonard Cohen

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Apology

    An unexpected shift where the narrative voice expresses remorse directly after a reflective verse, creating an intimate connection with the listener.

    This moment breaks from the broader themes by addressing personal accountability, marking a rare vulnerability that contrasts with the surrounding songs.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Green Man 5:35
  • 2 Wishing Well 5:53
  • 3 Sexy Woman 6:30
  • 4 The Apology 2:58
  • 5 Midnight Sun 4:22
  • 6 Glasto 4:24
  • 7 The Monster 8:22
  • 8 New England 4:42
  • 9 Solar Wind Sculptures 3:36
  • 10 Rushing Camelot 8:46
  • 11 All in All 4:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata