What makes The Pentangle by Pentangle notable?

'The Pentangle' received critical acclaim upon release and is often credited with helping to define the British folk rock genre. The album's fusion of jazz elements with folk traditions influenced a generation of musicians and contributed to the rise of the folk revival movement in the late 1960s. Released on May 17, 1968, 'The Pentangle' was the band's self-titled debut album, establishing their unique blend of contemporary folk and jazz influences. At this point in their career, Pentangle was gaining attention for their innovative approach to traditional music forms and energetic live performances, setting the stage for their subsequent albums.

Who is The Pentangle for?

The Pentangle works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts, haunting harmonies for reflective moments and intricate arrangements invite deep listening.

How many songs are on The Pentangle?

The Pentangle has 15 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

The Pentangle

Pentangle · 1968

53 min · 15 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of folk, jazz, and blues woven together by intricate harmonies and virtuoso instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let No Man Steal Your Thyme — This track opens the album with its hauntingly beautiful melody and lyrical depth, showcasing the band's ability to blend traditional folk themes with contemporary arrangements.
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Bruton Town — A standout example of storytelling through music, this song captures the essence of English folklore while featuring intricate guitar work that highlights the band’s musical prowess.
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Way Behind the Sun — This track exemplifies Pentangle's signature sound, merging ethereal vocals with complex rhythms, creating an atmospheric experience that resonates throughout the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
haunting harmonies for reflective moments
intricate arrangements invite deep listening
rich textures for focused engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on May 17, 1968, 'The Pentangle' was the band's self-titled debut album, establishing their unique blend of contemporary folk and jazz influences. At this point in their career, Pentangle was gaining attention for their innovative approach to traditional music forms and energetic live performances, setting the stage for their subsequent albums.
Stylistic neighbors: Fairport Convention· The Incredible String Band· Nick Drake

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Bruton Town

The narrative shifts from a third-person perspective to an intimate first-person recounting of loss and longing.

This shift deepens the emotional impact and personal connection to the story, allowing listeners to engage more fully with the protagonist's experience.

Tracklist

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

1 Let No Man Steal Your Thyme 2:48
2 Bells 4:02
3 Hear My Call 3:08
4 Pentangling 7:14
5 Mirage 2:02
6 Way Behind the Sun 3:11
7 Bruton Town 5:20
8 Waltz 5:06
9 Koan (alternate version) 2:10
10 The Wheel (alternate version) 2:00
11 The Casbah (alternate version) 2:17
12 Bruton Town (edit 1/5/3) 5:15
13 Hear My Call (alternate version) 3:18
14 Way Behind the Sun (alternate version) 2:49
15 Way Behind the Sun (instrumental) 2:37

What to play next

Listen next

Basket of Light

1969

Go back to

Sweet Child

1968

Full Pentangle discography Where to start with Pentangle Artists like Pentangle

contemporary folk music folk rock jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata