What makes There Is a Mountain by Donovan notable?

The album features the hit single 'There Is a Mountain', which reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing Donovan's increasing popularity. Its blend of folk and psychedelic influences contributed to the broader movement of the late 1960s, influencing many artists who followed. Released in October 1967, 'There Is a Mountain' marked Donovan's rise amid the British folk scene, following his breakthrough album 'Sunshine Superman'. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from acoustic folk to incorporating more psychedelic elements, which began to define his sound during this era.

How many songs are on There Is a Mountain?

There Is a Mountain has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Released 59 years ago this October

There Is a Mountain

Donovan · 1967

5 min · 2 tracks · folk rock

A whimsical exploration of folk melodies intertwined with psychedelic undertones and evocative storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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There Is a Mountain — This title track encapsulates Donovan's signature style, combining philosophical lyrics with a catchy melody that resonated widely during its release.
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Sand and Foam — Offering a more introspective tone, this track highlights Donovan's lyrical depth while maintaining a light, engaging feel typical of his work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk melodies with psychedelic elements, showcasing Donovan's evolving style during this period.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent use of layered vocals and harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the whimsical lyrics.
The second track, 'Sand and Foam', shifts to a more introspective tone with a slower tempo and a focus on acoustic instrumentation.
Both tracks utilize unconventional song structures, with unexpected chord changes that enhance their folk and psychedelic qualities.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked Donovan's rise in popularity amid the British folk scene.
Career context: Released in October 1967, 'There Is a Mountain' marked Donovan's rise amid the British folk scene, following his breakthrough album 'Sunshine Superman'. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from acoustic folk to incorporating more psychedelic elements, which began to define his sound during this era.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Drake· Simon & Garfunkel· Cat Stevens