Wine Dark Sea
Jon English · 1973
45 min · 10 tracks
A vibrant blend of rock and theatrical storytelling, infused with rich melodies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Summer Song — The opening track sets the tone with its upbeat melody and reflective lyrics about fleeting moments of joy, encapsulating the album's essence.
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Wine Dark Sea — This title track showcases English's ability to weave storytelling into music, exploring themes of longing and introspection with a haunting melody.
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Handbags and Gladrags — A cover of a classic song, English’s rendition infuses new life into the track, highlighting his vocal prowess and emotional delivery.
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Close Every Door — This track stands out for its dramatic arrangement and poignant lyrics about closure and new beginnings, reflecting English's theatrical background.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and theatrical storytelling but lacks consistent cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a bright, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, but transitions to more introspective themes by the third song.
- Several tracks feature theatrical elements, such as spoken word sections and dramatic shifts in dynamics, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 flow for reflective moments
- poetic storytelling with emotional depth
- rich melodies for intimate settings
- gradual build towards cathartic release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 1, 1973, 'Wine Dark Sea' was Jon English's debut studio album, marking his transition from stage performer to recording artist. At this point in his career, English had already gained popularity in Australia through musical theater, but this album established him as a significant voice in the rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Farnham· Richard Marx· Leo Sayer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Summer Song 4:36
- 2 Sweet Lady Mary 5:23
- 3 Wine Dark Sea 3:29
- 4 Horsehair and Plastic 2:39
- 5 Close Every Door 2:46
- 6 Monopoly 3:54
- 7 Handbags and Gladrags 5:54
- 8 Prelude / Tomorrow 6:19
- 9 Brand New Day 5:28
- 10 Share the End 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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