Woman in the Wings
Maddy Prior · 1978
36 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
A rich tapestry of folk rock interwoven with introspective lyrics and vibrant instrumentation, reflecting personal and universal themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Woman in the Wings — The title track serves as an evocative introduction to the album's themes of identity and resilience, establishing Prior's strong narrative voice.
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Mother and Child — This brief yet poignant song captures the complexities of maternal bonds through its tender lyrics and melodic simplicity.
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Deep Water — With haunting melodies and reflective lyrics, this track delves into emotional depths, showcasing Prior's ability to blend vulnerability with strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Prior's first solo effort showcases her vocal strength and songwriting within a cohesive folk rock framework.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a slow build with layered harmonies that introduce Prior's vocal style, setting a reflective tone for the album.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk instruments like the mandolin and fiddle, creating a rich instrumental backdrop that complements the lyrics.
- The album's pacing varies, with mid-tempo songs followed by more introspective ballads, particularly noticeable in the transition from 'Cold Flame' to 'Mother and Child'.
- The final track, 'Baggy Pants', shifts to a more upbeat tempo, providing a contrast to the preceding introspective pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- short tracks for focused listening
- haunting vocals with emotional depth
- gentle melodies for serene afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Woman in the Wings was Maddy Prior's first solo album after her tenure with Steeleye Span, marking a significant shift towards her personal artistic expression. At this point in her career, she had already gained prominence in the British folk scene, and this album allowed her to explore more intimate storytelling apart from her band’s collective sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sandy Denny· Fairport Convention· Pentangle
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Cold Flame
The song shifts from nostalgic reflection to a more urgent plea for connection.
This shift intensifies the emotional landscape of the song, revealing a deeper yearning that transcends its earlier wistfulness.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Woman in the Wings 5:21
- 2 Cold Flame 3:41
- 3 Mother and Child 1:55
- 4 Gutter Geese 3:33
- 5 Rollercoaster 3:46
- 6 Deep Water 2:19
- 7 Long Shadows 3:35
- 8 I Told You So 2:34
- 9 Rosettes 3:31
- 10 Catseyes 2:47
- 11 Baggy Pants 2:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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