The best John Martyn albums

20 records, ordered by how much we can tell you about each one — not by chart position.

Start here

Solid Air

Solid Air

1973

Captures his signature sound with rich guitar textures and a cohesive flow, making it accessible for newcomers to his style.

  1. 1
    The Road to Ruin

    The Road to Ruin

    1970

    A rich tapestry of folk and rock that intertwines John Martyn's emotive vocals with intricate guitar work and haunting melodies.

  2. 2
    On the Cobbles

    On the Cobbles

    2004

    A fusion of folk and rock elements with intimate vocals that resonate with emotional depth and storytelling.

  3. 3
    Sunday's Child

    Sunday's Child

    1975

    A blend of folk-infused rock and introspective songwriting that captures both warmth and melancholy throughout its melodies.

  4. 4
    The Church with One Bell

    The Church with One Bell

    1998

    A haunting blend of folk and rock, where intricate guitar work meets introspective lyrics and soulful melodies.

  5. 5
    Piece by Piece

    Piece by Piece

    1986

    An intimate blend of folk and rock, weaving soulful melodies with introspective lyrics over intricate guitar work.

  6. 6
    And

    And

    1996

    A blend of smooth folk melodies and introspective lyrics layered with jazz and rock influences creates a reflective atmosphere throughout the album.

  7. 7
    Glorious Fool

    Glorious Fool

    1981

    A fusion of rock and traditional folk, blending emotive lyrics with rich instrumentation and Martyn's distinctively soulful voice.

  8. 8
    Bless the Weather

    Bless the Weather

    1971

    A warm blend of folk and rock, with intricate guitar work and soulful melodies that evoke a sense of wandering tranquility.

  9. 9
    Well Kept Secret

    Well Kept Secret

    1982

    A blend of folk-infused rock and jazz elements, enveloping listeners in intimate storytelling and rich emotional landscapes.

  10. 10
    The Apprentice

    The Apprentice

    1990

    A blend of introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, seamlessly merging folk influences with atmospheric rock textures.

  11. 11
    Inside Out

    Inside Out

    1973

    A tapestry of folk-infused rock and jazz textures, woven through with John Martyn's soulful, emotive vocals.

  12. 12
    The Tumbler

    The Tumbler

    1968

    A vibrant blend of folk and rock, weaving intricate melodies with introspective lyrics that evoke the beauty of everyday life.

  13. 13
    Cooltide

    Cooltide

    1991

    A fusion of reflective folk and rock, marked by atmospheric guitar work and emotive vocal delivery.

  14. 14
    Heaven and Earth

    Heaven and Earth

    2011

    A soulful blend of folk and rock, where intricate guitar work meets introspective lyrics in a reflective journey.

  15. 15
    One World

    One World

    1977

    A rich tapestry of folk-infused rock, layered with emotive guitar work and soulful vocals that invite introspection.

  16. 16
    Solid Air

    Solid Air Start here

    1973

    A soulful blend of folk-rock and jazz influences, weaving intricate guitar work with introspective lyrics.

  17. 17
    Glasgow Walker

    Glasgow Walker

    2000

    A blend of folk-rock sensibilities layered with introspective lyrics and warm, textured instrumentation that captures personal reflection.

  18. 18
    Stormbringer!

    Stormbringer!

    1970

    A fusion of folk and rock, melding intricate guitar work with soulful melodies and introspective lyrics.

  19. 19
    Sapphire

    Sapphire

    1984

    Sapphire weaves ethereal folk melodies with rock sensibilities, showcasing Martyn's unique guitar work and heartfelt vocals.

  20. 20
    London Conversation

    London Conversation

    1967

    A blend of folk and rock with intimate storytelling woven into nimble guitar work and haunting melodies.