About this album
Sound:
"A gentle tapestry of folk melodies woven with introspective lyrics and Matthews' warm vocal delivery."
Where they were
Released in January 1971, 'If You Saw Thro' My Eyes' was Iain Matthews' debut solo album after his stint with the influential group Fairport Convention. At this point, he was transitioning from a band member to a solo artist, seeking to carve out his own identity within the British folk music scene.
Why it matters
This album marked Matthews' emergence as a significant voice in folk music, earning critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and musicality. It helped establish him as a solo artist and contributed to the burgeoning singer-songwriter movement of the early 1970s.
Essential tracks
- "Desert Inn" — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its vivid imagery and haunting melody, encapsulating the album's core themes of longing and introspection.
- "Reno Nevada" — This track showcases Matthews' storytelling ability, blending personal narrative with rich, evocative soundscapes that highlight his folk roots.
- "Morgan the Pirate" — An ambitious tale with a dynamic arrangement, this song illustrates Matthews' skill in combining historical narrative with contemporary folk influences.
Release Date
January 1, 1971
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Desert Inn 3:36
- 2 Hearts 3:16
- 3 Never Ending 3:01
- 4 Reno Nevada 4:51
- 5 Little Known 3:01
- 6 Hinge I 1:27
- 7 Hinge II 0:28
- 8 Southern Wind 3:17
- 9 It Came Without Warning 4:08
- 10 You Couldn’t Lose 3:41
- 11 Morgan the Pirate 6:47
- 12 Thro’ My Eyes 2:36
