Author: Yasmin Ettobi
TW: This article contains themes of depression and suicide.
On the morning of November 25th, 1975, English singer/songwriter Nick Drake was found dead in his room after overdosing on 30 antidepressants. His career spanned from 1964 up to his death, with a discography of three records, all three modernly thought of to be ahead of their time. Though now highly regarded within the music community, during Drake’s life, his music got little to no attention from the masses. Poor marketing strategies, lack of public interest, and Drake’s heavy and frequent drug utilization lead to a frustrating and stagnant career, which family and friends believe to be the reason Drake took his own life.
Five Leaves Left, his debut album, left Drake displeased, with an ongoing struggle between him and his producer as to what direction the record would take. Pink Moon, the last album before his death, was short and raw, but the most critically acclaimed of the three.
Sandwiched in the middle of his releases, Bryter Lyter stands out as the most full, lush release of Drake’s discography. Equipped with piano, strings, and saxophones just for starters, one truly enters the world of Nick Drake from the instrumental track “Introduction,” found at the very start of the record.
From there, Drake manages to find a sweet spot between commercial catchiness and heartfelt-ness that isn’t seen too often within the folk music community. A song that perfectly describes this is found on the latter half of Bryter Lyter, entitled “Northern Sky.” With aid from John Cale of The Velvet Underground, Drake creates a track full of serenity and wonder as he croons amongst swirling piano melodies and a subtle bassline:
“Would you love me for my money?
Would you love me for my head?
Would you love me through the winter?
Would you love me til’ I’m dead?”
Another track that shows the versatility of Bryer Lyter is “Hazey Jane II,” one of the more upbeat songs off the record. The exuberance of the brass section and boldness of the bass create a strong, resilient energy that contrasts beautifully with Drake’s subtle, whispery vocals.
At the time of its release, Bryner Lyter sold less than 3,000 copies worldwide. Presently, a single off the album, “One of These Things First” holds 20 million streams on Spotify alone. Sometimes, the talents of a musician aren’t recognized until far later than intended, and such is the case with Nick Drake’s entire career. It’s a shame that he isn’t around to see the way his music touched the world, but it’s a comfort to know that his legacy will live on within his art.
YASMIN ETTOBI | cheez it enthusiast | KXSU Music Reporter