With a new label and a big-name producer, Glorious Fool, John Martyn's
first release following his departure from Island Records, looked to be
his best shot at mainstream acceptance. Produced by Phil Collins, who
was riding a wave of popularity, and featuring Eric Clapton (who had previously
recorded Martyn's May You Never) on guitar, the record was his most accessible
to date. The album balances the moodiness of the obliquely political title
track with cuts such as the muscular drums and guitar of "Amsterdam"
and "Never Say Never," as well as the Latin-flavored romanticism
of "Hold On My Heart," the slick love paean "Couldn't Love
You More," and the haunting, anti-war "Don't You Go." Glorious
Fool, the former folkie's second recording in a row to shun the acoustic
guitar altogether, bears Collins' stamp (thanks primarily to his drumming
and vocoder-affected backing vocals) without ever obscuring Martyn's strong
personality. It may not have been the breakthrough some had hoped, but
Glorious Fool endures as one of John Martyn's best.
(by Brett Hartenbach, All
Music Guide)
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