"Bryter Layter" is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter and musician Nick Drake. It was released in March 1971 in the United Kingdom on Island Records. While primarily a folk album, "Bryter Layter" has elements of jazz, along with rich orchestration which make it a notable departure from his debut album "Five Leaves Left".
Nick Drake re-teamed with producer Joe Boyd and woodwind musician Robert Kirby, who both had assisted him on his debut album, to create this masterpiece. There is also guest support from members of Fairport Convention, and John Cale, formerly of The Velvet Underground. The album consists of 10 tracks, which are characterized by a softer and more relaxed sound than his earlier work.
"Bryter Layter" did not receive much commercial success during Drake’s lifetime but has since been acknowledged as a classic and masterpiece of songwriting. The anticipation of a more positive listener reception for this album than his previous work was high, but unfortunately didn't occur. Lack of commercial success, along with other personal issues, led Drake into depression.
Despite original reviews being mixed, the album has gained positive reassessment and is now considered to be among the most important albums of the folk genre. Its sound - as much jazzy as folk-oriented - has been credited with contributing significantly to the foundation of the folk-jazz genre. "Bryter Layter" frequently features in polls of the greatest albums of all time.
