"Rising for the Moon" is an album by the British folk rock band Fairport Convention, released in 1975. It was the only Fairport Convention album to feature songwriting by all five band members and the only one to feature songs performed entirely by former lead vocalist Sandy Denny, who had recently rejoined the band after a three-year hiatus.
The album, produced by Glyn Johns, veers toward a more traditional rock sound than the band's previous folk-oriented works. Its title track became a standout hit and is often considered a fan favorite. However, while critically lauded, the album didn't excel in sales, reaching only number 52 on the UK Albums Chart.
"Rising for the Moon" is considered a transitional album for Fairport Convention, as it straddled the line between their folkier past and a more mainstream rock sound. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, it has since been retrospectively praised for its strong songwriting and Denny's powerhouse vocals.
In terms of the album's background, the 1970s were a turbulent time for Fairport Convention, with numerous lineup changes and varying levels of commercial success. However, Sandy Denny's return to the band in 1974 marked a period of stability and creative invigoration. Her distinctive voice and songwriting talents give "Rising for the Moon" a particular sense of unity and expressiveness that distinguishes it in the Fairport Convention's discography.
