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Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith

by Roy Harper

Released: January 14, 1968

Folk rock, progressive folk, folk baroque

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

Harper's lyrics on this record blend social commentary with personal introspection, a hallmark of his songwriting style. "Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith" is the second album by the English musician Roy Harper, released in 1967. The production incorporates more diverse instrumentation, moving away from the purely acoustic arrangements of his first album.

Inside the Recording

This album marks a transition in Harper's career, as it saw him working with producer Shel Talmy, known for his work with The Who and The Kinks.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Following his debut album, "Sophisticated Beggar," Harper continued…

Following his debut album, "Sophisticated Beggar," Harper continued to establish his distinctive style characterized by poetic lyrics and complex song structures.

It features a blend of folk, jazz, and…

It features a blend of folk, jazz, and blues influences, showcasing Harper's eclectic musical interests and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional folk music.

"Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith" is an important…

"Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith" is an important stepping stone in Roy Harper's career, setting the stage for his later, more widely recognized works.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Roy Harper - Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith

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Then

Reception

Critics have noted the album's experimental nature and Harper's sophisticated use of language and metaphor. The album didn't achieve mainstream commercial success but was praised for its adventurous approach and has become a cult favorite among fans of British folk and progressive music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith" is the second album by the English musician Roy Harper, released in 1967. Following his debut album, "Sophisticated Beggar," Harper continued to establish his distinctive style characterized by poetic lyrics and complex song structures.

This album marks a transition in Harper's career, as it saw him working with producer Shel Talmy, known for his work with The Who and The Kinks. The production incorporates more diverse instrumentation, moving away from the purely acoustic arrangements of his first album. Harper's lyrics on this record blend social commentary with personal introspection, a hallmark of his songwriting style.

The album didn't achieve mainstream commercial success but was praised for its adventurous approach and has become a cult favorite among fans of British folk and progressive music. It features a blend of folk, jazz, and blues influences, showcasing Harper's eclectic musical interests and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional folk music.

Critics have noted the album's experimental nature and Harper's sophisticated use of language and metaphor. "Come Out Fighting Ghengis Smith" is an important stepping stone in Roy Harper's career, setting the stage for his later, more widely recognized works.