This is too depressing for my taste.

"Five Leaves Left" released in 1969 is the first of only three albums Nick Drake managed to get released in his short lifetime.

Several of the album's lyrics suggests a delicate and fragile mind, which might ultimately have led to his untimely death in 1974.

Musically Drake's music may at time appear a little reminiscent of Donovan's from the later 1960s. In Drake's case, though, there are strong inspiration from classical music, which is hardly the case with Donovan.

The album contains several of Drake's best and most beloved songs. Among them "Cello Song," "Time Has Told Me," "Way to Blue" and "Thoughts of Mary Jane"

The Instrumentation is in most cases, sparse, with Drake's beautiful acoustic guitar as the turning point.

On the opening track "Time Has Told Me," one may recognize Richard Thompson's characteristic electric guitar and the sound of this number is slightly reminiscent of early Fairport Convention. Otherwise, it's Danny Thompson (Pentangle) who appears most frequently on the record. Also Strings-arranger Robert Kirby has put a strong stamp on several of the album's key tracks, "Way to Blue" Day is Done ", The Thoughts of Mary Jane" and "Fruit Tree".

Summed up this is very fine album that wins for each new listen. If you are not familiar with Drake's music in advance, however, I recommend that you start with the sequel "Bryter Layter", which is, without being lightweight at all, probably easier to fall for.

The strings really put some of these songs over the top.

lyrically I think five leaves left is his best. even better than pink moon. and the magical sound of cello adds another layer of sadness to it.

Understated, very powerful, moving masterpiece. All time classic.

Hmmm maybe because I am not British... I like it, but just not that into it. I do really like his voice and musical arrangements... maybe this is a grower.

A beautifully sad album. Even the happy tracks have a shadow over them.

"Five leaves left" is a reference to the old Rizla cigarette papers packet - which used to contain a printed note near the end saying "Only five leaves left".

My favorite Drake album. More varied yet more concise than Pink Moon -- which is also brilliant.

Arguably, Britain's greatest artist, Nick Drakes' debut is a tender and meditative lament. Whereas his ultimate masterpiece 'Pink Moon' is stark and minimilist, here he makes use of orchestral accompaniments to create a fatalistic and foreboding atmosphere.