Bruce Cockburn

Very underrated on this site. I just saw a list of best Canadian artists, from a Canadian perspective, and Neil Young was number 2. This guy was number 1.

Not sure why Inner City Front isn't included on this site a great album if you been thru a divorce

The best album by Bruce Cockburn depends on what kind of music you like. Bruce's music from 1969 to 1977 was mainly acoustic, and written about natural subject matter; it was introspective and original. After 1978 and into the 1980s, his music was more electric, urban, and dealt with social issues, not nature. He also followed traditional song structures more rigidly, as he was seeking radio airplay.

My own favourite albums of Bruces are the early ones, such as All the Diamonds, and High Winds White Sky. I dislike Humans and Inner City Front, and most of the albums that he did in the 1980s. I think he had a resurgence in the 1990s, with Charity of Night, and Nothing But a Burning Light. He seems lost after 2000, with some experimental songs that to my tastes don't succeed at all.

I don't think Bruce is calculating any more; I think he really does just express himself in the ways he wants to and needs to. I heard him say in an interview that for him, songwriting is like breathing in that it is just something he has to do as part of living. So it is a personal exercise for him, and we are along for the ride as he follows his thoughts and feelings in music expressions.

I like seeing him in concert, as he emphasizes a unity and energy among his other players, who often vary in his lineup. He is still an excellent guitarist, and knows how to get great control, clarity, precision, and complexity from his guitar and his guitar compositions. He is a skillful fingerpicker with great independence among his fingers, allowing him to do complicated patterns easily. And he has also mastered the technical tools like footpedals and other sound-altering devices.

Further Adventures Of ... is also a great album of his.

From junodog4 08/13/2012 19:37

Underrated. A political lyricist, with scathing comments on the excess of the 80s. He had a sense for melody as well. Cockburn should be recognized by more.