Donovan (album) explained

Donovan
Type:studio
Artist:Donovan
Cover:Donovan-Donovan.jpg
Released:August 1977
Recorded:1977
Genre:Blues rock, folk rock
Length:38:01
Label:Arista (US)
Rak Records (UK)
Producer:Mickie Most
Prev Title:Slow Down World
Prev Year:1976
Next Title:Neutronica
Next Year:1980

Donovan is the 14th studio album, and sixteenth album overall, from Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan. It was released in the US (Arista AB 4143) in August 1977 and in the UK (RAK SRAK 528) with a different track order in October 1977.

Background

In 1976, Donovan's record contract with Epic Records came to an end with Slow Down World. The album had only achieved limited chart success, and his contract was not renewed. Donovan's old record producer Mickie Most had launched Rak Records in the UK in 1969 and Donovan and Most teamed up to record Donovan's next album on Rak Records in 1977. Arista Records picked up the distribution rights in the US.

In a distinct change from Slow Down World, the songs on Donovan were an attempt to reach mass audiences again. The songs feature a contemporary sound and, with the exception of "Maya's Dance", generally avoid the gentle balladry of Donovan's previous work. Despite these measures, Donovan failed to chart in both the US and UK, and signalled the end of Donovan's attempts to reach a mainstream audience. He would not release another original album in the United States until 1984.

Reissues

Track listing

All tracks by Donovan Leitch.

Original album

Side one

  1. "Local Boy Chops Wood" – 3:02
  2. "Astral Angel" – 4:32
  3. "The Light" – 4:09
  4. "Dare to Be Different" – 3:50
  5. "Brave New World" – 4:48

Side two

  1. "Lady of the Stars" – 3:02
  2. "International Man" – 3:59
  3. "Sing My Song" – 3:05
  4. "Maya's Dance" – 3:38
  5. "Kalifornia Kiddies" – 3:46

UK version

Side one

  1. "Brave New World" – 4:58
  2. "Astral Angel" – 4:32
  3. "Local Boy Chops Wood" – 3:02
  4. "Kalifornia Kiddies" – 3:46
  5. "The International Man" – 3:59

Side two

  1. "The Light" – 4:09
  2. "Sing My Song" – 3:05
  3. "Lady of the Stars" – 3:02
  4. "Maya's Dance" – 3:38
  5. "Dare to Be Different" – 3:50

Personnel

External links