John Martyn – Grace & Danger

Reportedly shelved for a year by Island Records’ Chris Blackwell because he found the songs too personal and unsettling, Grace & Danger is a heartbreaking portrait of John Martyn’s failed marriage with his longtime partner and previous collaborator Beverly. Later reflecting on the situation, Martyn said, “I freaked: ‘Please get it out! I don’t give a damn how sad it makes you feel – It’s what I’m about: direct communication of emotion.'” The album features Genesis drummer Phil Collins, who was spending a lot of time with Martyn during this period as both musicians were going through painful divorces, along with Wham! musical director Tommy Eyre, and bassist John Giblin, who played with Kate Bush and Scott Walker. With melodic fretless bass, synthesizers, and shades of R&B and fusion, Grace & Danger remains one of Martyn’s best from his ‘80s period.

Recommended – A1 Some People Are Crazy, A4 Johnny Too Bad, B2 Hurt In Your Heart, B4 Save Some (For Me)