Earth Song/Ocean Song - MARY HOPKIN***

International/There's Got To Be More/Silver Birch/How Come The Sun/Earth Song/Martha/Streets Of London/ The Wind/Water Paper & Clay/Ocean Song

After a chart career lasting two years pop vocalist Mary Hopkin’s commercial appeal began to fade. Her well received folk influenced Earth Song/Ocean Song LP was produced by husband Tony Visconti.

“Mary's vocals seem to fit the Ralph McTell songs very well, just like Donovan's compositions on Post Card. I don't know if Streets Of London has ever sounded as beautiful as here. Of the two songs by Liz Thorsen, Ocean Song is the better one, and the ending is very good. How Come The Sun and Martha may be relatively impressive, but they are over lengthy. The rest is OK, but nothing very special.”

“This is a terrific and beautifully produced orchestrated folk-pop album. Mary is delightful, and her then husband Tony Visconti brings a hip contemporary vibe, with help from a Strawb and Pentangle member, here and there. The whole thing is marvellous, probably better than her debut.”

“This is Mary's best, most cohesive album. No pop fluff, but some meaty type songs. She was newly married to Tony Visconti, who produced the album with excellent acoustic instrumental musicians. This album was released when Apple Records was having a lot of internal problems, and no money went into promotion, so with the exception of a minor hit of Water, Paper & Clay it disappeared. The overall theme of the album is about parts of the human condition. Before this, Mary had been pushed into appearing everywhere, and was growing to hate it. With this release, she took more control of her career.”

“After three years of doing pop at Apple, Mary Hopkin finally got to show her true colours on her final album there. The exquisite arrangements and her crystal clear voice make for a listening experience you won't forget. There's not a single weak track, highlighted by the beautiful and very environmentally themed title songs.” “Mary Hopkin's voice is absolutely beautiful. It is pure and clear as a bell. On this album without layers of production that suited a Beatles' album, Mary's voice shines on songs such as Ralph McTell's Streets Of London which is exquisite and also on his plaintive Silver Birch & Weeping Willow. Mary gives a gorgeous rendition of Cat Stevens' The Wind.”