Vashti Bunyan is a British folk singer-songwriter who gained a cult following in the late 1960s with the release of her debut album “Just Another Diamond Day”. The album features delicate acoustic guitar melodies accompanied by Bunyan’s soft vocals, creating a dreamy and introspective sound that captivated listeners. Despite critical acclaim, the album failed to gain commercial success, leading Bunyan to retire from music for many years. However, her influence continued to grow, with many contemporary musicians citing her as an inspiration. In 2000, she returned to music with the release of the album “Lookaftering”, which was widely praised for its beautiful, ethereal sound. Bunyan’s music has been noted for its poetic lyrics and melancholic themes, often exploring the complexities of relationships and the search for meaning in life. Her unique blend of folk, pop, and classical influences continues to inspire a new generation of artists and fans alike.
1. Diamond Day
“Diamond Day” is the title track from Vashti Bunyan’s 1970 debut album. The song is characterized by its delicate and ethereal quality, with Bunyan’s gentle vocals floating over a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar, flute, and light percussion. The lyrics describe a peaceful and idyllic countryside setting, with images of flowers, bees, and the sun shining through the trees. The song reflects Bunyan’s own journey towards a simpler and more natural way of living, as she left behind the hustle and bustle of London to live in a remote Scottish farmhouse. “Diamond Day” has since become a cult classic, and is widely considered one of the defining songs of the British folk revival.
2. Train Song
“Train Song” is a folk ballad by British singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan, released in 1966 on her debut album “Just Another Diamond Day.” The song is a hauntingly beautiful acoustic tune that captures the essence of the English countryside. Bunyan’s voice is soft and gentle, while the lyrics are poetic and evoke imagery of traveling on a train through the countryside. The sparse instrumentation adds to the dreamy, ethereal quality of the song, with the guitar and Banjo interweaving to create a delicate and intricate melody. “Train Song” has since become one of Vashti Bunyan’s most beloved songs and a timeless classic in the world of British folk music.
3. Just Another Diamond Day
“Just Another Diamond Day” is the title track of Vashti Bunyan’s debut album. Released in 1970, the song features gentle acoustic guitar picking and Bunyan’s delicate vocals, creating a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere. The lyrics describe simple, everyday experiences like walking in the countryside and picking berries, but with a sense of childlike wonder and appreciation. Bunyan’s music is often categorized as “freak folk” or “psychedelic folk,” and her soft, ethereal sound has influenced many contemporary indie folk musicians. “Just Another Diamond Day” is a beautiful example of her unique and enchanting musical style.
4. Here Before
“Here Before” is a hauntingly beautiful song by British folk singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan. Released in 2005, it showcases her unique and ethereal voice, accompanied by gentle acoustic guitar and subtle strings. The song touches on themes of time, memories, and nostalgia, with poignant lyrics such as “This moment was a lifetime ago, and everything’s changed except for what we know.” The melody is simple yet deeply moving, creating a sense of introspection and reflection. “Here Before” is a prime example of Bunyan’s signature style, which has been described as “exquisitely beautiful, yet melancholic and introspective.”
5. Window Over the Bay
“Window Over the Bay” is a soothing and melancholic track by British singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan. Released on her 1970 album, “Just Another Diamond Day”, the song features delicate acoustic guitar work, ethereal harmonies, and thoughtful lyrics that capture a sense of longing and reflection. The song tells a story of a person gazing out of their window at the sea, feeling both hopeful and heartbroken at the same time. With its dreamy atmosphere and introspective tone, “Window Over the Bay” is a perfect example of Vashti Bunyan’s unique blend of folk and psychedelic music.
6. Love Song
“Love Song” by Vashti Bunyan is a tender and heartfelt ballad that showcases her distinctive folk voice and guitar fingerpicking. The song is stripped down to the essentials, with simple acoustic guitar chords and subtle touches of harmonium and percussion adding gentle layers to the melody. The lyrics express deep affection and devotion, with Bunyan singing about her love being like “an endless river flowing by” and “a lighthouse shining in the night”. The song’s calming and soothing atmosphere creates a sense of intimacy and warmth, making it a perfect love song to play for someone special or to simply enjoy as a moment of quiet reflection.
7. Timothy Grub
“Timothy Grub” is a charming and whimsical song by Vashti Bunyan, released on her debut album “Just Another Diamond Day” in 1970. The song is a lighthearted tale about a group of anthropomorphic creatures called Timothy Grubs, who live in the forest and are known for their love of music and dance. Bunyan’s gentle vocals and the acoustic guitar and banjo accompaniment create a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly captures the whimsy and playfulness of the song’s subject matter. “Timothy Grub” is a delightful example of Vashti Bunyan’s unique blend of folk and fantasy, and remains a beloved track among her fans.
8. Jog Along Bess
“Jog Along Bess” is a charming folk song by British singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan, released on her debut album “Just Another Diamond Day” in 1970. The song is inspired by a Victorian nursery rhyme and features Bunyan’s soft and gentle vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and percussion. The lyrics describe a young girl named Bess who is out for a walk with her dog, enjoying the simple pleasures of nature. The song captures the innocence and joy of childhood in a whimsical and nostalgic way. Overall, “Jog Along Bess” is a delightful and heartwarming addition to Vashti Bunyan’s folk repertoire.
9. Come Wind Come Rain
“Come Wind Come Rain” is a hauntingly beautiful folk song by Vashti Bunyan, known for her ethereal and introspective music. The track features delicate acoustic guitar fingerpicking and Bunyan’s soft and airy vocals, creating a sense of melancholic longing. The lyrics evoke images of nature and changing seasons, with the repeated refrain of “Come wind, come rain, my heart’s in pain” reflecting the emotional depth of the song. Bunyan’s unique voice and poetic lyricism make “Come Wind Come Rain” a standout track in her discography and a testament to her enduring influence in the British folk scene.
10. Lately
“Lately” is a delicate and melancholic folk song by British singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan, released in 1971 as part of her album “Just Another Diamond Day”. The song’s sparse acoustic guitar strumming, along with Bunyan’s gentle vocals, creates a serene and introspective atmosphere. The lyrics explore the feeling of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of time, expressing a yearning for simpler and more innocent times. “Lately” showcases Bunyan’s unique voice and songwriting, which have been influential to later generations of indie folk musicians, and has become a beloved classic among fans of the genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
