Stephen Holden described Drake's songs as "narcotic," Sam Sutherland described his singing as "a murmur of smoke and velvet," Bruce Malamut described him as "the John Coltrane of folk singers," and John Cale (who plays viola, harpsichord, celeste organ, and piano on Bryter Layter) acknowledged Drake's inspiration in the creation of his own classic Paris 1919. Drake's fluid lyrical/musical images are reminiscent of a river-shaping rock. He carves shimmering moments in time. He leaves magical tracks on the soul. Yet it's all done with breathy simplicity and understated, elegant instrumentation. Like his first album Five Leaves Left, Bryter Layter is a journey into a unique, enchanting space. While it's difficult to isolate a single selection from his mesmerizing few recordings, "Northern Sky," included on Bryter Layter, may well represent the fullest realization of his special talent. The sound quality of this disc, particularly considering its vintage, is first-rate. A+

- Bill Shapiro, Rock & Roll Review: A Guide to Good Rock on CD, 1991.

Bonus Reviews!

While the strings on Nick Drake's second album are more prominent, they rarely take away from the impact of his music, which significantly less sad on this record. However, Bryter Layter isn't lighthearted -- it's a reflective piece of music that gains power from its own introspection. * * * *

- Stephen Thomas Erlewine , The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

Even with the lush background of Robert Kirby's string arrangements, the delicate power of Drake's acoustic guitar rings through. The jazzy "One of These Things First" and "At the Chime of the City Clock" share space with haunting instrumentals and emotionally intense love songs such as "Northern Sky." * * * * 1/2

- Brian Escamilla, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.

The cover reveals a thin young man slumped over an acoustic guitar, his face partially shadowed by long hair. Somewhat unexpectedly, mauve (almost blue) brothel creepers sit at his feet. For such a private person, Nick Drake's Bryter Layter is surprisingly expansive. Robert Kirby's superb arrangements build on Drake's fragile vocals and exquisite guitar playing to create a richly rewarding album. The jazzy guitar chords, skipping piano and restless sax of "Poor Boy" distract the ear from the self-reflective tone of the lyrics, helped by the gently mocking gospel-style backing vocals. The lush string arrangements -- notably on "At The Chime Of A City Clock" and "Hazey Jane I" -- create an autumnal mood. John Cale's viola and harpsichord give "Fly" an almost classical feel, while on "Northern Sky," Cale's cool organ and sparkling celesta are magical. Drake's wistful, very English vocals contrast with his strong, versatile guitar playing. Over thirty years after its release, Bryter Layter remains an album of haunting beauty and startling originality. So much so that Drake and this album are classed by many songwriters as a seminal influence.

- Collins Gem Classic Albums, 1999.

A sad guy's happiest album, this second more uptempo effort from the late British singer-songwriter-cum-cult figure gives lie to those who call Drake a miserablist. A lovely poetic work of pastoral, transcendent chamber-folk, this influential disc features members of Fairport Convention, including Richard Thompson, and brings together a touch of jazz and a dash of pop in swirling, spellbinding, lush settings -- it's perfect to chill to. * * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

Compared to the British folkie's other records, Nick Drake's second album could almost be called upbeat. Almost. With John Cale, Richard Thompson and other members of Fairport Convention assisting him, Drake jazzes up the arrangements on songs such as "Poor Boy" but leaves his voice stark and fragile.

Bryter Layter was chosen as the 245th greatest album of all time by the editors of Rolling Stone magazine in Dec. 2003.

- Rolling Stone, 12/11/03.

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