Artist page · 05/07/2026

Nick Drake

YangonBorn in 1948COUNTRY6 vinyl albums
Nick Drake, born June 19, 1948 in Yangon, Burma, was an English folk singer-songwriter active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His delicate, acoustic style combined folk and country influences before his untimely death in 1974.
6Albums on Vinyles.com
460Discogs releases
2.3MLast.fm listeners

About

Nick Drake, English folk introspection from Yangon to Warwickshire.

Three studio albums on Island Records with multiple original UK pressings tracked live.

Raised in Tanworth-in-Arden, England, Drake picked up guitar and songwriting in his youth. After brief studies at Cambridge, he focused on music, gaining notice from figures like producer Joe Boyd and members of Fairport Convention. Signed by Island Records, he released three albums: Five Leaves Left (1969), Bryter Layter (1971), and Pink Moon (1972). These records showcase chamber folk arrangements, intricate guitar work, and introspective lyrics.

Drake recorded his final album in two short sessions in a country house provided by Island's president. Following his last release, he withdrew from music and died in 1974 aged 26.

Discography

Nick Drake discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Nick Drake's career.

01
Pink Moon
Pink Moon
Pink Moon · 1972
02
Place to Be
Place to Be
Pink Moon · 1972
03
One of These Things First
One of These Things First
Bryter Layter · 1971
04
Road
Road
Pink Moon · 1972
05
From the Morning
From the Morning
Pink Moon · 1972
06
Northern Sky
Northern Sky
Bryter Layter · 1971
07
Which Will
Which Will
Pink Moon · 1972
08
Things Behind the Sun
Things Behind the Sun
Pink Moon · 1972

The essentials

The 3 Nick Drake albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1969
Vinyl, LP, Album, Misprint, Stereo
Five Leaves Left

Debut album blending folk and chamber pop with melancholic string arrangements, including 'River Man' and 'Northern Sky'.

10 tracksIsland RecordsStereoMisprint versions known
#2 · 1971
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Bryter Layter

Sophomore album with jazz-infused folk rock and contributions from John Cale and Fairport Convention members.

10 tracksIsland RecordsStereoIncludes 'Hazey Jane II'
#3 · 1972
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Pink Moon

Final solo album recorded in two brief sessions, featuring sparse acoustic guitar and minimal production.

11 tracksIsland RecordsStereoDuration approx. 28 minutes

Go further

Artists similar to Nick Drake

Artists who share part of Nick Drake's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Nick Drake

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

Nick Drake's meticulous guitar playing and prosody influenced a broad spectrum of folk and rock musicians.
— Contemporary folk commentary
01Recording

Pink Moon recorded over two midnight sessions

In 1972, Pink Moon was recorded in just two sessions starting at midnight, yielding a concise album of 11 acoustic tracks without accompaniment.

1972England
02Album Release

Five Leaves Left original UK pressing

The original UK pressing of Five Leaves Left (1969, Island Records ILPS 9105) remains collectible with around two copies currently available around 928€ minimum price.

1969United Kingdom
03Production

Bryter Layter produced with Joe Boyd

Bryter Layter in 1971 included production by Joe Boyd and contributions from John Cale of Velvet Underground and members of Fairport Convention.

1971UK
04Pressings

Rare original US test pressing of Pink Moon

An original US test pressing of Pink Moon (Island Records SMAS 9318) is extremely scarce with no copies currently for sale and a want/have ratio of nearly 4:1.

1972United States

Records by Nick Drake

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CDs by Nick Drake

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FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

What are the key Nick Drake albums available on vinyl?

Nick Drake's key albums on vinyl include Five Leaves Left (1969), Bryter Layter (1971), and Pink Moon (1972), all originally released on Island Records.

Which Nick Drake vinyl pressings are considered original and collectible?

Original UK pressings of Five Leaves Left and Bryter Layter from Island Records, as well as the US test pressing of Pink Moon, are sought after among collectors.

Where did Nick Drake grow up and what influence did it have on his music?

Nick Drake grew up in Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England, a rural area that inspired the introspective and pastoral qualities of his folk music.

How long is the Pink Moon album and what makes it distinctive on vinyl?

Pink Moon runs about 28 minutes, recorded over two brief midnight sessions, notable for its sparse acoustic guitars and absence of accompaniment.

What is the price range for original UK pressings of Five Leaves Left on vinyl?

Original UK pressings of Five Leaves Left on vinyl typically range from around 700€ to over 1600€ depending on condition and availability.

Are there notable Nick Drake vinyl releases in France?

Nick Drake albums, especially reissues of his major studio works, are widely available in France through labels like Universal Music.

How did Nick Drake's music reach new listeners after his death?

His music gained renewed interest through reissues, documentaries, and use of tracks like “Pink Moon” in commercials and films.

Which tracks by Nick Drake have the highest vinyl play counts?

Tracks like “Pink Moon,” “Place to Be,” and “Northern Sky” are among the most played and recognized in vinyl circles.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026