Nick Drake’s follow-up album, Bryter Later, was the most elaborately produced of his three releases, which meant that the release date was delayed from the end of 1970 to early March 1971. A whole host of prominent musicians helped him record his second album at Sound Techniques Studios. Velvet Underground founding member John Cale (viola, harpsichord, piano, organ), Fairport Convention members Dave Mattacks on drums, bassist Dave Pegg and guitarist Richard Thompson, as well as Beach Boys drummer Mike Kowalski. A number of renowned session musicians were also involved: Chris McGregor (p), Ray Warleigh (sax, fl), Ed Carter (b), Lyn Dobson (fl), Mike Kowalski (dr). He received vocal support from the two soul singers Doris Troy and P. P. Arnold. As with his debut album Five Leaves Left, it was once again produced by Joe Boyd, with John Wood back on board as sound engineer.

It was characterised by a richer and more cheerful sound, the music struck a slightly lighter note, and his vocals seemed more open. Robert Kirby’s string arrangements, as well as the orchestral accompaniment to his guitar playing, are more prominent. They feature elements influenced by jazz and lounge music, as well as catchy baroque-pop melodies that allow his atmospheric lyrics to come into their own. This second release, from 1971 on Island Records, did indeed represent a deliberate shift towards an approach more oriented towards commercial appeal. Regrettably, however, this impressive folk album also failed to achieve success at the time of its release, as did the follow-up LP Pink Moon.